Xbox One Won't Turn On? How to Fix It

The Xbox One is a popular video game console, but like any technology, it occasionally has some problems. Sometimes, it refuses to turn on. Unlike the Xbox 360 and its Red Ring of Death, the Xbox One doesn't have as many explicit external cues to problems. This means you need to take an approach that rules out problems from the most to the least likely, especially if the device refuses to turn on and offers an error code.

Reasons Why Your Xbox One Isn't Turning On

There are a number of potential reasons why your Xbox One console isn't turning on. The power supply might be faulty or improperly connected. The console could be broken or overheating. Or, the controller simply needs a recharge.

How to Fix an Xbox One That Won't Turn On

Try some of the below solutions before contacting Microsoft for repairs or buying a new device.

1. Make sure your Xbox One controller is connected. If you tried turning on the console by pressing the Xbox button on the controller, press the power button on the console instead. If it turns on, replace the batteries in the controller. Then, turn off the console and turn it on with the controller again. If that fails, plug the controller directly into the console with a USB cord and try again. If none of these things work, you need to replace the controller.

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2. Check the power supply. Make sure the cord is firmly seated in the console and securely plugged into the outlet. If not, seat it in both places and try again. If the console still doesn't turn on, check the LED on the power brick. If it isn't lit up, or if the light blinks orange, replace the power supply. You might need to have the console serviced if there's a steady white or steady orange light.

3. Check the power strip. If you use a power strip or surge protector, make sure it's on and functioning properly. Some have fuses that blow in a power surge and protect electronics from damage. Check other items plugged into the strip to ensure these devices function properly and try a different outlet on the strip. If an outlet on the power strip is dead, you should replace it immediately.

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4. Try a different wall outlet. Take the console and the power supply to a different outlet, plug it in, and see if it turns on. If it does, there's likely an electrical issue. If other items in your room and house aren't working, turn off anything connected to that circuit and go to the fuse box or circuit breaker. Look for a switch that's flipped to the off position. Move it to on and wait. If everything else works, it may be an issue with the outlet; contact a licensed electrician.

5. Reset the internal power supply. Unplug the cables from the console, the wall outlet, and the power supply, and wait ten seconds. Then plug it back in and press the Xbox button on the front of the console.

6. Ensure the Xbox One has proper ventilation. If the console shuts down in the middle of a gaming session and won't turn back on, it may be overheating. Remove any objects around the console and place it so vents on the casing can easily draw in air.

   You may want to use canned air or a dry cloth to clean dust out of the vents if any is visible.

7. Check the console settings. Open the Settings menu and choose Power & Start-Up. The Instant-On feature puts the console into sleep mode when you turn it off, instead of completely powering it down. This allows the console to turn on faster, but it could also interfere with starting. Set it to Energy-Saving instead. Then, check the Auto-Shutdown setting on the same menu. Turn it off if needed.

8. If none of the above solutions work, your console might need repairs. Contact Xbox customer support.