Changing your Xbox Gamertag can be an exciting way to refresh your gaming identity or correct mistakes. Many users wonder whether it’s possible to change their Xbox One name for free, especially given how personal and important a Gamertag can be.
This article will explore the options available, the costs involved, and the step-by-step process of changing your Xbox One name.
What is an Xbox Gamertag?
Your Xbox Gamertag is the unique identifier that represents you across the Xbox network. It’s what other players see when you play games, join parties, or participate in online communities.
This name can be up to 12 characters long and may include letters, numbers, and spaces.
When you first create an Xbox account, you are assigned a default Gamertag if you don’t choose one yourself. Many gamers want to personalize or update this name later to better reflect their personality or preferences.
Can You Change Your Xbox One Name for Free?
The short answer is: yes, but only once. Microsoft allows users to change their Xbox Gamertag for free one time.
After that initial free change, any subsequent changes require payment.
“Your first Gamertag change is free. After that, you’ll have to pay a fee to change it again.” – Xbox Support
This free change serves as a courtesy for users who may have selected an undesired or default Gamertag initially. Once you have used your free change, Microsoft charges a fee to discourage frequent changes and maintain community consistency.
What is the Cost for Changing Your Gamertag After the First Free Change?
The price for additional changes varies by region and currency, but typically it is around $9.99 USD or equivalent. This fee applies whether you change your Gamertag via the Xbox console, Xbox app, or the official Xbox website.
| Change Number | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Change | Free | One-time free Gamertag change for new accounts |
| 2nd Change and Beyond | $9.99 | Applies for all subsequent changes |
How to Change Your Xbox One Name for Free (First Time)
Changing your Xbox Gamertag for the first time is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to do it directly from your Xbox One console:
- Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
- Go to Profile & system > My profile.
- Select Customize profile.
- Choose the Change gamertag option.
- Type in your preferred new Gamertag. The system will check if it’s available.
- If available, confirm the change.
Once confirmed, your new Gamertag will be updated across all Xbox services immediately. Remember, this first change is free, so take your time to pick a name you like.
Changing Your Gamertag on Other Platforms
You can also change your Xbox name using:
- Xbox App: Available on Windows 10/11 and mobile devices.
- Xbox Website: Visit www.xbox.com and sign in to your account.
The process on these platforms is similar to the console. Simply locate the profile settings and look for the Gamertag change option.
The first change remains free regardless of platform.
What Happens If Your Desired Gamertag is Taken?
Xbox does not allow duplicate Gamertags. If your desired name is already in use, you will not be able to select it exactly.
However, Microsoft appends a numeric suffix to create a unique identifier. For example, if GamerTag is taken, you might receive GamerTag1234.
You can accept the suggested Gamertag or try different variations until you find one available. It’s important to note that the numeric suffix does not count towards the 12-character limit.
Why Does Microsoft Charge for Gamertag Changes?
Charging for Gamertag changes after the first free one is a way to:
- Encourage thoughtful selection of usernames.
- Prevent abuse or impersonation by frequent name changes.
- Maintain a stable community environment.
Additionally, the fee helps offset administrative costs associated with managing Gamertags on a global scale.
Tips for Choosing a Good Gamertag
Choosing a memorable and unique Gamertag is important because it represents your identity in the gaming community. Here are some tips to help you pick the perfect name:
- Keep it short and simple: Easier to remember and type.
- Avoid personal information: For privacy and security reasons.
- Be creative: Use nicknames, hobbies, or favorite characters.
- Check availability: Use the Xbox interface to see if your desired name is free.
- Avoid offensive words: Xbox enforces community standards.
Can You Revert to Your Old Gamertag for Free?
If you decide your new Gamertag isn’t right, you can revert to your previous Gamertag within 30 days without an additional fee. After 30 days, reverting may cost the standard fee if you’ve already used your free change.
To revert your Gamertag:
- Go to the Gamertag change page on Xbox or the Xbox website.
- If eligible, you will see an option to revert to your old Gamertag.
- Confirm the revert.
What If You Don’t Want to Pay for Changing Your Name Again?
Some users consider creating a new Xbox account to get a new Gamertag for free. While this is possible, it comes with drawbacks:
- Loss of game progress, achievements, and purchased content.
- Difficulty managing multiple accounts.
- Friends and friends lists are not transferred.
Because of these downsides, changing your existing Gamertag—even if it costs a fee—is often the better choice.
Summary: Xbox One Gamertag Change Costs
| Scenario | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First Gamertag Change | Free | One-time free change for new users |
| Subsequent Changes | $9.99 USD (approx.) | Fee applies regardless of platform |
| Reverting Within 30 Days | Free | Only if done within 30 days of changing |
| Reverting After 30 Days | $9.99 USD (approx.) | Treated as a new name change |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can I change my Xbox Gamertag?
You can change your Gamertag as many times as you want, but only the first change is free. Each subsequent change requires payment.
Can I change my Gamertag on Xbox Series X or S?
Yes, the process and costs are the same on Xbox Series X, S, and Xbox One.
Will changing my Gamertag affect my Xbox Live account?
No. Your account, games, achievements, and friends list remain intact after changing your Gamertag.
What if I don’t like my new Gamertag?
You have 30 days to revert for free. After that, you will need to pay to make another change.
How long does it take for the Gamertag to update?
Changes are usually immediate and reflected across all Xbox services.
Conclusion
Changing your Xbox One Gamertag is a simple process, and luckily, your first change is free. This free opportunity allows new users to customize their identity without any cost.
However, after this initial change, Microsoft charges a fee to maintain consistency within the network.
It’s important to choose your name carefully since additional changes require payment. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily update your Gamertag whether you’re using an Xbox console, app, or website.
Remember: The first change is free, so make it count!
