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 the five most common Xbox One problems and their fixes.

Calling all gamers!

If you’re a gamer and like sharing your opinions, take part in a 2-minute survey. We’d love to hear about your gaming needs.

Go to the survey

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.

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.

Schedule a repair

3. Xbox One won't turn on

If your Xbox One won't turn on, or 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.

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.

5. Games won't install

If your Xbox One won't install games, first, check that your disc is in good condition. If no visible scratches or warps are present, check to make sure that your console has the latest update installed:

1. Go to Settings > System > Updates & downloads > Update console.
2. If you see “No console update available,” your system is up to date—if you see “Update console” or “Console update available,” select the update and begin the installation.

If the disc is in good condition and your console was already up-to-date, try to install the game offline by going to Settings > General > Network settings and selecting Go offline before inserting the game disc. Reconnect to Xbox Live when you're finished, and the issue should be resolved.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.