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If your Xbox won’t turn on, then we have you covered right here with several ways to fix it.
From the famous red ring of death on the Xbox 360 to the disc problems with the Series X, all Xbox models are prone to technical glitches every now and then – but the most common issue gamers face is an unresponsive Xbox.
Generally, if your Xbox is not turning on, it is likely due to a broken cable or a malfunctioning outlet. This can be easily fixed by trying a different outlet and changing your cable. However, an issue with the internal power supply can also prevent your Xbox from turning on, in which case your best bet is to give it a reset.
With that said, we have put together a list of the possible causes and their solutions to help you turn on your Xbox. Most of our methods should work for all Xbox generations and models.
Why my Xbox won’t turn on
There are a few reasons why your Xbox won’t turn on.
- Malfunctioning power outlet
- Broken or loose power cable
- Overheating
- Broken power strip
- An issue with the internal PSU
- Problem with the HDMI cable
How to fix an Xbox that won’t turn on
Step
See if the power cable is working
Make sure the power cable is firmly inserted into the Xbox and the power outlet. While you’re at it, go over the entire length of the cable and check for any kind of damaged like fraying or cutting. If everything looks fine and your Xbox is still not turning on, try a different power cable. Sometimes, the cable can be damaged from the inside.
Step
Try switching the power outlet
To ensure that the power supply to the Xbox is not interrupted, check if the power outlet is working. To do this, you can simply plug some other electronic device (like your phone or laptop charger) and see if it works. You can also try plugging in your Xbox to another power outlet.
Step
Check if the power strip is functional
If you’re using a power strip to power your Xbox, there’s a big chance the power strip itself or one of its outlets has stopped working. While you can try a different power strip or a different outlet, you should try plugging your Xbox directly into a different wall outlet to confirm if the issue is with the power strip or not.
Step
Ensure proper ventilation
If you have been using your Xbox for a few hours and now it is not turning on, there is a big chance your Xbox is not getting enough airflow, causing it to overheat. Touch your console and feel if it is warmer than usual. If your Xbox is placed in a closed compartment with poor ventilation, you will have to change its location to someplace more open. Plus, we will also recommend cleaning the vents with a cloth to remove any dust. For more details, you can check out our guide on how to clean Xbox fans.
Step
Power reset your Xbox
The Xbox Series X|S and the Xbox One X|S come with an internal PSU. If this power supply has a glitch, your Xbox will not turn on. This is most likely if your area has recently experienced a power surge or an outage. Nevertheless, you can reset the internal power supply to iron out any issues.
- Unplug the power cable from the Xbox.
- Let it sit for around 10 to 15 seconds.
- Plug the cable back.
- Press the Xbox button.
If your Xbox turns on and there are still some issues, you can try factory resetting your Xbox.
Step
Try turning on Xbox with the controller
If you have been trying to turn on your Xbox using the power button on the console, try turning it on using the controller. Make sure the controller is fully charged or properly plugged into the console. After that, press the Xbox button and see if it works. Similarly, if you were previously trying to turn on your console using the controller, try it again with the power button on the console instead.
Step
Check the HDMI cable for damage
If your Xbox button lights up, but the console is not giving any display, there can be a problem with the HDMI cable. First, check if it is properly inserted into the console and your TV. After that, go over the cable itself and check for any bends or damages. You can also try a different HDMI cable to see if the issue is resolved.
Step
Contact Xbox support for assistance
If none of these fixes have worked for you, it is likely a hardware issue that can only be fixed by official technicians. With that said, your last resort is to contact Xbox Support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you fix your Xbox One if it won’t turn on?
You can fix your Xbox One by changing the power outlet and the power cord. If this doesn’t work, you can also reset its internal power supply by unplugging the console, waiting 10 seconds, and plugging it back again. If nothing seems to be working then you should get in touch with the Xbox support.
Why is the power button not working on my Xbox?
If the power button is not working on your Xbox, you can try a different wall outlet, make sure the console is not overheating, change the power cord, and reset its internal power supply.
Conclusion
To put it simply, if your Xbox won’t turn on, it might be due to a damaged power cable or a faulty power outlet. It’s also possible that overheating or an internal power supply issue is at fault. You can usually fix this by trying a new power cord in a different outlet, resetting the internal power supply, making sure the Xbox is well-ventilated, or using the controller to turn it on. If none of these solutions works and your Xbox still doesn’t respond, it’s a good idea to contact Xbox Support for further assistance.
