How to change your Xbox gamertag

Stuck with a name you picked years ago and cannot stand anymore? You can change it, and your first change is free. Here is how it works on the console, in the app, and on the web, plus the details Xbox does not spell out clearly.

If you are still deciding on a name, run some options through our gamertag generator first, or browse cool gamertag ideas to get the wheels turning. Once you have one you like, come back here.

The short version

Your first gamertag change is free. Every change after that costs a fee. When you rename, the new gamertag shows everywhere, and your old one goes back into the pool for someone else after a while. Your friends, achievements, gamerscore, and games all stay exactly where they are. Only the display name changes.

Change it on the console

Press the Xbox button to open the guide.
Go to your Profile and system, then Profile, then My profile.
Select Customize profile, then choose your current gamertag.
Type the new one and check availability.
If the name is taken, Xbox offers to add a number suffix, or you can try another. Confirm to save.

Change it in the Xbox app

Open the Xbox app on your phone.
Tap your profile picture, then your gamertag.
Choose the edit or customize option.
Enter the new gamertag, check that it is free, and confirm.

Change it on the web

Go to the Xbox account profile page in a browser and sign in.
Find your gamertag and select the option to change it.
Enter the new name, confirm it is available, and save.

What it costs

The first change on your account is free. After that, each change carries a fee that Xbox charges at the time. If a name is already in use, you can often still take it with a unique number added on the end, since that suffix makes it distinct.

Things worth knowing

Nothing is lost. Achievements, gamerscore, friends, saves, and purchases all follow your account, not your name.
The old name frees up. After a period, your previous gamertag becomes available again to other players.
Some games show the change late. A title you have not launched since the rename may show the old name until you load it again.

Common problems

It says my name is taken. Popular names go fast. Accept the number suffix Xbox suggests, or tweak the spelling. Our generator checks availability as it goes, which saves the guesswork.

I already used my free change. Then the next one has a fee. There is no way around the charge for a second change, so make this one count.

The change did not show up in a game. Fully close and reopen that game. Most titles refresh the name on the next launch.