How to Factory Reset Xbox One (Step-by-Step Guide)

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To factory reset Xbox One, go to Settings → System → Console info → Reset console, then choose whether to keep your games and apps or erase everything. The same options work on Xbox One, Xbox One S, Xbox One X, and Xbox One S All-Digital, and you can also use a button shortcut if the console will not start normally.

1. How to Factory Reset Xbox One from Settings

This is the main method and works when the Xbox boots to the dashboard normally.

Steps:

1. Press the Xbox button on your controller.
2. Go to Profile & system → Settings.
3. Select System → Console info.
4. Choose Reset console.
5. Pick one of the two options:
   • Reset and keep my games & apps – reinstalls the system software but keeps installed games and apps.
   • Reset and remove everything – full factory reset; removes games, apps, accounts, and data.

Use keep my games & apps if you are fixing performance or software issues.
Use remove everything if you plan to sell the Xbox One or give it away.

2. How to Factory Reset Xbox One S and Xbox One X

The Xbox One S and Xbox One X use exactly the same options as the original Xbox One.

If your console turns on normally, follow the Settings method above for:

• how to factory reset Xbox One S
• how to factory reset an Xbox One S
• how to factory reset Xbox One X
• how do I reset my Xbox One X to factory settings

If the console is stuck on a black or green screen or will not load Settings, use the button method in the next section.

3. How to Factory Reset Xbox One with Buttons (Black/Green Screen)

Use this when:

• The Xbox is stuck on a green startup screen
• You only see a black screen
• The console will not fully turn on, but it still has power

For Xbox One / One S / One X (with disc drive)

1. Turn the console off completely and unplug it for a few seconds if needed.
2. Press and hold the Bind button (on the left side) and the Eject button.
3. While holding both, press the Power button once.
4. Keep holding Bind + Eject for about 10–15 seconds until you hear two power-up beeps.
5. An Xbox Startup Troubleshooter screen appears.
6. Select Reset this Xbox, then choose:
   • Keep my games & apps, or
   • Remove everything.

For Xbox One S All-Digital (no disc drive)

1. Turn the console off.
2. Press and hold the Bind button.
3. While holding Bind, press the Power button once and keep holding Bind for 10–15 seconds.
4. When the troubleshooter appears, choose Reset this Xbox and your preferred option.

After the reset, many gamers pair their controller again, and the process is simple with our walkthrough on how to connect an Xbox controller to Xbox.

4. How to Factory Reset Xbox One Without a Password

A factory reset does not require your Microsoft account password or PIN.

• In Settings, you only confirm the reset and choose what to keep.
• In the button method, there is no password prompt.

This is useful if:

• You forgot your account password or PIN.
• There are multiple profiles on the console, and you want to clear everything.

For selling or gifting the console, use Reset and remove everything so no profile or personal data remains.

5. How to Factory Reset an Xbox One to Sell It

If you’re preparing the Xbox One, Xbox One S, or Xbox One X for sale:

1. Backup any important saves to the cloud (if you have Xbox Live / Game Pass).
2. Go to the Reset console and choose Reset and remove everything.
3. Remove external hard drives or USB sticks.
4. After the reset, make sure the console starts at the setup screen.

If you are including controllers with the console, it can help the buyer if everything is already working and paired correctly. You can quickly check this using your own guides, for example:

6. How Long Does It Take to Factory Reset an Xbox One?

A factory reset usually takes around 5–10 minutes for the console to wipe data and reinstall system files. If the console also needs to download system updates after the reset, the total time depends on your internet speed.

If you switch between console and computer, you can also read our easy guide on how to connect an Xbox controller to a PC using Bluetooth, USB, or a wireless adapter.

7. What About Factory Resetting an Xbox One Controller?

There is no true “factory reset” button on an Xbox One controller, but you can:

• Remove and reinsert the batteries or power pack.
• Forget the controller in Bluetooth (on PC or phone) and pair it again.
• Re-pair the controller with your Xbox using the Pair button on both devices.

If someone searches for how to factory reset an Xbox One controller, the closest fix is really just unpairing and pairing again or updating the controller firmware through the Xbox Accessories app.

If you also use your controller with a mobile device, you can check our guide on how to connect an Xbox controller to a phone for quick Bluetooth and USB steps.