Trying to enjoy your favorite game, but your Xbox keeps turning off? You’re not the only Xbox One or Xbox Series S/X user facing this issue. Websites like Quora, Reddit, etc., are full of people asking the same question: why does my Xbox keep turning off? There are several potential reasons why this is happening to your gaming console. Let’s address each of these reasons & troubleshoot them to ensure you don’t face similar issues in the future.
Do you have a particular question about the cases when Xbox randomly turns off? Then use the table of contents below to jump to the most relevant section. And you can always go back by clicking on the black arrow in the right bottom corner of the page. Also, please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. For more details, check the Disclosure section at the bottom of the page.
Here's what we'll cover:
Why Is My Xbox Turning Off by Itself?
The Xbox One & Xbox Series S/X consoles are high-performance devices that deliver super-fast load times and higher frame rates at higher resolutions. However, despite their advanced features, they’re not perfect. The main issue with these devices is that they turn off randomly from time to time. If your Xbox Series S/X or Xbox One turns off by itself, it’s probably because of one of these reasons:
- Improper settings cause the console to assume you’re sending a “Shut Down” command.
- You may be using a defective or unpowered controller that’s shutting your console.
- Poor ventilation is heating up the console, causing it to shut down abruptly.
- There’s an issue with the power outlet connected to your console. An inconsistent power supply can cause abrupt Xbox shut off issues.
- The console is entering the “Standby” state or mode because of setting errors.
- The power strip on your console is damaged.
- The software on your Xbox console needs to be fixed or updated.
The next time you ask yourself, “why does my Xbox one keep turning off?” – assess each of these potential issues.
How to Keep Your Xbox From Turning Off?
Now that we know why your Xbox randomly turns off from time to time let’s troubleshoot each of these problems:
Option 1. Clean & Cool Down Your Xbox Console
The more your console keeps overheating, the more it’s prone to abrupt shutdowns. To fix this problem, take the following steps:
- Clean the Xbox console
- Ensure that the built-in fan inside the console is not dirty & functioning to its maximum capability
- If you’re using the console during summer, make sure to turn on your AC; let cool air pass through your console after every hour of playing
- Dispose of all the items on top of or nearby your Xbox console
- Keep the console away from heat-producing items like speakers, subwoofers, etc.
- Replace the thermal paste inside your Xbox console
The last step is the most difficult to perform. But if your Xbox keeps turning itself off consistently, there’s a high chance that the thermal paste inside it has dried out. You’ll have to manually remove the console’s cooling system & replace the paste to get this issue fixed. Here’s a helpful video guide on how to replace the thermal paste inside your Xbox console:
Option 2. Improve the Console’s Ventilation
Make sure your console is placed so that it receives adequate air circulation throughout the day. For example, your Xbox should have 4 inches of space on all sides. Also, clean the vents to ensure dust particles aren’t blocking them.
Option 3. Disable the Console’s Auto Shutdown Feature
If your Xbox turns off by itself abruptly, it could be because it’s set up to do that. Disabling the console’s auto shutdown feature could prevent such events from happening. Here’s how you can disable this setting:
- On the top region of your controller, press the Xbox button
- From the last tab on the right side of the screen, select “Profile & System”
- Select “Settings”
- On the next page, select “General”
- Select Power Mode & Startup
- Click on the Turn off after option
Verify that the “Don’t Turn-Off Automatically” section is checked.
Option 4. Install the Latest Updates
Learning how to stop your Xbox from turning off may not be helpful if your console is not up to date. Here’s how you can install the latest updates on your Xbox One console:
- Make sure that your console is connected to the Internet
- On the top region of your controller, press the Xbox button
- Get to the main menu
- Choose Settings
- Enter All Settings
- Click on System
- On the next page, enter the section titled “Updates”
- On this page, select the option that says “Keep My Console Up-to-Date
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update. If your Xbox one keeps shutting off, hopefully getting the latest updates will fix this issue. Now, let’s learn how to install the latest updates on your Xbox Series X console:
- Make sure that your console is connected to the Internet.
- On the top region of your controller, press the Xbox button
- Get to the main menu
- Choose Profile & System
- Enter Settings
- Enter System.
- Select Updates
Once you select the “Updates” option, the latest updates will start downloading on your console.
Option 5. Factory Reset Your Console
Factory resetting your Xbox may help eliminate whatever glitch causing the device to shut down abruptly. To give your console a factory reset, take the following steps:
- Get to the Home menu of your Xbox console
- Choose Profile & system
- Enter Settings
- Enter System
- Enter Console info.
- Select Reset console
Here, you’ll receive three options: cancel, reset and keep my games/apps, or reset and remove everything. You can probably guess which options lead to what outcomes. If you don’t have any problems losing your saved games, settings, accounts, home Xbox associations, etc., select the option that says, “reset and remove everything.”
If you don’t want to lose any data, select the option, “reset and keep my games/apps.” Either way, your Xbox console will receive a full factory reset. Once it is reset, hopefully, the random shutdown issues won’t reappear.
How to Fix Xbox Turning Off by Itself: A Recap?
Hope this guide has helped you to learn how to keep Xbox from turning off. Now, don’t practice these steps once & forget them. Keep practicing them regularly. Clean your console regularly. Make sure it never overheats. Download the latest software & firmware updates on time.
Resort to factory resetting the device only when all these other solutions fail. Hopefully, this article has answered the question, “How to keep my Xbox from turning off” in a helpful manner. Apply these solutions & enjoy gaming!
Credits: Thanks for the photo to Canva.

At ipoki.com we only mention the products that we’ve researched and considered worthy. But it’s important to mention that we are a participant of several affiliate programs, including Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate ipoki.com earns from qualifying purchases.