How to Fix Video Issues on a Xbox 360

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Resolve Video Issues

This guide will show you how to resolve video issues on your Xbox 360.

These are video issues we will be covering:

  • Image stutters or is slow to refresh
  • No video or black screen
  • Screen resolution is incorrect or video is fuzzy

2. Restart

Reboot with the controller

  1. Press the Xbox Guide button on your controller.
Xbox 360 controller with the Xbox guide button highlighted.


  1. Select Settings > Turn Off.
Xbox 360 settings menu with turn off highlighted.


  1. Select Yes to confirm.
  2. Wait 30 seconds.
  3. Push the Power Button on the front of your console to turn it back on.

If this doesn't work, then continue with the next method.

Reboot with the console

  1. Push and hold the Power Button on the front of your console for about 10 seconds.
Front of the Xbox 360 S console highlighting the power button.


  1. The console will turn off.
  2. Wait 30 seconds.
  3. Push the Power Button on the front of your console to turn it back on.

If this doesn't work, then continue with the next method.

System forced hard boot

  1. Push the Eject button next to the drive tray, and wait for the tray to open fully.
Front of Xbox 360 S console highlighting the eject button.


  1. Remove any discs from the Xbox.
  2. Leave the drive tray open.
  3. With the drive tray still open, unplug the power cable from the wall.
  4. Gently, push the drive tray half-way back in.
  5. Wait 30 seconds.
  6. Plug the power cable back in.
  7. Push the Power Button on the front of your console to turn it back on.

3. Check TV input

Checking the TV inputs may also help to fix the issue.

  1. Confirm that both your TV and the device are turned on.
  2. Check that your TV is set to the correct input signal (HDMI).
  3. Check that the HDMI cable connection to your device is secure.
  4. Check that the HDMI cable connection to your TV is secure.
  5. Check that the HDMI cable is connected to the "out to TV" port on the device.
  6. Try plugging the HDMI cable into a different HDMI port on your TV.
  7. Try using a different HDMI cable to connect your device to your TV.
  8. If possible:
  9. Check if TV is working properly with a different input device.
  10. Check if the device is working properly with a different TV.

HDMI Cable

HDMI Cables.

HDMI Port

HDMI Port.

4. Check HDMI Cables or Try Different Cables

  1. Check the HDMI cable ends and device ports and remove any foreign objects.
  2. Check for cable damage. If it is damaged then it should be replaced.
  3. Securely reconnect the HDMI cable between your devices.
  4. Try using a different high-speed HDMI cable. Some cables are higher quality than others, a low-quality cable may impact your sound and video signal.

5. What's next?

6. Adjust Screen Resolution

The Xbox 360 console supports screen resolutions of 720p and 1080p.

  1. Press the Guide button.
Xbox 360 guide button


  1. Navigate to Settings.
  2. Select System Settings.
Xbox 360 system settings under settings


  1. Select Console Settings.
Xbox 360 system settings with console settings selected


  1. Select Display.
Xbox 360 console settings with display selected


  1. Select HDTV Settings.
Xbox 360 display settings with hdtv settings selected


  1. Select the appropriate settings for your monitor.
Xbox 360 hdtv settings with 1080p selected

7. Adjust Color Quality

Many HDTVs display better color if more color information is provided. The Xbox 360 console can send additional color data to your HDTV to optimize your picture.

  1. Press the Guide button.
Xbox 360 guide button


  1. Navigate to Settings.
  2. Select System Settings.
Xbox 360 system settings selected


  1. Select Console Settings.
Xbox 360 system settings with console settings selected


  1. Select Display.
Xbox 360 console settings with display selected


  1. Select Reference Levels.
Xbox 360 display settings with reference levels selected


  1. Select the option that works best for your TV or monitor.
    Standard: This is the default reference level. It should work for all displays. Select this option if Intermediate and Expanded yield poor color quality.
  2. Intermediate: Select this option if Expanded yields poor color quality.
  3. Expanded: Select this option for HDTV. This option does not work well for most VGA monitors and older HDTV displays.
Xbox 360 reference levels showing stanard, intermediate, and expanded


8. Adjust Color Tint

  1. Press the Guide button.
Xbox 360 guide button


  1. Navigate to Settings.
  2. Select System Settings.
Xbox 360 settings menu with system settings selected


  1. Select Console Settings.
Xbox 360 system settings menu with console settings selected


  1. Select Display.
Xbox 360 console settings with display listed


  1. Select HDMI Color Space.
Xbox 360 display settings with hdmi color space selected


  1. Select the option that works best for your TV or monitor.
Xbox 360 hdmi color space menu