Wi-Fi is built into the Xbox One, but it does not always work. An Xbox One can’t connect to Wi-Fi due to a variety of reasons, including interference, obstructions and corrupted or incompatible modem firmware or router firmware.
Why an Xbox One won’t connect to Wi-Fi?
The problem with an Xbox One not connecting to Wi-Fi can often be boiled down to three simple causes:
- Interference and distance: The majority of Xbox One Wi-Fi issues are caused by too close proximity to the router or too much interference at the same frequency as the router. These issues can be corrected by moving the router or console, removing interference or switching to another type of connection.
- Network equipment problems: Many Wi-Fi connectivity issues are caused by network equipment such as modems and routers. These problems can be fixed by power cycling the networking equipment.
- Xbox One issues: It is possible that your console has a software or hardware problem. There isn’t much you can do if the wireless card has stopped working. Restarting your Xbox One is a good option if the problem is software related.
Each of these categories can be broken down into multiple root causes that may have multiple solutions. The best place to begin troubleshooting is if you have a particular type of problem. Start at the beginning, and then work your way to the end if you are unsure.
Increase your wireless signal
Although wireless networks can be convenient, they are less reliable than wired ones. An intermittent connection that is working fine may not work the next day. This can usually be due to new interference or obstructions.
Your Xbox One may not be able to connect to Wi-Fi if you have recently bought or moved any electrical equipment. You could also have a problem if you move your Xbox One or router.
How to boost your wireless signal and make your Xbox One connected:
- Move your Xbox One and wireless router closer together.
- You can move your Xbox One or router to make them more close together.
- How to boost your wireless signal and make your Xbox One connected:
- Move your Xbox One and wireless router closer together.
- You can move your Xbox One or router to make them more close together.
- A Wi-Fi extender is a device that can boost your wireless signal strength in an area where you play Xbox One.
Power cycle your network hardware and Xbox
Problems with your network hardware or Xbox One may cause issues with Wi-Fi connectivity. In these cases, power cycling either one will usually resolve the problem. This may be the solution you are looking for if your Xbox One stopped connecting to Wi-Fi.
- Here are the steps to power cycle your Xbox One or network hardware.
- Unplug your router and modem from the power.
- For between 10-30 seconds, leave your router and modem unplugged.
- Reconnect your router and modem.
- Shut your Xbox One down.
- Remove your Xbox One’s power cord.
- Your Xbox One should be left unplugged for no less than one minute
- Reconnect your Xbox One.
- Turn on your Xbox One and test the Wi-Fi connection.
Verify Your Xbox One Wi Fi Settings
If your Xbox One won’t connect to your Wi Fi network, the first thing you need to do is confirm that you are trying to connect to the correct network and that your password has been entered correctly.
The next step is to verify that your Xbox One can connect to your network. If your router firmware is not working correctly, you may have a problem connecting to the correct network.
Here are some tips to ensure your Xbox One connects to the right wireless network.
- Open the router settings from a computer. Check the SSID password.
- Note down the SSID password.
- Turn on your Xbox One.
- Use the Guide button to navigate to System > Settings.
- Choose Set up a wireless network.
- Find the SSID you have written down in step 1. Click on it to select it.
- Enter the password that you created in step 1.
- Verify that your Xbox One is connected to your Wi Fi network.
What can prevent an Xbox One from connecting to a wireless network?
There are two possible causes for why the Xbox One won’t connect.
Most common is a problem with firmware. Firmware refers to software that is installed on hardware devices such as modems or wireless routers, and controls its operation.
There is nothing you can do if your internet service provider (ISP), updates your router/modem with new firmware and your Xbox One doesn’t connect to your network.
You may be able update your firmware if you have your hardware, but you will usually need to contact your ISP.
Another issue is your Xbox One might have a custom media access control (MAC) address that isn’t working. Although this is rare, you can still fix it yourself.
- Use the Guide button to navigate to System > Settings > network > Network settings.
- Select Advanced Settings.
- Choose an Alternate MAC Address
- Clear.
- Select Restart.
- Restart your Xbox One and verify that you can connect to your wireless network.
- Switch to an Ethernet Wired Connection
Wi-Fi can sometimes fail, no matter how convenient it may seem. You may need to connect to an Ethernet network to connect your Xbox One to the Internet.
An Ethernet connection has the advantage of being more reliable than wireless connections. Even the best Wi-Fi connection may not be sufficient to play competitive games on Xbox Network.
You may be able to connect via Ethernet if there is no other way. If this happens, you might consider purchasing a set or network powerline adapters. A powerline adapter allows you to use your home’s electrical wiring as a wired network. You don’t need to run an Ethernet cable from your router to your Xbox One.
