Unplug Console

Does the external hard drive ever turn off when the Xbox is off?

The console has a setting to turn external storage off when the console is turned off. It's in the power settings. However, for some reason, some externals do not turn off when the console is turned off, even when the "When Xbox is off, turn off storage" setting is enabled.

The second thing that will cause most externals to go to sleep is inactivity. Usually there is a setting in the drive's own firmware that says "go to sleep after 30 minutes of inactivity" or whatever.

Here's what I would recommend: -

1. If it's not already enabled, enable the "When Xbox is off, turn off storage" setting in the console's power settings, then test to see if the drive turns off when the Xbox is turned off.

2. If option 1 is no help and the drive never turns off, disable that setting, then see if the external turns off after a period of inactivity once the Xbox has been turned off.

If you unplug the drive when the console is off, obviously, if you have the console set to automatically update your games/apps, it won't be able to update anything on the external while the Xbox is off as it's not connected. That is the primary downside of what you're currently doing.

Well if you read your manual when you purchase the hdd you would know why

Hdds aren't supposed to be turned off suddenly

Not good for your hdd not good for your data

You do realize that external hdds come with an external plug right?

And disconnecting a hdd improperly leads to an early hdd grave and possible lost game saves

And this does includes powering off a hdd

You can unplug a hdd while.the Xbox is off.not while.It's on to avoid this

But external HDDs aren't designed to be turned off for short periods this is why they have external plugs

Just for quick trips to a friend's house and assumi g you dont drop it

The power usage in a year would.be 5 bucks a year

Are you sure you want to risk your game saves for less.then a coffee a year

Most.electronics don't use much power in idle

Your tv or refrigerator microwave uses more power per hour then idle devices in a year

And that's.just.plugged in

Are you sure you wanna unplug your tv everytime ?if you are worried about 5 bucks a year idle.On a hdd vs 100 want per hour on a tv and that's on the light sjde

Hi, Siripong! thank you for reaching out.

My name is AJ, I'm an Independent Advisor for the Xbox Community.

Unless your console is completely turned off, I'd advise against unplugging it.

You can make sure your console is completely turned off by going to Settings > General > Sleep mode & Startup > Full shutdown.

You can also try turning your console off by pressing and holding its power button for about 10 seconds or until it shuts down.

If you don't mind, I'd appreciate it if you answer the following questions:

• May I ask which Xbox model you are using?

• Is your console's sleep mode set to "Standby"? you can see this at Settings > General > Sleep mode & startup > Sleep mode.

Thank you! I'll be looking forward to your reply.

Best regards.

May one ask, what's the reason to unplug the power cable from your console?

I just feel it's more safe to disconnect all the appliances I have in my room... just in case. You see, the consume very little power while in stand by, but they still use power. I just switch the multisocket off.

May one ask, what's the reason to unplug the power cable from your console?