Unique Gamertag Reserved for How Long?

gwr.msft · May 2, 2023

Based on a thread from a couple years ago (below), it seems the MSFT agent answered correctly... in searching for gamertags now, this is happening - so my question is, how long does it take to clear out the temporary reserved names?

Meaning I found a gamertag I like, it was unique with NO number ID after it. I came back like 10 minutes later to buy it, and now it has numbers. I tested a few times and seems to always happen. No one came in and snagged something completely random in 10 minutes... 10 times. So there must be a lock period. 24 hours, 90 days...

Appreciate any help. Thanks-

from original post...

The numbers show up in areas that have never been updated to work with the new system.

When you tried using the change feature to check to see if the tag was available, the system reserved that tag temporarily for that account since it thought you were going to change it. Since you went back to your regular account, the system would have given you the numbers since it saw another account trying to use the same tag. So it sounds like you changed it too close to when you tried checking for the tag for the system to release it again.

:)

gwr.msft

Nice try. I appreciate the support but you are wrong. Hoping a MSFT employee can chime in. I tested this with multiple names, absolutely random, and just it adds a temp reservation on the name. Maybe way back in the day I could see 10,000 new unique gamertags every 10 minutes, but not these days.

Anyway, I realize they don't release ones that have been used, but that is not my question. I'm talking about searching for a new gamertag, finding one without the ID #s then coming back even 2 minutes later, and it showing in-use, now with #s. Try it out yourself. Appreciate the reply though.

gwr.msft

Yes! That is what is happening. I just went back to my main account and it does not have the ID #s.

But when I go to change/purchase it on my alt account, it shows it's taken.

So that means that MSFT adds a temp reservation on that gamertag even though its not being used... only searched.

Question now is... for how long?

Jonny306

Hello there!

My name is Jonny and I will be assisting you today!

First, thank you so much for contacting us regarding your inquiry/ concern.

Microsoft no longer removes claimed names. Once it's claimed, it will be claimed for asking as the account exists.

Do keep in mind there are millions of players and customers who create accounts and change tags every day. It would not at all be out of the question for somebody to actually claim any "random" tag within 10 minutes.

If it's giving numbers, it will mean it's already in use.

Sorry

gwr.msft

What might also be occurring is that you search for a name on one Xbox account (like a main), find one, then go to an Alt account and try that name, and it shows as not unique. This was my test. Maybe... it reserves it for X duration on the first account that searched for it. I'll need to go back and check that. Could be the reason.

Kimberly AnneTecson

Hi,

You cannot change the suffix that was added to your gamertag. If you'd like to change how the classic gametag appears for locations that don't support modern gamertags, you can se the "Customize classic gamertag" option when reserving your gamertag.
NOTE: A suffix is added when that exact gamertag is already registered. If you enter a unique gamertag, no suffix will be added.

Thanks

Unique Gamertag Reserved for How Long?