An Xbox One that will not turn on splits at the power supply, and the split is Microsoft's own. The One S and the One X have an internal supply, so the fix is to unplug the cord from the console, wait 10 seconds and press the Xbox button. The original Xbox One has an external fan-assisted brick with an LED, and its reset is different: unplug everything, wait 10 seconds, plug the brick into the wall and the power outlet only, then read the LED. A steady LED that leaves the console dead means the console needs service; an off or flashing orange LED means the brick itself needs replacing.
Differential
Likely causes of “Xbox One, One S and One X will not turn on”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The internal power supply tripped after a surge (One S and One X)
What separates it The console is dark after a storm or outage and there is no external brick
How to confirm Unplug the cord from the console, wait 10 seconds, plug it back in and press the Xbox button on the front, as Microsoft directs
- 2
The original Xbox One's external power supply needs a reset
What separates it The LED on the brick is off or blinking after a surge
How to confirm Unplug all power cables, wait 10 seconds, plug the AC cord into the wall and the brick only, and read the LED before connecting the console
- 3
A power supply that has failed (original Xbox One)
What separates it The LED stays off or flashes orange after the reset
How to confirm Microsoft says the power supply unit needs replacing; the original Xbox One and its supply are no longer manufactured, so out-of-warranty support is not available
- 4
A power strip, extension or unlicensed accessory in the path
What separates it The console loses power or the brick is noisy when plugged into a strip
How to confirm Plug the power supply directly into a wall outlet and remove any accessory between the console and its supply
- 5
A console fault with the power supply working
What separates it The LED is steady and the console still will not start after pressing the Xbox button
How to confirm The console needs service; in-warranty consoles can be repaired through Device service and repair
- 6
A failed power supply inside an Xbox One X
What separates it No light and no response even on a good outlet and cord, after Microsoft's power steps
How to confirm iFixit has a power supply replacement guide for the Xbox One X, so a dead unit is a service or repair-shop job rather than a reason to replace the console
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Which Xbox One you have: the original 2013 model (1540), the One S (1681) or the One X (1787), from the sticker on the back or underneath
- For the original model, the LED color on the power supply: on, off or flashing orange
- What happened first: a storm, an outage, a move or a strip added
- Whether the console is under warranty or registered
Try in this order
0 of 8 completedFind out which Xbox One you have
ReversibleLook at the sticker on the back or underneath: Xbox One X or Xbox One S. If neither is named, it is the original 2013 console, which has an external power supply.
Reset the internal supply (One S or One X)
ReversibleUnplug the power cord from the console, wait 10 seconds, plug it back in and press the Xbox button on the front. Microsoft says many power faults are the supply resetting after a surge.
Reset the brick (original Xbox One)
ReversibleUnplug the power cables from the console, the wall outlet and the power supply. Wait 10 seconds, then plug the cable firmly into the outlet and the power supply, leaving the DC cord out of the console. Look at the LED on the supply.
Read the LED
ReversibleIf the LED is on, plug the DC cord into the console and press the Xbox button. If it is off or flashing orange after the reset, the power supply unit needs replacing. Microsoft says a steady LED with a dead console means the console needs service.
Test the outlet and go direct
ReversiblePlug a lamp into the wall outlet. Take out any strip or extension and connect the power supply straight to the wall; a strip can starve the console of voltage.
Check the cords
ReversibleUse the cords that came with the console, the right ones for your country. Fully insert the DC cord into the console and firmly plug the AC cord into the brick.
Give the power supply air
ReversibleThe original brick has a built-in fan. Do not put it on a bed or sofa, in a cabinet, or near a radiator, and lay it flat on its rubber pads with nothing stacked on top.
Request service where it applies
ReversibleIf the console still will not start, sign in to Device service and repair with your Microsoft account. The original Xbox One and its supply are no longer made, so only in-warranty units can be repaired.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Original Xbox One (1540)
- External fan-assisted power supply measuring about 17 x 4.8 x 7.5 cm with a hard-wired DC cord and a detachable AC cord. It can only be placed horizontally.
- Xbox One S (1681) and One X (1787)
- Internal power supply that works in all regions. The One S is the slim standard model with 4K video and HDR; the One X is the most powerful last-generation Xbox.
- Tools and supplies
- A lamp to test the outlet, the supplied cords and a flashlight to read the LED on the brick.
- Model and serial number
- Give Microsoft the four-digit model number, the serial number and your Microsoft account; not a part number.
- Repair cost
- For this fault an Xbox One S or X internal power supply is $130 to $170. These are BadgerLayer's 2026 Xbox independent-shop prices; Microsoft's own service is a higher flat fee.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the Xbox One S, Xbox One.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If an original Xbox One's LED is steady and the console will not start, the console needs service; Microsoft notes out-of-warranty support is no longer offered for that model
- !If a One S or One X stays dark after the reset, a working outlet and the supplied cord, request service
- !If you smell burning or hear a pop from the brick or console, unplug it and do not use it again
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. Microsoft notes that the original Xbox One and its power supply are no longer manufactured, so out-of-warranty repair is not offered for that model; the One S and One X are still serviced where eligible. The power supply point comes from an iFixit guide; it is third-party.
Power supply replacement.
The internal power supply reset for the One S and One X.
The original Xbox One brick reset and LED meanings.
The external supply's fan, placement and safety.
Exact questions
Common questions
Does every Xbox One have a power brick?+
No. Microsoft says the original Xbox One has an external fan-assisted power supply, while the One S and One X have an internal power supply that works worldwide.
What does the LED on the Xbox One power supply mean?+
On means the supply is powered; off or flashing orange after a reset means the power supply needs replacing. A steady LED with a console that will not start means the console needs service.
How do I reset the Xbox One power supply?+
For the original: unplug everything, wait 10 seconds, plug the brick into the wall and power cord only and check the LED. For the One S and One X: unplug the cord from the console for 10 seconds.
Can I buy a new power supply for the original Xbox One?+
Microsoft says the original Xbox One and its power supply are no longer manufactured, so out-of-warranty support is not available for that model.
Why is my Xbox One power supply noisy?+
Microsoft says the brick has a fan that varies with temperature, and if the noise seems excessive the strip it is plugged into may be overloaded. Plug it into a wall outlet.
Can I use a different power supply?+
Microsoft says only the standard Xbox One power supply for your region, and warns that non-Microsoft accessories plugged into the socket may damage the console and void the warranty.
What if the console turns off by itself?+
It may be too hot. Turn it off, wait at least an hour, move it somewhere ventilated and turn it on again.
Is the process different for the One S and One X?+
Yes for the reset: the One S and One X have no brick, so the reset is only unplugging the cord from the console for 10 seconds and pressing the Xbox button.