5 ways to fix your Xbox when it won't connect to Wi-Fi or internet

If your Xbox One isn't connected to the internet, then you can't access numerous features on the gaming console specifically the ability to play video games online via Xbox Live, install new games, or stream videos.

Updated
  • If your Xbox One won't connect to Wi-Fi, you should rule out signal, hardware, and distance issues.
  • You can also check if Xbox Live is working and if any other devices can connect to Wi-Fi.
  • Next, try troubleshooting the Xbox and ensuring it is on your router's list of authorized addresses.

If your Xbox One isn't connected to the internet, then you can't access numerous features on the gaming console — specifically the ability to play video games online via Xbox Live, install new games, or stream videos.

This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.

Reasons your Xbox One isn't connecting to Wi-Fi

There are several different reasons why your Xbox might refuse to connect to the Wi-Fi. It usually boils down to the following:

  • Xbox and router are too far apart: If there's too much distance between the Xbox One and router, you can experience connection problems. You need to move it closer to the router or vice-versa and see if that fixes the issue. This is probably the first thing you should do before trying anything else.
  • Wi-Fi signal disruptors: Physical barriers, such as thick walls, and other devices using the same frequency, such as Bluetooth devices, microwave ovens, and other networking devices, can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal. Removing these signal disruptors or switching to a different frequency can help solve the problem.
  • Problems with the Xbox: Sometimes, the Xbox software can glitch, causing connectivity issues. You can try updating the console or restarting it to see if it will connect again.
  • Problems with the router: Router or modem issues are the biggest sources of connectivity issues, and power cycling them can resolve the problem sometimes.

Make sure Xbox Live is online

Check the Xbox Live Status Page to ensure that Xbox Live is up and running. Taylor Lyles/Insider

If your internet is working, but Xbox Live won't connect, you will need to see if Xbox Live is currently down worldwide. You can check this by heading to the Xbox Live Status Page on your computer, smartphone, or tablet.

Unfortunately, if it is down, it's out of your control and you will have to wait until Microsoft brings Xbox Live back up online.

Check if other devices can connect to the internet

Check if the internet is working on your other devices. Taylor Lyles/Insider

If Xbox Live seems to be up and running the first thing to do is check if your Wi-Fi network is the cause of your issues.

1. Check other devices in your household to see if they are connected to the internet. You can use a computer or tablet, or even another gaming console.

2. Make sure that whatever device you are checking is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Xbox One.

3. If your other device is not connecting to the internet either, you can power cycle the router. Just locate your modem or router and unplug it, then wait a few seconds before plugging it back in. Alternatively, you can unplug your ethernet cable from the router and wait a few seconds, and then plug it back in.

The best mesh Wi-Fi routers for improving your home network

Mesh routers provide more reliable Wi-Fi performance and superior coverage for larger homes. Here are the best mesh Wi-Fi routers we've tested: 

Examine your Xbox One's router connection

You can use a few methods to check your router's connection to your Xbox One. Casezy idea/Shutterstock

If your Xbox One is connected to the internet via an ethernet cable, you can try to swap out the cable and see if that is the issue. Alternatively, you can also try plugging the ethernet cable into a different router port.

If you are connected to Wi-Fi, check your Xbox One settings to make sure you are using the correct Wi-Fi password. If the password is correct and your Xbox One is still not connecting, try placing your Xbox One console closer to your router or removing any objects possibly blocking the signal.

Quick tip: Although not common, your Xbox One won't connect to the Wi-Fi or internet if its network card is damaged. If that's the case, you'll have to replace it – call a hardware professional if you're not knowledgeable about fixing hardware.

Re-enter your Xbox One Wi-Fi password

Check that your Wi-Fi password is correct on your Xbox One. Shutterstock

If your Wi-Fi is not connecting because of an incorrect password, try re-entering the password and see if that fixes your Xbox One connection problem.

1. Turn on your Xbox One and head to the system's Settings page and then click on Network.

2. Locate your Wi-Fi network from the list and then click on the network. Re-enter your password when prompted.

Examine the MAC filtering

You can find the MAC address in your Xbox One's advanced settings. Taylor Lyles/Insider

Wireless routers can prevent devices, including video game consoles like your Xbox One, from using Wi-Fi thanks to MAC filtering.

1. Power on your Xbox One console, then head to your Settings and select Network and then Advanced Settings.

2. In Advanced Settings, write down your Wireless MAC address.

3. Check your router's instructions or website for assistance on how to add your console's MAC address to your router's list of authorized MAC addresses.

4. Once you add your MAC address to your router, restart your Xbox One console and try to reconnect to the internet.

Quick tip: You can contact the Xbox support team or your internet service provider if all these solutions prove ineffective.

Taylor Lyles Taylor Lyles is a freelance writer for Business Insider. Read more Read less

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8HSoqWeq6Oeu7S1w56pZ5ufonyowcidnKxnpJqwqXvWobBmr5%2BjwW652Gavm6eoYryvsYycpqemlZjBbsDOZq6inpk%3D

 Share!