Xbox LIVE wired connection

What is Xbox LIVE?

Xbox LIVE brings an unbeatable entertainment experience to the Xbox 360 console. Connect with friends, download and play games, and access a huge library of games and music in an instant.

Wired connection

A wired network connection is a fast and reliable way to connect to Xbox LIVE. For a wired connection, you use a network cable to connect your Xbox 360 console to a router or modem.

Here is what you need:

• A router, gateway, or modem that is compatible with Xbox LIVE
• A network cable
• A high-speed Internet connection such as cable or DSL

Note Satellite and 3G or 4G mobile connections are not recommended because you are likely to experience slow performance or lag.

The first step is to connect your Xbox 360 console to your Internet connection. Here’s how:

1. Plug one end of a network cable into a port on your router or gateway. You might need a long network cable, depending upon on the location of your router or modem.

Note If you do not have a router, you can plug the network cable directly into your modem.

2. Plug the other end of the network cable into the back of your console.

Verify your setup

Your setup should look similar to one of the following:

Router connection

Modem connection

Now that your console is connected to the Internet, test your connection to Xbox LIVE. To do that, follow these steps:

1. Press the Guide button on your controller (Xbox button in the center of your controller).
2. Go to Settings, and then select System Settings.
3. Select Network Settings.
4. Select Wired Network if you are prompted to do so.
5. Select Test Xbox LIVE Connection.
6. Select Yes if you are prompted to update your console software.

Once you successfully connect to Xbox LIVE, your screen will look like this:

Can’t connect?

If you get a connection error, try using our Xbox LIVE Connect Solution to fix the problem.

The final step is to join Xbox LIVE. Joining Xbox LIVE is easy and free. All you need is a high-speed Internet connection and an email address.

There are two membership levels: Free and Gold. To learn what you get with each membership, see Join Xbox LIVE.

Before you start...

• Do you have a Zune account, a Games for Windows–LIVE account, or an existing Xbox LIVE account?

  If so, you just need to download your account to your Xbox 360 console. Once it’s downloaded, sign in and start enjoying Xbox LIVE.

• Windows Live ID: A Windows Live ID is associated with your Xbox LIVE account.

If you have a Hotmail or Windows Live Messenger account, then you already have a Windows Live ID. When you are prompted for an email address, enter your Windows Live ID. If you don't have a Windows Live ID, sign up for a free Windows Live account on your computer or during the sign-up process.

• Free or Gold Membership? Have your credit card information ready if you decide to purchase an Xbox LIVE Gold Membership.

To join Xbox LIVE

1. Press the Guide button on your controller.
2. Select Join Xbox LIVE.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to sign up for Xbox LIVE.

Note Use your real date of birth. The date of birth determines whether an account is a child account or an adult account. Once you create an account, you can’t change the date of birth. Account owners who are younger than 18 are given child accounts in the United States. The legal adult age varies by country and region (for example, the adult age in Korea is 20).

Join Xbox LIVE Gold Family Pack

The Xbox LIVE Gold Family Pack brings your family four 12-month Gold Memberships for less than the price of two. When you choose your membership type, select Family Gold.

Not seeing Gold Family Pack? You might be using a child account, or the Gold Family Pack might not be available in your region. The Xbox LIVE Gold Family Pack is available in the following countries:

• Australia
• Canada
• France
• Germany
• Japan
• Mexico
• New Zealand
• United Kingdom
• United States