You just switched on your Xbox Series X and found that there’s no Wi-Fi connection, which will prevent you from playing online multiplayer games, connecting to live services such as Xbox Live, or downloading new games or updates. The Xbox Series X not connecting to Wi-Fi issue can be faced by anyone, but it can be fixed quickly.
Key Takeaways
- You might encounter limitations due to Wi-Fi connectivity issues with your Xbox Series X and won’t be able to play games online or download any updates.
- Wireless connection, weak signals, interruption due to other connected devices, modem/router malfunctioning, or DNS issues are some of the causes.
- Restarting your console, as well as the modem/router, will surely fix the error. Otherwise, change the DNS setting and use a free DNS such as Google or Cloudflare, replace the modem/router, or use an Ethernet connection for the Xbox Series X to provide a strong internet connection.
Why Xbox Won’t Connect To Wi-Fi
The following are the reasons behind the Xbox Series X Won’t Connect To Wi-Fi:
- Network issues from ISP.
- Wireless internet connection.
- The Wi-Fi connection is interrupted.
- Network security settings.
- Poor internet signals.
- The modem/router isn’t working or tripped.
- Issues with DNS settings.
- Incorrect console settings.
- IP address conflict.
- Temporary server outage.
How to Connect Xbox Series X To Wi-Fi?
Before we start with troubleshooting, try reconnecting your Xbox Series X to Wi-Fi through the following steps if the console has a Wi-Fi connection:
- On your controller, press the Xbox button located in the center.
- Go to your profile by selecting it from the menu’s right side.
- Choose Settings.
- Go to the General tab.
- Select Network Settings.
Network-Setting – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers) - Opt for the option Set Up Wireless Network.
Set Up Wireless Network – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers) - Find your Wi-Fi network and click on it.
Wi-Fi network – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers) - Enter the correct Wi-Fi password, and it will reconnect.
Wi-Fi network – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
Troubleshoot Xbox Series X Wi-Fi Connectivity
Following are some potential fixes to connect the Xbox Series X to Wi-Fi, and you can resume gaming.
Check Internet Connection
First and foremost, check network and internet connections to troubleshoot this error. Make sure your Xbox Series X is securely connected to the internet. Check the Wi-Fi settings on your console to see if your Xbox has a wireless connection.
To check whether the internet connection is working properly, try opening a web browser on any other device connected to the same Wi-Fi to check that the internet works fine. You may also check the connection using a built-in Xbox function.
Here’s how:
- Go to Profile & System and jump to Settings.
- Click on General and opt for Network settings.
Network-Setting – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers) - Go for the option Test network connection here.
Test-Network-Connection – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
If you are not getting a proper internet connection, contact your ISP.
Check Xbox Live Status
After checking your internet connection, verify that the servers of Xbox Live aren’t facing any outages.
Here’s how to check it:
- Open your computer or smartphone browser and go to the Xbox Status page.
- The Xbox server works fine if there’s no report or notification and the status seems normal. Otherwise, wait until Microsoft resolves the issue.
You can also check forums for updates on the issue.
Re-Enter Wi-Fi Password
Check the password you are using for the Wi-Fi connection to the router. If the password is incorrect, as you forgot it or entered the wrong one, or the password was changed previously by the ISP or someone around you, the Xbox Series X won’t connect to the Wi-Fi network. Always keep a note of the passwords to avoid these situations!
Re-Add Wi-Fi Network On Console
One more approach to resolving Xbox Series X Wi-Fi connectivity issues is to re-add the Wi-Fi network after deleting or forgetting it. Temporary glitches or caches are the reason behind the connection problems with the console.
Power Cycle Modem/Router
If the Xbox Series X is not getting an internet connection, you should work on your modem or router in the next step. The “Xbox Series X Won’t Connect To Wi-Fi” problem reminds us that even the devices you use are reliable, but tech gadgets can trip sometimes. Restart your modem/router if that’s the case.
Here’s how to do it:
- Switch off the power connection of your modem or router.
- Pull the power cable out and wait patiently for 60 seconds approx.
- It clears temporary data, such as IP addresses, from the device and gives it a fresh start.
- Now plug back the power cable to the router/modem, or if you are using both, then switch on the devices. They will start while creating a new connection with your ISP and reassigning network data.
It will resolve the connection problem for sure.
Reboot Console
Rebooting your console is one of the first steps you should take when Xbox Series X Won’t Connect To Wi-Fi.
Here’s how:
- Hit the Xbox button on your console or controller to see the Guide.
- Jump to Profile & System and hit on the Power option.
- Click Restart Console from the options.
