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Xbox (Series X|S and Xbox One): what each light means

Microsoft describes Xbox lights by what they do, not by colour: the Xbox button on the controller flashes while it looks for a console or PC and stays lit once connected, and on the console the power button either lights or stays dark. Both lights can be dimmed on purpose in Night mode. The only colour Microsoft names is on the original Xbox One’s external power brick, where an orange flash means the brick needs replacing.

Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One X and Xbox One S have an internal power supply, so the power-brick light only exists on the original Xbox One. Controller states cover the Xbox Wireless Controller for Series X|S (USB-C) and the Xbox One controller (micro-USB).

The console

  1. Console power button light dimmer than usual

    The power button brightness setting. Night mode lets you set how bright the power button light on the console is, again with separate levels for Night mode and the rest of the time.

    Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles. 1 step from Microsoft on its page.

  2. Console power button stays dark: it won’t turn on

    The console is not turning on. Microsoft says the power supply may be faulty or loosely connected; on Series X|S, One X and One S the power supply is inside the console and often just needs to reset after a power surge.

    Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One X and Xbox One S. 4 steps from Microsoft on its page, then its repair line.

A controller

  1. Controller Xbox button flashing

    The controller is searching for a console to connect to. It flashes after you turn it on, and flashes a few times after you hold its Pair button. Once it is connected, the button stays lit.

    Xbox Wireless Controller with Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. 4 steps from Microsoft on its page, then its repair line.

  2. Controller Xbox button stays lit

    The controller is connected. A controller plugged into the console with a USB cable should light up and work straight away.

    Xbox Wireless Controller with Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Microsoft gives no step for this light.

  3. Controller Xbox button does not light

    The controller is not turning on. Microsoft’s first suspect is the batteries: weak batteries also cause connection problems while the controller still has some power.

    Xbox Wireless Controller (USB-C) and Xbox One controller (micro-USB). 3 steps from Microsoft on its page, then its repair line.

  4. Controller light dimmer than usual

    The controller brightness setting. In the console’s Night mode preferences you can set the controller light’s brightness, with a separate level for Night mode and for the rest of the time. Microsoft notes it works on its own controllers but may not on third-party ones.

    Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, first-party controllers. 1 step from Microsoft on its page.

The power supply brick

  1. Original Xbox One power brick light on

    The power supply is getting power. After the reset below, a lit brick with a console that still will not start points to the console, not the brick.

    Original Xbox One (external power supply). 3 steps from Microsoft on its page.

  2. Original Xbox One power brick light off or flashing orange

    The power supply unit needs to be replaced, if the light is still off or flashing orange after the 10-second reset.

    Original Xbox One (external power supply). 1 step from Microsoft on its page, then its repair line.

Sources

Microsoft’s own support pages only, read on the date shown. Nothing here comes from forums, videos or “lights explained” sites.

Find a light by what you see on any console or controller →