How to Change an Online Xbox Live Gamertag

Changing the Gamertag is Easy, But it Costs 800 MS Points

Apr 15, 2009 Bradley Kairis

Need a change? Sick of your old gamertag? Read this guide to learn how to change your XBox Live gamertag for a fee.

As a large, integrated network, Xbox Live frowns upon name changing to prevent confusion, and so cheaters are more easily tracked. To prevent frequent name changes, the cost of changing the Xbox Live gamertag is 800 MS points ($10). For those sick of their gamertags, the ten dollar charge is the only legitimate option to change the name.

How to Change the Xbox Live Gamertag

The following steps can be used to change an Xbox Live Gamertag:

  1. Turn on the Xbox 360 console
  2. Log in to Xbox Live (if the network is properly set up, this should happen automatically)
  3. Move the left control stick up or down until centered on the "My Xbox" tab
  4. Highlite the gamertag - the gamertag has the player's name and gamerscore in the top left corner, a list of "latest games" below, and the player's avatar on the right side
  5. Push the A button
  6. Highlite "Edit Profile" and press the A button
  7. When the new window is brought up, highlite "Gamertag" and press the A button
  8. Read the scrolling text on the right side, and press the A button to continue when ready
  9. Type in the new gamertag in the window, and press the A button on the "Done" icon
  10. If the desired gamertag is not available, another gamertag must be chosen
  11. Changing to a new gamertag costs 800 MS Points, which can be added by redeeming codes from Xbox Live MS Points cards, or by purchasing them online with a credit card

How to Change an Offline Profile Name

First, make sure the correct profile is logged in

  1. Press the Xbox Guide button in the center of the controller
  2. A new window will open - press the X button, and then press the A button on the "Yes, sign out" option
  3. Scroll down to the "Sign In" option and press the A button
  4. Select the desired profile and press the A button
  5. Press the B button

Now, to change the name

  1. Highlite the gamertag - the panel containing the profile name, gamerscore, and avatar
  2. Press the A button
  3. Highlite "Edit Profile" and press the A button
  4. Highlite "Profile Name" and press the A button
  5. Delete the old name, and type in the desired name
  6. Press the A button on the "Done" icon

Changing an Xbox Live Gamertag - Conclusion

When changing the Xbox Live gamertag, make sure to use a desired name that will not be found offensive by other members of Xbox Live. Costing 800 MS Points, about the equivalent of $10, means gamers are advised think well and choose an appriopriate gamertag name.

Changing an offline profile name, however, costs nothing, and since no online community will see the name, can be as offensive as desired.

The copyright of the article How to Change an Online Xbox Live Gamertag in Video & Online Games is owned by Bradley Kairis. Permission to republish How to Change an Online Xbox Live Gamertag in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Changing an Xbox Live gamertag costs 800 MS points, Xbox Marketplace
Changing an Xbox Live gamertag costs 800 MS points
    
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