What to do when your Xbox One won't turn on

You press the power button on your Xbox One™, but nothing happens. No lights. No sound. Just a console that won’t turn on. Whether it shut off suddenly or won’t start at all, don’t worry—there are a few things you can try before assuming the worst.

At Asurion, we know gaming because many of us are gamers ourselves. Our experts help customers with console power issues every day. Here’s what to do if your Xbox One won’t turn on. And if you need help along the way, stop by your nearest uBreakiFix® by Asurion for a free device diagnostic.

Check the power cable and outlet

Start with the basics—your Xbox might not be getting power.

• Make sure the power cable is plugged in securely to the console and a working wall outlet
• Avoid using a surge protector or extension cord
• Try a different outlet or power strip to rule out a faulty connection
• If you're using an Xbox One with a power brick, check that the light is on (white or orange)

Power cycle the console

If your Xbox seems completely unresponsive, try this:

1. Unplug the power cable from the console and the wall
2. Wait 30–60 seconds
3. Plug it back in and press the Power button again

This clears the internal power supply and can fix minor glitches.

Look for signs of overheating

If your console turned off suddenly and won’t turn back on, it might have overheated.

• Feel the top and sides of the console—if it’s hot, let it cool down for at least 30 minutes
• Make sure the vents aren’t blocked and clean out any dust buildup
• Move the console to a better-ventilated area

Try the controller or eject button

Sometimes, your Xbox One may still be running even if the Power button doesn’t respond.

• Try turning it on using the Xbox button on a synced controller
• Press the Eject button—if it beeps, your console has power but the display might be the issue

If so, check out our guide on what to do if you can’t see the picture or display on your Xbox.

Replace the power supply (if applicable)

If your Xbox One uses an external power supply (the brick), it might be the problem.

• Check the LED light on the power brick
  • Solid white or orange = normal
  • No light = replace the power supply
• Try using a different power supply if available

Consider a hardware issue

If your Xbox still won’t turn on after trying everything, there may be a hardware problem—like a faulty power button or internal component.

Visit your nearest uBreakiFix® by Asurion for a free device diagnostic. Our experts can find the issue and help you get back to gaming.

FAQ

How do I know if my Xbox One power supply is bad?

If the light on your power brick doesn’t turn on or flickers, it could be defective. Try a new one if you have access to a replacement.

Can overheating cause my Xbox to shut down?

Yes. Your Xbox may power off automatically if it gets too hot. Let it cool down and make sure the vents are clean and unobstructed.

What if the Xbox button on my controller doesn’t work either?

Try plugging the controller in with a USB cable or use the Power button directly on the console. If there’s no response at all, it may be a power supply or internal issue.

What should I do if none of these steps work?

Bring your Xbox to a uBreakiFix® by Asurion for a free device diagnostic. Our experts can check for internal hardware problems and help with the fix.