Are you irked that your fave Xbox One console won’t turn on but instead greets you with a strange beeping noise?
Before you boil over with frustration since you want to play right away, know this is a common issue and that there are proven fixes you can implement right away!
In this guide, we’re listing in full detail eight proven fixes when your Xbox One won’t turn on but beeps — giving you step-by-step instructions with pictures so you can DIY every solution without having to call an expert.
| Difficulty | Easy ●●○○○ |
| Duration | 3 minutes and 10 seconds |
| Number of Fixes | 8 |
| Things You Need | Xbox One consoleReplacement PSUBlow dryer |
How to Fix Xbox One That Won’t Turn On but Beeps
Have faith, the instructions below should help you sail through in flying colors. It’s all a matter of following one step after another to address the issue with your Xbox One console that’s acting up.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in.
1. Soft reset your Xbox One console.
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 4 |
| Duration | 45 seconds |
Like any other device, soft resetting is a quick and easy solution for fixing minor issues on your console. In particular, you can use this simple trick whenever your Xbox One doesn’t turn on but beeps.
You can call it a handy solution. Essentially, this action will force your console to shut down and reboot, which is usually enough to correct any error causing it to act up.
Follow these steps to soft reset your Xbox One console:
- Press/hold the Xbox button
on your console for 10 seconds.
- Wait until the console and the connected monitor’s display entirely shut down.
- Press the Xbox button
- Wait for the Xbox One logo to appear on the monitor’s display and for the console to reboot.
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Note: The reboot process may take a lot longer to complete compared to when you’re powering on your console normally. This indicates that your Xbox One is undergoing a special reboot sequence.
2. Power cycle your Xbox One console.
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 4 |
| Duration | 40 seconds |
If your Xbox One won’t turn on but beeps even after the soft reset, you might need to power cycle the console to eliminate any stored-up power in its components. Please note that your Xbox One console has to be shut down entirely beforehand.
Follow these steps to power cycle your Xbox One console:
- Press/hold the Xbox button
- Wait until the console and the connected monitor’s display entirely shut down.
- Press/hold the Xbox button
- Wait until the status light on the power brick/supply flickers white and orange.
- Wait again until the status light stays at orange, indicating it’s in standby mode.
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- Press the Xbox button
Easy peasy, right? But that may not be enough; if that’s the case, let’s move on to the following proven fix.
3. Reset the power brick or supply unit.
An issue with the power brick or supply unit can lead to an Xbox One that won’t turn on but just beeps. In this case, you might need to reset the power supply unit to ensure the console receives enough juice from the power source.
To do so, you can manually select total shutdown via the settings or use the Xbox button on the console itself. Using only the power off option on the menu will put it in standby mode, and you’ll even notice that the internal fans will still be working.
Follow these steps to perform a full shutdown via the settings:
| Difficulty | Easy ●●○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 7 |
| Duration | 30 seconds |
Press the Xbox button on the controller.Scroll right to the gear icon. |
Scroll down/click Settings. |
Click General. |
Click the Power mode & startup tile. |
Scroll down/click Full shutdown. |
| Click Shut down to power off the console completely. |
If your Xbox One console is frozen, it will be impossible to access the settings so your alternative is to manually do a full shutdown. All you have to do is press and hold the Xbox button on the console for 10 seconds until it shuts down completely.
Follow these steps to reset your Xbox One console’s power supply unit:
| Difficulty | Easy ●●○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 7 |
| Duration | 30 to 60 seconds |
- Unplug the power cable behind the console and the power outlet.
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- Wait for 10 seconds to pass.
- Plug the power cable back into only the power outlet.
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- Check if the status light on the power brick/supply is on.
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Note: If the status light is on, you can continue with the next steps. If it’s blinking or off, the power brick/supply unit is damaged and needs to be replaced.
- Plug the power cable back into the Xbox One console as well.
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- Check if the status light stays on.
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Note: If the status light stays on, proceed to the next step. If not, it’s damaged and must be repaired or replaced.
- Press the Xbox button
If your Xbox One console is covered by warranty, you can send it to Microsoft for repairs. Unfortunately, out-of-warranty units are no longer supported, and your best bet is to find a technician who can repair your broken power brick/supply unit.
You can also try your luck with online shops for any secondhand units that you can use to replace your broken power brick/supply.
4. Use the three-button combination.
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 5 |
| Duration | 45 seconds |
A nifty trick that is commonly used to address issues regarding the Xbox One’s internal software is the three-button combination. This involves pressing and holding the Xbox/power, eject, and pair/sync buttons simultaneously to reboot the console.
This solution can also tackle issues like an Xbox One that won’t turn on but beeps. Since it doesn’t affect your installed apps and saved games, this method can be performed whenever you’re experiencing any problem with your console.
Follow these steps to use the three-button combination on your Xbox One:
Press and hold the Xbox, eject, and pair/sync buttons simultaneously. |
Release the eject button after 10 seconds. |
Release the Xbox and pair/sync buttons after holding them for 15 seconds. |
Press the Xbox button to power the console. |
As the console powers up and initiates pairing or syncing, press and hold the Xbox and pair/sync buttons. |
5. Tap on the eject button repeatedly.
A peculiar trick commonly shared in the public Xbox forums involves tapping the eject button on the Xbox One console. While oddly suspicious, trying a solution that has helped many users bring their consoles back to life wouldn’t hurt.
Not only does this trick help fix the software loop on the Xbox One, but it might also be your ticket to solve the issue with your console not turning on. To do this, you only need to press the eject button at least 10 times until the unit boots back up.
