Skip to main content

How to clear the cache on your Xbox One console

Is your Xbox One experiencing unexpected crashes, annoying freezing, or unexplained slowdowns — no matter what type of game or app you are using? One possible culprit is a cache issue.

Like our computers, your Xbox One also keeps a cache of temporary data for the apps and games you play frequently, so it can load in certain assets more speedily and cut down on wait times. While the Xbox cache doesn’t usually fill as fast as a cache on an active web browser, it can still become crowded over time, causing memory issues and related bugs.

Related Videos

The good news is that clearing the cache is not difficult if you know the right steps, and you don’t even need to turn on your Xbox to do it, which is useful if you keep crashing or permanently freezing whenever you try to boot up. Here’s exactly what you do!

See more

Step 1: Power off the Xbox One

Xbox One power button close up.
The Xbox One X is this generation’s most power-hungry console. Les Shu/Digital Trends

Press and hold the power button on the front of your Xbox. Wait several seconds until it completely turns off. If your Xbox has frozen, or if it’s cycling on and off repeatedly, this should help force it to reset entirely so you can move on with the next steps.

If your Xbox is crashing entirely, it may be difficult or impossible to initiate this full reset with the power button. That’s not ideal, but it’s a good idea to resume the rest of our steps to see if that helps.

If it seems like your Xbox is crashing because of an overheating issue, wait for it to cool down for an hour or two before trying this step.

Step 2: Unplug your Xbox

Diagram showing power cord connections on Xbox One.

Adjust your Xbox One so you can access all the connections in the back. Look for the power connection on the left-hand side, where the cable leads from the power box to the Xbox One. Unplug this cable from the Xbox One unit itself. You can also unplug it from the wall if you want, but it’s key to unplug it from the actual console.

Note: Certain versions of the Xbox One don’t have a power brick, while some do. To make things easier, follow these steps no matter what you see so you are covering all your bases. You will not be harming your Xbox either way.

Wait one to two minutes before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Power cycle a few times

Image close up of the Xbox power button.

Now to the front of your Xbox again: Press and hold the power button again for several seconds, then release it. Repeat this step several times.

Don’t expect an outward sign that this is having an effect on your Xbox. The goal is to clear up any potential issues by forcing the Xbox to attempt to restart without access to power. It’s not always necessary, but it’s a good idea to be thorough with this process.

Once finished, wait one to two minutes again.

Step 4: Plug back in

Diagram showing where to plug the power cord into an Xbox One.

Plug the power cable back into the back of your Xbox. Wait about a minute – sometimes a power brick will have an indicator light showing when it’s ready, but wait a minute either way and you won’t need to worry about it.

Now press the power button to turn the Xbox back on as you normally would. Start a game or app and play to see if the issue has been resolved.

Step 5: Reset your console if necessary

Screenshot of Xbox reset options.

If you are still having problems, there is a final step you should certainly try, although it may take a bit of time. If you can access your Xbox settings, head there and select System, then select Console Info. Now go to the option that says Reset Console.

Here you will see a few different reset options. You will want to choose the option that says Reset and Keep My Games & Apps. You certainly do not want to remove everything and reset back to factory default. Once the reset is fully complete, try to play again and see if the issue has been resolved.

Editors' Recommendations

MLB The Show 23 returns to Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch this March
Jazz Chisholm's cover art for MLB The Show 23.

Sony San Diego Studios announced MLB The Show 23 today, and confirmed that it will launch across all major PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo systems on March 28. 
No new platforms were added this year, so PC players aren't getting in on the fun. Still, this announcement makes it clear that MLB The Show is a multiplatform series across PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo platforms for the foreseeable future. Xbox's version of the trailer also confirms that MLB The Show 23 will be on Xbox Game Pass at launch, making this first-party Sony series a day-one Game Pass title three years in a row. 
MLB The Show 23 - Cover Athlete Reveal
As is typically the case with sports games, MLB The Show 23's reveal was primarily focused on its cover athlete. We learned that Jazz Chisholm Jr., a second baseman for the Miami Marlins, will grace the cover of the game. Like last year, the PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch versions of the game will cost $60, while players  on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S without Xbox Game Pass will need to pay $70. So far, no new gameplay features have been teased, although a blog post confirms that cross-platform multiplayer, saves, and progression across all versions of the game will return this year. 
So far, there's not a lot that actually seems new about MLB The Show 23, but this reveal concludes the genesis of a new era for the long-running baseball series. MLB The Show 23 will be released for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch on March 28. 

Read more
Xbox and Bethesda’s Developer_Direct: how to watch and what to expect
Redfall Cover

Microsoft has confirmed rumors that it will be holding a game showcase later this month. Called a Developer_Direct, this livestream will take place later today and feature updates on Xbox Game Studios and Bethesda games launching over the next few months, like Redfall.  Xbox doesn't typically do that many games showcases outside of events like E3, so this Developer_Direct seems like Microsoft's own take on the Nintendo Direct or State of Play formula.
That said, it's being a bit more transparent that it will be a bit slower-paced than Nintendo or PlayStation's shows typically are. For those planning to watch the show live today, this is how to watch Xbox's Developer_Direct Showcase as well as what you can expect from games like Redfall, Forza Motorsport, Minecraft Legends, and The Elder Scrolls Online at the event. 
When is Xbox and Bethesda's Developer_Direct? 
Xbox Game Studios and Bethesda's first-ever Developer_Direct will air live and for free later today, January 25, at 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT. 

How to watch Xbox and Bethesda's Developer_Direct
The Developer_Direct showcase will be officially livestreamed by Bethesda and Microsoft in the following four places: 

Read more
The best Xbox One controllers for 2023
Someone holding an Xbox One controller.

Over the years, the Xbox One has turned into a fantastic console for fans of everything from racing games to first-person shooters, and much of the console’s appeal comes down to its controller. Comfortable, simple, and sleek, the stock Xbox One controller is a great option for nearly any player.

If you want more customization, however, you have plenty of choices. Whether you’re a dedicated first-person shooter fan, love racing games, or are fully immersed in the fighting game scene, there’s an Xbox One controller to fit your needs. These are the best Xbox One controllers you can buy right now, including premium gamepads and controllers for those on a budget.

Read more