Xbox Series S users report an issue where their console does not seem to boot and work. Considering this prevents them from doing the sole thing they bought the console for, it becomes very annoying. Xbox Series S not turning on may result from overheating, power supply problems, software glitches, or rare hardware issues. It is essential to learn why the Xbox Series S won’t turn on and how to fix it. 

Key Takeaways
  • The Xbox Series S not turning on issue prevents the console from booting, which ultimately prevents the users from doing anything on the console.
  • The issue may be caused by overheating, hardware problems, power button issues, power outlet issues, or even power cable issues.
  • The problem may be fixed if you clean the console, restart it, power cycle it, or turn it on using the wireless controller.

Method Difficulty Rating

Wireless Controller
Rated: 4/10

Power Reset 
Rated: 4/10

Soft Reset
Rated: 3/10


Tip: Here are some of the easy fixes for you to try first. Such as Power cycle Your Xbox, Clean your Xbox, Try plugging the Xbox power cable into another power outlet, and Try using another power cable to see if the issue lies within the power cable.

Try Using Your Xbox Wireless Controller

Xbox users often fail to recognize or consider the issue with the power button of the Xbox. The power button may not work for many reasons, one of them being dust and debris stuck between it. Therefore, users should test the power button by trying to turn on their Xbox Series S using other ways.

Xbox controller
Wireless Xbox Controller (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The easiest way is to turn it on via a wireless controller. All you have to do is press the guide button on the controller. If the console automatically turns on after that, there may be an issue with the power button.


WARNING: Make sure the console is not placed inside a closed compartment, as that is the leading cause of overheating.

Perform A Power Reset On Your Xbox

This is just another way of trying to power cycle your Xbox. However, it differs slightly from what you usually do when trying to power cycle your Xbox. Therefore, I’m providing you with a guide for it. Here’s how you can perform a power reset on your Xbox:

  1. Turn off the Console: Press your console’s power button > ensure you have turned it off.
    Xbox power button
    The Xbox power button (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  2. Remove Power Cable: Remove the power cable of the Xbox from the outlet.
  3. Wait: Wait about 30 seconds > plug the power cable back into the power outlet.
  4. Turn On Again: Try turning on your Xbox now > see if the power reset worked. 

Perform A Soft Reset On Your Xbox 

Similar to the power reset earlier, this soft reset has a little addition to the steps. This is another way to eliminate the issue of your Xbox Series S. Here’s how to perform a soft reset on the Xbox Series S:


Important: A soft or power reset will not remove any data from the Xbox.

  1. Turn off the Console: Press your console’s power button > ensure you have turned it off.
    Xbox power button
    The Xbox power button (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  2. Remove Power Cable: Go ahead and remove the power cable of the Xbox from the outlet.
  3. Wait: You have to wait about 30 minutes > plug the power cable into the power socket.
  4. Turn On: Try turning on your Xbox now > now check if the soft reset worked or not.

Tip: If troubleshooting fails, consider hardware issues. Contact customer support for guidance or visit a service center for diagnosis, especially if under warranty.

Final Thoughts

Xbox Series not turning on the issue has been noticed on Twitter and other forums as well, where users were seen as frustrated and were asking the reasons and possible solutions to this problem. 

If your Xbox Series S won’t turn on, potential culprits include overheating, power issues, or hardware glitches. Try easy fixes like restarting or cleaning it. Use the wireless controller or do a power/soft reset, keeping your data safe. Keep your console clean and handle it properly to prevent future issues. Don’t let technical hiccups ruin your gaming.


Frequently Asked Questions

Does Xbox Series S not turning on mean it is gone for good?

No, there are several fixes that you can try to eliminate this issue, such as power cycling your Xbox. The console not turning on does not necessarily mean it has gone bad.

Will performing a soft reset delete all the data I have saved inside my Xbox?

No, soft reset does not wipe any of your saved data. It is just a way to eliminate any software glitches that may be preventing your Xbox Series S from turning on.

What can I do to prevent this issue from happening again?

In case of reasons like software glitches, you can’t do much. However, keeping your console clean and using all its power supply-related components with utmost care is important.


Related Guides on Xbox:

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Syeda Laiba Alam
[How-To Guides Expert] Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city's aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity! Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com Google IT Certificate Shehryar Khan