How to Fix Xbox One Home Button not Working?
There’s a sure of Xbox One reports with users claiming that the Home button is suddenly not working, even when the controller is connected to the console. While some users are reporting that the problem is occurring on and off, others say that the home button is no longer working. As it turns out, the issue seems to be occurring with both wireless controllers and controllers connected via USB cable.
What’s causing the Home button to stop working on Xbox One?
We investigated this particular issue by looking at various user reports and by testing out the different repair strategies that are commonly recommended by other affected users. As it turns out, several different scenarios might end up causing this behavior. Here’s a list of potential culprits that might be responsible:
- Outdated Controller driver – In most cases, a controller driver inconsistency is what’s ultimately inhibiting the functionality of the home button. As it turns out, Microsoft has created this problem with a bad controller update initially and has since resolved it via a hotfix. To take advantage of the hotfix and resolve the issue, you’ll need to install the latest controller driver (either directly via console or by using Xbox Accessories app).
- Firmware glitch – As some users have reported, this particular problem can also occur due to an underlying software glitch. If this scenario is applicable, you should be able to resolve the issue by performing a power-cycling procedure capable of draining the power capacitors.
If you’re currently struggling to resolve this error message, this article will provide you with several troubleshooting guides that were recommended by other affected users. Down below, you’ll find a collection of potential fixes that are confirmed to be effective by at least one affected user.
If you want to remain as efficient as possible, we encourage you to follow the methods below in the same order that we arranged them in – by efficiency and difficulty. Eventually, you should stumble upon a fix that will resolve the issue regardless of the culprit that’s causing the problem.
Method 1: Update Xbox One Controller to Latest version
As it turns out, one of the most popular reasons why this particular problem is occurring is due to a driver inconsistency. A while ago Microsoft released a fix that ended up causing this problem on a lot of Xbox One consoles (Day-One Editions). It took weeks until Microsoft rectified this bad update via a hotfix, but in reality, not all users took advantage of it.
This happens because the hotfix is not included with a firmware update as you’d expect. To override the bad driver and resolve the Xbox One Home button issue, you’ll need to update the controller software separately (either directly from the Xbox One console or using a PC).
Follow whichever guide you feel more comfortable with:
Updating the controller to the latest version directly from Xbox One
- Turn on your console, make sure you’re signed int your Xbox Live account and ensure that the latest system update is installed. To install the latest system update go to System > Settings > System > Updates & downloads. Then, go to the Updates tab and select the Update available menu (if it’s available). Then, follow the on-screen prompts to install the latest system update if available.
Updating console firmware to the latest - Once this procedure is complete, connect your controller to a USB cable and plug into the USB port on your console. If you’re not prompted to update your controller firmware automatically, go to System > Kinect & devices > Device & Accessories and select the controller that you want to update. Then, navigate to Device Info > Firmware version and choose Continue.
Controller updating menu - Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update, then restart your console and see if the headset is not connected successfully.
Updated Xbox One Controller example
Updating the controller using a PC (Windows 10 Only)
If the problem with your Xbox Home button is so severe that you don’t have the means to update the controller from your console, you can also do it using the Xbox Accessories app. Here’s how to do this:
- Press Windows key + R to open up a Run dialog box. Next, type “ms-windows-store://home” and press Enter to open up the Microsoft Store.
Opening the Microsoft store via Run box - Once you’re inside the Microsoft store, use the search function in the top-right corner of the screen to search for Xbox Accessories. After you arrive at the correct listing, click on the Get button to download the application needed for the controller update.
Downloading an Xbox application from Microsoft Store - After you download and install the Xbox Accessories application, open it and connect your Xbox One controller using a USB cable or an Xbox Wireless Adapter.
Important: For this procedure to be successful, you need to have the Anniversary Edition update installed. - Once the pairing process is complete, you’ll be prompted by a message saying that an update to the controller is required. When you see this prompt, follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.
Updating the controller via Xbox Accessories - After the process is complete, disconnect your controller and pair it back to your Xbox One console to see if the issue is resolved.
If you’re still having trouble with the home button while the controller is connected to your Xbox One console, move down to the next method below.
Method 2: Performing a hard reset
If your controller driver was already updated to the latest version or the same issue is still occurring even after you updated, chances are you’re dealing with an underlying firmware glitch. In situations like this, you should be able to resolve the issue by removing any temporary data that might end up causing this issue.
As several users have reported, this procedure has a high chance of resolving this issue since it will completely drain the power capacitors, which ends up resolving the vast majority of firmware glitches.
If you think this scenario might be applicable, follow the quick guide below for steps on physically power-cycling your Xbox One console:
- With the console fully turned on, press and hold the Xbox One power button (on the front of your console) for 10 seconds or more. Don’t release the button until you see the front LED starting to flash intermittently.
Perform a hard reset on Xbox One - Wait a full minute or so before turning your console back on conventionally (by pressing the power button on the front of the console).
- During the start-up sequence, be on a lookout for the startup animation – if you’re seeing it, it means that the power-cycling procedure was successful.
Xbox One starting animation - Once the boot sequence is complete, open up your controller again and see if the issue is now resolved.