Restart Console – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers) - After that, remove the power cable from the Xbox and outlet and leave it for about a minute to drain all the remaining energy.
Reconnect the Xbox and switch it on. You will not have the error anymore!
Connect to Another Wireless Network
You can connect your Xbox Series X console with any other Wi-Fi network or router. Delete the one you are using from the console network settings and add another, or at least try a different connection, even if you have a mobile hotspot, to see if that will resolve the connectivity issue.
If that works, then keep your console connected with it, or figure out if the router isn’t working or there’s a fault in connection to the router. Consider dedicating a router for your Xbox Series X and installing a second router for other wireless devices to avoid conflict.
Alter Xbox DNS Settings
Try to change the DNS settings of your Xbox Series X in the next resort; this connects the console to the Wi-Fi if the DNS creates an issue.
Here’s how to do it:
- On the controller, hit the Xbox button in the center, which will take you to the Guide.
- Click Profile & System to continue.
- Then choose Settings.
- Hit General and opt for the option Network settings.
Network-Setting – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers) - Go to Advanced Settings.
- Now, choose a network followed by DNS settings.
DNS Settings – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers) - Select Manual settings, then type the DNS address you want to use.
Manual Setting – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers) - Enter the primary and secondary DNS addresses correctly. Use the reliable Google DNS if you are unaware of these settings. Keep 8.8.8.8 as the primary DNS and 8.8.4.4 as the secondary one.
DNS – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
Other DNS providers that you may use instead of Google DNS are Cloudflare DNS with a 1.1.1.1 primary address and 1.0.0.1 as a secondary or OpenDNS with 208.67.222.222 as a primary and 208.67.220.220 as a secondary address. There are a variety of free DNS servers you can opt for.
Improve Your Wi-Fi Speed
When the router is too distant from your console, the Xbox Series X won’t connect to Wi-Fi as the signal strength decreases. It requires strong and stable internet signals. Use a 5GHz wireless router instead of 2.4GHz, and move the router closer to your Xbox Series X so that it can get strong signals.
Change Router’s DNS Settings
You might need to adjust the DNS settings on your router if the manual configuration of the DNS settings on your Xbox did not resolve the issue.
Here’s how to change it:
- Go to your router’s configuration page using a computer or phone connected to the same router by entering your router’s IP address in the address bar of a web browser.
- It will be named as the default gateway number and looks something like 192.168.1.1. Refer to your router’s manual to find it.
- Find the option for DNS settings on the setup window. Like the Xbox settings, you can set the primary and secondary addresses to Google’s DNS.
Change Router’s DNS Settings – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
Some modern routers now have a mobile app that you may use to modify their settings instead of using a browser.
Update The Router’s Channel Width
There are several configurations for different wireless connections. The default settings on your network could be ideal for regular web browsing or streaming, but they may be better for your Xbox console, especially when you have a Wi-Fi connection and its channel width.
Channel width in the context of Wi-Fi is the range of frequencies a Wi-Fi network can use. Channel widths of more than 20MHz might cause problems for Xbox consoles. You must tweak settings in this situation.
Here’s how it works:
- Go to your router settings by putting your router’s IP address in the address bar of a browser in a device connected to the same network, or use the router’s app if you have one, as explained in the fix above.
- Login to your router.
- Now, look for the Wi-Fi settings in the Wireless tab or a menu with a similar name.
- Go to Channel Width or Bandwidth in the Wi-Fi options.
- There needs to be a setting to modify 20MHz. If it is more than 20MHz, reduce it and save settings.
Change Encryption Type
WPA2, WPA, and WEP are the 3 encryption types, and the one specified in the network’s advanced settings should be the one configured on your Xbox Series X. You can change the encryption type from the DNS settings section. WEP is the least secure type, so keep it as a last choice for your console.
Change your Wireless Channel
Another wireless network or other wireless devices may cause interference. Changing your wireless network channel can fix the instability of your Wi-Fi connection.
Here’s how:
- Open a web browser and type your IP address to log in.
- You must enter a username and password that is, by default, admin for both.
Router Login Page – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers) - Now, go to Wireless and opt for the option Basic from its sub-menu.
- Look for the option Auto Channel and uncheck it.
Auto Channel – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers) - Click on the drop-down menu and opt for channels 1, 3, 9, or 11. Click Apply.
- After establishing a new channel, there will be no interference from another wireless device in the area.
Restore Router’s Factory Settings
A configuration issue with your router might be causing connectivity issues. By returning to your router’s factory settings and giving it a fresh start, you can resolve it.
