How to Change Your Xbox Gamertag
You can change your gamertag from the Xbox console, the Xbox app on PC or mobile, or the Xbox website. Here is the step-by-step process:
On Xbox Console (Series X|S / One)
- Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide
- Go to Profile & system > Settings > Account > Linked social accounts
- Alternatively, select your profile picture, then My profile > Customize profile > Change gamertag
- Enter your new gamertag and select Check availability
- If available, confirm the change
On Xbox App (PC / Mobile)
- Open the Xbox app and sign in
- Tap your profile icon in the top-left corner
- Tap Settings (gear icon) > Change gamertag
- Enter your new name and check availability
- Confirm the change
On Xbox.com
- Go to social.xbox.com and sign in with your Microsoft account
- Click your gamertag at the top
- Click Customize > Change gamertag
- Enter the new name, check availability, and confirm
How Much Does It Cost to Change Your Xbox Gamertag?
Here is the pricing breakdown:
- First change: Free. Every Xbox account gets one free gamertag change. If you created your account and still have the auto-generated name (like AdjNoun1234), use this free change wisely.
- Subsequent changes: Varies by region. In the US, it typically costs around $9.99 USD. Prices vary by country and currency. The exact price is shown before you confirm.
- Forced changes: Free but involuntary. If Microsoft flags your gamertag for violating the code of conduct, they will force a name change at no cost to you, but you do not get to keep your old name.
Can You Change Your Xbox Gamertag for Free?
Yes, but only once. Your first name change is always free. After that, every change costs money. There is no way to get additional free changes. This is why it is worth spending time to pick the right name the first time.
What Happens When You Change Your Gamertag?
- Friends list stays the same. Your friends will see your new name automatically.
- Game progress is preserved. Achievements, saves, and stats carry over.
- Old name becomes available. Someone else can claim your old gamertag after you change.
- Some games may show your old name temporarily. Most games update within 24 hours, but a few older titles may cache the old name longer.
Xbox Gamertag Rules to Know Before Changing
- Maximum 12 characters
- Letters (A-Z) and numbers (0-9) only
- No spaces, special characters, or emojis
- No offensive, hateful, or sexually explicit content
- If the name is taken, Microsoft adds a #1234 suffix
Need a new name before you change? Generate Xbox-compatible gamertags from 700+ curated words. Every result follows Microsoft's naming rules.