Account Creation
Creating your Xbox Live account is easy. As long as you have your Xbox console connected to broadband, you're ready to roll.
Just insert your Xbox Live enabled game disc and follow the instructions on the screen. This disc may be from an XboxLive Starter Kit demo disc, or from an Xbox Live game that includes the two-month trial offer.
Following are some hints, suggestions, and advice to help you set up your account.
Gamertag
Make sure you take some time when choosing your Gamertag. This is your gamer identity on Xbox Live, and should say something about you, your football team, your favourite game… whatever! Think long and hard, because once you've chosen it you can't go changing it! That is, unless you buy another Starter Kit…
Subscription Code
A 12-month subscription code is included with all Starter Kits, as a card or as a sticker on the Starter Kit disc sleeve. Trial codes (for two-month trial subscriptions) are available with certain Xbox Live enabled games also. The subscription code sticker is covered by a silver scratch panel. If you scratch off the code cover, you can no longer return your kit for a refund.
Name
If you have a hyphen or apostrophe in your name - don't enter it in the Dashboard, even if it's on your credit card. If you use just letters and no symbols, you'll be online in no time at all!
Address
The address you enter will need to match the billing address for your credit card. No more, no less.
Credit Card
You will need a standard Visa, MasterCard, EuroCard, or American Express card, or a debit card branded with a Visa or MasterCard logo. If you bought a Starter Kit, you've already paid for your first 12 months, but in any case your account must be linked to a valid credit card. You will not be charged for anything extra without your explicit consent for the duration of the your subscription.
Note If your credit card or debit card expires, you'll need to modify your billing information for your account. For more information see Modifying Your Billing Information.
Debit Card
If you want to use a debit card, a few restrictions apply:
- Your debit card must have either a Visa or MasterCard logo.
- Your debit card must not have restrictions on subscription-based or Internet purchases.
- You must have more than 99 pence available in your debit card account.
- The expiration date on your debit card cannot be the same month and year as the date you set up your account.
If you do not know if your debit card has restrictions on subscription-based or Internet purchases, contact the financial institution that issued the card for more information.
Opting In or Out of Information Sharing
You have the opportunity to opt in or opt out of getting more information from Microsoft and third-party publishers. If you opt in, you'll receive regular communications from Xbox Liveabout new games, content downloads, tournaments, events, competitions, and more. If you opt out, you won't.
Managing Your Account
Once you've created your account, you can sign in at any time and set up additional controls for Xbox Live access:
- Set a secret pass code for sign-in.
- Modify your billing profile, including updating your credit card information.
- Renew your subscription to Xbox Live.
- Set parental controls for games, voice chat, and content download.
For more information, see Account Management.
