Xbox Series X randomly shows only green flickering screen on startup.

Austin W91 · Feb 22, 2025

My Xbox Series X suddenly started displaying a flickering green screen on startup. I can hear the start up sounds and even notifications if I leave it on. I cannot see any part of the normal screen. I’ve tried switching HDMI cables, holding the power button, and unplugging completely for several minutes. I tried attaching a picture of the issue but it wouldn’t upload for some reason.

:)

King E

Hello, My name is King. I'm an Independent Advisor and a member of the Microsoft community and I'd love to assist you today.

- Power off your console, and then unplug the power cord to ensure that the console is completely powered off.

- Wait 30 seconds, and then plug the power cord back in.

- Press and hold the Pair button (located on the left side of the console) and the Eject button (located on the front of the console), and then press the Xbox button on the console.

- Continue holding the Pair and Eject buttons for 10-15 seconds.

- Listen for two “power-up” tones a couple of seconds apart. You can release the Pair and Eject buttons after the second power-up tone.

- The console should power up and take you directly to the Xbox Startup Troubleshooter.

If your console doesn't have an Eject button, you can bring up the Xbox Startup Troubleshooter on this console by holding only the Pair button (steps 3 & 4) and then pressing the Xbox button. Continue holding the Pair and Eject buttons for 10-15 seconds.

- Once you see the Startup Troubleshooter, select Factory Reset and then choose "Keep Games and Apps"

- Once the Reset is complete, you'll be prompted to sign into your console using your Microsoft account credentials, after which you'll choose your preferred settings and your console should display normally again.

NB: A factory reset keeping games and apps will not delete your game saves as they are backed up in the cloud and will resync once you've signed in.

Hope this helps.

Austin W91

Here’s what the screen looks like.

StuartATrueRed

Microsoft haven't said it is. I believe the green Xbox One startup screen will stay, and the Xbox Series X/S will get the new Xbox boot up screen.

Rogg721

I’m having the same issue, but its on the Xbox One X, and its only with HDR. Screen will flicker on and off randomly. If i wait long enough screen will stay black, never come back. I had to disable HDR on the port, flicker goes away ( so does hdr). Everything
worked before the most recent update. Happens on every port, and only happens wjth my xbox. Thoughts?

HackingSpartan8

Do you mean the Xbox One X intro before the standard green startup screen is missing? If so, go to your display settings and check if the output is 4k. If it is, then theres nothing to worry about. Your X is working as normal, only the startup is missing.
Theres no need for a replacement

Xbox Series X randomly shows only green flickering screen on startup.