Xbox Error Code 0x80A40031 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error 0x80A40031 means your Xbox could not sign in to Xbox Live. This is usually a temporary server issue or a problem with your home internet connection. Checking Xbox Live service status and restarting your router fixes it most of the time.

Affected Models

Xbox One
Xbox One S
Xbox One X
Xbox Series S
Xbox Series X

Common Causes

Xbox Live authentication servers are temporarily unavailable
Your internet connection dropped at the moment of sign-in
Your Microsoft account has a security flag or billing issue that needs attention
The Xbox's DNS settings are failing to resolve Microsoft's login servers
A router or firewall setting is blocking the ports Xbox Live needs for sign-in

How to Fix It

Check Xbox Live status first. On a phone or computer, go to support.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-live-status. If the sign-in service shows a problem, wait for Microsoft to fix it — nothing you do at home will speed that up.

Xbox Live outages are usually resolved within a few hours.
Restart your Xbox console. Press and hold the Xbox button on the front of the console for 10 seconds until it shuts off. Wait 30 seconds, then power it back on. This is a full restart, not just a sleep mode exit.

A proper power cycle clears the network stack and often resolves sign-in errors immediately.
Restart your router and modem. Unplug both from the wall, wait 30 seconds, then plug the modem back in first. Wait for it to connect, then plug in the router. Try signing in to Xbox Live again once the connection is re-established.

Your Xbox may have a stale connection that only a router restart can clear.
Check your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com on a phone or computer. Sign in and look for any alerts about billing, security, or account verification. Address any flagged issues — they can block Xbox Live sign-in.

An expired payment method on a Game Pass subscription can sometimes trigger sign-in errors.
Change the DNS settings on your Xbox. Go to Settings > General > Network Settings > Advanced Settings > DNS Settings > Manual. Enter 8.8.8.8 as primary and 8.8.4.4 as secondary. Save and test the connection.

Google's public DNS is often more reliable for Xbox Live connections than your ISP's default DNS.

When to Call a Professional

Error 0x80A40031 is a network or account issue — no hardware repair is needed. If all network fixes fail and Xbox Live status shows no outage, contact Xbox Support. They can check your Microsoft account for any flags or restrictions that are blocking sign-in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still play games while I am signed out of Xbox Live?

It depends. Games on disc and digital games on your Home Xbox can usually be played offline. If this Xbox is not set as your Home Xbox, you need to be signed in to Xbox Live to access your digital library. Offline single-player game modes work; online multiplayer does not.

Could this error mean my account was hacked?

It is possible but not the most common cause. Microsoft will send you an email if there is suspicious activity on your account. Check your email inbox and visit account.microsoft.com to review recent sign-in activity. If you see sign-ins from unfamiliar locations, change your password immediately.

Does Xbox Game Pass affect this error?

An expired or unpaid Game Pass subscription can sometimes cause sign-in issues. Check your subscription status at account.microsoft.com/services. If your payment failed, updating your payment method usually resolves any account-related sign-in blocks.