You can change your Xbox gamertag through your Microsoft account settings, either on your console or online

Your Xbox gamertag is the name other players see when you're online. Microsoft lets you change it once for free, then charges $9.99 USD for each change after that. The process takes just a few minutes and works the same way whether you change it on your Xbox console, a Windows PC, or through the Xbox website.

The name you choose has to follow Microsoft's code of conduct — it can't contain profanity, hate speech, or impersonation of real people or brands. If you pick a name that breaks these rules, Microsoft will force you to change it again, and you'll have to pay the fee even though it wasn't your choice.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first gamertag change is free; every change after that costs $9.99 USD.
  • You can change your gamertag on your Xbox console, a Windows PC, or at xbox.com without needing to own a game or subscription.
  • Microsoft's code of conduct blocks names with profanity, hate speech, impersonation, or names that look like they're trying to scam other players.
  • If you change your gamertag, your friends list and game progress stay with your Microsoft account — you don't lose anything.
  • The change takes effect immediately, but it can take a few minutes for the new name to show up in all games and services.

How to change your gamertag on an Xbox console

Start on the home screen and press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide menu. Go to Profile & system, then select Profile. Choose your account, then select Customize profile. You'll see an option for Gamertag — select it and type in the new name you want.

Xbox will check whether the name is available and whether it follows the code of conduct. If it's available and passes the check, you'll see a confirmation screen. If this is your first change, it will be free. If you've already used your free change, you'll be asked to pay $9.99 USD before the change goes through. Once you confirm, the new gamertag takes effect right away.

How to change your gamertag on a Windows PC or at xbox.com

Go to xbox.com and sign in with your Microsoft account. Click on your profile picture in the top right corner, then select My profile. Look for the Gamertag section and click Edit. Type in the new name and click Check availability. If it's available and passes the code of conduct check, you'll see a green checkmark.

Click Save to confirm the change. If this is your first change, it will process for free. If you've already made one free change, you'll be charged $9.99 USD at this point. The new gamertag takes effect immediately across all your Xbox services and games.

What happens to your account when you change your gamertag

Your friends list, game library, achievements, and game progress all stay exactly the same. The change only affects the name that appears to other players — everything tied to your Microsoft account account number stays with you. Friends who had you added will still see you on their friends list, though your name will update to the new gamertag.

In games you've already played, your old gamertag may still appear in leaderboards or saved game data, depending on how the game stores that information. New games and services will show your new gamertag from the moment you sign in.

Names that Microsoft will reject or force you to change

Microsoft blocks gamertags that contain profanity, slurs, or hate speech in any language. Names that impersonate real people, celebrities, or well-known brands are also rejected. The system also flags names that look designed to scam other players — for example, names that mimic official Xbox support accounts or use characters that look like numbers to impersonate other players' names.

If you choose a name that breaks these rules, Microsoft will send you a notification that your gamertag violates the code of conduct. You'll be forced to change it again, and you'll have to pay the $9.99 USD fee even though the violation wasn't your fault. To avoid this, test your chosen name carefully before you confirm the change — make sure it doesn't accidentally look like something it shouldn't.

If your chosen gamertag is already taken

When you search for a name, Xbox tells you immediately whether it's available. If the exact name you want is taken, you have a few options. You can add numbers to the end (like adding your birth year), use underscores or periods to break up the name, or try a variation on the original idea.

Keep in mind that Xbox gamertags are not case-sensitive — "Player123" and "player123" are treated as the same name. If you're trying to get a specific name and it's taken, you can check back later, but there's no way to reserve a name or put yourself on a waiting list if someone else is using it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay to change my gamertag the first time?

No. Microsoft gives you one free gamertag change. After that, each change costs $9.99 USD. You don't have to use your free change right away — you can save it for later if you want.

What if I change my gamertag and then want to change it back?

Changing it back counts as a second change, so you'll have to pay $9.99 USD unless you haven't used your free change yet. There's no special "undo" option or discount for going back to an old name.

Can I change my gamertag if I don't have Xbox Game Pass?

Yes. You don't need a subscription or any games to change your gamertag. You just need a Microsoft account and access to your Xbox console, a Windows PC, or xbox.com.

How long does it take for my new gamertag to show up in games?

The change takes effect immediately on your account, but it can take a few minutes to show up in all games and services. If you're still seeing your old name in a game, try signing out and signing back in.

Can someone else take my old gamertag after I change it?

Yes. Once you change your gamertag, the old one becomes available for anyone else to claim. If you think you might want it back later, you should keep that in mind before you make the change.