This article explains how to connect your Xbox 360 to a wireless home network if you have a wireless router set up in your home. Instructions cover all versions of the Xbox 360.

What to Know

  • Connect the appropriate wireless network adapter to the console.
  • Turn on your Xbox 360 and select the Settings pane from the home page. Choose System > Network Settings.
  • Select your wireless network, enter your password, and select Done. Your Xbox will test the connection. Select Continue to finish setup.

How to Connect Your Xbox 360 to a Wireless Router

You’ll access a wireless network through the System Settings on your Xbox 360. Here’s where to find the relevant settings.

  • Connect the appropriate wireless network adapter to the console. (The Xbox 360 can also connect directly to your router with an Ethernet cable.)
  • Turn on your Xbox 360 and select the Settings pane from the home page.
  • Choose System.
  • Select Network Settings.
  • On the next screen, choose the name of your wireless network from the available options.
  • If your 360 is already using a wired connection using an Ethernet cable, you can’t connect it to a wireless network. Disconnect the Ethernet cable before configuring.
  • Enter your network’s password and select Done or press the Start button on your controller.
  • Your Xbox 360 will access your network and test the connection. The final report will give not only your connection status but that of Xbox Network and its services.
  • Select Continue to finish the setup.

Tips for Setting up Your Xbox 360

Even when the wireless connection between the Xbox and the router is working perfectly, you may still experience difficulty connecting to Xbox Network. These issues can be caused by the quality of your internet connection or the firewall and Network Address Translation (NAT) settings of your wireless router.

Connect the appropriate wireless network adapter to the console. (The Xbox 360 can also connect directly to your router with an Ethernet cable.)

Turn on your Xbox 360 and select the Settings pane from the home page.

Choose System.

Select Network Settings.

On the next screen, choose the name of your wireless network from the available options.

If your 360 is already using a wired connection using an Ethernet cable, you can’t connect it to a wireless network. Disconnect the Ethernet cable before configuring.

Enter your network’s password and select Done or press the Start button on your controller.

Your Xbox 360 will access your network and test the connection. The final report will give not only your connection status but that of Xbox Network and its services.

Select Continue to finish the setup.

Additional troubleshooting may be required in these areas to achieve a reliable Xbox Network connection. If you are unable to network your Xbox with the wireless router, see Xbox 360 Network Troubleshooting.

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