Xbox Error 0x87E20004 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Xbox error 0x87E20004 indicates a DLC or downloadable content access error. The console cannot find or verify a piece of DLC — an add-on, expansion pack, or additional content — that a game requires. This can happen when DLC is purchased on a different account, when DLC is missing from a Game Pass library, or when the DLC installation is incomplete. Verifying your purchase and reinstalling the DLC usually resolves it.

Affected Models

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

Common Causes

DLC was purchased on a different Microsoft account than the one currently signed in
DLC was included with a Game Pass subscription that has since expired
DLC installation is incomplete or corrupted — partial files remain
Game Pass library change removed the DLC content you were trying to access
The console is offline and cannot verify the DLC license

How to Fix It

Confirm which account purchased or has access to the DLC. Check your purchase history at account.microsoft.com under Order History. Make sure you are signed in to Xbox with the account that owns the DLC.

DLC license errors are very commonly caused by being signed in with the wrong Microsoft account.
Check if the DLC is installed. Go to My Games and Apps, find the base game, press the Menu button, and select Manage game and add-ons. Look at the Add-ons section and install any DLC that shows as available but not installed.

Purchasing DLC does not always automatically install it. Manual installation from the Manage page is sometimes required.
If the DLC was included with Xbox Game Pass, confirm your subscription is active. Go to Settings, Account, Subscriptions, and check the Game Pass status. An expired subscription removes access to Game Pass DLC.

Content included with Game Pass is only accessible while the subscription is active. Expiration is a common reason for 0x87E20004.
Uninstall the DLC and reinstall it. From the Manage game and add-ons screen, select the DLC, choose Uninstall, and then reinstall it from the same screen.

A corrupted DLC installation causes launch errors. A clean reinstall replaces all files.
Ensure the console has an active internet connection and sign out and back in to force a license refresh. Go to Settings, General, Network Settings, and test the connection before signing back in.

DLC licenses are verified online. An offline console or a stale license token causes temporary access errors.

When to Call a Professional

This is an account and content access issue that resolves through account management. Contact Xbox Support at support.xbox.com if you believe you have been charged for content you cannot access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can two family members share DLC on Xbox?

Yes, through Xbox home console sharing. If the person who purchased the DLC sets their Xbox as the home console for the shared household console, all profiles on that home console can use the DLC. This also works for Game Pass subscriptions.

I bought the DLC but still get 0x87E20004 — why?

Most likely you are signed in with a different account than the one that made the purchase. Check account.microsoft.com to confirm which account was charged. Sign in to Xbox with that account and the DLC should become available.

Does Xbox Game Pass give access to all DLC for included games?

No. Game Pass includes the base game, but DLC is usually not included. Some games have DLC bundled into the Game Pass version (clearly labeled), but most DLC must be purchased separately. Game Pass only provides access to what is specifically included in the subscription — not all add-on content.