External HDD always remains powered even when the console is off.

From what I have read, when external HDD's were first introduced they would always stay on, so this option was for those hard drives that would remain on even while the xbox was off

Hi there

I tried that power cycle it didn't work my external he'd still coming on then off. I even tried putting it in the other usb port on back of console still does same thing in both usb ports. Now my external hdd won't go off it's staying on even when console
off

You can turn off the external HDDs when the console is off by going to settings>power & startup>power & startup mode and stopping the HDD drive staying on when console is off.

If your console is in instant on and set to keep all games and apps up to date this means that the HDD will power up/stay on to download whilst off.

There is an option in the settings, can't remember where to get the xbox to power down an external HDD when the console is of. I think it only works with HDD that don't have an external power supply.

If it is on with one with external power supply then I would say something is wrong as mine doesn't spin up while the Xbox is off unless it's downloading an update for a game.

Thank you all for your responses. Much appreciated! I tried turning off
two things - both the option to "Keep games and apps up to date",
and "Keep the Xbox up to date" (with patches, etc)

That did it. My external HDD now turns off with my Xbox. BUT (there always is), it flashes every few seconds. I can see it "blink" which seemingly suggests stand-by mode. It doesn't spin, but seems like is still "on".

I read somewhere else that this is normal. But expert opinions like the ones from above might help further. I suppose the external hard drive being in "stand by" mode is just fine, and won't really impact its longevity?

Is there a reason you want the drive not on

Yeah, I have a few other devices connected to the same spike buster. Let's say I don't turn my Xbox on (watching TV or playing on a different console for example). The External HDD still spins up and continues to spin. What's worse, if I forget to turn off
my spike buster overnight, then the drive keeps spinning and never stops.

Now, some might deem this fine - but it bothers me, and I have a feeling it plays a role (as insignificant as it may arguably be) in its longevity.