An Xbox Series X or S that will not turn on has a first fix from Microsoft that costs nothing: unplug the power cord from the console, wait 10 seconds, plug it back in and press the Xbox button on the front. The Series consoles have an internal power supply, and Microsoft says many power faults are that supply resetting after a surge. Then check that the wall outlet works with another device, that the cord is firm at both ends and is the one that came with the console, and only then request service, because Microsoft warns not to order a part before trying every step.
Differential
Likely causes of “Xbox Series X|S (disc and digital models) will not turn on”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The internal power supply needs a reset after a surge
What separates it The console is completely dark after a storm, an outage or a power strip trip
How to confirm Unplug the power cord from the console, wait 10 seconds, plug it back in and press the Xbox button on the front, as Microsoft directs
- 2
The wall outlet or a strip is not delivering power
What separates it Other devices on the same outlet are also dead, or the console only worked before a strip was added
How to confirm Plug a lamp into the outlet, then plug the console straight into a wall outlet without a strip or extension
- 3
A loose power cord or the wrong cord
What separates it The cord wiggles in the socket, or a cord from another product or region is in use
How to confirm Push the cord firmly into the console and the outlet and use the one that came with the console for your region
- 4
The console shut itself down from heat
What separates it It turns off repeatedly after starting and the vents are blocked or the room is warm
How to confirm Move it to an open, ventilated place with 4 to 6 inches around every side and let it cool for an hour
- 5
A fault that needs service
What separates it It stays dark after the reset, a known-good outlet and the right cord
How to confirm Sign in to Device service and repair with your Microsoft account and submit a service order
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether any light or sound appears when you press the Xbox button, and whether the front button lights
- The model: Series X, Series X Digital or Series S, and the four-digit number on the label
- What preceded it: an update, a power cut, a storm or a move
- Whether the console is registered to your Microsoft account for warranty service
Try in this order
0 of 8 completedReset the internal power supply
ReversibleUnplug the power cord from the back of the console, wait 10 seconds, plug it back in and press the Xbox button on the front. Microsoft says this fixes many cases, because the Series X and S have an internal supply that can trip after a surge.
Test the outlet
ReversiblePlug a lamp or a phone charger into the same wall outlet. If it does not work, the outlet or its breaker is the fault, not the console.
Plug in directly
ReversibleRemove any surge protector or extension cord and use a wall outlet. Microsoft says the console needs the full voltage and a strip can starve it.
Check the cord
ReversibleConfirm the cord is firmly seated in the console and the outlet, that it is the one supplied with the console and the right one for your country. Try a second cord of the same type if you have one.
Try a full shutdown, then power on
ReversibleIf the console seems half on, hold the power button on the front for 10 seconds until it turns off fully, wait, then press it again. This is Microsoft's forced shutdown.
Give it ventilation
ReversibleIf it turns on and then off, move it to a cool, well-ventilated place with at least 4 to 6 inches of clearance on every side, out of a cabinet, and leave it off for an hour.
Disconnect extras and try again
ReversibleUnplug the Storage Expansion Card, USB drives and any charging station, then try the reset again. Microsoft notes attached devices can interfere with startup.
Request service
ReversibleIf the console will not turn on after every step, sign in to Device service and repair with your Microsoft account and submit a service order. Register the console first if it is not registered.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Series X, Series X Digital and Series S
- Microsoft lists the Series X at 15.1 x 15.1 x 30.1 cm and 4.4 kg, and the Series S at 15.1 x 15.1 x 27.5 cm and 1.92 kg. All three have an internal power supply.
- Clearance
- Microsoft says to give a Series X or Series S at least 4 to 6 inches of clearance on all sides and not to place it in an enclosed cabinet.
- Tools and supplies
- A lamp to test the outlet, the supplied power cord, a flashlight to look at the port and a towel to rest the console on.
- Model and serial number
- Give Microsoft the four-digit model number on the label (1882 for the Series X, 1883 for the Series S), the serial number and your Microsoft account, not a part number.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the console stays dark after the power reset, a working outlet and the supplied cord, request service through Device service and repair
- !If you smell burning or hear a pop, unplug the console and do not power it again
- !If it keeps shutting off from heat even with clear space around it, request service
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. Microsoft writes these for the Series X|S and the Xbox One together and marks what applies to each. The original Xbox One's separate power brick is covered on the Xbox One page, not here.
Out-of-warranty service fee chart by device.
The internal power supply reset and outlet checks.
Full shutdown by holding the power button.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why won't my Xbox Series X turn on?+
Microsoft's first fix is to unplug the power cord, wait 10 seconds and plug it back in, then press the Xbox button. The console has an internal power supply that often resets after a surge.
Do the Series X and Series S have a power brick?+
No. Microsoft says the Series X|S, Xbox One X and Xbox One S have an internal power supply that works in all regions; only the original Xbox One has a separate power supply.
Should I order a new power supply?+
No. The internal supply cannot be swapped by you. Microsoft says to try every step first, or you may request a replacement when the console itself needs repair.
Can I use a surge protector?+
Microsoft says to plug the console straight into a wall outlet and not a surge protector or extension cord, so that it gets the full voltage it needs.
How do I force the console off?+
Hold the power button on the front for about 10 seconds. Microsoft says to do this if the console is frozen or will not shut down.
How much do repairs cost?+
Out of warranty, an independent shop charges about $150 to $180 for an HDMI port on a Series X and $150 to $170 on a Series S per BadgerLayer, and the service order shows what applies to your console and whether it is under warranty.