Few things kill gaming night faster than your Xbox refusing to sign you in. Because your Xbox profile runs on a Microsoft account, a forgotten password locks you out of your games, friends and any stored payment too. The fix is quick, and you can do it right from the console without getting up. We at GetMyPassword walk you through resetting your Xbox password on the console and online, plus what you’ll need to verify it’s you.
Reset your Xbox password from the console
No need for a computer — the whole reset works on the Xbox itself:
- At the console’s Sign In screen, enter your Microsoft account email and select I forgot my password.
- On the Show That You’re You screen, pick where to receive a security code — phone, email or an authenticator app.
- Enter the six-digit code you’re sent.
- Type your new password twice to finish.
Reset it online instead
Prefer a phone or computer? Go to the Microsoft password reset page, enter the email address used for your Xbox profile, and choose where to send the security code. Once you receive and enter it, you’ll be prompted to choose a new password and confirm it. The change applies everywhere your Microsoft account signs in — Xbox, Outlook and the rest.
What you’ll need to verify it’s you
The reset depends on a recovery method being attached to the account — a phone number, an alternate email, or an authenticator app. If you’ve lost access to all of them, Microsoft offers an account recovery form that asks detailed questions to confirm ownership. Your new password must be at least 8 characters and mix upper- and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.
Because one Microsoft password covers Xbox, Outlook and your purchases, it’s a prime target. After resetting, turn on two-step verification so a leaked password alone can’t get anyone in.
Lock down your gaming account
Gaming accounts with payment details attached are a favourite for scammers. Set a strong, unique password — our password generator makes one instantly — and enable two-step verification. If you game across platforms, our guide to resetting a PlayStation password covers the same idea for PSN.
Frequently asked questions
How do I reset my Xbox password on the console?
At the Sign In screen, enter your email and choose I forgot my password. Pick how to receive a security code, enter the six-digit code, then set a new password twice.
Is my Xbox password the same as my Microsoft account password?
Yes. Your Xbox profile signs in with your Microsoft account, so the same password also covers Outlook, OneDrive and your purchases. Resetting it updates all of them.
What if I lost access to my recovery email and phone?
Use Microsoft’s account recovery form, which asks detailed questions to confirm you’re the owner. It takes longer than a standard reset but is the route when no recovery method is available.