Originally Posted by
Henry from xbox support
Hello XXXXXX,
Thank you for writing Xbox Customer Support!
As I understand, you are wondering if you can retrieve an old gamertag (profile or account) because it has been cancelled due to inactivity for a long time now.
I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you but we retire all Gamertags after 6 months of consistent inactivity or after it was abandoned or changed by the owner to a new name. Currently, we have no plans to re-use old Gamertags, therefore you or others cannot use same gamertag again.
These gamertags were stored in our database even if it takes a long time; nobody can use it again to avoid complex issue of ownership. When others want to check it online, you will not find who owns it previously for security reasons.
Even if you found who owns it there are no ways you can use it again.
It is best that you create a unique or a whole new gamertag if you want to change the one that you have now.
We sincerely apologize once again for any inconvenience this may cause you. Thank you for understanding.
If you need to reply to this e-mail, please reply 'with history' (include any previous e-mail) so we can expedite our service to you.
You may call Xbox Phone Support at 1-800-4MYXBOX (1-800-469-9269) at your earliest convenience, and we’ll be happy to help you. We are open everyday from 6am to 10pm PST.
To expedite service, please provide Service Request Number XXXXXXXXXX when you call.
Thank you for visiting Xbox.com. If you should have future questions on Xbox products or services, please be sure to revisit our Web site as we are continually adding information to enhance our service.
Sincerely,
Henry
Xbox Customer Care