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    The Xbox 360 console power button blinks red

    The light in the center of your Xbox 360 console power button is blinking red.

    A green center light is shown on an Xbox 360 E console. The center light on an Xbox 360 S console is shown blinking red.

    You might also see the following message on the screen:

    A 'Shut Down' warning message, resulting from poor ventilation, is shown.

    A blinking red light on the power button means that your console doesn’t have enough ventilation. The red light will continue to blink until the console cools down.

    Let the console cool down

    To fix this issue, let your console cool down by shutting it off if it hasn’t already done so automatically. Then wait for the red light on the power button to stop blinking before turning the console back on.

    When you turn on the console, you might see a message explaining why it shut down and steps you can take to prevent the problem in the future.

    A message explains why your Xbox 360 shut down and steps you can take to prevent the problem in the future.

    Move the console

    Turn off your console and move it to an open, well-ventilated area, away from all other electronic devices. Then turn the console back on.

    Xbox 360 E Xbox 360 S
    An Xbox 360 E positioned in an open, well-ventilated area away from other electronic devices. An Xbox 360 S positioned in an open, well-ventilated area away from other electronic devices.

    Tips for positioning your Xbox 360 console

    • Do not put the console in an enclosed space. Put it in an open area with lots of ventilation.
    • Do not stack other electronic devices on top of, underneath, or against the sides of your console.
    • Make sure the console and its power supply are on a hard surface. Do not put the console on something soft (such as a bed, sofa, or rug).
    • Position the console away from heat sources, such as ventilation openings on televisions and electronic devices. Also, keep the console away from heating vents and direct sunlight.

    Request a repair

    If your console continues to shut down because there’s not enough ventilation, even though it’s in a cool, well-ventilated location, your console might need to be repaired. See Getting your Xbox console or Kinect sensor serviced.

    Related Issues

    Xbox 360 Flashing Lights Solution
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