Gamertag not found

RockMusician158 · Jan 13, 2017

I need to change my gamertag from the automatically assigned gamertag. Support tells me that the GT I want was used on xbox 360 long ago and is no longer in the system. How do I get my gamertag?

:)

a Hype Thing · Jan 13, 2017

Gamertag Release/Not Found

I have been trying to get a Gamertag for years and years.

for atleast the last few years when I search for it, it says 'not found

spoke to a customer service agent who said it's In the hands of the enforcement team to be recycled. how can I go about obtaining the Gamertag?

many thanks

Smwutches · Jan 13, 2017

Gamertag Release/Not Found

If the system says it's taken when you try to take it, then it is in use somewhere on Microsoft servers. You would have to wait for either the original owner to change the tag to something else or if they owner does not sign in for 5 years it will be freed
up for use. Otherwise, there is no other way to take it. Keep in mind the system doesn't see things like spaces as making a gamertag unique. So while you may look up "gamertag" it may actually be in use as "gamer tag".

ngocphi · Jan 14, 2017

they can't tell you if a gamertag has been used ever or not

I dont think you understood what they mean or how the system works

It doesn't matter if you search for a name if the system says it's taken it is taken

You will have to be more creative with your name

It could be a banned name or it simply is taken

One when one searches for a name for adding a friend you must use the exact spelling so for example ngoc phi is the same as Ngoc Phi or or or ngo cphi and if you don't you won't see the name

But when you try and change your name it will show as taken as it would be correctly taken already

Regardless of variation so ibshort you must be more creative

And no support will not look thru every variation for you as there is millions

The quick way to check is to actually try

RockMusician158 · Jan 14, 2017

That's not remotely helpful. His exact words were that it was an old 360 account no longer in use. He not only said that, but also said that there are promotions where people can get old used names that are no longer being used. The rest of your answer is
useless. I know how to search for a name, and did not ask them to search for alternatives! Were you at any point attempting to provide a solution?

they can't tell you if a gamertag has been used ever or not

I dont think you understood what they mean or how the system works

It doesn't matter if you search for a name if the system says it's taken it is taken

You will have to be more creative with your name

It could be a banned name or it simply is taken

One when one searches for a name for adding a friend you must use the exact spelling so for example ngoc phi is the same as Ngoc Phi or ngoCphi or ngocphi or ngo cphi and if you don't you won't see the name

But when you try and change your name it will show as taken as it would be correctly taken already

Regardless of variation so ibshort you must be more creative

And no support will not look thru every variation for you as there is millions

The quick way to check is to actually try
Click to expand...

ngocphi · Jan 15, 2017

That's not remotely helpful. His exact words were that it was an old 360 account no longer in use. He not only said that, but also said that there are promotions where people can get old used names that are no longer being used. The rest of your answer is
useless. I know how to search for a name, and did not ask them to search for alternatives! Were you at any point attempting to provide a solution?

they can't tell you if a gamertag has been used ever or not

I dont think you understood what they mean or how the system works

It doesn't matter if you search for a name if the system says it's taken it is taken

You will have to be more creative with your name

It could be a banned name or it simply is taken

One when one searches for a name for adding a friend you must use the exact spelling so for example ngoc phi is the same as Ngoc Phi or or or ngo cphi and if you don't you won't see the name

But when you try and change your name it will show as taken as it would be correctly taken already

Regardless of variation so ibshort you must be more creative

And no support will not look thru every variation for you as there is millions

The quick way to check is to actually try
Click to expand...

