How to Change Your Xbox Gamertag
Change your Xbox gamertag on console, app or web. Learn the free first change, the paid rule, and how to pick a gamertag that isn't taken.
How to change your Xbox gamertag
Xbox makes gamertag changes easy, and your first one is free. After that there is a small fee each time, so it is worth picking a tag you will be happy with. You can change it from a console, the Xbox app, or the web.
On a console
- Press the Xbox button to open the guide.
- Go to your profile, then Settings or your profile card.
- Select your gamertag.
- Enter your new gamertag. If it is taken, Xbox will offer to add a number, or you can try another name.
- Confirm the change. It updates across your account.
On the Xbox app or web
- Open the Xbox app on your phone, or go to the Xbox account page in a browser.
- Select your profile and choose to customize or edit it.
- Choose to change your gamertag and enter the new one.
- Confirm to apply it everywhere.
The free change and the fee
Your very first gamertag change is free. Each change after that costs a small fee. If your desired gamertag is already taken, Xbox appends a set of numbers automatically, but many players prefer to tweak the name instead so it stays clean. You can check whether a name is free first with the Xbox gamertag lookup.
Pick a gamertag that is actually open
Since changes cost money after the first, it helps to line up an available name in advance. Generate options with the gamertag generator, or browse gamertag ideas for cool, funny and sweaty tags you can adapt.
Frequently asked questions
- Is my first Xbox gamertag change free?
- Yes. The first change costs nothing, and there is a small fee for each change after that.
- Why does Xbox add numbers to my gamertag?
- Because the plain name is already taken. Change one word or add your own short tag to avoid the extra digits.
- Does changing my gamertag affect my games or saves?
- No. Your library, achievements and saves stay with your account.
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Updated 2026