Whether you’re rebranding your online persona or just want a fresh start, changing your nickname (known as a Gamertag) on Xbox is a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through the steps to update your Gamertag on your Xbox console, through the Xbox app, or via the Xbox website.
What is a Gamertag?
Your Gamertag is your unique identifier on Xbox Live. It’s the name that other players see when you’re playing games, sending messages, or interacting in other ways on the Xbox network. This Gamertag can be customized, so if you’ve outgrown your old one or just want something new, you can change it easily.
Step 1: Choose a New Gamertag
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to choose your new Gamertag. Xbox has certain guidelines for Gamertags, such as not allowing offensive or inappropriate language, and the name must be between 1 to 15 characters long. Additionally, the name must be unique, meaning no one else on Xbox Live can have the same Gamertag.
Step 2: Change Your Gamertag on the Xbox Console
- Sign In: Turn on your Xbox console and sign in to the account for which you want to change the Gamertag.
- Navigate to Profile & System: Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide. Go to Profile & System, and then select My profile.
- Edit Profile: Select Customize profile, then choose your current Gamertag.
- Change Gamertag: Select Choose new Gamertag. Enter the new Gamertag you want, and check its availability. If the Gamertag is available, you’ll see a green checkmark; if not, you’ll need to try a different name or adjust the spelling.
- Confirm: Once you’ve chosen an available Gamertag, confirm the change. If this is your first Gamertag change, it’s free. Subsequent changes may incur a fee.
- Restart to Apply: Restart your Xbox for the changes to take effect. Your new Gamertag should now be visible to you and others on Xbox Live.
Step 3: Change Your Gamertag via the Xbox App
- Open the Xbox App: Launch the Xbox app on your mobile device or computer.
- Sign In: Make sure you’re signed in with the account you want to update.
- Access Your Profile: Tap on your profile icon, then select Customize.
- Edit Gamertag: Select Change Gamertag. Enter your new Gamertag and check its availability.
- Confirm: Once you find an available Gamertag, confirm the change. Like on the console, your first change is free; additional changes may have a fee.
Step 4: Change Your Gamertag on the Xbox Website
- Go to the Xbox Website: Visit the official Xbox website at xbox.com.
- Sign In: Sign in with the Microsoft account linked to the Gamertag you want to change.
- Navigate to Your Profile: Click on your profile picture or Gamertag at the top of the page, then select Xbox profile.
- Edit Gamertag: Under Customize, you’ll find the option to change your Gamertag. Enter the new Gamertag, check its availability, and confirm the change.
Important Notes
- Costs: The first time you change your Gamertag, it’s free. Any changes after that typically cost $9.99 USD or equivalent in your local currency.
- Unique Names: Xbox Live allows duplicate Gamertags now but with a slight variation in the form of a suffix added to your Gamertag if someone else already has the same one. For example, if you choose “Gamer” and someone else already has that, your Gamertag might be “Gamer#1234.”
- Impact on Friends and Games: Changing your Gamertag does not affect your friends list, achievements, or game progress. Your new Gamertag will automatically replace the old one across all Xbox services.
Changing your Xbox Gamertag is a quick and easy process, whether you’re doing it on your console, the Xbox app, or online. Just remember to pick a name that represents you well and follows Xbox’s guidelines. Enjoy your new identity on Xbox Live!
Photo by Anton Porsche
