Inactive accounts and their gamertags

Taco12pack2000 · Aug 17, 2018

So I know that I haven't been the only person who's been eyeing out certain gamertags for years from accounts that are offline/inactive. And yes I know back in 2016 how they released many old gamertags back into the system from old/inactive account but there's
still so many great gamertags out there that so many people still want. I think that Microsoft/Xbox Live should implement this method in their system, something similar to what Twitter uses, where you should be able to contact support and get account usernames
from account that have been confirmed inactive/offline for a certain period of time, and then you can make that your username. Hopefully something very similar to this could be implemented on Xbox Live as I know many users would very much enjoy this feature.
That's all really, I'd really appreciate if Xbox Live/Microsoft would take this heavily into consideration

:)

Terrin_marine · Aug 17, 2018

Do you think Microsoft will clear out old unused gamertags?

They actually do this but its not live gamertags as much as Microsoft accounts goes inactive for x period they will purge it

Internet Expert · Aug 17, 2018

Inactive Account

You would have to come to some kind of agreement with the inactive user to have them pay the fee to change their name so you can get their freed up, old tag. That would be unreliable and potentially risky.

As Genesis1953 stated, there is a policy that could potentially recycle inactive gamertags, but there's no telling how long it will be until you get the taken gamertag you want.

Support is unable to assist with personal gamertag requests, especially with taking them from an inactive account. You will just have to choose something different or stick with your current gamertag for now.

M3tal Daz3 · Aug 17, 2018

To post suggestions or ideas; Xbox Ideas, powered by UserVoice

At the Nozzle · Aug 18, 2018

That would actually be a pretty great idea! Many great gamertags or fitting gamertags for our personality are often taken by users who no longer play anymore!

I would send that idea here: Xbox Ideas, powered by UserVoice

Best,

Nozzle

Smwutches · Nov 5, 2018

Microsoft already has a policy that if a person does not sign into their account for 5 years, it will be released for use.

Njal the Blue

Adding to this, just because it is inactive on Xbox, does not mean that the Microsoft account is inactive. As long as they keep using the account, then the gamertag will stay attached.

An account has to be inactive for two years now, before the account is closed.

Nburns25

Hello,

Microsoft has stated previously that an account must be inactive for a minimum of 2 years before being designated as inactive. After that period, the gamertag can be reclaimed by a new account. Before then, there is no way to claim the gamertag if it is
linked to an account that has not been inactive for two years.

I hope this helps and sorry for the inconvenience.

KindGryphon

I want to change my gamertag to the name I use on all other platforms, the gamertag is used by an inactive (atleast 5 years inactive) Xbox account. How can this gamertag be reset so that I can use it on my own account?

If they sign into the Microsoft account their xbox gamertag is tied to in order check their email at least once every 2 years then this will also make their account (active) and basically would never have their gamertag reset as long as they do that.

Because of that there really is no way to know for sure if an account is inactive or not.

Gamefreak Toker

If the tag belongs to an inactive account would it not be available for lookup? Could that be why I'm having this issue? Also, if the account is inactive is there anyway for me to get the tag? Also, is there a way to search for inactive gamertags like
mine possibly is?

Njal the Blue

Once a gamertag is acquired MS will not release the gamertag until that account has been completely inactive with anything to do with MS not just the xbox for 5 years from the last date that it was used. Keep in mind even if it may seem like a gamertag
is inactive on the xbox console that does not mean that the MS account associated with that gamertag is not being used in something else associated with MS.

Microsoft have recently updated their terms and it is now 2 years of inactivity and they will shut down the account.

Inactive accounts and their gamertags