What you need to create an Xbox account

An Xbox account is a Microsoft account that lets you play games, buy content, and connect with other players on Xbox consoles and the Xbox app on PC. You can create one using an email address (new or existing), a phone number, or by signing in with a Microsoft account you already have. The whole process takes about five minutes and costs nothing.

You will need either a valid email address or a phone number to start. If you already use Outlook, Hotmail, OneDrive, or any other Microsoft service, you can use that account instead of creating a new one. You do not need a credit card to create the account itself, though you will need one later if you want to buy games or a Game Pass subscription.

Key Takeaways

  • You can create an Xbox account on Xbox.com, on a console, or through the Xbox app on Windows PC using an email address, phone number, or existing Microsoft account.
  • The account is free and takes about five minutes to set up, and you can start playing free-to-play games immediately.
  • You will need to verify your email or phone number by entering a code Microsoft sends you before you can use the account.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian may need to set up parental controls or approve the account depending on your age and region.
  • You can add a payment method later when you want to buy games or subscribe to Game Pass.

Creating an account on Xbox.com

Go to Xbox.com and click the sign-in button in the top right corner. Select "Create one" under the sign-in box. You will be asked whether you want to use an email address, phone number, or existing Microsoft account. Enter your choice and click Next.

If you are creating a new email address, Microsoft will ask you to choose a username and password. The password must be at least eight characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol. If you are using an existing email address or phone number, you will be asked to enter the password for that account instead.

Microsoft will send a verification code to your email or phone. Enter that code on the next screen. Once verified, you will be asked to enter your name, birth date, and country or region. After you complete these fields, your account is ready to use.

Creating an account on an Xbox console

On an Xbox Series X, Series S, Xbox One, or Xbox 360, go to Settings and select "Add or switch user." Choose "Add new" and select "Create one." You can sign in with an existing Microsoft account or create a new one using an email address or phone number.

If you create a new account on the console, you will be guided through entering your email or phone number, password, and verification code. The console will ask for your name and birth date. Once you finish, the account will appear on your console's home screen and you can start using it immediately.

Creating an account directly on a console is slower than using Xbox.com because you are typing on a controller, but it works the same way and results in the same account.

Creating an account through the Xbox app on Windows

Open the Xbox app on your Windows PC and click "Sign in" in the top right. Select "Create one" and choose whether to use an email address, phone number, or an existing Microsoft account. Follow the same steps as Xbox.com: enter your credentials, verify your email or phone with the code Microsoft sends, and fill in your name and birth date.

Once your account is created, you will be signed in to the Xbox app automatically. You can browse the Game Pass library, download games, and see your achievements and friends list right away.

What happens if you are under 18

If you enter a birth date that makes you under 18, Microsoft may ask a parent or guardian to review and approve the account. The process varies by age and region. In some places, a parent must create the account themselves and add you as a child account. In others, you can create the account and a parent approves it afterward.

If parental controls are set up on your account, a parent can restrict which games you can play, how much time you can spend gaming, and whether you can spend money. These controls are managed through the Family Safety settings on Xbox.com or the Xbox app.

Signing in on multiple devices

Once your account is created, you can sign in on any Xbox console, Windows PC, or mobile device that has the Xbox app. Your games, achievements, friends list, and Game Pass subscription follow you across all devices. You can be signed in on multiple devices at the same time, though you can only play games on one console at a time with the same account.

If you want to let someone else play on your console using your games and Game Pass, you can set your console as your "home Xbox" in Settings. Anyone who signs in on that console will have access to your library, even if they are using their own account.

Adding a payment method later

Your account works without a payment method. You can play free-to-play games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Warzone right away. When you want to buy a game or subscribe to Game Pass, you will be asked to add a credit card, debit card, or other payment method at that time.

You can also add a payment method in advance by going to Xbox.com, signing in, and selecting "Payment & billing" from your account settings. This step is optional and you can skip it until you actually want to make a purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same email address for multiple Xbox accounts?

No. Each Xbox account must be tied to a unique email address or phone number. If you want multiple accounts in your household, each person needs their own email address or phone number to create a separate account.

What if I forget my password?

Go to Xbox.com and click "Sign in." Select "Can't access your account" and follow the steps to verify your identity using your email or phone number. Microsoft will send you a code to reset your password. You can also reset your password at account.microsoft.com.

Do I need Xbox Game Pass to create an account?

No. An Xbox account is free and separate from Game Pass. You can create an account and play free games without ever buying Game Pass. Game Pass is optional and costs money, but the account itself does not.

Can I change my username after I create my account?

Yes. Sign in to Xbox.com, go to your profile settings, and select "Change your gamertag." You can change it once for free, and each change after that costs money. Your gamertag is what other players see, while your email address is what you use to sign in.

What if I already have a Microsoft account from Outlook or OneDrive?

You can use that account to sign in to Xbox without creating a new one. Just select "Sign in with Microsoft account" when you create your Xbox account and enter your existing email and password. Your Xbox account will be linked to that Microsoft account automatically.