On an Xbox Series X, game saves for most titles live in the cloud as well as on the console, and they sync when the console is signed in and online. A save that is missing on another console usually means the first console never finished uploading, because it played offline or was switched off before the sync. Start by checking the console's network connection, then open the game's page, press the Menu button, choose Manage game and add-ons, and look at Saved data. The Game Hub also shows the sync status.
If a message says your previous device is still uploading, wait for the other console to reach the network, or choose the save you want when the console asks. Quick Resume states are stored on the console only, so they do not follow you to another Xbox.
Differential
Likely causes of “Xbox Series X|S (disc and digital models) saved games will not sync”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
The other console played offline
What separates it The newest progress is missing on this console
How to confirm Connect the other console to the Xbox network so it uploads
- 2
Not signed in, or a different profile
What separates it The game shows no saved data
How to confirm Sign in with the profile that created the save
- 3
A game that does not use cloud saves
What separates it No sync status appears for one title
How to confirm Check the game's page; some titles handle saves themselves
- 4
Two consoles diverged
What separates it Each has a different save
How to confirm Choose the newer save when prompted
- 5
A network or service problem
What separates it Syncing never finishes
How to confirm Test the connection and check Xbox status
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The game and which console has the newest save
- The sync status in the game's page
- Whether either console played offline
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedCheck the connection
ReversibleOpen Settings, General, Network settings and test the connection.
Sign in to the right profile
ReversibleMake sure the console uses the profile that created the save.
Open the game's page
ReversibleHighlight the game, press Menu and choose Manage game and add-ons, Saved data.
Wait for uploads
ReversibleIf it says another device is uploading, wait for that console to finish.
Pick the newer save
ReversibleIf asked, choose the save with the later time.
Sync before resetting
ReversibleConnect and let saves upload before any console reset.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Cloud and local
- Microsoft keeps game data on the console and in the cloud and syncs it when you connect.
- Windows
- Cloud saves are tied to your account; on Windows, Gaming Services should be allowed to run for sync.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the Xbox Series X Digital Edition, Xbox Series S (512GB and 1TB).
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If a save is missing everywhere and the cloud shows nothing, contact Xbox support before deleting the game
- !If a sync error repeats after a restart and a network test, contact Xbox support with the message
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Out-of-warranty service fee chart by device.
How cloud saves sync and how to check status.
Sync error messages and what to do.
Saved data returns when you reinstall a game.
Exact questions
Common questions
Do Xbox saves sync automatically?+
Yes, for games that support cloud saves, when the console is online and signed in.
Does Quick Resume sync between consoles?+
No. Quick Resume keeps a game's state on the console it ran on, so use the game's normal save to move progress.
What does 'your previous device is still uploading' mean?+
The console you last played has not finished sending the save. Wait for it to reach the network.
Will uninstalling a game delete my save?+
If the save had uploaded to the cloud, reinstalling restores it. Check the sync status first.
Can I play offline and still keep my progress?+
Yes, but the save syncs the next time the console connects, so connect before switching consoles.