Xbox Error Code 0x80040900: How to Fix It
Easy 10-30 minutes Medium Severity
Verified July 2026
- Error Code
- 0x80040900
- Brand
- Xbox
- Product Type
- game_platform
- Severity
- Medium
- DIY Difficulty
- Easy
- Estimated Fix Time
- 10-30 minutes
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Tools You'll Need
- Internet-connected phone or computer (to check Xbox Live status)
- Ethernet cable (recommended for wired connection test)
- Router and modem access (for restart and DNS changes)
How to Fix Error Code 0x80040900
-
Perform a Full Power Cycle
Do not use the quick power menu to restart — you must hold the physical button for a hard shutdown and fully unplug the power cable to clear the network stack properly. -
Check and Correct the Console Date and Time
-
Test and Troubleshoot Your Network Connection
-
Check for DNS Issues and Switch to a Public DNS
-
Check Xbox Live Service Status
-
Clear Persistent Storage and MAC Address Reset
-
Factory Reset the Console (Last Resort)
Before resetting, ensure your game saves are backed up to Xbox cloud storage if you have an active Xbox Game Pass or Gold subscription. Local saves not synced to the cloud will be lost if you perform a full reset.
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When to Call a Professional
Contact Xbox Support at support.xbox.com if the error persists after completing all steps above, especially the factory reset. You should also contact support if your console shows this error immediately after a hardware repair or motherboard service, as the real-time clock (RTC) battery on the mainboard may be dead or the hardware itself may be damaged. Xbox Support can run remote diagnostics on your console and arrange a repair or replacement if the device is under warranty.Frequently Asked Questions
What does Xbox error code 0x80040900 mean?
Error code 0x80040900 means your Xbox console failed to sync its clock with Microsoft's network time servers. This causes a certificate validation failure because secure connections require the console's clock to be accurate. It is most commonly caused by an incorrect date/time setting, a lost internet connection, or a temporary Microsoft server outage.
Why does my Xbox keep losing the date and time?
If your Xbox repeatedly loses its date and time settings after being unplugged, the internal real-time clock (RTC) battery on the mainboard may be depleted. This is more common on older consoles. In most cases, as long as the console is connected to the internet, it will sync the time automatically on startup, but a dead RTC battery means it cannot hold the time while powered off.
Will error 0x80040900 delete my game saves?
No, the error itself does not delete any data. It only prevents your console from connecting to Xbox Live. Your game saves stored locally on the console are not affected. However, if you choose to perform a full factory reset as a last resort, you should ensure your saves are synced to Xbox cloud storage first to avoid data loss.
Can a VPN cause Xbox error 0x80040900?
Yes. VPNs — especially those configured at the router level — can block or reroute the network time protocol (NTP) requests your Xbox uses to sync its clock. They can also interfere with Microsoft's certificate validation servers. Try disabling your VPN temporarily to see if the error clears. If it does, you may need to add an exception for your Xbox on your VPN settings or stop routing the console through the VPN.
Is Xbox error 0x80040900 a Microsoft server problem?
It can be, but it is more often caused by a local issue on your console or network. Always check the official Xbox Status page at xbox.com/en-US/support/service-alerts first. If Microsoft's authentication or network services show an outage, the error will resolve itself once Microsoft restores service. If all services show green, the problem is local to your setup.