Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Connecting your Xbox 360 to the internet
• Part 2 of 2: Sign up for Xbox Live

When your Xbox 360 is connected to the internet, it connects to Microsoft's Xbox Live service. You can join Xbox Live for free to download free games and videos. You can also pay for a subscription to play and voice chat with other people. Setting up Xbox Live only takes a few minutes. Before you know it, you will be gaming online.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Connecting your Xbox 360 to the internet

1. Connect via ethernet. Most Xbox 360s have an ethernet port on the back. You can use this port to connect your Xbox 360 to your router or modem.
   • After connecting the cable, you need to test the connection. Open the Guide menu from the Dashboard by pressing the center button on the Xbox controller. Select "Settings", then "Network Settings". Select "Wired Network" and then "Test Xbox Live Connection".
2. Connect wirelessly. If you have a wireless network at home, you can connect your Xbox 360 to the internet via WiFi. In that case, you don't have to pull a cable to your router. The Xbox 360 E and the Xbox 360 S both have built-in Wi-Fi. The original Xbox 360 needs a special adapter to be installed like this.
   • Open the Guide menu from the Dashboard by pressing the Xbox Guide button (the button in the center of the controller).
   • Select Settings, then System.
   • Select Network Settings
   • Select the wireless network from the list. Enter your wireless password when prompted.
   • If your network is not listed, choose Advanced Options. Then press Specify Unlisted Network. Enter your network name and then the security information.
3. Update your console. After configuring your network, the Xbox 360 will try to connect to Xbox Live. When the connection is established, download the available updates. These will improve the stability and connectivity of the Xbox.
4. If applicable, determine why the connection is weak. If you can't connect to Xbox Live, there may be a problem with the wireless settings or the ethernet cable. Try to check each connection, and make sure all passwords are entered correctly.
   • Sometimes the Xbox Live service is offline. If you're having trouble connecting, check the Xbox Live website for the latest news.
   • If your router is a few rooms away, you may also have a weak wireless signal. This can cause connection problems. If possible, try moving the router closer to the Xbox or vice versa.

Part 2 of 2: Sign up for Xbox Live

1. Open the Dashboard. Press the Guide button to open the Xbox 360 Dashboard. If you haven't signed up for Xbox Live yet, you will see a button that says "Join Xbox Live".
2. Enter your Microsoft Account information. Your Xbox Live account is linked to your Microsoft Account. If you use Outlook.com (formerly Hotmail) or Messenger (Windows Live), you already have a Microsoft Account. If you don't have one yet, you can create one from the sign up process.
   • The Microsoft Account is free, and you can use your current email address to create one. If you don't have an email address, one will be created during the sign-up process.
3. Enter your account information. You will be required to enter your name, age, and security information when creating your account. Your date of birth determines whether your account can access adult content. You cannot change your date of birth later.
4. Decide if you want to purchase a Gold membership. An Xbox Live Gold membership allows you to game against others online, gives you discounts on games, and much more. There are recurring costs associated with such membership.So if you enter your credit card details, you will pay for it multiple times.
   • You can also buy the Gold plans at most game stores. You can do this if you're not comfortable providing your credit card information to Microsoft. Enter the codes to activate your Gold membership.
5. Change your gamertag. When you first create an account, you will automatically be assigned a gamertag. This is your online name on the Xbox Live network. You can change this tag once for free within 30 days. After that, you will have to pay if you want to change your name.
   • Scroll to the right of the Dashboard to find the Settings screen.
   • Choose the option "Profile".
   • Select "Edit Profile", then "Gamertag".
   • Press "Enter New Gamertag" and enter your desired name (it cannot be longer than 15 characters).
   • Xbox Live will check if the name is available. If so, choose to use the new name. Your profile name will be updated immediately.