How to Connect Xbox 360 to WiFi

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

In This Guide

You'll Learn:

How to connect your Xbox 360 gaming console to Wi-Fi.

You'll Need:

An external Wi-Fi network adapter for the original version of the Xbox 360 gaming console.
Revisions S and E of the Xbox 360 gaming console have an internal Wi-Fi network card included.

2. Credentials

In order to connect to a wireless network, you must have the required credentials. These are:

Wireless Network Name (SSID)
Wireless Network Key (Password)

Finding Network Credentials

Most wireless routers/gateways have a label with the default credentials. If the credentials aren't there, look in the devices documentation.

Default Wi-Fi credentials highlighted on router/gateway sticker.

If your Internet Service Provider (ISP) installed the wireless router or gateway, they might have left you a setup sheet which may have the credentials.

3. Connect to Wi-Fi

Wired connections are faster and more reliable than wireless connections. If possible, a wired connection is preferred.

Go to Settings and select System.

settings menu selected and system highlighted

Select Network Settings.

system settings menu with Network settings highlighted

Select your Wi-Fi Network from the list.

list of Wi-Fi networks with example TelstraClear Wireless network highlighted

Enter your Security Key and select Done.

virtual keyboard with security key field and the done key is highlighted

Your wireless security key is case sensitive and should be entered as such. If you do not know your wireless password you may find it on your gateway/router.

4. Check Other Devices

To help troubleshoot the problem we should check if other devices can connect to the wireless network.

5. Check Environment

If other wireless devices are connected to the network and functioning properly, chances are the router is OK. It's possible there is an environmental issue. Do you have a portable wireless device (Smart Phone, Tablet, Laptop, etc.) that you can put in the same area to test and see if that device's wireless connection still functions as intended in that location?

6. Power cycle

If you haven't already, please try power cycling the device you're working with. To do so, simply turn it off, wait 30 seconds and turn it back on again.

7. Incompatible Routers

A small number of routers are not compatible with Xbox 360 or may require additional steps to connect.

Routers in 5GHz only mode are not compatible with the Xbox 360.

The vast majority of routers operate on 2.4GHz. The Xbox 360, revisions S and E, operate on 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz networks and won't be able to find your network if your router is set to operate in 5GHz only mode.
For the original version of the Xbox 360, you'll need an external Wi-Fi adapter for wireless connectivity.
If you are having issues connecting, check with your router's documentation to verify you are not using it in 5GHz only mode.

8. What's next?

9. Range Check

The device needs to be within a reasonable range of the router in order to connect and have the best connection speeds.

In general, in most homes, you can be up to 30 feet from your router for a decent connection.
From 30' to 50' away, the speeds will be slower, and may drop occasionally, but it should be usable.
Greater than 50' away, and the signal will most likely be too weak to overcome interference. The speeds will be slow, and the connection may be sporadic.

The above numbers are approximates only. Optimal range may vary based on router make and model.

10. What's next?

11. Relocate Router Check

Your router may need to be relocated to a more centralized location in order to provide better coverage for all your devices.

Good Placement

A house, separated into rooms detailing how placing Wi-Fi in the center of a house will provide better coverage to reach all devices. Diagram.

Bad Placement

A house, separated into rooms detailing how placing Wi-Fi in the corner of the house can cause some devices to not have a Wi-Fi signal. Diagram.

12. Router Relocation

Since this appears to be a range issue that can be resolved by putting the router in closer proximity to the device's intended use area, we recommend moving the router to a more centralized location.

13. Range Extender

If wireless signal is not reaching your device, and relocating your router or the device itself to be in closer proximity is not possible or doesn't resolve the issue, a great way to boost wireless signal without replacing existing equipment is to acquire and install a range extender. Range extenders work with your existing wireless router as a type of wireless repeater used to expand the reach of wireless signal in your home.