Contact Information
For more information about using Xbox Live with AOL, contact:
- New customers: 0800 279 9327 AOL Broadband
- Existing customers: 0870 320 2020
- Customer Support: 0870 320 2020
- Billing: 0870 320 2020
Check Availability
Packages and services vary by region. See AOL Number Checker to determine broadband services for your area.
Set Up Your Connection
Choose your connection type
Before following any connection steps below, you should print or save an offline version of this page, as you will need to disconnect your computer from the Internet.
Also, before following any connection steps see your Xbox Instruction Manual for important safety information.
Shared PC Connection with AOL
To connect your hardware:
Make sure you have set up Internet Connection Sharing on your computer, using the instructions detailed in article http://www.xbox.com/en-GB/support/xbox/connect/sharedpc/ics.htm.
Once your computer is enabled for ICS, follow these instructions to complete the setup of your Xbox to play games online:
Step 1: Turn off your Xbox
Step 2: Take your Ethernet crossover cable, and locate the free Network Interface Card (Ethernet) port on your computer. Connect the cable firmly until you hear it click into place
Step 3: Take the other end of the crossover cable and push it all the way into the Xbox Ethernet port until you hear a small click
Step 4: Turn on your Xbox console with no disk in the disk tray
Step 5: From the Xbox Dashboard, choose Xbox Live.
If the Xbox Live screen is displayed ("Account Management, New Account, Network Setup") congratulations! You are connected to Xbox Live.To create your Xbox Live account, or for more information about managing your account, see Signing Up for Xbox Live.
If your Xbox console cannot automatically connect to Xbox Live, you will receive the following message: "Could not connect to Xbox Live. Do you want to troubleshoot your network connection?" See Troubleshooting Your Connection with AOL for more detailed information about the problem and steps you can take to fix it.
Router Connection with AOL
To use a modem router to connect your Xbox to play games online, you first need to configure your modem router. For more information go to AOL Keyword: Home Networking Once your home network is in place, follow these instructions to complete the setup of your Xbox to play games online:
Step 1: First set up your modem router and connect at least 1 computer using an Ethernet cable
Step 2: Check that your home network is working by opening the www.aol.co.uk Web site on an external browser such as Internet Explorer
Step 3: Connect the Xbox console to the router's Ethernet port using an Ethernet cable
Step 4: Turn on the Xbox console with no disk in the disk tray and from the Xbox Dashboard choose Xbox Live.
If the Xbox Live screen is displayed ("Account Management, New Account, Network Setup") congratulations! You are connected to Xbox Live.To create your Xbox Live account, or for more information about managing your account, see Signing Up for Xbox Live.
If your Xbox console cannot automatically connect to Xbox Live, you will receive the following message: "Could not connect to Xbox Live. " See Troubleshooting Your Connection with AOL for more detailed information about the problem and steps you can take to fix it.
Note: With a router connection, you do not need to turn on your computer to access Xbox Live from your Xbox console.
Troubleshooting your Connection with AOL
If you cannot connect to XBox Live, please check the following:
Step 1 - Check your cables
Do you have the wrong type of cable? Using the wrong type of network cable to connect your Xbox to your PC or home network. Make sure that you're using an Ethernet crossover cable to connect your computer to your Xbox if you are using Internet Connection Sharing. A straight through cable must be used to connect your computer to a modem router and the modem router to your Xbox.
Cables not plugged in correctly, or faulty?
Check the ports that you have plugged the cables into. Where you have connected Ethernet cables, you should see two small lights above each port. If the cables are plugged in correctly, and everything is switched on, the left hand light should light up indicating that the cable is connected properly. If the light does not light up, double check that your Xbox Live, computer and modem router (if you are using one) are all switched on. If you still have problems, it could be that one of your cables is faulty, and you should try a different cable.
Step 2 - Check your Internet connection
Can you access the Internet using your computer? If you are using Internet Connection Sharing and have enabled, try to access the Internet through Internet Explorer on your computer. If you cannot access the Internet, then ICS may not be installed correctly. If you are using a home network and you’re unable to access the Internet on a computer connected to your modem router, your router may not be configured correctly.
Step 3 - Check your computer (Internet Connection Sharing only)
Is the computer switched on and connected correctly? This might sound obvious but check that the computer hasn’t gone into standby or disconnected your AOL connection.
Is Microsoft ICS installed correctly?
The most common problem with setting up ICS is that the wrong Local Area Connection has been shared.
Does your computer have a software-based firewall installed?
Double check that your ‘personal firewall’ is configured correctly to allow traffic to and from your Xbox. Different network games may also require different ports to be open, so if some games work and not others, please check the documentation for the game you wish to play for a list of ports to open. Do not alter any of your firewall settings if you're not sure what you're doing - you could disable your Internet connection entirely. Your firewall may block Internet traffic through ICS and therefore ICS may not work while connected through a computer running firewall software.
