Why does my Xbox turn on by itself? Imagine, you are sitting in the dining room enjoying a lively meal with your significant other when you hear a familiar chime.
The Xbox has turned on. You immediately wonder how that was possible when no one is remotely nearby.
It’s a familiar scene to many Xbox owners. Has it malfunctioned or do you have a haunted console?
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Why Your Xbox Turns On By Itself
The Xbox one turns on by itself as the Xbox One doesn’t actually turn off when you hover over that prominent logo on the front. By pressing the power button, you may put the console into sleep mode. That function is what enables the Xbox to turn off and on as quickly as it does. You can also still use voice commands and get console updates in this mode.
Is something causing the Xbox to wake up from sleep mode?
So, now we understand why it comes on but there are a few ways to answer for the cause. Before you get mad at it, take a second to examine the console.
The controller is the first thing to examine. Have you had any difficulties with it? Are there any sticky buttons or sticks?
Since the gaming system can be powered up and down by the controller, it’s possible that the device itself is causing the system to be so sensitive.
To check it out, start with the system being turned off. Put the controller in your hand and shake it a little and press the buttons.
Be sure to pay close attention to the buttons or any sounds that emanate.
Then, you’ll want to turn the console on from the controller and see if you notice anything about the Xbox button in particular.
If everything goes smoothly, take a look at the power cord connected to the controller.
Is it charging correctly? Does it make any unusual sounds when you plug it in to charge?
You might not even realize there is something wrong with the controller or the cord but that might be what’s causing the console to have a mind of its own.
If you can eliminate the controller and the power cord, take a look at the battery pack.
Many Xbox users have invested in a rechargeable battery pack that allows users to play uninhibited by an extended cable.
If the Xbox is frequently turning itself on, try a test of taking out the batteries from the battery pack and see if that makes a difference.
Why is the Xbox so touchy?
When Microsoft was putting together the next-gen console after the Xbox 360, they wanted to do something different.
Already the Kinect was taking users by storm and they wanted to capitalize on that hands-free approach.
The fun of the Kinect was being able to be more interactive with games and use things like physically swiping the air from your seat or voice commands.
The sleek design of the One took away a physical power button and made it capacitive. They also removed the need for a disk tray.
Game disks slide in as effortlessly as the console, itself, turns on. Essentially, the One became a touchscreen with no screen.
A delicate cat nose or even a strong breeze will motivate the console to power up.
That also means the button, just like everything else out in the open, is subject to a collection of particles.
Even if you run your finger across the power button it may have collected a layer of dirt that is causing the occasional power-up.
That type of button might be picking up on something being there and interpreting it as a cue that you want to play even though you aren’t in the room.
So, between the sensitive nature of Xbox and a handful of other possible factors, the console was probably best designed to be enclosed behind glass doors.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been quietly sitting on my computer when I heard it come on and just said hello to the ghost in the room.
I had long accepted it was a ghost trying to communicate in the easiest way possible, brushing past the Xbox.
I mean, who wouldn’t see the fun in giving someone a fright with such ease?
Luckily I, nor you, are alone in our spirited Xbox happenings and gamers everywhere are just as concerned.
Does the Xbox One S or X turn on by itself as well?
The quick answer is no. Unlike the Xbox One, the One S and X dropped the touchscreen interface and went back to a real button.
That means there is no accidental gliding across the front side of the Xbox to mysteriously turn it on.
If you find that your newer Xbox is having a phantom push the power button, it may need to be updated.
If you still notice it happening, make sure the area around the button is clear of debris, then inspect the controller thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Why does my Xbox Turn on by Itself
What can I do about it?
Yes! Having the Xbox on all the time, even on sleep mode, means it’s still using power in addition to giving you a scare.
To turn it off, go into the settings from the home screen. Scroll down to Power & Startup. From this menu, you can select power mode and then energy-saving.
Once you reboot, it will be saved and it should no longer feel free to come on when it chooses.
Are there any other possible causes for the Xbox to turn on?
An HDMI Consumer Electronic Control, a master remote that has power over multiple HDMI devices, could be the culprit.
Since the Xbox uses an HDMI cable to connect to the TV, check the controller settings for connected devices.
Conclusion on Why does my Xbox Turn on by Itself
Now we know that there is nothing supernatural controlling your favorite console, at least that’s the story.
Although it would have been nice of Microsoft to give gamers a heads up that their Xbox was prone to spooky actions, it’s helpful to know it isn’t mandatory.
Getting it to stop turning on in the middle of the night is as simple as a change of settings.
