How to create and manage an Xbox account

If you want to play online, download games, or access Xbox Game Pass™, you’ll need an Xbox account. But setting one up—or managing it when you need to update your email or password—can feel confusing. Whether you're a new gamer or just need to make changes to your account, we’ve got you covered. Asurion Experts help our millions of customers get the most out of their gaming consoles, including setup and troubleshooting. Here's everything you need to know about creating and managing an Xbox account.

How to create an Xbox account

Creating an Xbox account is easy and free. Here’s how:

1. Visit account.microsoft.com.
2. Select Create account > Sign in > Create one!
3. Enter your email or phone number. You can use an existing email or create a new @outlook.com address.
4. Create a strong password, then confirm it.
5. Follow the prompts to complete the security verification.
6. Choose a gamertag, customize your avatar, and adjust your privacy settings.

Now you're ready to get started—welcome to the world of gaming! Just don’t spend too much time customizing your avatar… or do, we won’t judge.

How to manage your Xbox account

Once your account is set up, you may need to update your details. Here’s how to manage key settings.

How to change your Xbox password

1. Visit account.microsoft.com/security and sign in.
2. Select Change password. Enter your current password, then type a new one.
3. Confirm your new password and save changes.
4. If prompted, sign in again.

How to change the email on your Xbox account

1. Visit account.microsoft.com and sign in.
2. Select Your info, then click Manage how you sign in to Microsoft.
3. Click Add email, enter a new address, and verify it.
4. Select Make primary, then remove the old email if needed.

How to delete an Xbox account

If you no longer need your Xbox account, you can close it, but keep in mind that this will delete all associated data.

1. Visit account.microsoft.com and sign in.
2. Choose Security, then click More security options.
3. Scroll down and select Close your account.
4. Follow the prompts to confirm deletion. Your account will remain active for 60 days in case you change your mind.

Why can't I sign into my Xbox account?

If you’re having trouble signing in, try these solutions.

• Check your password: Make sure you’re using the correct Microsoft password.
• Reset your password: Go to account.live.com/password/reset to create a new one.
• Check for Xbox Live outages: If Xbox servers are down, you may have trouble signing in. Learn how to quickly check for Xbox server outages.

FAQ

Can I create an Xbox account without a Microsoft account?

No, an Xbox account is linked to a Microsoft account, so you’ll need one to sign in.

How do I recover my Xbox account if I forgot my email?

Go to account.live.com/username/recover and follow the instructions to retrieve your account.

How do I enable two-step verification on my Xbox account?

1. Sign in to your Microsoft account.
2. Go to Security settings.
3. Enable two-step verification and choose your preferred authentication method.

What happens if I delete my Xbox account?

Your saved data, game purchases, and subscriptions will be permanently lost after the 60-day grace period.