Add someone as an Xbox friend through your Xbox profile’s social features—not through Microsoft Family Safety. On a console, open the guide, go to People, find the player, and send a friend request. The other player must accept or add you back for the relationship to be mutual.
What “adding an Xbox friend” means
Xbox friends are associated with your Xbox profile and gamertag. Xbox says a gamertag is created when a player first signs in. Use the profile you play with to find the other player in Xbox’s social interface; you do not add them as a general contact to your Microsoft account. Xbox explains gamertags here.
Xbox describes friends as a two-way, invite-approved relationship. As Xbox put it in its September 11, 2024 announcement, “Friends are now a two-way, invite-approved relationship, giving you more control and flexibility.” Sending a request alone does not make you mutual friends; the other player needs to accept it or add you back. Xbox Wire: Friends and followers update.
Add an Xbox friend on a console
- Sign in to the Xbox profile you use for Xbox.
- Press the Xbox button to open the guide.
- Open the People tab.
- Find the player and send a friend request through the Xbox social interface.
- Check your Friends list or pending requests to see whether the request has been accepted.
Xbox identifies the People tab as the place to find players, send requests, handle incoming requests, and view friends. Menu labels can change; the steps above describe the console route documented by Xbox in its September 2024 announcement. Xbox Support: Add friends.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Friend or follower: what is the difference?
| Relationship | Mutual? | Approval? |
|---|---|---|
| Friend | Yes; it is a two-way relationship. | Invite-approved; the request must be accepted or the other player must add you back. |
| Follower | No; following is one-way. | It does not create the same two-way friend relationship. |
Xbox distinguishes friends from followers in its September 2024 explanation. If your goal is mutual connection, check that the request has been accepted rather than assuming that following someone—or sending a request—makes you friends.
If you cannot send or receive a request
Check the Xbox profile’s privacy permissions. In the September 2024 announcement, Xbox published this console path: Settings > Account > Privacy & online safety > Xbox privacy > View details & customize > Friends, followers & clubs. Review the friend-request and follow permissions there. Console labels may differ as Xbox updates its menus, so use the current settings names shown on your device. Xbox Wire documents the privacy route.
Rank #2
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Do not use Microsoft Family Safety to add a friend
A Microsoft family group is a separate feature from the Xbox friends list. Family Safety invitations use an email address or phone number and manage family-member or organizer roles; they do not create an Xbox friend relationship. Use the Xbox social interface for friends. Microsoft’s Family Safety overview.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What about the Xbox app or other devices?
Xbox’s September 11, 2024 announcement said its updated friends-and-followers experience was starting on Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, and handheld devices, with other devices to follow. That was a dated rollout statement, not confirmation of every device or app’s current availability. The console People-tab route above is the documented procedure here; check the current interface on another device rather than relying on an assumed app menu.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
- TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
- Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
- GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.
Rank #4
- BREAKER SERIES — Hold nothing back. Ice Breaker keeps it forever fresh with a mix of iced and frosted blues. Part of the collective debut of the Breaker special edition series.
- BOLD STYLE, BUILT TO PERFORM — Define your swagger with a wild, head-turning design. Stay elegantly on target with textured triggers built for every moment.
- RUBBERIZED GRIPS — Hold on to the action with rubberized grips on the back cases, designed for comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- UP TO 40 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 40 hours of battery life so you can keep playing without stopping to recharge.
- PLAY ACROSS EVERY SCREEN — Quickly pair with, play on, and switch between devices including console and PC. Stream games across mobile, gaming handhelds, Smart TVs, and supported VR headsets with XBOX Cloud Gaming.
Rank #3
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
