Xbox One: The Most Common Console Problems & How to Fix Them

Microsoft’s Xbox One is an all-in-one gaming device that plays it’s part in several different areas – gaming, TV, music, livestreaming, social media etc.

If you were lucky enough to get yourself one, then we’re pretty sure you’re having the time of your life with games like Dead Rising 3, Ryse: Son of Rome, Killer Instinct and Titanfall. You want your Xbox One to last you until the next Xbox, right? Then make sure you know about the Xbox One’s common hardware/software issues and what it takes to get theme fixed.

Fixya, one of the leading product Q&A destinations for web and mobile, listed the most common problems they’re always getting troubleshooting requests for:

1. Kinect – 30%
2. Console Turning Off – 25%
3. Audio/Sounds – 15%
4. Disc Drive – 10%
5. Other – 20%

Xbox One users also reported the biggest issue they’re running into:

The Xbox One users are struggling most with a feature originally meant to set itself apart from the rest, the Kinect – whether that is commands not being recognized, the motion sensor technology malfunctioning or the Kinect simply not responding.

Now that you know what common problems the Xbox One experiences, it’s time to figure out what it takes to solve these issues when they arrive on your console.

Kinect

The Kinect is a wonderful piece of technology that allows user to give commands to their device and play supported games via motion tracking and voice commands. This feature is a major selling point of the Xbox One, but unfortunately some issues have cropped up for users when attempting to use it. The most common problem associated with the Kinect is that sometimes it simply does not work properly—whether that is voice commands not being recognized, the motion sensor technology malfunctioning, or games that leverage Kinect for in-game play not being able to be played because of these issues. Plain and simple – if you’re playing a game that requires Kinect, and your Kinect isn’t working, then obviously that game becomes unplayable.

For Kinect issues, there are a couple of options for users:

– Make sure your Kinect is plugged in properly.
– Do a reset of your Xbox One by turning off the system for two minutes, unplugging all of the cords associated with the device, and then plugging it back in.
– Make sure your Kinect settings are up to date and compatible with what you are trying to do with it.
– Contact Microsoft customer service and order a replacement Kinect.

Head to the next page to get some info on what to do when your Xbox One powers off unexpectedly!

Console Turning Off

Users are reporting that their console will sometime power off during use and/or be unable to be turned on at all when attempting to boot up. If users encounter this more than a handful of times in a two-day period this essentially renders the system useless considering they aren’t able to play or use it for its broad range of entertainment purposes.

For a console turning off or can’t be turned on, there are a couple of options for users:

– Check to see if your console is overheating, as the Xbox One should provide a warning notification if it is shutting down to prevent hardware damage. Don’t play the system for a minimum of two hours if you receive this message.
– Put the system in a more open area with proper ventilation and/or placing a fan next to the system that will help reduce heat.
– Ensure that the power supply light is a constant color and not flickering and/or not present.
– Do a reset of your Xbox One by turning off the Xbox One for two minutes, unplugging all of the cords associated with the device, and then plugging it back in.
– Ensure that the internal fan in the device is running—you should be able to hear it when using the system.
– Plug your power cord into a different outlet and/or use a power grid when using the system.
– Contact Microsoft customer service.

Head to the next page to learn what to do if your Xbox One is having audio/sounds issues!

Audio/Sounds

Fixya users reported issues with the audio of the Xbox One when plugging into their television or an external speaker system. A variety of issues were found, such as the audio being greatly reduced, only coming out of one speaker, or not being present at all. This obviously presents issues for users, especially if they do not have a set of headphones they usually use when playing games or consuming media with the system.

For audio issues, here are some fixes to pursue for users:

– Microsoft has replaced A/V cables with a single HDMI or optical cable that runs the audio and visual connection between your television and Xbox One. This means that the issue may be with the HDMI cable that came with your device and could require a replacement piece.
– Ensure your HDMI or optical cable is free of any defects or damage.
– Do a reset of your Xbox One by turning off the Xbox One for two minutes, unplugging all of the cords associated with the device, and then plugging it back in.
– Examine your Xbox One’s display and sound settings through the settings menu on the home page and ensure you have the correct option selected.
– Contact Microsoft customer service.