If you can't find it then it's not an old account and besides you aren't understanding the issue you just not seeing the variation of the name and no they can only look at the exact variation of the name

It doesn't matter if the account is old

The account can be a non gaming account and won't show any gaming activity this doesn't include Skype or xbox store for Windows which uses gamertags and is used for apps also

And the agent cannot tell you anything about the account including activity nor can he access anything without the credentials and no they dont know the credentials all he can see is achievements if the account exists

As it is a violation of privacy laws

3rd and most importantly it is not an on demand service if it is taken it is taken you have no say on who can have a gamertags or not

ngocphi · Jan 15, 2017

and FYI if it says gamertags not found when you searched for it then it isn't in that variation I doubt Support spent hours looking for you

Most likely it's becauase they can't find it and no they aren't allowed to give you informations about the account or spend hours looking for the exact variation

When they search they have to use the exact variation

And if they types the exact variation that you gave it would only come up with the same result

Accounts have to show up they aren't invisible however you have to use the exact variation so most likely they gave you a generic answer becsusee if they did spend hours with you their boss will be screaming at them telling them to have you look for that
variation

Phone support doesn't know how forums works

And no forums can't be used to request names as it isnt a on demand service

If it was an Xbox 360 account with that exact name you would see it when you searched

RockMusician158 · Jan 16, 2017

and FYI if it says gamertags not found when you searched for it then it isn't in that variation I doubt Support spent hours looking for you

Most likely it's becauase they can't find it and no they aren't allowed to give you informations about the account or spend hours looking for the exact variation

When they search they have to use the exact variation

And if they types the exact variation that you gave it would only come up with the same result

Accounts have to show up they aren't invisible however you have to use the exact variation so most likely they gave you a generic answer becsusee if they did spend hours with you their boss will be screaming at them telling them to have you look for that
variation

Phone support doesn't know how forums works

And no forums can't be used to request names as it isnt a on demand service

If it was an Xbox 360 account with that exact name you would see it when you searched
Click to expand...

Well, I'm sure you can just jump in there and look at the dialogue between me and the rep right? No one ever said anything concerning variations of a name except for you. Are you even responding to the correct forum? I hope you do not represent the company.
If so, Microsoft may need to clean house. I could care less about what they are "supposed" to do, I am posting what happened. Stating that a name was taken long ago violates no one's privacy so get that out of your head. I am not sure if English is your native
tongue or you are not simply reading what has been posted. Please re-read and respond if you are trying to help. If you find that chat support stepped out of bounds in telling me what they did, or if there is not actually a time to get old used gamertags,
then I suggest better screening of the employees. My gamertag is right here in the forums so look up the chat account. If you do not have access, then get someone who does. Otherwise, try to be helpful and not go off on tangents that do not relate to the post
in the forum. Thanks

ngocphi · Jan 18, 2017

and FYI if it says gamertags not found when you searched for it then it isn't in that variation I doubt Support spent hours looking for you

Most likely it's becauase they can't find it and no they aren't allowed to give you informations about the account or spend hours looking for the exact variation

When they search they have to use the exact variation

And if they types the exact variation that you gave it would only come up with the same result

Accounts have to show up they aren't invisible however you have to use the exact variation so most likely they gave you a generic answer becsusee if they did spend hours with you their boss will be screaming at them telling them to have you look for that
variation

Phone support doesn't know how forums works

And no forums can't be used to request names as it isnt a on demand service

If it was an Xbox 360 account with that exact name you would see it when you searched

Well, I'm sure you can just jump in there and look at the dialogue between me and the rep right? No one ever said anything concerning variations of a name except for you. Are you even responding to the correct forum? I hope you do not represent the company.
If so, Microsoft may need to clean house. I could care less about what they are "supposed" to do, I am posting what happened. Stating that a name was taken long ago violates no one's privacy so get that out of your head. I am not sure if English is your native
tongue or you are not simply reading what has been posted. Please re-read and respond if you are trying to help. If you find that chat support stepped out of bounds in telling me what they did, or if there is not actually a time to get old used gamertags,
then I suggest better screening of the employees. My gamertag is right here in the forums so look up the chat account. If you do not have access, then get someone who does. Otherwise, try to be helpful and not go off on tangents that do not relate to the post
in the forum. Thanks
Click to expand...

