USB device doesn't work when connected to an Xbox 360 console

Note For information about how to use a USB flash drive as a memory unit on your Xbox 360 console, see USB flash drive support for Xbox 360. To troubleshoot USB flash drive issues, see Xbox 360 storage.

A USB device connected to your Xbox 360 console might not work as expected for any of the following reasons:

• The device isn't compatible with Xbox 360.
• The USB cable connection is incorrect or faulty.
• The Xbox 360 console didn't recognise the device during startup.
• The USB device requires an external power supply or is faulty.
• The over-current protection mechanism temporarily disabled the USB port on the Xbox 360 console.
• The USB port on the Xbox 360 console is faulty.

USB ports on Xbox 360

There are two USB ports located on the back of the Xbox 360 console (pictured here) and one in front:

To remove a USB storage device from the USB port on the front of an Xbox 360 console:

To resolve issues with USB devices, try the following solutions.

Note Test your USB device after each solution to see if the device now works. If the first solution doesn't resolve the issue, go to the next solution.

Solution 1: Verify that the device is compatible with Xbox 360

The following devices are compatible with the Xbox 360 console:

• Official Xbox 360 accessories
• Most USB keyboards
• Most digital cameras
• Many portable music players
• Many mass storage devices

Solution 2: Troubleshoot the USB device

If the USB device is compatible with Xbox 360, troubleshoot the USB connection:

1. Restart the Xbox 360 console.
2. Disconnect the device from the USB port, and then turn off the console. After 5 to 10 seconds, turn the console back on. After the console has restarted, reconnect the device to the USB port.
3. Turn off the console, remove the power cord from the power outlet, reconnect the power cord and then turn on the console again.
4. Disconnect any unnecessary devices from the console.
5. Determine whether the USB device requires a separate power supply. If it does, attach the power supply.
6. Connect the USB device to a different USB port on the console. If the device works in another USB port, the Xbox 360 console may require service.

If you still experience the problem, contact Xbox Support.

An over-current protection mechanism protects USB ports on the Xbox 360 to reduce the risk of damage. An over-current situation may occur if the USB device attached to the console tries to draw too much power from the USB port. In these situations, the USB port temporarily turns off to prevent damage. It then resets after the device is disconnected.