When you see your Xbox Series X light flashing, you may be fearing that this is the equivalent of the infamous red ring of death, and that your console is not long for this world. But relax, there is a wide range of reasons why this might be happening to your console.
We'll explain the most common reasons for a flashing light on your Xbox Series X, and what actions you may need to take if this is happening to you. While some of the causes are potentially serious, many are pretty normal, and nothing to be concerned about.
How To Fix Xbox Series X Light Flashing
As you'll see, there are plenty of possible reasons this could be happening, and therefore, lots of different potential fixes. We'll run through the most common ones, starting with the simple fixes, and finishing with the more complex ones.
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Check For Updates
A common cause for the blinking light is caused by software updates. If you are trying to turn off your console, but you're getting the flashing light, it may indicate that the console is trying to download updates. You can easily check if updates are being downloaded in your settings. If the Series X is downloading updates, wait for them to finish, and then try turning off your console.
Check Your Connections
Another relatively easy solution is to check that all your plugs and connections are secure. If any of them is loose, the flashing light can alert you to this.
Turn off your console, and unplug all the wires. Then plug each of them back in, making sure they are fitted securely. Don't be too forceful though, in case you cause damage. Switch on your Xbox and your TV, and check if the flashing light has gone.
Restart Your Console
If you've already tried the previous solution, then in a way, you've already done this. But frequently, a hard reset can resolve many of the issues that your Xbox experiences.
Power down your console, and unplug it from the main power supply. Leave it off for a minute or so, then plug it back in and turn it back on.
If your console is refusing to switch off, then press and hold the power button for a few seconds.
Cool Things Down
If you've been playing for a long time, or your Xbox isn't housed in optimal conditions, then it's possible that overheating could be causing this problem.
You can identify if there are temperature issues by listening for a loud fan, or a warning appearing on the screen. And if it is starting to get hot, you'll need to let it cool down.
Stop using it, and power it down fully. Make sure it's in a well-ventilated spot, and leave it for an hour or two until it has properly cooled down.
Then try it once more, and see if the blinking light has gone away.
Factory Reset
This is a more dramatic step, but may be worth trying if nothing else has worked. To do this:
- Press the Xbox button to open the guide.
- Select Profile & system > Settings > System > Console info.
- Select Reset console.
- You can choose one of three options: Reset and remove everything, Reset and keep my games and apps, and cancel. In the first instance, try Reset and keep my games and apps, as this means you won't lose any of your content. If this doesn't work, then the option to Reset and remove everything comes into play.
If nothing seems to be resolving the issue, contact Xbox Support for further help. They can advise you if your console needs to be repaired or replaced. They can also let you know if your console is still covered by warranty. If it isn't covered by warranty, you'll either need to pay for a repair, or buy a new console.
What Causes The Flashing Light On Series X?
As we mentioned earlier, there are several possible explanations for a flashing light on your Xbox. The most common reasons are as follows:
- A software update is being downloaded.
- The software is corrupt, or running an old version.
- There is an issue with the power supply, or potentially some of your accessories.
- A loose A/V connection.
- Your console is getting too hot.
- A hardware failure
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It may not be easy to identify immediately which of these is the root cause of your issue. Some will be more obvious than others - a loose cable or an overly warm console should be fairly easy to identify. But if you are really struggling to stop the blinking light, it may indicate a more serious issue. At worst, your console might need repairing or replacing.
But at least now you know what checks you can do to rule out other causes, before going down the repair route.
What If The Controller Light Is Blinking?
If you see a blinking light on your controller, rather than on the console itself, then here are some quick fixes that may resolve the issue:
- Check that the controller has successfully paired with the console.
- Try plugging the controller in using a USB cable.
- Check to see if the controller needs a firmware update. to do this, press and hold the Guide button on your controller, press the A button, and select Update Controller.
- Finally, you can try taking the batteries out of the controller. Wait for thirty seconds or so. Put the batteries back in. If the batteries are running low, try new batteries.