It can be frustrating when your Xbox One S console turns on for a brief moment and then shuts back off before you can use it. There are a few potential causes for this problem that are worth investigating.
Causes
Here are some of the most common reasons an Xbox One S might be turning on and off right away:
Power supply issue
One of the most likely culprits is a problem with the console’s power supply. The power brick converts the AC wall current into the low voltage DC power that the Xbox needs. If it’s damaged, not fully plugged in, or just wearing out, it may flicker the power on for a second before it fails and shuts back down.
Overheating
The Xbox One S can turn itself off if it overheats. If the vents are blocked or the internal fan isn’t working right, the system may get too hot and shut down as a safety precaution.
Faulty power button
Issues with the physical power button on the front of the console could also lead to inadvertent power cycling. If the button is stuck or damaged, it could be signaling the Xbox to turn off right after starting up.
HDMI connection
Problems with the HDMI cable or connection to your TV could cause the Xbox to think there is no display device available and shut itself down. Make sure the cable is securely plugged into both ends and that the TV input is set correctly.
Software glitch
In some cases, a bug or glitch in the system software can cause the Xbox to shut down immediately after booting up. Fully rebooting the console and controller may clear a temporary software hiccup.
Bad capacitors
Faulty or failing capacitors on the motherboard can lead to sudden shut downs on start up. If your console is no longer under warranty, this may require replacing the capacitors or motherboard.
Faulty power supply cable
The cable that runs from the power brick to the back of the Xbox could also be damaged or loose. Check that connection and swap cables if possible.
Xbox Live outage
If Xbox Live is experiencing an outage or server issues, it could sometimes cause consoles to start up and shut down repeatedly.
Solutions
Now that we’ve covered some likely reasons your Xbox One S is turning on then off right away, here are some tips for troubleshooting and fixing the problem:
Check connections
As a first step, examine all the physical connections to your console. Make sure the power cable is firmly plugged into the wall outlet and power brick. Check that the cable from the brick to the console’s port is securely attached. Also verify the HDMI cable is fully seated in the Xbox and the TV.
Try a different outlet
Plug the power supply into another wall outlet in your home to determine if the issue is related to a specific outlet. Try outlets in different rooms on different circuits if possible.
Test with new power supply
If you have access to another working Xbox One S power supply, swap it in to test if your original one is faulty. You can also purchase a replacement power brick.
Check for overheating
Feel along the vents and fans while powered on to check if they are working and airflow feels normal. Also look for dust buildup or blockage. Clean out vents with compressed air if needed.
Reset the console
Fully power cycle the console by holding the power button down for 10 seconds until it shuts down. Unplug power for 1 minute. Then plug back in and power on normally to see if issue persists.
Factory reset
If you suspect a software glitch, resetting the Xbox One S to factory default settings may help. This will erase all your data and settings however.
Replace HDMI cable
Try swapping out the HDMI cable with a different high speed one that you know works properly with other devices.
Contact Microsoft Support
If you still can’t resolve the problem, contact Xbox Support online or by phone. They may be able to diagnose a faulty component and arrange for repair.
Additional Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some other things to try if the Xbox One S is still turning on then immediately off after attempting the basic steps above:
Boot into Safe Mode
Start the console without loading the full system software to determine if a system file is corrupted. Hold the eject button as you power on to access Safe Mode.
Check error codes
The Xbox may flash or display a specific error code pointing to the fault. Look these codes up online to diagnose potential causes.
Attempt offline update
Download the full offline system update from Microsoft and install from a USB stick to refresh software.
Open and clean console
Carefully open the Xbox case and spray out any dust. Check for damage to interior components. Only attempt if warranty is already expired.
Replace internal drive
Try installing a new solid state or hybrid internal drive. Older mechanical drives can sometimes cause start up issues.
Check power supply voltage
Use a multimeter to check if the power brick is outputting the correct 12V voltage. If low, the supply is faulty.
Replace motherboard
If all else fails, you may need to replace the main Xbox motherboard. You can find replacement boards on eBay and swap yourself if experienced.
Preventing Future Issues
Once you hopefully resolve the start up problem, you can take steps to prevent it from occurring again in the future:
Improve ventilation
Make sure your Xbox has open space around vents for airflow. Don’t squeeze into tight TV cabinets.
Clean regularly
Use compressed air to blow out any accumulated dust a few times per year to keep cool.
Check for updates
Install new Xbox software updates when available to get bug fixes and improvements.
Use a surge protector
Plug your console into a good quality surge protector to guard against power fluctuations.
Replace worn power supply
If your power brick is several years old, replace as a precaution before it fails.
Give it plenty of space
Make sure nothing is ever resting on top of your Xbox or blocking airflow.
Keep console horizontal
Only place the Xbox One S horizontally to prevent overheating issues.
Avoid power strips
Plug directly into a wall outlet instead of potentially overloaded power strips.
When to Call a Repair Shop
If you have tried all the home troubleshooting tips and your Xbox One S still won’t stay powered on, it’s probably time to seek professional help. An experienced repair technician has the skills and tools to fully diagnose the issue and properly fix it.
TV repair shop
Many TV repair shops work on game consoles and other audio video equipment. Look for one experienced specifically with Xbox.
Computer repair
A computer repair specialist may also be able to troubleshoot more complicated Xbox problems like motherboard failure.
Microsoft Store
The Genius Bar equivalent at the Microsoft retail store can service Xbox warranty repairs or out of warranty for a fee.
Mail-in service
Xbox repair centers like UBreakIFix offer a mail-in service if there is no shop located near you.
Authorized service center
There are Microsoft authorized Xbox repair facilities all over that can provide reliable assistance and parts.
Common Xbox One S Power Issues
Here is a summary of the most frequent power problems that can cause the Xbox One S to turn on then off right away:
No power at all
Console does not respond or turn on when the power button is pressed. Likely a faulty power supply or loose connection.
Shutting off randomly
Xbox turns off during normal use, often from overheating issues. Check vents and fans.
Won’t turn on
No response when power button is pressed. Could indicate bad motherboard or power supply.
Turns off immediately
Boots up for a few seconds then shuts right back down. Points to overheating or bad capacitors.
Cycling on and off
Xbox repeatedly boots up then shuts down in a loop. Likely a serious hardware failure.
Power Supply Diagnostics
Use these tips to test and inspect your Xbox One S power supply brick if you think it may be the cause of start up issues:
Check cable connections
Make sure the power cable is firmly plugged into both the wall and power brick. Also check the connection to the Xbox console.
Swap with known good supply
The quickest way to test is to try replacing with another working Xbox One power supply.
LED status lights
Check the LED on the power brick. White is normal. Orange means standby mode. Off could indicate no power.
Check voltage output
Use a digital multimeter to test voltage output. Should be around 12V when Xbox is on. Low or fluctuating readings mean faulty power supply.
Power down before unplugging
Always hold power button to fully power down Xbox before unplugging the power cable to avoid damage.
Test with different outlets
Try connecting the power supply to different wall outlets to determine if issue is outlet-specific.
No signs of damage
Inspect the power brick casing for any signs of drops, cracks, or water damage that could cause failure.
Replace after several years
Consider replacing original launch Xbox One power supplies that are over 3-4 years old.
Conclusion
A Xbox One S that turns on then immediately shuts back off is likely caused by a faulty power supply, overheating, software glitches, or hardware defects like bad capacitors. Follow the troubleshooting tips outlined to check each possibility systematically. Swapping cables, cleaning dust, or replacing the power brick will solve many cases. For continued issues, take your console to an authorized Xbox repair center for advanced diagnostics and repairs to get your system reliably up and running for gaming once again.
