Why is my Xbox saying for this game you need to be online?

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Mod · 9 mo. ago · Stickied comment · edited 9 mo. ago

NoriYuki Sato - Xbox Ambassador & Insider Alpha

Update: Try restarting your consoles. This just worked for me.

Update 2: Looks like it's still a sporadic issue with varying degrees of success.

Right now it appears there is a service outage. Please direct all inquires to this thread. All others will be removed and directed here.

Please go to xbox.com/status for official updates.

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Why is my Xbox saying for this game you need to be online?

Xbox is one of the most popular video gaming platforms of recent times. In recent years, almost every online game release on Xbox. But presently, users are complaining about the “You need to be online” error in Xbox. Of course, it is not the first time that Xbox users are facing an error issue. Previously, Xbox bothered players with several bugs and errors, and now they are facing this “You need to be online” error.

The main issue is that this “You need to be online” error prevents them from playing games, and also, they can’t log in to their accounts. There may be several reasons behind this error, but the actual one is still unknown. But there are some probable fixes available to solve the problem.

This guide will help you fix the Xbox “You need to be online” error.

Fixing the Xbox Error – You Need To Be Online

There might be a bunch of possibilities behind this error. However, because the actual reason is unknown, we can assume that this is a network problem. Therefore, we’ll try to fix the error by checking the stability of the internet connection. Below we are giving the probable solutions to this error-

  1. Turn off your Xbox console and Turn it on after a few minutes. Now, check if your Internet connection is stable and the error is gone or not.
  2. Refresh the Dashboard by hitting the Xbox button on the home tile and then the Start button.
  3. If these methods don’t work, you need to clean the Cache of your Xbox to free up storage.
  4. Check the network of your Xbox by visiting the Xbox live status.
  5. Clear the Alternate Mac Address. From Advanced Settings, you’ll find the Alternative Mac Address. Clear the Alternative Mac Address and restart your console.

For Xbox 360 users, go to system settings and, from there, go to network settings. Go to Wireless network- select configuration network- additional settings- Alternate Mac Address. Clear the address and press done.

These probable solutions may work for the Xbox ‘You need to be Online’ error. Many users claim that these fixes worked for them. Though we can’t guarantee that these will work for you, you can try solving the problem with these solutions.

I have done my Master's Degree in English Literature. I have no previous experience in writing blogs or articles. My passion for gaming led me to work as a content writer at QMGames.

    In this article, we have mentioned the possible fixes that can help resolve the for this game need to be online Xbox error.

    Xbox is a go-to destination for gamers interested in online multiplayer games. Undoubtedly, Xbox has millions of players worldwide. But, is a common complaint of the Xbox owners that they keep running into one or the other issue while playing the online multiplayer game.

    Among the several issues you are likely to encounter on Xbox, For this game, you need to be online Xbox error is the most common one. Not only this, it is known to frustrate the users the most. If you are also experiencing this error on Xbox and looking for ways to get rid of it, we’ve got you covered.

    To help you troubleshoot the for this game you need to be online Xbox error, in this article, we have presented the possible fixes.

    Why is my Xbox saying for this game you need to be online?

    Keep reading below to check them out one by one.

    Also Read: How To Fix Frame Rate Issues On Xbox Series X

    List of Contents

    • 1 Restart your router
      • 1.1 Refresh the dashboard
      • 1.2 Wipe off the Alternative MAC address
      • 1.3 Test your network connection
      • 1.4 Disable your network connection
        • 1.4.1 Wrapping Up

    Restart your router

    Before we pull out bigger guns, it is essential to rule out the common issues that create one or the other problem. Since playing games on Xbox needs internet, it is mandatory to ensure that network issues are not the reason behind the error that keeps popping up.

    To rule out the network issues, the most effective way is to restart your modem. Here’s how to do it:

    • Hit the power button on your modem to switch it off.

    Why is my Xbox saying for this game you need to be online?

    • When the modem turns off completely, wait for a minimum of 30 seconds and then turn on the modem by hitting the power button.
    • When the modem reboots, connect Xbox to the network and see if the issue is resolved.

    Also Read: Top 10 Xbox Game Pass Games you should play in 2022

    Refresh the dashboard

    Many users on several forums have reported that simply refreshing the dashboard can help resolve this wicked Xbox error. So, let’s proceed to do it:

    • Launch Xbox and access the Dashboard.
    • Now, long-press the left trigger, right trigger, and the Y button simultaneously for a few seconds.
    • After this, let go of these buttons. As soon as you will do it, the dashboard will be refreshed.
    Why is my Xbox saying for this game you need to be online?
    Image Source: Tinker Man Mick

    Note: Several users have reported that you need to go offline and then go back online before you try the steps mentioned above.  Besides, you need to repeat the same process a few times before you get to result in you hope to see.

