Xbox One stuck on green screen: 5 quick fixes to try

💡 Need to know

• Green screen = boot issue: Usually caused by failed updates or corrupt system files.
• Quickest fix: A power cycle solves most cases in under a minute.
• Still stuck? Bring it to your nearest uBreakiFix® by Asurion store for help from a console repair pro.

You turn on your Xbox One® ready to play, but instead of jumping into a game, you're stuck staring at the green loading screen—and it won’t go away. It’s frustrating, but you’re not alone. This issue, often called the "green screen of death," can happen after a system update or if the console is struggling to load the dashboard.

At Asurion, we help you get back to what matters most—whether that’s gaming, streaming, or chatting with friends online. Here’s what to do if your Xbox One is stuck on the green screen.

1. Do a quick reset

First, hold down the Xbox button on your console for 10 seconds until it turns off. Wait a few seconds, then press the button again to restart. This basic power cycle often clears up startup glitches like the green screen.

2. Restart your console in low-power mode

If a standard restart doesn’t help, try a full power cycle. This shuts down the system entirely and clears temporary data.

1. Press and hold the Xbox power button on the console for 10 seconds to turn it off.
2. Unplug the power cable from the back of the console.
3. Wait 30–60 seconds.
4. Plug it back in and turn the console on.

This can resolve issues caused by software hiccups or incomplete updates.

3. Try an offline system update

If your Xbox can’t get past the green screen but you're still seeing the logo or loading animation, try an offline system update using a USB flash drive.

1. On a computer, download the Xbox Offline System Update File (OSU1) from the official Xbox website.
2. Format a USB drive as NTFS and create a folder named $SystemUpdate.
3. Move the OSU1 file into that folder.
4. Plug the USB into your Xbox and enter Startup Troubleshooter mode:
   • Turn off the console.
   • Press and hold the Pair and Eject buttons, then tap the Xbox power button.
   • Release the buttons after the second power-up tone.
5. Choose Offline system update from the menu.

This is a good fix if the green screen started after a recent system update.

4. Reset your Xbox One without losing games

If a restart and update don’t work, you may need to reset your console’s software. You can do this from the Xbox Startup Troubleshooter.

1. Get to the Startup Troubleshooter using the steps above.
2. Choose Reset this Xbox.
3. Select Keep games and apps to avoid deleting your saved data.

Your console will reset its system files while keeping your game library intact.

5. Remove external storage devices

Sometimes, accessories like external hard drives can interfere with your Xbox startup. Unplug any external storage, headsets, or USB devices, then restart the console. If it boots normally, reconnect devices one at a time to find the cause.

Where to get help

If your Xbox is still stuck after trying these fixes, you may be dealing with a more serious hardware issue. The experts at uBreakiFix® by Asurion can help. We fix game consoles and can diagnose problems in-store, whether it’s a bad hard drive or corrupted system file.

FAQ

Why is my Xbox One stuck on a green screen?

It’s often caused by a system update error, startup glitch, or corrupted data. Power cycling or resetting the console usually fixes it.

Will resetting my Xbox delete my games?

Not if you choose the option to keep games and apps. That resets the system software but leaves your game library untouched.

Can I fix the green screen without internet?

Yes. Use the offline system update method with a USB flash drive to reinstall the system software without needing to connect online.

Is the green screen a sign of a failing hard drive?

It can be. If the issue returns often or none of the fixes work, the hard drive could be damaged and may need repair or replacement.

Where can I get my Xbox One fixed?

Visit a uBreakiFix® by Asurion store near you for expert console repair and diagnostics.