Xbox Error Code 0x80A40040 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error 0x80A40040 means your Xbox account does not have the required privileges to access online multiplayer. Xbox online multiplayer requires an active Xbox Game Pass Core (formerly Xbox Live Gold) subscription. This error appears when you try to join a multiplayer game but your subscription has expired or your account does not have the right level of access. Checking your subscription is the first step.

Affected Models

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

Common Causes

Xbox Game Pass Core or Xbox Live Gold subscription has expired
Playing on a child account that has multiplayer blocked by parental controls
The game requires a separate multiplayer pass that has not been purchased
Account sign-in issue causing Xbox to not recognize your subscription status
Xbox Live service disruption affecting multiplayer access verification

How to Fix It

Check your Xbox Game Pass Core subscription status. Press the Xbox button > Profile & System > Settings > Account > Subscriptions. Confirm Game Pass Core is active and has not expired.

Game Pass Ultimate includes multiplayer access. Game Pass Core includes multiplayer. Standard Game Pass (PC) does not include console multiplayer.
If you have Game Pass Ultimate or Game Pass Core active but still see 0x80A40040, sign out and back in to refresh your subscription status on the console.

The console caches subscription data. Signing out forces a fresh verification from Microsoft's account servers.
Check if parental controls are restricting multiplayer. If you manage a child account, go to account.microsoft.com > Family, select the child's account, and confirm 'Multiplayer' is allowed under Xbox settings.

Child accounts default to restricted multiplayer access until a parent explicitly enables it.
Check Xbox Live service status at status.xbox.com for any issues with 'Multiplayer and Matchmaking'.

Multiplayer service disruptions are usually temporary. Wait 30 minutes to an hour and try again.
Power cycle your Xbox to clear cached subscription data. Hold the power button for 10 seconds to fully power off, unplug for 30 seconds, then restart and sign in again.

A full power cycle resets cached account data and forces a fresh sync with Xbox Live on the next boot.

When to Call a Professional

0x80A40040 is a subscription or account settings issue — no professional service needed. Verify your subscription at account.microsoft.com or through the Xbox app. Parental control adjustments must be made by the family account manager.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Xbox subscription do I need for online multiplayer?

You need either Xbox Game Pass Core (formerly Xbox Live Gold) or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Game Pass Core costs around $10 per month or $60 per year and includes multiplayer access plus a selection of free games. Game Pass Ultimate costs about $15 per month and includes everything in Core plus access to hundreds of downloadable games.

Some free-to-play games do not require a subscription — why does 0x80A40040 show for those?

Microsoft exempted many free-to-play games from requiring a subscription. However, not every free game is exempt. If you see 0x80A40040 on a free-to-play game, that specific game's multiplayer does require Game Pass Core. Check the game's store page for details on what is required.

Can a family member share my multiplayer subscription?

Yes, through the Home Xbox feature. If your Xbox is set as your Home Xbox, any account signed in on that console can access your Game Pass Core subscription for multiplayer. This allows family members in the same household to share one subscription.