    Also Read: Xbox One Controller Not Working? Try These Fixes

    Wipe off the Alternative MAC address

    Interference of the network configuration is a common scenario on your Xbox. This introduces several weird errors on the game console for this game you need to be an online error.

    It is highly recommended to clear the clear Alternative MAC address set on your Xbox to get rid of this issue. Follow the steps below to do it easily:

    • Access the Xbox settings and then choose the Network settings option.
    • Now, choose the Advanced Settings option here.
    • Here, look for the Alternate MAC address option.
    • Now you need to assign a clear option to clear the MAC address.

    Why is my Xbox saying for this game you need to be online?

    • After this, restart your gaming console to apply the changes.

    If you own an Xbox 360, here are the steps you need to follow:

    • Go to the System Settings.
    • Now, access the Network Settings here and then click the Wireless Network option.
    • Here, choose the Configure Network option and then access Additional Settings.
    • Finally, click on the Alternate MAC Address option and you need to ensure that the Alternate MAC Address is not assigned.
    • Hit the Done button to apply the changes.

    Also Read: Interactive Thriller Twelve Minutes Is Available Today With Xbox Game Pass

    Test your network connection

    Most probably, this game you need to be an online error on Xbox will be resolved after you perform the above step. If for some reason, it was not possible to do so, it’s high time you should consider testing the network connection. Follow the steps below to test the network connection on Xbox:

    • Launch the Xbox settings and choose the Network option.
    • Now, access the Troubleshooting settings, and here, choose the Test network connection option.
    • Next, click the Test multiplayer connection option.

    Why is my Xbox saying for this game you need to be online?

    • Wait until the tests run.

    If the Xbox console clears both the tests listed here, it will indicate the internet connection is stable and you do not have any blocked ports that can create issues with an online multiplayer game.

    You can test the internet connection on Xbox 360 by following the steps below:

    • Locate the Guide button on the controller and hit it.
    • Now, choose the Settings option and then System Settings.
    • Next, you need to access the Network Settings.
    • Here, you will have to assign a name to the wireless network or choose the Wired Network option.
    • Now, choose the Test Xbox Live Connection option.

    If any problem with your internet connection is indicated here, you will have to resolve them.

    Also Read: Microsoft introduces xCloud to Windows PCs with the Xbox app

    Disable your network connection

    If you had no luck troubleshooting the error until now, you should simply go offline to get rid of this error. Here are the steps to do so:

    • Access the Xbox home screen and choose the Guide option.
    • Now choose the Settings option followed by All Settings.
    • After this choose Network > Network settings.
    • In the network settings window, choose the Go offline option.

    Why is my Xbox saying for this game you need to be online?

    • Now, wait for a few seconds and then go online again by following the same steps mentioned here.

    Also Read: Disney+ Constantly Buffering? Try These Fixes

    Wrapping Up

    There you go! We hope the possible fixes mentioned above were able to fix for this game you need to be an online error on Xbox. Which of the workarounds mentioned here worked for you? Let us know in the comments below.

    Why is my Xbox saying for this game you need to be online?

    Taiba Hasan

    A tech enthusiast with a Post Graduate degree in Computer Applications, trying to make technology less complicated for novice users.

    How do you fix an Xbox game that says you need to be online?

    How can I fix the Xbox error: For this game you need to be online?.
    Solution 1 – Restart your router/modem..
    Solution 2 – Perform Dashboard refresh..
    Solution 3 – Clear Alternative MAC address..
    Solution 4 – Test your network connection..
    Solution 5 – Disable your network connection..
    Solution 6 – Restart your console..

    Why won't my Xbox let me play games offline?

    To play offline on the Xbox One, you have to go into network settings and select the option go offline. That should then let you play the games offline. You have to make sure you have the Xbox set as your home xbox to do this. You also have to be online first to put the console in offline mode.

    Why can't I play online when I have Xbox Live?

    Players receive this message for one of three reasons: You do not have an active Xbox Live Gold account, which is required to play multiplayer games online. Sign up for an Xbox Live Gold account. Your Xbox Live Gold account expired.

    Why do I have to be online to play Xbox One games?

    Activities your Xbox must be online for include: Playing games and apps that require the internet (e.g., online multiplayer, cloud gaming) Syncing game progress and playing saved games from a different Xbox. Using social features like friends, messages, and parties.