Click ms's privacy policy

They cannot.tell you activity of an account

That is.illegal

Do you not.understand what it's an old account with no activity means?

ngocphi · Jan 18, 2017

and FYI if it says gamertags not found when you searched for it then it isn't in that variation I doubt Support spent hours looking for you

Most likely it's becauase they can't find it and no they aren't allowed to give you informations about the account or spend hours looking for the exact variation

When they search they have to use the exact variation

And if they types the exact variation that you gave it would only come up with the same result

Accounts have to show up they aren't invisible however you have to use the exact variation so most likely they gave you a generic answer becsusee if they did spend hours with you their boss will be screaming at them telling them to have you look for that
variation

Phone support doesn't know how forums works

And no forums can't be used to request names as it isnt a on demand service

If it was an Xbox 360 account with that exact name you would see it when you searched

Well, I'm sure you can just jump in there and look at the dialogue between me and the rep right? No one ever said anything concerning variations of a name except for you. Are you even responding to the correct forum? I hope you do not represent the company.
If so, Microsoft may need to clean house. I could care less about what they are "supposed" to do, I am posting what happened. Stating that a name was taken long ago violates no one's privacy so get that out of your head. I am not sure if English is your native
tongue or you are not simply reading what has been posted. Please re-read and respond if you are trying to help. If you find that chat support stepped out of bounds in telling me what they did, or if there is not actually a time to get old used gamertags,
then I suggest better screening of the employees. My gamertag is right here in the forums so look up the chat account. If you do not have access, then get someone who does. Otherwise, try to be helpful and not go off on tangents that do not relate to the post
in the forum. Thanks
Click to expand...

You aren't understanding that's what the issue is

From.ms's own privacy statement

Control: We will put you in control of your privacy with easy-to-use tools and clear choices.

Transparency: We will be transparent about data collection and use so you can make informed decisions.

Security: We will protect the data you entrust to us through strong security and encryption.

Strong legal protections: We will respect your local privacy laws and fight for legal protection of your privacy as a fundamental human right

They will not hand any personal info this includes activity

I donno why you don't get the part of simple English is it your second language? I can read and listen perfectly yet you cant seem to understand what is said

One ms agents can't tell you private customer info

2nd if you can't find the name the agent cannot find the name

All gamertags are visible

You can check ms's own forum on gamertags

If it says it is taken it is taken you just haven't found the exact variation

Most likely they didn't find it and telling you info

Because one noone on forums or customer support can give you a name that doesn't belong to you

That is the first clue that you shouldve noticed

It is not an on demand service you cannot ask you must wait

If you can't find the name then you cannot see the activity of an name that doesn't exist in that variation

So did the agent tell you the exact name?

If not then that gamertags doesn't exist does it

If he did search for it

If you can't guess what he didn't see any accoumts

And yes the name has to be exact to be found

Why does it have to be explained to you 3x

If the system says it exists it exists but not in the exact spelling

As Xbox said you have to wait

There is no demand service

ngocphi · Jan 18, 2017

account activity is private info

They most likely said iits probably a 360 old account and but they couldn't find it because they would've given you the exact spelling so you can find it

It isn't rocket sciencescience

And no you aren't allowed to request names as it is not your name and not an on demand service so how much of the correct info are you getting so far?

RockMusician158 · Jan 31, 2017

and FYI if it says gamertags not found when you searched for it then it isn't in that variation I doubt Support spent hours looking for you

Most likely it's becauase they can't find it and no they aren't allowed to give you informations about the account or spend hours looking for the exact variation

When they search they have to use the exact variation

And if they types the exact variation that you gave it would only come up with the same result

Accounts have to show up they aren't invisible however you have to use the exact variation so most likely they gave you a generic answer becsusee if they did spend hours with you their boss will be screaming at them telling them to have you look for that
variation

Phone support doesn't know how forums works

And no forums can't be used to request names as it isnt a on demand service

If it was an Xbox 360 account with that exact name you would see it when you searched

Well, I'm sure you can just jump in there and look at the dialogue between me and the rep right? No one ever said anything concerning variations of a name except for you. Are you even responding to the correct forum? I hope you do not represent the company.
If so, Microsoft may need to clean house. I could care less about what they are "supposed" to do, I am posting what happened. Stating that a name was taken long ago violates no one's privacy so get that out of your head. I am not sure if English is your native
tongue or you are not simply reading what has been posted. Please re-read and respond if you are trying to help. If you find that chat support stepped out of bounds in telling me what they did, or if there is not actually a time to get old used gamertags,
then I suggest better screening of the employees. My gamertag is right here in the forums so look up the chat account. If you do not have access, then get someone who does. Otherwise, try to be helpful and not go off on tangents that do not relate to the post
in the forum. Thanks

Click ms's privacy policy

They cannot.tell you activity of an account

That is.illegal

Do you not.understand what it's an old account with no activity means?
Click to expand...