Note: Sometimes, this method may not work on the first try. We recommend waiting for an hour before trying it out again.
6. Prevent your console from overheating.
Overheating is the most common cause for Xbox consoles not turning on. This means avoiding any instance of overheating should be the most effective way to prevent an Xbox One not turning on complications.
Below is a list of effective pointers you can use to prevent your Xbox One console from overheating.
- Place your console in a well-ventilated area away from any heat sources.
- Avoid placing your console above or near a speaker.
- Give the console enough breathing space and keep any object that can obstruct its vents away.
- Clean the vents to remove dust particles that can affect thermal control.
- Fully shut down your console after every use to let it cool down.
7. Remove moisture on the console’s internal components.
Gaming rooms and setups usually include a good AC unit to help control the ambient temperature. Unfortunately, leaving your AC unchecked can cause the humidity to reach a dangerous level for nearby appliances.
If the humidity causes the liquid to build up inside your console, your Xbox One will not turn on due to internal water damage. If your Xbox One won’t turn on but beeps, you can still salvage it by removing the moisture inside.
Below is a rundown of some things you can try to remove the liquid buildup in your Xbox One console’s internal components.
- Store your console in a well-ventilated space to let it air-dry.
- Gently blow-dry through its vents, but don’t push the moisture further.
- Flip your console with the vents facing down to let the moisture drip.
- Leave the console for at least 24 hours to dry naturally at room temperature.
8. Replace your console’s Faulty PSU
Aside from the external power brick/supply unit you’re using with your Xbox One console, there’s also an internal power supply unit (PSU) inside the device. If any of these components stop working correctly due to damage, the Xbox One won’t turn on.
The only problem is that Microsoft has stopped manufacturing the original Xbox One console and its power accessories, such as the power brick.
It’s tricky. Your only option to get a replacement is to buy them from people who are letting go of their consoles.
However, if you own an Xbox One S or X, you can still buy internal and external PSUs for these iterations. PSUs sold online usually range between $25 to $30.
However, you’ll also need to buy the tool kits to open your console and replace the internal component.
You can buy the parts directly from DIY websites like iFixit or online stores like Amazon.
Why does your Xbox One beep but won’t turn on?
When your Xbox One console starts making a beeping sound while not turning on, it’s the first sign of an overheating and power supply issue. Below is a detailed rundown of why your console acts up.
1. It’s overheating.
Overheating is the most common reason for Xbox One consoles to make a beeping sound and not turn on. This usually occurs because of prolonged use of the console or due to ambient temperatures.
Therefore, we highly recommend you limit your hours of play.
Moreover, keep your console in an area with enough breathing room and proper ventilation. This allows your Xbox One to release its generated heat through its vents and let it disperse quickly.
If your console has been active for a long time, it’s also advisable to let it rest and give it ample time to cool itself down. It should be equally beneficial to you and the console—after all, all play and no rest make for a dull gamer.
2. The PSU and cable are faulty.
Another common reason that Xbox One consoles aren’t turning on and are making a beeping noise is due to insufficient power supply. This issue is usually attributed to a faulty power brick, external PSU, and power cable.
If any of these power accessories are broken, your Xbox One console won’t be able to receive enough juice to turn itself on, and it will start beeping.
You can buy a replacement. But that’s more difficult now that Microsoft has stopped manufacturing the original Xbox One and its peripherals.
Please note that it could also be due to a faulty power source/outlet. We recommend plugging your Xbox One into a different power source before purchasing a replacement for your power accessories.
3. The internal PSU component may be damaged.
Other than the external PSU connector to your console’s power cable, the Xbox One also has a built-in internal PSU. For some reason, this component may get damaged, causing the same problem as its external counterpart.
Xbox One consoles rely on a good power supply to ensure it turns on and works as intended. This makes the beeping sound an alert or indicator of power supply issues within the console.
As such, it’s essential that the internal PSU doesn’t sustain any damage and is replaced immediately the moment it does. Unfortunately, internal PSUs are more expensive and challenging to look for than external power supply.
4. There’s an internal moisture buildup
Indoor electronics and appliances usually succumb to water damage due to moisture build-up from the humidity caused by an AC unit. As such, we recommend keeping some distance between your Xbox One console and the AC.
You should always keep the humidity levels in check to ensure your electronics are safe inside your room. In case of moisture buildup, the best thing to do is to let the internal component dry naturally to prevent further damage.
Wrapping Up
It’s really not amusing to find your fave Xbox One, a console you rely upon to drive the stress away, not working. But with our detailed guide above, you should be able to handle the situation without calling a friend, much less an expert.
FAQs about Xbox One Not Turning On
Overheating and power supply issues are the prime suspects when Xbox One consoles start making a beeping noise. When this happens, the console might also not turn on, so check if your power accessories are plugged in correctly.
In case of overheating, it’s important to immediately stop using the console to allow it to cool itself down and prevent further internal damage.
Soft resetting and power cycling are the quickest and easiest solutions for fixing an Xbox One that won’t turn on. If the root cause is a minor bug or error, these tricks should be practical and sufficient solutions on their own.
A blinking status light on your power brick indicates it’s damaged and needs a replacement. While it’s normal for the status light to blink, it should always stop at orange or white after a while.
If the blinking doesn’t stop, that’s how you know the power brick is damaged. Another indicator of a bad power brick is when the status light stays turned off even when plugged into a power outlet.
It’s not normal for Xbox One consoles to create noise. This usually indicates a power supply issue, overheating, or internal damage.
When you hear an unusual beeping noise on your Xbox One, check its power supply and make sure everything is plugged in securely. You can switch to a different power outlet to see if it stops beeping.
