The new Xbox Series X and Series S are here, but for those that never buy a console at launch, rest assured Microsoft will support the Xbox One for quite some time. While it has experienced many software updates since its release, players are still coming across many console problems.
One of the most common issues players report is that the console beeps, but it won’t start. Luckily, you can fix this by following a few simple steps. If you’re experiencing problems, read this guide to determine why they occur and how you can troubleshoot them.
Why Xbox One Won’t Turn on but Beeps
You may be wondering why your console won’t start or what the beeping means. This often occurs with the console and other gaming systems for the following reasons:
- The console is overheating.
- There’s a problem with the power supply.
In this guide, we included instructions on how to troubleshoot an Xbox One that won’t turn on but beeps, or if it turns on and off again. Here you’ll know how and if you need to reset your power supply or what to do if your console is overheating.
How to Fix Xbox One That Won’t Turn on but Beeps
There are two situations in which your console beeps but doesn’t turn on: The first time you press the power button, it beeps but doesn’t turn on. Then, you press it again, and it turns on; there’s no reason for concern. It’s merely in a power state.
However, if it doesn’t turn on no matter how many times you press the power button, this is a severe issue that may require a repair or replacement if you’re unable to troubleshoot it on your own. Check your cable, tap the eject button repeatedly, or follow these steps to power cycle your gaming system and reset the internal supply:
- Unplug the cord from the console.
- Wait 10 seconds.
- Plug the cord to the console again, then press the Xbox power button.
The Xbox One S and One X have an internal power supply that may need a reset – especially after a power surge. If it still doesn’t turn on, it may be clogged and overheating.
Xbox One Controller Not Turning On

Another common problem is the Xbox One controller not turning on. This can easily be tested in the following methods:
First, make sure the batteries aren’t dead. You can test this by opening the back cover and replacing the two AA batteries. If you want to invest in rechargeable batteries, you can also purchase the One Play & Charge Kit.
If your controller is fine on battery life, it’s time to test the cable. Plug the included USB-C cable into the USB-C port on the back of the controller, and then plug the other end into your unit or PC. If it doesn’t restore power to your controller, try plugging the cable into a different USB port on your console or PC.
You can find USB ports on the sides or back of your laptop or desktop. While all the mentioned gaming systems have two ports in the back, the front port location will vary.
- Series X: A USB port can be found at the front under the power button.
- Series S: The front USB port is located under the disc tray. If it’s the All-Digital Edition, it doesn’t include an optical disc drive.
- Original: there’s one USB port on the side around the corner from the disc tray.
If your controller doesn’t turn on after connecting it to a different port, your USB-C cable might be defective. You can also test this by plugging it into another device such as a smartphone and a power source. If the connection doesn’t charge the device, the USB-C cable that came with your controller might be defective.
Then, you can try plugging a different USB-C cable into your controller and your unit or PC.
However, if the controller still won’t work using a different USB-C cable, the problem might be with the controller. Once you’ve attempted all of these methods and your controller still won’t turn on, you might need a replacement.
Xbox One Turns on Then Off
Another issue commonly reported by users is that the system will turn on, then shut off after a certain amount of time. Maybe the console could be the culprit, but it’s more likely the power brick or the internal electric supply. Here’s how to fix it:
First, try a different cable. If the problem persists even with a power supply in good condition, the problem is the internal electric supply unit itself. Here’s what you can do to solve the issue:
- Check for signs of overheating. If your console is too hot, it’ll refuse to operate as expected. Keep it unplugged and place it somewhere with plenty of ventilation.
- Reset the electric supply as mentioned previously.
Original Xbox Won’t Turn On
We’ve addressed common issues for the Series X and S, as well as how to troubleshoot them. What if you’re having issues with the Original Xbox? Let’s look at how it differs and what you can do to fix similar issues.
Similar to the Series X and Series S, you’ll need to try the above methods. Check the power supply, and look for signs of damage or overheating.
How it differs: Microsoft no longer manufactures the Original Xbox One or the electrical unit. Therefore, there’s no out-of-warranty support available for the original version. It’s an issue for players that need help with the gaming system.
If your original Xbox console doesn’t turn on with the above methods, you won’t be able to request support or replacements. Instead, it’s advised to upgrade to the next-gen gaming systems and take advantage of any promotions the official retailers may offer.
FAQs
The most common problem is that the power brick has a malfunction.
A quick fix is to unplug the unit, wait 10 seconds and then plug it back in and click the start button on the front.
Every unit has a light that signals the current electrical signal. White or orange light is good. If there is no light or it is flickering, it might mean that the unit is not receiving electricity.