So in essence, you are not affiliated with Microsoft, and you cannot understand the issue or give helpful advice. Could you please stop posting so that someone else might address the issues? I don't know if answering posts is a point of pride for you or
what, but I was told by an actual microsoft employee to post here. If you cannot help, then just move along. It isn't that tough. Thanks

Smwutches · Nov 3, 2018

ngocphi has given you correct information. Phone and chat support typically send people to the forums when it is something they do not handle, but many times it's also with incorrect information as forum support cannot do anything about a situation like
this either. There is no way to request a specific gamertag. If the system says the tag is in use, then it is in use somewhere on Microsoft's servers. The tag system is in use on other Microsofter services, so even if it's not in use on an Xbox, it could be
in use somewhere else.

ngocphi

and FYI if it says gamertags not found when you searched for it then it isn't in that variation I doubt Support spent hours looking for you

Most likely it's becauase they can't find it and no they aren't allowed to give you informations about the account or spend hours looking for the exact variation

When they search they have to use the exact variation

And if they types the exact variation that you gave it would only come up with the same result

Accounts have to show up they aren't invisible however you have to use the exact variation so most likely they gave you a generic answer becsusee if they did spend hours with you their boss will be screaming at them telling them to have you look for that
variation

Phone support doesn't know how forums works

And no forums can't be used to request names as it isnt a on demand service

If it was an Xbox 360 account with that exact name you would see it when you searched

Well, I'm sure you can just jump in there and look at the dialogue between me and the rep right? No one ever said anything concerning variations of a name except for you. Are you even responding to the correct forum? I hope you do not represent the company.
If so, Microsoft may need to clean house. I could care less about what they are "supposed" to do, I am posting what happened. Stating that a name was taken long ago violates no one's privacy so get that out of your head. I am not sure if English is your native
tongue or you are not simply reading what has been posted. Please re-read and respond if you are trying to help. If you find that chat support stepped out of bounds in telling me what they did, or if there is not actually a time to get old used gamertags,
then I suggest better screening of the employees. My gamertag is right here in the forums so look up the chat account. If you do not have access, then get someone who does. Otherwise, try to be helpful and not go off on tangents that do not relate to the post
in the forum. Thanks

Click ms's privacy policy

They cannot.tell you activity of an account

That is.illegal

Do you not.understand what it's an old account with no activity means?

RockMusician158

and FYI if it says gamertags not found when you searched for it then it isn't in that variation I doubt Support spent hours looking for you

Most likely it's becauase they can't find it and no they aren't allowed to give you informations about the account or spend hours looking for the exact variation

When they search they have to use the exact variation

And if they types the exact variation that you gave it would only come up with the same result

Accounts have to show up they aren't invisible however you have to use the exact variation so most likely they gave you a generic answer becsusee if they did spend hours with you their boss will be screaming at them telling them to have you look for that
variation

Phone support doesn't know how forums works

And no forums can't be used to request names as it isnt a on demand service

If it was an Xbox 360 account with that exact name you would see it when you searched

Well, I'm sure you can just jump in there and look at the dialogue between me and the rep right? No one ever said anything concerning variations of a name except for you. Are you even responding to the correct forum? I hope you do not represent the company.
If so, Microsoft may need to clean house. I could care less about what they are "supposed" to do, I am posting what happened. Stating that a name was taken long ago violates no one's privacy so get that out of your head. I am not sure if English is your native
tongue or you are not simply reading what has been posted. Please re-read and respond if you are trying to help. If you find that chat support stepped out of bounds in telling me what they did, or if there is not actually a time to get old used gamertags,
then I suggest better screening of the employees. My gamertag is right here in the forums so look up the chat account. If you do not have access, then get someone who does. Otherwise, try to be helpful and not go off on tangents that do not relate to the post
in the forum. Thanks

ngocphi

That's not remotely helpful. His exact words were that it was an old 360 account no longer in use. He not only said that, but also said that there are promotions where people can get old used names that are no longer being used. The rest of your answer is
useless. I know how to search for a name, and did not ask them to search for alternatives! Were you at any point attempting to provide a solution?

