You can change your Xbox gamertag through your Microsoft account settings, and Xbox lets you do it free once every 30 days

Your gamertag is the name other players see when you're online. To change it, you sign into your Microsoft account on Xbox.com or through your console, go to your profile settings, and select the option to change your gamertag. The first change is free. After that, each change costs $9.99 USD, though the price may vary by region. You don't need to create a new account — your game library, achievements, and friends list stay attached to your existing Microsoft account.

The process takes a few minutes, and the new name shows up immediately on your console and across Xbox services like Game Pass and Xbox Live. If you change your mind within 30 days, you can change it back to your old gamertag for free during that window.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first gamertag change is free, and each change after that costs $9.99 USD in most regions.
  • You change your gamertag through your Microsoft account settings, either on Xbox.com or directly from your console.
  • The new name appears immediately across all Xbox services and to other players online.
  • You have 30 days to change back to your previous gamertag for free if you change your mind.
  • Your games, achievements, and friends list remain on your account — only the display name changes.

How to change your gamertag on Xbox console

Start by pressing the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide menu. Select your profile icon in the top left corner, then choose Profile. From there, select Customize profile, then Gamertag. You'll see a text field where you can type your new name. Xbox will check whether the name is available as you type — if it shows a green checkmark, the name is free to use.

Once you've entered a name you want, select Check availability to confirm it's open. If it is, you'll see the option to confirm the change. For your first change, you won't be charged. If this is your second change or later, Xbox will ask you to confirm the $9.99 charge before proceeding. After you confirm, the new gamertag takes effect right away.

How to change your gamertag on Xbox.com

Go to xbox.com and sign in with your Microsoft account. Select your profile icon in the top right corner and choose Profile. Click Customize profile, then select the pencil icon next to your current gamertag. Type your new name into the field that appears.

As you type, Xbox shows you whether the name is taken. Once you've entered a name with a green checkmark, click Check availability to lock it in. Review the charge (free for the first change, $9.99 after that), then click Change gamertag to finish. The change shows up on your console within a few minutes.

Gamertag rules and what names Xbox won't allow

Xbox has restrictions on what you can name yourself. Your gamertag must be between 3 and 15 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and spaces. You cannot use special characters like @, #, or &. Xbox also blocks names that contain profanity, slurs, or references to real people's names without permission. Names that impersonate Xbox staff or celebrities are rejected as well.

If you try to use a name that breaks these rules, Xbox will tell you it's unavailable and won't let you proceed. The system checks automatically, so you'll know right away if a name violates the policy. If you're unsure whether a name might be flagged, try it in the availability checker first — there's no penalty for checking.

What happens to your account when you change your gamertag

Only your display name changes. Your Microsoft account stays the same, so your email address, password, and account security settings don't move. All your games, Game Pass subscription, achievements, and play history remain on your account under the new gamertag. Friends who had you added will still see you in their friends list, though your name will update to the new gamertag.

If you had a custom profile picture or bio, those stay too. The only thing that changes is what other players see when they look at your profile or encounter you in a game. Your account history doesn't reset, so players can still see your past achievements and how long you've been on Xbox.

How to change back to your old gamertag for free

You have 30 days after changing your gamertag to switch back to your previous name at no cost. Go back into your profile settings the same way you changed it the first time — either through your console or Xbox.com — and select your old gamertag from the list of names you've used. As long as you're within the 30-day window, you won't be charged.

After 30 days, changing back to an old gamertag costs $9.99 like any other change. If someone else has claimed your old name in the meantime, you won't be able to use it even during the free window. In that case, you'd need to pick a different name or wait until that person changes theirs.

Troubleshooting: Why your gamertag change might not work

If you see an error when trying to change your gamertag, the most common reason is that the name is already taken. Even if the availability checker showed a green checkmark, another player may have claimed it in the seconds between your check and your confirmation. Try a different name and check again.

If the name is definitely available but you still can't change it, sign out of your account completely and sign back in. Sometimes a cached session prevents the change from going through. If you're still stuck after signing out and back in, restart your console or clear your browser cache if you're using Xbox.com. If none of that works, you may have a temporary account restriction — check your account status on the Xbox Enforcement page to see if there are any active suspensions or bans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my gamertag more than once a month?

Yes, you can change it as often as you want. Your first change is free, and every change after that costs $9.99. There's no limit on how many times you can change it, but each change after the first one will incur the fee.

Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my gamertag?

Yes. Your friends list doesn't change, and anyone who had you added will still see you in their friends list with your new gamertag. They don't need to re-add you or do anything on their end.

What if someone else takes my old gamertag after I change it?

If another player claims your old name, you can't use it again unless they change their gamertag first. You have 30 days to change back for free, but if someone else takes it during that window, you'll need to pick a new name instead.

Do I need to change my password when I change my gamertag?

No. Your gamertag and your Microsoft account password are separate. Changing your gamertag doesn't affect your account security or login credentials.

Can I see a history of all the gamertags I've used?

Yes. When you go to change your gamertag, Xbox shows you a list of names you've used in the past. You can switch back to any of them, though only your most recent previous name is free to switch back to within 30 days.