Is your Xbox 360 HDMI not working all of a sudden? We recently came across the same issue with our console, and we’re going to share with you how we were able to fix it.
A lot of users have faced an HDMI issue with their console, and it can take a few hours to days to get it fixed.
We came up with the most effective solutions on how you’ll be able to get your Xbox 360 working in just a few minutes worth of work.
Here’s how you can do it, too.
To fix your Xbox HDMI issues, you’ll need to check the cable. It could be damaged, or the connection is loose. You also want to make sure you have selected your console as the input source on your TV. Resetting your console’s display settings will also fix this problem in no time.
Causes of HDMI Not Working Xbox 360
Let’s now look into where the HDMI issue is coming from before moving on to the complete fix guide.
There are a few sources why your Xbox stops displaying on your TV.
You want to look at the HDMI cable and ports closely to see if there is something wrong with them.
Using the incorrect settings can also cause your Xbox’s HDMI to stop working.
1. Input Source Not Set
If you have an extensive entertainment system and always change your TV’s input source, it’s possible that it’s not set to display your console.
2. Faulty HDMI Cable
HDMI cables are the ones in charge of carrying the signal from your Xbox to your TV. A damaged one will cause your Xbox to not display on your TV.
3. Hardware Malfunction
It’s not just your HDMI cable that can have problems. Your console and TV can also be at fault.
It can be as simple as the HDMI ports not working, and you’re going to experience display issues.
4. Unoptimized Display Settings
You can configure your Xbox and TV on how you want to display the content. However, if it’s not done right, you can run into problems.
Some issues could have an impact on your console’s ability to display content to your TV.
Now that you have a better understanding of this error, we can now proceed to the fixes so you can play or watch on your Xbox.
Troubleshooting the Xbox 360 HDMI Not Working Error
Whenever you experience your Xbox 360 HDMI cable not working, the first step that you should take is to restart it.
It could be a temporary display issue that’s preventing the signals from getting transmitted.
In the case where a restart does not resolve the HDMI error, you can check out these other proven solutions that will surely fix your console’s issues:
Solution #1: Check Your Cables and Connections
If you suspect that the problem with your Xbox 360 is related to your HDMI, you should inspect the cables and connections on your TV and console.
Damaged cables and loose connections should be your number one suspect as they’re common and easy to fix.
Here’s how to check the HDMI cable and connection on your Xbox 360:
- Check the length of the HDMI cable.
- Remove the HDMI cable from your Xbox.
- Remove the other end on your TV.
- Plug the HDMI cable back in.
Note: Make sure that it’s tight and secure, so it doesn’t fall out easily.
Solution #2: Select the Correct Input Source on your TV
Now that you can confirm that your cables and connections are working, you want to check the input source of your TV.
If your connections are in their right spot, but you’re still experiencing a display issue, make sure to set your TV’s input source to your Xbox.
The confusion usually happens if you have an extensive entertainment system with a console, cable box, DVD player, and streaming device all connected to your TV.
If you’re planning to play on your Xbox, make sure to grab your TV’s remote and change the source.
Here’s how to change the input source on your TV:
- Turn on your Xbox and TV.
- Find the Input button on your TV’s remote.
- Select the HDMI slot that your Xbox is plugged into.
- Check if you can view your Xbox.
Note: If you forget the HDMI slot, you can simply try each one to see which one is your Xbox.
Solution #3: Try Lowering Your Screen Resolution
Your Xbox 360 supports HD viewing, but it doesn’t have the hardware to offer high-definition for all games.
It’s not the latest console that Microsoft is offering, so there are instances where it can have a hard time displaying HD content.
To get your Xbox’s HDMI to work again and display its content on your TV, we recommend lowering your screen resolution.
Here’s how you can do that:
- Go to your Xbox’s Settings.
- Choose System Settings.
- Select Console Settings.
- Go to Display.
- Click HDTV Settings.
Note: Depending on your TV, games and other content on your Xbox may appear distorted after changing this setting.
Solution #4: Use a Different HDMI Cable
If none of these solutions work so far, the culprit is likely a damaged HDMI cable. There is damage that’s hard to detect just by looking at it.
One of the best ways to determine if the damage to your HDMI cable is internal is by replacing it.
Here’s how to use a different HDMI cable to check for damage:
- Get a spare HDMI cable or one from a different device.
- Remove the current HDMI cable you’re using with your Xbox.
- Unplug the other end from your TV.
- Using the different cable, plug it into your Xbox and TV.
- Check if your Xbox works.
Tip: We recommend using a spare cable or one from another device for a quick check, so you don’t have to get one right away.
Solution #5: Reset Your Xbox’s Display Settings
There is a way to reset your Xbox’s display settings even if you’re not able to see the contents on your screen.
It’s a cool feature that should help you get out of situations where you need to perform a fix without even looking at the screen.
Here’s how to reset your console’s display settings.
- Take out the game disc in the disc tray.
- Switch off your Xbox.
- Turn it on.
- As it’s starting up, Press the Y button and the right trigger.
- Hold on to these buttons until your Xbox restarts.
Pro Tip: Another way to do this would be to turn off your Xbox and press and hold the power button for 10 seconds until it powers up again.
If none of these solutions work, you can still try plugging your Xbox into a different TV.
You may be facing a TV hardware issue that simply manifests as an HDMI error with your Xbox.
You can always contact the customer support teams for Microsoft and your TV for additional assistance.
Read Next: Xbox 360 Won’t Connect To WiFi?
Bottom Line
Now that you know how to fix your Xbox 360 HDMI not working error, you’ll be able to use your console for more than just gaming.
Hopefully, you spent no more than 30 minutes finding the culprit and performing the solutions for this error.
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.