they can't tell you if a gamertag has been used ever or not

I dont think you understood what they mean or how the system works

It doesn't matter if you search for a name if the system says it's taken it is taken

You will have to be more creative with your name

It could be a banned name or it simply is taken

One when one searches for a name for adding a friend you must use the exact spelling so for example ngoc phi is the same as Ngoc Phi or or or ngo cphi and if you don't you won't see the name

But when you try and change your name it will show as taken as it would be correctly taken already

Regardless of variation so ibshort you must be more creative

And no support will not look thru every variation for you as there is millions

The quick way to check is to actually try

If you can't find it then it's not an old account and besides you aren't understanding the issue you just not seeing the variation of the name and no they can only look at the exact variation of the name

It doesn't matter if the account is old

The account can be a non gaming account and won't show any gaming activity this doesn't include Skype or xbox store for Windows which uses gamertags and is used for apps also

And the agent cannot tell you anything about the account including activity nor can he access anything without the credentials and no they dont know the credentials all he can see is achievements if the account exists

As it is a violation of privacy laws

3rd and most importantly it is not an on demand service if it is taken it is taken you have no say on who can have a gamertags or not

ngocphi

they can't tell you if a gamertag has been used ever or not

I dont think you understood what they mean or how the system works

It doesn't matter if you search for a name if the system says it's taken it is taken

You will have to be more creative with your name

It could be a banned name or it simply is taken

One when one searches for a name for adding a friend you must use the exact spelling so for example ngoc phi is the same as Ngoc Phi or or or ngo cphi and if you don't you won't see the name

But when you try and change your name it will show as taken as it would be correctly taken already

Regardless of variation so ibshort you must be more creative

And no support will not look thru every variation for you as there is millions

The quick way to check is to actually try

RockMusician158

and FYI if it says gamertags not found when you searched for it then it isn't in that variation I doubt Support spent hours looking for you

Most likely it's becauase they can't find it and no they aren't allowed to give you informations about the account or spend hours looking for the exact variation

When they search they have to use the exact variation

And if they types the exact variation that you gave it would only come up with the same result

Accounts have to show up they aren't invisible however you have to use the exact variation so most likely they gave you a generic answer becsusee if they did spend hours with you their boss will be screaming at them telling them to have you look for that
variation

Phone support doesn't know how forums works

And no forums can't be used to request names as it isnt a on demand service

If it was an Xbox 360 account with that exact name you would see it when you searched

Well, I'm sure you can just jump in there and look at the dialogue between me and the rep right? No one ever said anything concerning variations of a name except for you. Are you even responding to the correct forum? I hope you do not represent the company.
If so, Microsoft may need to clean house. I could care less about what they are "supposed" to do, I am posting what happened. Stating that a name was taken long ago violates no one's privacy so get that out of your head. I am not sure if English is your native
tongue or you are not simply reading what has been posted. Please re-read and respond if you are trying to help. If you find that chat support stepped out of bounds in telling me what they did, or if there is not actually a time to get old used gamertags,
then I suggest better screening of the employees. My gamertag is right here in the forums so look up the chat account. If you do not have access, then get someone who does. Otherwise, try to be helpful and not go off on tangents that do not relate to the post
in the forum. Thanks

Click ms's privacy policy

They cannot.tell you activity of an account

That is.illegal

Do you not.understand what it's an old account with no activity means?

So in essence, you are not affiliated with Microsoft, and you cannot understand the issue or give helpful advice. Could you please stop posting so that someone else might address the issues? I don't know if answering posts is a point of pride for you or
what, but I was told by an actual microsoft employee to post here. If you cannot help, then just move along. It isn't that tough. Thanks

Gamertag not found