Although the Xbox One didn’t have any red rings of death, Microsoft’s next-gen system hasn’t been without its issues since launch. And no, we’re not talking just about flagging sales compared to PS4. A variety of Xbox One problems and technical issues have cropped up since November, from a blank screen after updating the OS to Kinect not responding to a host of other hiccups.
A recent analysis by Fixya has catalogued and explained the top Xbox One problems and technical issues. Not surprisingly, Kinect problems top the list, followed by troubles with the console turning off. Who wants to be that the two are related, or at least tied tangentially to Kinect voice commands?
According to Fixya, the top five Xbox One problems and technical issues are:
- Kinect (30% of all problems reported)
- The console turning off (25%)
- Audio / sound issues (15%)
- Cached pages (10%)
- Other (20%)
It’s one thing to know the top 5 Xbox One problems and technical issues, but it’s more important to fix them. With that in mind, here are the recommended ways to fix the three most-common Xbox One issues, courtesy of Fixya.
Xbox One Kinect Problems: The Kinect is a major selling point of the Xbox One, but some issues have cropped up for users when attempting to use it. The most common problem with Kinect is the sensor simply not working properly. In some cases this is voice commands not being recognized, while in other cases it’s the motion sensor malfunctioning or games that use Kinect for gameplay not being able to be played because of these issues. The top ways to fix Kinect issues, says Fixya, are:
- 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.
Console Turning Off: Many users have reported that their Xbox One will sometimes power off during use and/or won’t turn on when trying to boot it up. If your Xbox One won’t turn off or won’t turn on, here are a few fixes:
- 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
Audio Problems: The Xbox One’s audio issues have been well documented, largely related to Dolby Digital. While that’s largely been fixed in the March system update, Fixya users have reported issues when plugging the console into their HDTV or an external speaker system. Among the issues: audio being too quiet, sound only coming from one speaker, or not hearing any audio at all. Here are some fixes:
- There may be an issue with the HDMI cable that came with your Xbox One and may 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.
Obviously there are other, isolated Xbox One problems and technical issues. After all, how else does the “Other” category account for 20% of all reported problems? Still, the three outlined above are the biggies in terms of single problems, so with any luck the quick fixes here will help resolve your problem. If you’re having trouble with your Xbox One that’s not in Fixya’s list of top 5 Xbox One problems and technical issues, describe it in the comments below and, if you have a good fix, let us know what you did to remedy the situation.