How to change primary username (xboxlivefamily.com) to gmail?

Question

How to change primary username (xboxlivefamily.com) to gmail?

HAQ2275 20

Back then, there was a family account option that my dad paid for and it gave him Xbox live and also allowed him to create child profiles for me and my brother. They eventually got rid of that program and my account was converted to a normal account. However, the Microsoft systems still recognize it was created as a family account and has the original email still associated to it which ends in @xboxlivefamily.com. I want to change this to the gmail address I use but in my Microsoft account settings it tells me that I cannot change the primary alias of my account so I am stuck with this email address.

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Answer accepted by question author

Lychee-Ng 28,300 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A!

Thank you for sharing your situation HAQ2275. I understand that your Microsoft account was originally created under a legacy Xbox Live Family Plan, which assigned it an @xboxlivefamily.com alias. The system retains this original alias as the immutable primary username, which is why you are unable to switch it to your Gmail address.

Unfortunately, what you found out is true — Microsoft accounts created under these legacy domains often have restrictions that prevent changing the primary alias.

However, you can still add your Gmail address as a secondary alias. This will allow you to sign in with your Gmail and use it for most communications, even if the @xboxlivefamily.com alias remains:

Go to Manage how you sign in to your account
Click Add email > Add your Gmail address as a new alias
If the option is available, click Make primary next to your new mail
If this fails or is greyed out, your account may be restricted from changing the primary alias

If you want complete control over a new Microsoft account with your Gmail address as the primary alias, your only option may be to create a new account. Please be aware that this can make it difficult or impossible to migrate your Xbox profile, game licenses, or other data, as some items may not be transferable.

I know this is probably not the answer you were hoping for, and I am truly sorry for not be able to help more. But I believe it is best to be direct and give you the correct information! Thanks for your understanding!

If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it to assist others who might face similar issues. If you have extra questions, please click "Comment".

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HAQ2275 20 Reputation points

2025-08-17T15:37:53.5766667+00:00

But someone with the same issue on Reddit managed to get Microsoft support to remove the xboxlivefamily as their primary alias.
Lychee-Ng 28,300 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-08-18T05:42:52.51+00:00
Yes, it often has restrictions. The person who successfully removed it probably had to go through it with Microsoft Support. This is only a community forum, we don't have access to deeper and private information such as your account data. I strongly suggest you reach out to chat service for real time and personalized help:

Visit Contact Us - Microsoft Support > Sign in

Choose a category > search for your problems

Now click on Get Help > Contact Support > Confirm.

Choose to chat with a support representative or request a call back.

Note: The support contact team only works at certain times, so if the last window shows that it's unavailable, try opening it again the next day. If you prefer phone support, you can leave a phone number. This way, they can call you and help you.

If your reason for changing was sound, there's a chance it will go through. But it's not a guarantee.
HAQ2275 20 Reputation points

2025-08-18T07:08:37.8866667+00:00

Thank you.

1 additional answer

Your answer

HAQ2275 20 Reputation points

2025-08-17T15:37:53.5766667+00:00

But someone with the same issue on Reddit managed to get Microsoft support to remove the xboxlivefamily as their primary alias.
Lychee-Ng 28,300 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-08-18T05:42:52.51+00:00

Yes, it often has restrictions. The person who successfully removed it probably had to go through it with Microsoft Support. This is only a community forum, we don't have access to deeper and private information such as your account data. I strongly suggest you reach out to chat service for real time and personalized help:

Visit Contact Us - Microsoft Support > Sign in

Choose a category > search for your problems

Now click on Get Help > Contact Support > Confirm.

Choose to chat with a support representative or request a call back.

Note: The support contact team only works at certain times, so if the last window shows that it's unavailable, try opening it again the next day. If you prefer phone support, you can leave a phone number. This way, they can call you and help you.

If your reason for changing was sound, there's a chance it will go through. But it's not a guarantee.
HAQ2275 20 Reputation points

2025-08-18T07:08:37.8866667+00:00

Thank you.

Answer 1

Lychee-Ng 28,300 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hi HAQ2275, Just checking in to see if the above information was helpful. If you think yes, please remember to mark it as an answer. If you have any further questions, please feel free to post back. Warm thanks.

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