How to Connect Xbox 360 to WiFi
Introduction
- How to connect your Xbox 360 gaming console to Wi-Fi.
- 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.
1 Credentials
- 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.
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.
? Do you know your Wireless Network name (SSID) and Key?
- How to connect your Xbox 360 gaming console to Wi-Fi.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Wired connections are faster and more reliable than wireless connections. If possible, a wired connection is preferred.
- Go to Settings and select System.
- Select Network Settings.
- Select your Wi-Fi Network from the list.
- Enter your Security Key and select Done.
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.
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?
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.
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.
Your router may need to be relocated to a more centralized location in order to provide better coverage for all your devices.