Why Does My Xbox One Turn On by Itself? (6 Easy Fixes)

Why does my Xbox turn on by itself?

The first step to fixing your problem is to always ensure you know why Xbox One randomly turns on by itself. Once you know the cause of the problem, you can easily move on to the solutions.

Here are the causes for why your Xbox turns on by itself:

• Cortana: If you’ve activated Windows virtual assistant then there is a chance that it could pick up random conversations and thus turn the Xbox on on its own.
• Sensitivity of the power button: Xbox One comes with a button that powers on by measuring the capacitance change in touch. This is different from your ordinary push-button which means it tends to be more sensitive, often turning on through debris, dust particles, and other things.
• HDMI Control: Xbox One had an HDMI-CEC feature which means that the console may turn on when someone turns on the television, given your television supports the feature.
• Faulty Controller: Xbox One controller may often malfunction causing your console to activate on its own.
• Updates: Xbox One console often picks up on pending updates and downloads and installs it on its own thereby powering it on.
• Instant-on: If you’ve forgotten to disable the instant-on mode of your Xbox, then know that it doesn’t fully shut down the Xbox but moves it to low power mode.

How to fix Xbox one turns on by itself?

Before you move to change your Xbox One console, make sure you’ve gone through all of the solutions. Usually, simple tech knowledge and DIY can help you save a lot of money! 

Here are the methods to fix Xbox one turns on by itself:

1. Is your voice assistant active?

Cortana – Windows virtual assistant – is known for its glitches mainly leading to misinterpretation of conversations or sounds close to the machine. So if you ever question, why does my Xbox turn on by itself, this could be a very simple answer.

Often, it is used with a Kinect or headset and it is only through Kinect that Cortana allows Xbox to turn on through voice command. If your Xbox turns on by itself then you can unplug your Kinect or follow these instructions:

1. Open the settings on your Xbox console and navigate to the tab named “settings.”
2. There, you will find an option named “Cortana settings.”
3. Here, you can toggle the suggestion, reminders, alerts, etc.
4. Once you press the “A” button on your console, it will turn the VA off.
5. Now you can restart the console and wait to see if the problem persists.

2. Your Xbox is too sensitive

Let’s cut to the chase with this one. One of the main reasons Xbox One turns on by itself is because of its high sensitivity. No, it’s not about hurting its feelings – the truth is that, as mentioned above, Xbox One has a capacitive button instead of your average push-button. It’s great until it’s not.

What makes this type of button so great is you don’t have to injure your finger consistently pushing the button multiple times to get it to start. Instead, the slightest touch will do just the trick.

However, there’s a negative side to this as well – the slightest touch will do the trick. Even if you have dust piling up or you accidently brush past your console, your Xbox One turns on by itself.

The solution to this is simple – you will have to regularly clean it and make sure it’s in a place that cannot easily be accessed by a pet, toddler, or accidentally by you as well.

3. Have you checked its HDMI yet?

Did you know that your HDMI-CEC feature could allow your Television set to control game consoles as well? It’s true! And if you haven’t fixed the settings from your console then it could answer why does my Xbox One turn on by itself. What would happen in this case is your console would turn on whenever your Television does, and vice versa.

So, how do you fix it? Well, you’ll have to toggle the settings and ensure you disable the HDMI-CEC option. Since the process differs from the television set you might have, it’s better if you go over the instruction manual or contact the manufacturer to guide you through it.

4. Perhaps if a problem with your controller, not console

 Xbox One is designed to cater to the player’s every need but there could be a fault when it comes to the controller. Most of the time, users often complain that their Xbox One turns on by itself due to a faulty controller.

Rest assured, you can easily fix this problem without having to change your controllers. First, take the batteries out and test the solution. If it doesn’t work, here are some other things you can try:

• Check the controller by taking it to your nearby repair shop.
• Purchase a new Xbox One controller.

5. Your console may be going through an automatic update

Xbox One developers like to offer new features and keep the console free from bugs which means, if you haven’t paid attention to your updates, they may still be pending. Of course, this is only for your benefit but there is a way you can disable it:

1. On your controller, you will find a button named “Guide.” Press it.
2. Now Navigate to “System” under which is an option named “Settings.”
3. Another tab with open up is named “Settings.” Navigate to “Updates and Downloads.”
4. Here, you can remove the mark next to “Keep my console up to date.”
5. Also, remove the mark from “Allow remote installations.” This prevents your Xbox from turning on by itself when you cue a download from your phone.
6. Restart your Xbox One console and see if the problem persists.

6. Your instant-on feature may be turned on

If none of the solutions above worked then, finally, have a look at your “instant on” feature. Here’s how you can disable it:

1. Go to the button on your console named “guide.”
2. On the screen, you will see the “System” option open up. Here, select the option named “Settings.”
3. Navigate to “Power and Startup” then select “Power mode and start-up.”
4. Select the option named “Power Mode” then “Energy Saving.”
5. Now, restart your console.

Conclusion

If your Xbox One randomly turns on by itself even after you went through all the solutions then it’s time to get your console checked up. Don’t worry, a simple repair will suffice and your Xbox will be up and running normally in no time!