XBox One is a popular gaming console released in 2013 and was the successor to the XBox 360. It currently supports nearly 3000 console games of various genres. The XBox family was originally developed by Microsoft, who is also the founder of the Windows OS.
To fully set up your XBox One console, you will need to use your mobile device and go to aka.ms/xboxsetup. In this process, you will also need to download the XBox mobile app. In this guide, we will show you a detailed, step-by-step guide to completely set up your XBox One from the aka.ms/xboxsetup website.
Table of Contents
What is Aka.ms/XBoxSetup?
The aka.ms/xboxsetup is a site that allows you to digitally set up your XBox One console. This process is required for those who have a new console and will want to update their XBox via the XBox mobile app.
Not only is it faster, but you can also sync your console to your mobile phone. It is an alternative way to update your XBox One system without waiting too much for those automatic system updates done by the console.
How to Completely Set Up your XBox One Console using the Aka.ms/XBoxSetup
To do this, you will need to have a working Android or Apple smartphone and a stable Wi-Fi connection. Also, make sure to follow all the steps to successfully set up your XBox One.
Important: Take note of the activation code (alphanumeric code below the link). You will need this on setting up your XBox One via the XBox mobile app.
Step 1: Download and install the XBox mobile app
- Depending on your smartphone, you can download the XBox mobile app from the App Store (iOS) or the Google Play Store (Android). Just search for the keyword XBox mobile app and tap Install.
- Once downloaded, open the app.
- For new users, go to Set up a console.
- If you are already signed in, tap the Console icon on the top-right corner of the Home Screen, and select Set up a console.
- Next, enter the activation code that is displayed on the Set up with the XBox app screen.
Step 2: Connect the App to your Console
- In this step, you will see a notification that asks “XBox wants to join WiFi network [your network]”. Tap Join from the options.
- Once the console connects, tap Next.
Tip: You can directly scan the QR code on the screen to connect your console.
If your console cannot connect with your phone due to an error, go to this link.
Step 3: Select your Location and Language
When setting up your XBox One, your country and language information is required to have a personalized console experience. If your language is not available from the options, you can opt for English or other languages that you are fluent in.
After you connect your console to the internet, you can download the first system update which will contain more languages for you to choose from. After selecting your language, tap Next.
Tip: To change your language, later on, press the Xbox button and navigate to Profile & System > Settings > System. Then, go to Language & location.
Step 4: Connect your console to the Internet
In this step, you can either connect your XBox One to a wired or wireless connection.
If you plug in a network cable on your console during the physical setup, you will be automatically connected. Choose Next to continue with your digital setup.
However, if the console does not detect any kind of connection, you will need to select a network. In the Let’s get your console on the internet screen, you can choose from:
- Use wired connection – If you already have a network or Ethernet cable attached to your console and choose this option, the Network Connection Troubleshooter will launch to solve network errors on why your wired connection was not properly detected.
- Select from the list of wireless networks – All detected wireless or Wi-Fi connections will be listed according to their signal strength. If you have a Wi-Fi network in your home, it should be at the top of the list.
- Once your console is connected to the internet, you will be directed to the It’s all good screen. Then, click Next.
If you experience an error connecting your console to Wi-Fi, go to this link.
Step 5: Update your XBox
Now that your console has an internet connection, you need to get the latest system update when using it for the first time. Select Update console to download.
Tip: If you want to do this later due to connection issues, select the X button at the top-right corner of the screen. Remember that the first update is critical to digitally set up your XBox console.
Once the update is done, the console will restart. You can also continue with the other configurations needed for your digital setup while the console is still downloading the update.
Step 6: Select a Power Option
In this step, you can choose from the following:
- Energy-Saving – This option turns off the console after every use instead of putting it on Sleep mode. Also, the console takes longer to boot up and will only turn on once you press the Xbox button on the controller or the console.
- Instant-On – Choose this option if you want your console to go to sleep instead of turning it off after every use. While consuming more power, it conducts automatic updates while on Sleep mode and wakes up faster.
If you want to change this setting, later on, press the Xbox button and go to Profile & System > Settings > General > Power mode & startup.
Step 7: Select Automatic Updates
In this step, you can choose the automatic updates you want your XBox console to receive. If all boxes are ticked, you will receive the latest updates for your system, games, and apps as soon as they are available.
To access this setting later, press the Xbox button and go to Profile & System > Settings > System > Updates.
Step 8: Give your console a name and Create an Account
It’s a great idea to name your console uniquely once you have more than one console on your network. After entering a name, select Next.
In the Let’s get you signed in screen, choose Next to start the sign-in process. If you have an existing Microsoft account, you can use it to sign in now. If you do not have one, select Create one!
Step 8: Choose Sign-in and Security Preferences
In this step, you can choose between three sign-in options:
- No Barriers – Choose this if you want no restrictions upon signing in to your account. It allows anyone to use your account and make purchases or change the settings. This is recommended for a family console.
- Ask for my passkey – This option is more secure since it will require you to set up a 6-digit code for your account. You will need to enter this code every time you sign in.
- Lock it down – Select this if you want your account to be private. It will require your password before signing in.
If you forget your password, you can recover your account using the https //www.microsoft.com/link code to sign in.
Step 9: Turn on Notifications and Cue up other apps
The next steps will ask you if you want to turn on the Remote Features, connect to social networks, and pre-install other apps.
- If you want to pre-install an app, select from the list of apps that are displayed. These will be queued up once your console is done installing all updates.
- You can choose to connect your Facebook and Steam accounts to find and add more friends via the Suggested friends list; just enable permissions from both of your accounts to sync them successfully.
Also, select Allow notifications to get invites and messages from your friends.
Step 10: Connect your XBox controller
Once the update process is finished, you will be notified by the XBox mobile app to connect your wireless controller. If you have your XBox Wireless Controller ready, follow these steps:
- Power up your XBox Wireless Controller by inserting two AA batteries.
- Pair your controller to the console by pressing and holding the Pair button on each. The pair button is located at the back of your controller and the front of the console (next to the USB port).
- Turn on your controller by pressing the XBox button. It will automatically connect to your console. Select the Update controller on the setup screen.
- Then, choose Next.
Tip: If you have trouble updating your controllers, click this link.
We also have a handy guide on how to stop your XBox controller from automatically turning off .
Step 11: Enable TV Settings
Note: The original XBox One console does not support 4K. So, if you are setting up an original XBox one console, or you do not have a TV that supports 4K, skip this step.
A 4K display elevates your console gaming experience. Along with a 4K TV, you must have an XBox Series X|S, XBox One X, or XBox One S console to allow this option. Select Enable to let the console check if 4K works on your TV. If the feature does not work on your TV, you can continue with the setup process.
If you are having trouble connecting a 4K TV with your console, click here to know more.
And that’s it! Your XBox One console is ready to be used, just click the Take me home button and get started.
If you have any problems
We have a few guides on how to fix common XBox setup issues
Final Thoughts
Setting up your XBox One console is required to have smooth and personalized gameplay. However, you might get confused with all the configurations that you have to set. Hence, this guide will hopefully guide you on digitally setting up your XBox One via the XBox One mobile app.