eSAFETY GUIDE
Xbox Live logo

Xbox Live

18+
to register an account without parental permission
18+ to register an account without parental permission

What is Xbox Live?

Xbox Live is an online service that allows you to connect with other gamers through Xbox gaming consoles and Windows PCs. The service provides chat, voice and video functionality. You can also purchase games and other media through the Microsoft Store. Users are identified via pseudonyms known as gamer tags and once a profile is established it can be accessed from any Xbox Live compatible device. If you are under 18, your access will need to be approved through Microsoft's parental permissions.

If you want access to multiplayer gaming — where you can play with other gamers over the internet — you need to subscribe to Xbox Live Gold for a monthly or annual fee. This will also give you access to premium content including free games, additional game levels and exclusive previews of new release games. The Xbox Live app is focused on leaderboards and member interaction via messaging and image sharing. It also lets you purchase content from the store.

Website: xbox.com

Apps: Android app, Apple iOS app

How do people use Xbox Live?

Learn more about the benefits and risks associated with how people use gaming services like Xbox Live.

Xbox Live is used for: content sharing, gaming, in-app purchasing, live streaming, messaging/online chat, online relationships, screen capture, voice chat and video calling.

How can you report online abuse, ask for content to be removed or block someone?

These links are provided by Xbox Live:

How can you protect your personal information?

These links are provided by Xbox Live:

Key safety links

These links are provided by Xbox Live:

Last updated: 04/06/2024

The eSafety Guide helps you find out how to protect your personal information and report harmful content on common social media, games, apps and sites. Entries are for information only and are not reviews or endorsements by eSafety. Before choosing to use any online service or platform it’s best to:

  • do your own research to understand the risks and benefits
  • check the age rating and requirements
  • consider privacy
  • check the permissions and other settings
  • check the in-app reporting options.

If you are a parent or carer who is deciding whether a child should be allowed to use an online service or platform, you can also:

  • consider your child's readiness for the types of content and experiences they might encounter
  • help them understand what to do if they need help
  • provide ongoing support and monitoring, for example through regular check-ins with your child
  • agree to some rules about use of each service or platform.

To find out more, you can read the App checklist for parents, as well as information about parental controls in social media, games and apps and mental wellbeing resources for families.