Unlike the Xbox One, which used an external power brick, the Xbox Series X|S has its power supply built inside the console. The figure-8 cable goes straight into it. When it fails, the console is usually completely dead.
It's the most common reason an Xbox Series X|S won't turn on. Here's how to recognise it, what causes it, and what to know before replacing one.
Signs the power supply has failed
- Completely dead: no light, no sound, with a known-good cable and wall socket
- It didn't come back after a power supply reset (unplug for 10 seconds, plug back in)
- It died suddenly, often after a power cut, a surge or a storm
- It turns on for a moment, then off, every time
- A burning smell or a pop before it died. Unplug it and don't try again.
None of these prove it's the power supply on their own. A short on the board can look exactly the same. That's why it's worth measuring before buying a part. Xbox won't turn on covers the free checks first.
What makes it fail
- Power cuts and surges. A spike in the mains can damage components in the power supply.
- Age and heat. A console that has run hot for years, with dust inside, works its power supply harder.
- A fault elsewhere. A short on the board can take the power supply with it, or look like a power supply fault.
Genuine or copy?
Microsoft sells a genuine replacement power supply for the Series X, as part of its self-repair programme, and it may be new or refurbished. Non-genuine copies are also sold. A power supply handles mains voltage, and a poorly made one can fail quickly or damage the console. I only fit genuine Microsoft power supplies.
Should you replace it yourself?
Microsoft supports self-repair, and says that doing it with its genuine parts doesn't affect the console's warranty, though damage caused during the repair isn't covered. Before you do:
- Be sure it's the power supply. If the fault is on the board, a new power supply won't fix it, and in some cases a board short can damage it.
- It handles mains electricity. Power supplies contain capacitors that can hold a charge after unplugging.
- It means taking the console apart.
What the repair involves
An Xbox Series X|S no power repair with me is £129 all-in for the Series X or Series S, including parts and tracked return postage. I test whether it's the power supply or the board before replacing anything. If it's the power supply, I fit a genuine Microsoft unit, new or refurbished depending on supply. If it's the board's power circuit, such as a blown fuse or a shorted component, that's covered by the same price.
Once it's working, I test it for an hour running a demanding game before it's posted back. The work is covered by a 12-month warranty. If the processor or one of the board's main chips has failed, I can't repair it, so it's no fix, no fee: I refund what you paid, less return postage.
Series X and Series S
Both consoles have an internal power supply, but they're different units, designed for different consoles. The Series X's power supply is larger, because the Series X draws more power. Always match a replacement to your exact console, and check the model number on the label before buying anything.
Protecting the power supply
- Plug it into a wall socket or a good-quality surge protector, not a long chain of extension leads.
- Unplug it during thunderstorms. No plug-in protector can stop a nearby lightning strike.
- Keep it cool. Good airflow and clean vents help the power supply as much as the processor. See Xbox overheating: what to check.
- Switch it off at the console, not at the wall, especially during updates.
My recommendation
If your Xbox is completely dead with a known-good cable and socket, and a power supply reset hasn't helped, the power supply is the most likely cause, but not the only one. Measure before you buy, or have it diagnosed. If you replace it yourself, buy genuine. For how the costs compare, see Xbox no power repair cost.
The Repair Works is an independent UK repair service, run by me, Paul — 25 years of hands-on repair experience, working by post for customers across the whole country. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Microsoft.
