How to set up the Xbox 360 Wireless N Networking Adapter

The Xbox 360 Wireless N Networking Adapter is compatible with both the original Xbox 360 console and the Xbox 360 S console. If your wireless access point is far from your console, connecting a networking adapter to an Xbox 360 S console may improve your signal strength and bandwidth.

Note Using this adapter disables the internal wireless of the Xbox 360 S console.

Xbox 360 consoles need a software update to support the Xbox 360 Wireless N Networking Adapter. If you’ve connected to Xbox Live since 28 October 2009, this software update should already be installed on your console, and all you have to do is configure your wireless settings. To learn how to do this, see Xbox Live wireless connection.

If you haven’t connected to Xbox Live since 28 October 2009, you will have to use the installation disc included with your Xbox 360 Wireless N Networking Adapter to install the necessary software on your Xbox 360 console.

1. If an Xbox 360 Wireless N Networking Adapter is plugged in to your console, unplug it.

2. Insert the installation disc included with the Xbox 360 Wireless N Networking Adapter into your Xbox 360 console.

3. Turn off the console.

4. Turn the console on again. The software update should start automatically. If the update doesn’t start automatically, the software might already be installed.

   Note If you get a “mixed media” error message, see Mixed media error message, below.

5. When you are prompted to install the software, select Yes, update now.

6. If a network cable is plugged in to the back of your console, unplug it.

7. Once the installation is complete, plug the Xbox 360 Wireless N Networking Adapter into the USB port on the back of your console. (For information about attaching and configuring your wireless adapter, see Xbox Live wireless connection.)

8. Remove the installation disc from the disc drive.

9. Turn off your console, and then turn it on again.

If you get a “mixed media” error message, auto-play might be turned off. Here’s how to turn it on:

1. On your console, go to Settings and select System.

2. Select Console Settings.

3. Select Auto-Play.

4. Select Enable.

5. Repeat the steps for installing the wireless adapter (above).

If you still get a mixed media error message, set the startup option to Disc. Here's how:

1. On your console, go to Settings and select System.

2. Select Console Settings.

3. Select Startup and Shutdown.

4. Select Startup.

5. Select Disc.

6. Repeat the steps for installing the wireless adapter (above).

Once you’ve installed the necessary software, the next step is to configure your wireless adapter. See Xbox Live wireless connection.

Important Do not try to repair the wireless networking adapter. Do not take your Xbox 360 console or accessories to a retailer for repair or service unless an Xbox support agent instructs you to do this. Do not try to disassemble, service or modify the Xbox 360 console, the power supply or any accessories. If you do this, you might put yourself at risk of serious injury or death from electric shock or fire. For your own safety, such actions will void your warranty.