How To Fix Xbox Series X Black Screen Issue

The Xbox Series X is a powerful machine, but it has its share of hardware and software bugs like every console. Getting a game stuck in the Xbox Series X is a real headache for users, and the prevalent "There was a problem with the update" error message has plagued owners everywhere. One of the most challenging issues to troubleshoot is when an Xbox is plugged in and ready to go, but players are met with nothing but a black screen.

There are a few reasons why the Xbox Series X can get stuck on a black screen: a connection may be faulty, the power supply may have malfunctioned, or the console is overheating. These problems tend to affect those that partake in the Xbox Insiders Program, as they may receive buggy beta firmware. Thankfully, Microsoft has provided players with a few techniques they can employ to get an Xbox Series X back in working order without returning their system to the manufacturer.

Anyone experiencing a black screen should first perform a complete restart. Hold down the power button for 10 seconds, ensure the consoled turned off, and turn it back on by pressing the same button. This works as a possible solution to the screen going black after returning to the Home screen. You can also try unplugging everything from the console other than the HDMI cable, Ethernet cable, and power cord. This fixes the issue for many, as external devices can produce a black screen during updates.

If the console boots into a black screen immediately, it may be a connection issue. To fix this, first ensure the TV and console are powered on, the correct input is selected on the TV, and the HDMI cable is in the 'out to TV' port on the Xbox. If all seems in order, users should try to connect the Xbox to another TV to see if the TV is at fault. If nothing changes, the HDMI cable may be causing the issue, and you should try using a different one.

Finally, if gamers only experience the issue when starting a Blu-ray disc, they may need to change their Video output settings. To do this, head over to Profile & System > Settings > General >TV & display options. From here, select "Video modes" and then turn off "Allow 24Hz."

If all else fails, reset the Xbox's display settings. To do this, eject any discs in the system, turn off the console, and hold down the Power and Eject buttons until you hear two beeps 10 seconds apart. This sets the Xbox into low-resolution mode, bypassing any resolution settings that may have been incompatible. If successful, users can then go to their Xbox Settings to revert back to a higher resolution.

The final option is performing an offline system update. First, download the Offline System Update file (OSU1) from the official Xbox Support website onto a computer and unzip the files onto a USB flash drive. Next, open the Xbox Startup Troubleshooter menu by holding down the Pair and Eject buttons on the console and then pressing the Xbox button. Don't let go of the Pair and Eject buttons until you hear two power-up tones after about 15 seconds. Once the Troubleshoot menu appears, plug in the USB flash drive with the OSU1 file and select "Offline System Update." After completing the update the Xbox will restart and the black screen issue should be solved.