Xbox Network Not Working: Check Status and Fix Multiplayer
The Xbox network is down for everyone only if Microsoft’s Xbox status page shows an alert for the service you use. If there is no alert, the console’s built-in network tests will tell you whether the problem is your Wi-Fi, your internet connection or Xbox services themselves. Check the status first, because Xbox support tells players to wait until an alert clears before troubleshooting.
Our live Xbox Live status page shows current reports from our checks and is a quick second opinion.
How do I check if Xbox is down?
Open the Xbox status page on a phone or computer and look for alerts on sign-in, multiplayer, store and Game Pass services. Microsoft’s support articles say that if you see an alert, you should wait until the service is up and running and then try again. A green status page does not always rule out a fault, because status pages can lag behind real problems. For that reason it also helps to compare with another network.
- Search for “Xbox status” and open the result on support.xbox.com.
- Check every service tile, not only the one named after your game.
- Open our Xbox Live status page for a second view.
- Try a different device on the same Wi-Fi, such as a phone, to see whether your home internet works.
Our guide on how to tell if a service is down or just you covers these comparisons in more detail.
How do I run the network test on an Xbox?
Xbox support describes a network test in the console’s network settings, reached through Profile and system, then Settings, General, Network settings. The screen offers a test of the network connection and a separate multiplayer test. Microsoft’s support pages sort problems into two groups: “can’t connect,” where the console cannot reach your network, the internet or Xbox services, and “poor connection quality,” such as random disconnects or slow performance. Which group you land in decides what to fix.
| Test result | What it points to | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Cannot reach the network | Wi-Fi or router | Restart the console, router and modem; move closer or use a cable. |
| Reaches the network, not the internet | Internet provider | Check other devices, then our internet down at home guide. |
| Reaches the internet, not Xbox services | Xbox side or a blocked service | Check Xbox status and wait if an alert is shown. |
| Multiplayer test shows a NAT or Teredo error | Router settings | Follow the NAT steps below. |
Why can’t I join parties or multiplayer games?
If you can connect to Xbox but cannot hear friends or join or host games, Xbox support says the cause is likely your NAT type. The support article asks you to open Network settings and check NAT type, and says you need it to be Open. It also tells you to look for errors such as Double NAT detected or UPnP not successful. Work through the fixes in the order Microsoft lists them and re-check NAT after each one.
- Restart the console, then the router and modem.
- Make sure the router has the latest firmware.
- Turn on UPnP in the router’s settings. Only change router settings you understand, and note the old value first.
- If your internet provider’s modem and your own router both route traffic, you may have a double NAT. Your provider can switch the modem to bridge mode.
- For “NAT Type: Unavailable,” Xbox support suggests checking that the router is up to date and has Teredo connectivity enabled.
Microsoft’s full steps are in its Xbox support article on NAT errors and multiplayer issues. It is worth reading once if the first fixes do not work, because it explains each error message in detail and shows what to try next. Router menus differ by brand, so the article points you to your router maker for exact screens.
Do not install “Xbox fix” software or tools from unofficial sites. Microsoft’s own settings are all you need.
What if it only fails on Wi-Fi?
A console that works on a phone hotspot but not on home Wi-Fi points to the router. A wired connection is the quickest test. Microsoft also has a separate support article for troubleshooting a wireless connection. Our works on mobile data but not Wi-Fi guide covers DNS, filters and VPN causes.
What should I avoid when Xbox is down?
Do not reset the console to factory settings as a first step, because that removes local data and will not fix a service outage. Do not repeat a purchase if a payment looks stuck. Wait, then check your Microsoft account order history. For more, see what to do during an outage.
How long should I wait before trying again?
Microsoft does not publish a fixed time. If the status page shows an alert, check back on it and on our status page every so often rather than restarting the console repeatedly. Repeated restarts do not speed up a recovery, and they can interrupt a console update that is running in the background. If the alert clears and the problem remains, go back to the network test.
Bottom line
Check Xbox status, then run the console network test and let the result decide the fix: Wi-Fi and router if it cannot connect, NAT settings if only multiplayer fails, patience if Xbox shows an alert.
FAQ
Where is the Xbox network test?
According to Xbox support, it is in Network settings, under Profile and system, Settings, General. Menu names can change with console updates.
Why does Xbox say my NAT type is not Open?
Usually because of router settings, a double NAT or UPnP not working. Xbox support steps go through the router and modem in order.
Can an Xbox outage stop only multiplayer?
Yes. Individual services such as sign-in, store and multiplayer can be affected separately, which is why the status page lists them separately.
Is it safe to change router settings for Xbox?
Turning on UPnP and updating firmware are standard steps, but write down existing settings first, and ask your provider if you are unsure.