When you connect your Xbox 360 to the internet, you can take advantage of Microsoft's service, Xbox Live. This is a subscription service that provides a free profile that allows you to download video game demos and movies, or access the paid section to play multiplayer with all Xbox 360 users around the world. Connecting to the Xbox Live service only takes a few minutes, and this tutorial shows you the steps required to make it happen.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Connect Your Xbox 360 to the Internet
Step 1. Connect via Ethernet cable
Most Xbox 360s have an Ethernet port on the back of the case. You can use it to connect the console to your home network router.
After making the physical connection via network cable, check the connection is working. To do this, press the 'Help' button on the controller while you are inside the dashboard to view its menu. Choose the 'Settings' tab, then select the 'System Settings' option, then choose the 'Network Settings' item. Select the 'Wired Network' connection type, then choose the 'Test Xbox Live Connection' option
Step 2. Wireless connection
If your home network has a Wi-Fi connection, you can connect your Xbox 360 to the network using this possibility. The Xbox 360 consoles model 'E' and 'S' (Elite and Slim) are equipped with integrated Wi-Fi connection, while the basic version of the console must use the appropriate wireless adapter sold separately.
- Press the 'Guide' button on the controller while inside the dashboard to view its menu.
- Select the 'Settings' tab, then choose the 'System Settings' option.
- Choose the 'Network Settings' item.
- Choose the type of connection 'Wireless network', choose your Wi-Fi network from the list that appears and enter the connection password when prompted.
- If your network does not appear in the list, select the 'Advanced options' item, then choose the 'Specify unlisted network' option. Enter the name of your Wi-Fi network (SSID) and information on the security protocol adopted.
Step 3. Update your console
After setting up the network connection, the console will try to connect to the Xbox Live service. If the connection is successful, you will be prompted to download any available operating system updates. This is a mandatory step in order to use the Xbox Live service.
Step 4. Troubleshooting if the connection fails
If the connection to the Xbox Live service is not established, there may be a problem with your Wi-Fi network settings or with the network cable. Check all physical connections and make sure you have entered the configuration parameters (access password, security protocol, network name, etc..) correctly.
- Sometimes it can happen that the Xbox Live service is not available for maintenance or for an update. Go to the Xbox Live service website to find out about any scheduled activities that require the service to be temporarily disabled.
- If your wireless router is located very far from the console, the Wi-Fi signal strength may be too weak. In this case, you may experience connectivity problems. In this case, try moving the router closer to the console or vice versa.
Part 2 of 2: Sign up for the Xbox Live Service
Step 1. Log in to the dashboard
Press the 'Help' button on the controller to access the dashboard menu. If you are not yet connected to the Xbox Live service, you should see a button to initiate the linking process called 'Connect to Xbox Live'.
Step 2. Enter your Microsoft account link information
Your Xbox Live profile will be related to your Microsoft account. If you use an 'Outlook.com' e-mail profile (formerly 'Hotmail'), or if you use Messenger ('Windows Live'), you already have a Microsoft user profile. If, on the other hand, you need to create a new account, you can do it directly during the Xbox Live sign-up process.
The Microsoft account is free and you can use any of your existing email addresses to create it. If you don't have an email address, you can create one during the registration process
Step 3. Enter your account information
To complete your profile registration, you will need to enter some details, such as your name and age and information related to the security of your profile. Your date of birth will determine whether you are able to access restricted content for an adult audience. Your date of birth is information that cannot be changed later.
Step 4. Choose whether to purchase an Xbox Live Gold membership
This type of subscription is the only one that allows you to take advantage of the multiplayer sector of Xbox 360 video games, get discounts on content and much more. If you provide your credit card details, the Gold subscription will be renewed automatically on the expiry date.
If you do not wish to enter your credit card information, you can purchase a redeemable code for the Xbox Live Gold service at any video game and electronics store. To activate the Gold subscription, redeem the purchased code using the relevant section of the dashboard
Step 5. Edit your Gamertag
When you create your Xbox Live profile, you are automatically assigned a Gamertag, it will be your username with which you will be identified by the Xbox Live community. You can change this information for free once, within 30 days of creating your profile. After that, any changes will be made for a fee.
- Swipe the dashboard menu to the right to identify and view the 'Settings' screen.
- Choose the 'Profile' item.
- Select the 'Edit Profile' option then select the 'Gamertag' item.
- Choose the option 'Enter a new gamertag' and type the desired one. The maximum length is 15 characters.
- The Xbox Live service will verify that the chosen Gamertag is available. If so, select the name you want to use. Your profile will be updated with the new information.
