Basic Troubleshooting for Xbox 360
Last Updated: February 12, 2026
Question: What general troubleshooting can I try if I’m having issues with an Xbox 360 game?
Answer: Problems with your Xbox 360 console can result from a wide variety of issues. To resolve them, try the steps below:
Check your console and game for system updates
Launch the game while connected to the internet to check for game updates. For system updates, see the following Xbox support article:
https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/xbox-360/console/dashboard
Clear the console cache
For instructions on how to clear your console’s cache, follow the steps in the following Xbox support article:
https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/xbox-360/console/clear-system-cache
Check all connections between your console and other hardware
Make sure all your connections are functioning as intended, with power and AV cables fully attached to your console and display
Remove all peripherals (e.g. controllers, external storage, etc.) and then test to see whether the problem still occurs
Check for game disc damage
Ensure your game disc is free of dust and/or scratches. To clean the disc:
Hold the disc by the edges without touching the surface with your fingers
Clean the disc with a soft cloth, lightly wiping from the center outwards
Do not use solvents or chemicals to clean the disc
Check your console’s Clock settings
Make sure your Clock settings on your console are set to today's date and your time zone.
For more information on how to do this, see the following Xbox support article: https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/xbox-360/console/dashboard
Ensure your console and display are calibrated for each other
Issues like black borders at the edges of your game or the game being too zoomed in may be caused by your console not displaying the correct resolution to your display, or your display having overscan settings on.
To set your console to the correct resolution for your display, follow the steps in the following Xbox support article:
To change overscan and other display settings, consult your display’s manual.
Change your PAL Settings
Note: These instructions only apply to consoles running the PAL versions of Rockstar Games titles.
Turn on the Xbox 360 without a disc inserted
Select Settings
Select System
Select Display
Select PAL Settings
Switch to PAL-60 or PAL-50, whichever was previously unselected