This article describes the cross-correlation function as an alternative method to adapt loop gain in digital CDRs. Cross-correlation function inherent properties and their link with the cross-power spectral density help consolidating the adaptive loop gain technique, XCALG, for clock and data recovery systems that implement bang-bang phase detector. Considering the modulation of the loop gain due to jitter noise, previous works exploit the autocorrelation function at the output of the bang-bang phase detector as a proper indicator to track the system dynamics and perform loop gain adaptation. In contrast, we propose the XCALG as a new alternative to perform loop gain adaptation featuring better observability, less impact from jitter sources while keeping a safe phase margin. Theory behind the idea is enhanced, and the XCALG is demonstrated through behavioral system simulations. In addition, preliminary implementation costs of the cross-correlation function are discussed using a 65nm CMOS technology node.