Xbox Series X or S won’t turn on? Here’s how to fix it
You just bought the game, and you’ve already lost—but it wasn’t a fault of your own. The real reason you couldn’t play was because your Xbox Series X won’t turn on. We’ve all been there.
When your console isn’t working, it can feel like game over, especially if you don’t know what caused the issue or how to fix it. Even newer models like the Xbox Series X|S can experience breakdowns unexpectedly similar to their predecessor, the Xbox One. Fortunately, when these gaming systems malfunction, there are a few ways to get things back up and running—because Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla won’t play itself.
At Asurion, our experts help millions of customers get the most out of their favorite tech, from finding the best noise-canceling headphones to preventing OLED screen burn when watching your TV. Here are their tips for fixing your Xbox gaming console when it won’t power on.
Why is my Xbox not turning on?
The most common reasons your Xbox Series X|S isn’t turning on are due to problems with the hardware, software, or the power supply. Here’s why you may encounter these issues:
Your Xbox’s internal components are damaged or malfunctioning.
The Xbox power cable is improperly connected or faulty.
Your Xbox isn’t well ventilated and may be overheating. This is also true if it continuously turns off and is warm to the touch.
An Xbox not turning on can also be the result of corrupted software or firmware. Partial or incomplete updates, corrupted game files, or a poor network connection can cause these issues.
How to check your Xbox Series X or S power supply
Unlike the Xbox One, an Xbox Series X|S doesn’t have a power brick. It has an internal power supply. If you determine that this is the cause of your Xbox Series X not turning on, our experts recommend getting your console professionally serviced. But before you do, make sure you’ve eliminated these power issues first:
Inspect the cable – Are you using the right power cable? It should be the one that was included with your device. Also is the power cable completely and firmly connected to both the power outlet and console?
Check the power outlet – Does anything else power on when connected to the same outlet? Try plugging in another electronic device and testing to see if it works.
Replace the power source – Is it still not powering on? You might need to move your console to a different outlet or try using a new power strip to plug in your device.
How to fix an Xbox Series X or S that won’t turn on
Xbox still won’t turn on? Once you’ve checked the external power source, you should also perform a power reset on the system. This will reboot your console and hopefully fix the issue. The steps are simple:
Press and hold the Xbox button for 5-10 seconds. This will ensure it’s powered off.
Unplug the power cable from the wall outlet and the cable connected to your Xbox.
Wait at least 10 seconds, then reconnect the power cable to your Xbox and wall outlet.
Press the Xbox button on the console.
If your Xbox Series X|S fails to turn on after the internal power reset, it may have a hardware issue or worse—your console needs to be replaced. Don’t panic: There are two more steps you can take before sending in your Xbox to be serviced.
Remove dust from USB ports and vents - You can use canned air or a bulb syringe to blow dust and dirt out of your Xbox console, which can be causing it to overheat.
Test your wireless controller - Press and hold the guide button on the controller to turn on your Xbox. Or if you’ve already been attempting to use the controller, try pressing the Xbox button on your console. Syncing issues can happen occasionally, and it’s one of the reasons users report their Xbox One not turning on as well.
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