Xbox is one of the most sought-after gaming console brands, developed and owned by Microsoft. It provides users an online service for gaming and content distribution called Xbox live. Introduced in 2002, Xbox live allows you to play against other people online, download games, and even watch movies and TV shows.
Xbox live has evolved a lot over the years and so have its problems. If you’re an Xbox user you might have faced a problem signing in to Xbox live called Error code 80072ef3. It’s a common error among Xbox users which prevents them from accessing their Xbox live account. The users usually get one of the following messages:
- Sorry, there is a problem, Please Try again later.
Code: 80072ef3
- Can’t sign on to Xbox Live 80072EF3
What Causes Error Code 80072ef3?
Since Error code 80072ef3 is a login issue, it can be easily speculated that some sort of internet connection issue is causing this error. However, besides an internet connection, there still are a couple of other things that can cause this error.
- Outdated or corrupt cache files
- Unpaid subscription balance
- Unverified second email address
- Corrupt files on a hard drive
- Xbox live is down
How To Fix Xbox Live Error Code 80072ef3?
Fixing Error code 80072ef3 isn’t much of a hassle but you have to go through each method entirely. Here are 6 methods that will hopefully help you fix this error.
Check your Internet Connection
The first and foremost step you should take is to check your internet connection. In most cases, lack of internet connection is the main reason behind Error code 80072ef3. It is recommended that you restart your router and make sure there’s no problem with the connection.
Check if your internet speed is normal and if you’re using WiFi, look for a better signal or use an Ethernet cable. Turn off any firewall or security measures like bandwidth limiter or Parental Control.
Restart Your Console
If your Internet connection is normal and the above-mentioned method is of no use, restart your console. It’s another basic method you can try. To restart your console, follow these steps
- Press and hold the Xbox Guide button for 4/5 seconds
- Select the turn off the console option and press A
- Plug off the wire and wait for a minute before plugging it in
- Now turn on the console by holding the Xbox Guide button
Restarting your console and checking the internet connection are two basic methods to fix Error code 80072ef3.
However, these aren’t always effective, and even when they are, they don’t permanently fix the issue. So here are some effective methods you should try:
Clear The Cache
Caches are temporary files and data often stored on your console to help you improve the game-play along with other things.
Over time, the cache can get outdated and corrupt leading to numerous errors like the one we’re dealing with, Error code 80072ef3. Clearing cache can help us prevent this issue. Follow these steps:
- Press the Guide button on your controller.
- Then go to the Settings tab, select System Settings, and then Storage.
- Highlight your hard drive and click on the Y button
- Select Clear System Cache and select Yes if you’re prompted with a confirmation.
Delete Corrupted Files
Sometimes some files on your hard drive can get corrupt due to numerous reasons. When Xbox detects these corrupt files, it can lead to Error code 80072ef3.
To prevent it from happening, you have to delete those files.
- Press the Guide button on your controller.
- Go to the Settings tab and then select System Settings.
- Then go to Storage and highlight Storage Settings and press “A”.
- Select Games and Apps and click the “A” button again.
- Scroll down and check for the corrupt file(s). Corrupt files are marked with a yellow exclamation point.
- If you find a corrupt file select it and press the “A” button
- Select Delete and then again press the “A” button
- Choose Yes if you’re prompted with a confirmation to delete it permanently.
Clear The Unpaid Subscription Balance
If you use any type of Xbox service that requires a subscription, make sure there’s no pending balance to be paid. You have to clear all the dues to prevent Error code 80072ef3 from occurring. Follow these steps:
- Go to Service & Subscriptions page using your Microsoft account credentials
- Unpaid subscription will be in red so look for it
- Select Pay now and follow the on-screen instructions to pay the subscription.
Verify Second Email Address
If you’ve added a second email address to your Xbox live account for recovery purposes but haven’t verified it, that might have caused this error. So sign in to your email and follow the instructions to verify it.
- Delete and re-download your profile.
- Press the Guide button on your controller.
- Go to Settings and then System.
- Now choose Storage Setting and All devices.
- Next, you have to go to “Gamers Profiles” and choose the Gamertag you want to delete.
- Select Delete.
- Now Select Delete Profile Only.
After you’ve deleted your profile, re-download it by following these steps:
- Press the Guide button on your controller.
- Select Download Profile (If you’re signed in to your profile, you’ll not see this. Press X button to sign out)
- Enter your Microsoft account’s credentials associated with your Gamertag.
- Select the Storage Device for your profile. The download process will start.
- Once the process is completed, sign in and check if the problem is solved.
- Check Xbox Live’s status
Sometimes Xbox live can run into issues causing Error code 80072ef3. It’s highly unlikely but if that’s the case consult with other Xbox users if Xbox live is working for them.