Note: By restoring the router’s default settings, you will lose SSID (password), the customized settings of your Wi-Fi, and the Wi-Fi name. If it seems complicated, you should have it done by contacting your ISP!
These instructions will help you resolve the Xbox Series X Won’t Connect To Wi-Fi issue by restoring the router’s factory settings:
- Check the back of the router for the Reset button. Most routers do not have a reset button but a tiny hole. You will need a pin to insert it in that hole for resetting.
Reset Button – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers) - You also have the option to reset your router via a web page by typing your default gateway IP address into the address bar of your browser, which you can find at the back of the router from any device that is connected to that router if you are unable to restart your router.
- Login with a username and password. Try the default ID/password, which is admin/admin, but if that’s not working, then call your Internet service provider for the login details.
- Select the option at the left for the Tools tab and System Commands.
- You will find the Restore Default Settings option here; click on it to proceed and wait for the router to finish the process.
Update Your Router’s Firmware
When internet speed drops due to outdated router software, Xbox Series X may be unable to connect to the Wi-Fi. The best action to resolve the issue is to upgrade your router’s firmware.
Here’s how to update it:
- Open the login page for your router using a browser.
- Sign in using your credentials.
- Look for the option software update, and if any update is pending, click to download and install it.
Firmware Update – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers) - Comply with the instructions.
Now, open your Xbox X and check if the Wi-Fi works; otherwise, go with the other fixes below.
Disconnect Third-Party Devices
Third-party gear such as speakers, ACs, microwaves, baby monitors, or headphones might interfere with the wireless connection of your console. This is because while inside the range of the same Wi-Fi network, other wireless devices‘ signals are broadcast on the same frequency.
Here’s how to identify the device interrupting your work:
- Start by disconnecting the wireless connection from the connected devices through Wi-Fi.
- Now, on your Xbox Series X, go to Profile & System.
- Open Settings and jump to General.
- Opt for Network settings.
Network-Setting – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers) - Here, opt for the option to Test the network connection.
Test-Network-Connection – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers) - Now, your console should establish a connection with Wi-Fi if the wireless devices are the reason.
Check MAC Filtering
MAC filtering is a security feature available in many routers that won’t allow unauthorized access. If this feature is active for your console, it won’t connect to Wi-Fi.
Here’s how to add the MAC address of your Xbox Series X console to the router’s authorized list:
- In the middle of the controller, you will find the Xbox button. Hit on it.
- Go to Profile & System and opt for Settings.
- Open General and then Network settings.
Network-Setting – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers) - Select Advanced Settings.
Advanced Settings – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers) - Search for the MAC address, then write it down.
Wired Mac – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers) - Now, go to the router’s web page through a browser with any of your devices.
- Login to the router and look for the list of MAC addresses.
- Here, add the MAC address of the Xbox X console.
Note: If you are unaware of your router’s setup, refer to the manual for your router or manufacturer’s website. - Now, test the connection with the help of Xbox’s built-in feature. Test network connection as explained in one of the methods above.
Test-Network-Connection – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers) - Reconnect the Wi-Fi on Xbox X.
Update Xbox
Outdated Xbox console software might result in triggering some errors. Try upgrading your system software to the latest version. You need to plug an ethernet cable into your Xbox Series X cause updating software requires an internet connection, and Wi-Fi isn’t working with your Xbox.
Here is how to update Xbox:
- Open Xbox settings.
- Find the Updates option under System by navigating there.
Updates – Image Credits (Tech4Gamers)
Use Wired Connection
Try using an Ethernet wired connection for your Xbox instead of a wireless connection. Wi-Fi creates issues when the router or modem is damaged, the signals interfere, or there are so many devices connected that Xbox isn’t getting strong signals.
Contact Your ISP or Microsoft
If you are done with all the fixes above and still need help, contact your ISP because they can only fix some issues if their server is creating the fuss. If they claim nothing is wrong with their system, there might be an Xbox server issue with Microsoft. Contact Microsoft support to investigate this matter and fix the issue for you!
Common Questions Answered
Malfunctioning routers/modems, incorrect DNS settings, signal interference due to other wireless devices, outdated Xbox software, and network issues from ISP or Xbox server outages are some of the causes behind the connectivity issue.
Check the router and replace it if it is damaged, dedicate a router for the console to avoid signal conflict, alter the DNS settings of the router and console, update the router and Xbox software, or get in touch with the ISP to check the network connection.
Some free and reliable DNS servers, such as Google, OpenDNS, and Cloudflare, are available. You can use any of them and put their primary and secondary addresses in your DNS settings.
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