Xbox LIVE wireless 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.

Wireless connection

A wireless network connection lets you connect your Xbox 360 console to Xbox LIVE without using network cables. Your Xbox 360 console can use your existing wireless network.

What you need

• 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.


• A router, gateway, or wireless access point that is compatible with Xbox LIVE
• An Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter (original Xbox 360 console only)

If you have an original Xbox 360 console, you need to add an Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter to your console.

Note If you have an Xbox 360 S console (which has built-in Wi-Fi), skip to the next section.

Connect the wireless networking adapter:

No green light? See Troubleshoot wireless networking adapter.

Have a Kinect sensor? See Extentsion cables and USB hubs with the Kinect sensor.

Next, you need to configure your Xbox wireless settings and test your Xbox LIVE connection.

1. Press the Guide button on your controller, go to Settings, and then select System Settings.
2. Select Network Settings.
3. Select the name of your wireless network.
   
   Note If you do not see your wireless network, select Advanced Options. Then, select Specify Unlisted Network, and enter your wireless network name. Next, you are prompted to choose the security type.
   
   
4. Enter your wireless network password. How to find your wireless network password.
5. Select Yes if you are prompted to update your console software.

If you get a connection error, try using our Xbox LIVE Connect Solution to fix the problem. If your wireless network is not listed in Step 3 above, see Improve Xbox LIVE speed.

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.

• Do you have a Zune or Games for Windows–LIVE account?
  
  If so, then you already have an Xbox LIVE account! Just download your account to your Xbox 360 console, and then sign in to start enjoying Xbox LIVE.
  
  
• Windows Live ID: A Windows Live ID is associated with your Xbox LIVE account.
  
  If you have a Hotmail or 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.

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 cannot change the date of birth.

The Xbox LIVE Gold Family Pack brings your family four 12-month Gold Memberships for less than the price of two. On the Subscription selection screen, 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