Troubleshooting your Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter

This article describes how to troubleshoot problems that sometimes occur with the Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter.

When you use the wireless network adapter, at least one of the following issues may occur:

• The console does not detect the wireless network.
• The console does not recognize the wireless network adapter.
• You receive an intermittent or weak signal.
• The TV pauses when you use a TV with the Xbox 360 console and with a Windows Media Center-based computer.
• You cannot save the network settings or the password.
• The wireless security settings are rejected.
• You receive status light indications.
• The wireless adapter works in some USB ports, but it does not work in others.

If you experience one of these issues, see the corresponding section in this article.

For help with games that support system link play, visit the game’s Web site, or see the game documentation. For information about how to sign up or connect to Xbox LIVE, visit the following Web site: When you set up the adapter, make sure that you use the USB port on the back of the console.

The console does not detect the wireless network

You could be out of range of the wireless network. Put the Xbox 360 console in the same room as the wireless router or the other Xbox 360 console to which you want to connect. Then, try again.

The wireless router broadcast of the service set identifier (SSID) may be disabled. Make sure that the router is broadcasting an SSID. For information about how to enable SSID broadcasts, see the router documentation.

You may receive the following warning message: You receive this warning message because Xbox detects duplicate networks that have the same name. Wireless gateway, router, and access point (AP) manufacturers all ship their devices with "default" wireless SSIDs for their wireless networks.

Nearby home owners or apartment dwellers may use devices from the same manufacturer. When that is true, the Xbox 360 may detect multiple duplicate SSIDs (network names) as it scans for and detects wireless networks. If this is the case, you should change the name of your network so that you know that you are connected to the correct network.

The console does not recognize the wireless network adapter

The power light on the adapter should be illuminated. If the power light is not illuminated, examine the USB connection. Disconnect the adapter cable, and then reconnect it.

You receive an intermittent or weak signal

Some wireless devices that use the 2.4-GHz radio frequency band, such as 2.4-GHz phones, some cell phones, and microwave ovens, may cause interference with the wireless network adapter. The MN-740 adapter that was designed for the original Xbox console also uses the 2.4-GHz frequency.

If you experience network performance issues when you use the 2.4-GHz 802.11g channel, move the device that uses the 2.4-GHz frequency away from the console. Because the 802.11a channel operates at a different frequency, you will experience less interference and improved throughput if you use that channel for the home network.

The following guidelines should help you choose a better location for the console or the wireless access point:

• Imagine a straight line between the Xbox 360 console and the access point.
• Position the console and the access point or the router so that as few obstructions as possible exist along the straight line between them.
• Position the network devices so that no more than two walls or two floors are between the wireless adapter and the wireless access point.

The TV pauses when you use a TV with the Xbox 360 console and with a Windows Media Center computer

When you connect a Windows Media Center computer to an 802.11 a+g access point or router, use the 802.11a channel for the computer and use the 802.11g channel for other wireless devices, such as portable computers.

You cannot save the network settings or the password

Restore the factory defaults for the wireless networking adapter. To do this, go to the System section of the Xbox Dashboard. After you restore the default settings, the adapter status light will alternately flash green and red. The light will turn steady red to indicate that you have successfully restored the defaults.

Note If you restore the factory defaults on the adapter, you override the current adapter settings.

The wireless security settings are rejected

When you enter the wireless security settings, remember that the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) keys must be in hexadecimal format and that the Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) pass phrases may be alphanumeric.

You receive status light indications

The status light indicator can tell you the status of the Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter, depending on its state:

• Steady green light: The adapter is on and is connected to a wireless access point or to another wireless device.
• Steady red light: The adapter is ready to be connected to a wireless network.
• Flashing red light: The adapter is experiencing a hardware failure.

Note Do not take your Xbox 360 console or its accessories to your retailer for repair or service unless you are instructed to take this action by an Xbox Customer Support representative.

The wireless adapter works in some USB ports but it does not work in others

Follow these steps:

1. Make sure that the wireless adapter is correctly connected to one of the USB ports on the front or on the rear of the Xbox 360 console.
2. Disconnect the wireless adapter, and then reconnect it.
3. Examine the wireless adapter for any visible defects.
4. Test the wireless adapter in all three USB ports. If the wireless adapter works in some USB ports but not in others, again test the ports that failed the first time. If you confirm that a certain USB port does not work with the wireless adapter, try to use another accessory, such as the controller. If that accessory does not work either, the console may need servicing by Microsoft.

Additional support

If the steps in the previous section did not resolve your issue, your console may have to be repaired. For more information about how to start the online repair process, please visit one of the following Web Page links: For more information about how to contact Xbox Customer Support directly, please visit the following Microsoft Web site: