Don't plug the Xbox One into a surge protector says Microsoft

Having power issues with your Xbox One console? The reason may be how it is getting power, or more specifically, how you've set it up to get power. Microsoft recently fired off a tweet via its Xbox Support Twitter account explaining that it designed the Xbox One to plug directly into a wall outlet. Don't use a surge protector even if you are running out of spare plugs.

Surge protectors are a common sight in the average house. The idea behind them is that your gadgets probably cost a lot of money and you don't want them damaged in the event of a power surge. Considering how much the Xbox One costs, it would seem logical to plug one into a surge protector to help protect your console and the precious data it contains.

That assumption would be a mistake, though, says Microsoft. The company explains that the Xbox One — all versions of the console, including the original — are designed to be plugged directly into the wall. That doesn't mean that surge protectors are optional, though: plugging the console into one could cause issues with turning it on. The support website reads:

Note: Because the console has a built-in surge protector, you should not connect it to an external surge protector. If you connect the console to another surge protector, the console cannot reach the full power that is needed for optimal performance.

The company is pointing Xbox One owners to its power guide, doing so after some users have complained that they can't power their console on. Of course, there could be other reasons: the power cord may have wiggled loose just enough to lose connection with the console, the power supply may have a short or be faulty in some other way, and more.

If you're experiencing issues powering on your Xbox One console, hit up the power guide linked in the tweet above for various troubleshooting solutions.