How to fix 10 common Xbox One issues

If your Xbox One® won't read a disc, is not turning on, or is making weird noises, you're not alone. Gamers have reported facing issues with their Xbox® ranging from grinding noises to games not installing. The good news is, we can help get you back in the game quickly.

Whether it's a frozen computer or a lagging game console, Asurion Experts have the know-how to solve all of your tech care needs. Here they’ve rounded up 10 common Xbox One problems and their fixes.

1. Xbox One won't update

If your Xbox One won't update, it can prevent you from almost all play modes, even single-player games offline. Here are four possible solutions to get you back on track fast:

1. Double-check that you're connected to the internet by going to Settings > General > Network settings and selecting Test network connection.
2. Check to see if Microsoft's servers are down.
3. Connect your Xbox One to the web via Ethernet.
4. Turn off your Xbox One, unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on.

Read more: 10 helpful solutions for an Xbox One stuck on update

2. Xbox One disc grinding

Is your Xbox One making a weird noise? There's a good chance this is the disc drive of the Xbox One grinding because of a loose gear. It doesn't scratch your game discs, but it does make them impossible to read. This issue is best seen by a game console repair expert.

If your console is just not reading discs at all, we’ve got a guide for that: Why your Xbox One won’t read discs and how to fix it.

It’s not game over—yet

If your console stops working, we’ll handle the repairs. Make an appointment, or visit your nearest store today.

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3. Xbox One won't turn on

If your Xbox One won't turn on—aka experiencing the "black screen of death"—or if it only turns on briefly before shutting back off, it could have a defective power supply. If this is the case, you may also see a flickering or black light on the console. Give these steps a try to get back in the game:

1. Unplug your Xbox One.
2. Wait 30 seconds.
3. Plug your Xbox One back in to reset the internal power supply.

Read more: How to fix the Xbox One “black screen of death"

4. Xbox One unexpectedly turns off

If your Xbox One abruptly shuts off, this is a different set of issues than if it won't start up. Try these two solutions first. If neither works, you may want to consider replacing your power supply.

1. Clean the vents: Using compressed air and a soft-bristled brush. For detailed steps, check out our guide on how to safely clean your Xbox One.
2. Select Don't Turn off Automatically: There is a setting that may be the cause behind your Xbox’s sudden shutdown. Go to Profile & system > Settings > General > Power mode & startup. Under Options, select Turn off after > Don't turn off automatically.

Read more: How to fix an Xbox One that keeps restarting

5. Xbox games won't install

If your Xbox One won't install games, there are a few things you can try:

• Start by checking your internet connection—downloads won’t complete without a stable connection.
• Make sure your console has enough storage space.
  • Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
  • Go to Profile & system > Settings.
  • Select System > Storage.
• If using a game disc, check to be sure that it is clean and free of damage.
• Outdated console software can hinder game installation. Go to Settings > System > Updates & downloads > Update console. If you see “Update console” or “Console update available,” select the update and begin the installation.
• If the installation stalls, try a full reboot by holding the Xbox button on your console for 10 seconds to power it off, then turn it back on and attempt the install again. Still stuck? You can cancel the install and retry by going to My games & apps > Queue, selecting the game, and choosing Cancel—then try installing it again from scratch.

6. Xbox controller won't stay on

If your Xbox One controller keeps turning off, first check the battery levels or try replacing the batteries:

1. Press the Xbox button on your controller to check the battery indicator in the top-right corner of the screen.
2. If the batteries are low, replace or recharge them, then power the controller back on.

If the issue persists with fresh batteries, try updating the controller's firmware:

Go to Settings > Devices & Accessories > Select your controller > Update.

If the controller is still shutting off, try resyncing it with your console:

1. Press and hold the Sync button on the controller until the Xbox button flashes.
2. Press the Sync button on the console and wait for the controller to connect.

Read more: How to fix an Xbox controller that won’t stay on or keeps disconnecting

7. Xbox One not connecting to Wi-Fi

If your Xbox One is not connecting to Wi-Fi, first restart your router and console:

1. Power off your router, wait 30 seconds, and then turn it back on.
2. Power cycle your Xbox One by holding the Xbox button on the front of the console for 10 seconds, then unplugging the power cord for 30 seconds before plugging it back in and restarting.

If the issue persists, check the network settings:

• Go to Settings > Network > Network Settings > Test network connection to diagnose any connectivity issues.

If the console still won’t connect, you may need to reset your network settings:

Go to Settings > Network settings > Advanced settings > Alternate MAC address > Clear.

Read more: Xbox One lagging or not connecting to Wi-Fi? Here's what to do

8. Xbox not reading games

If your Xbox One isn’t reading game discs, start by making sure the disc is clean and free of scratches or smudges. Clean the disc with a microfiber cloth, wiping from the center outward in a straight line.

If the disc is clean and the issue persists, check for system updates:

• Go to Settings > System > Updates & downloads > Update console.

If the console is up to date, try another game disc to determine if the issue is with the console or the disc. If no discs are being read, you may need to perform a hard reset:

• Press and hold the Xbox button for 10 seconds to power down the console, unplug it for 30 seconds, and then restart.

Read more: Why your Xbox One won't read discs and how to fix it​

9. Xbox freezing

If your Xbox One keeps freezing during games or apps, first try restarting the console. Hold the Xbox button on the console for 10 seconds until it powers down, then unplug it for 30 seconds before restarting.

• If the console continues to freeze, check for system updates. Go to Settings > System > Updates & downloads > Update console.
• If the freezing happens only during specific games or apps, try reinstalling the affected game or clearing the cache. Go to Settings > System > Storage > Clear local saved games and then restart the console.

Read more: 7 ways to fix an Xbox One that keeps freezing or crashing

10. No audio on Xbox One

If your Xbox One has no audio, start by checking the connection of your HDMI or optical cable:

Unplug and reconnect the cable to both the Xbox and your TV or audio system.

Next, check that your console’s audio settings are correctly configured:

• Go to Settings > Display & sound > Audio output and make sure HDMI audio or Optical audio is set correctly for your setup.

If there is still no sound, try restarting your console by holding the Xbox button for 10 seconds, then unplugging the power cable for 30 seconds and restarting.

Read more: 9 quick ways to fix Xbox audio issues