Fix Error 0x838601e7 when you try to play a game on your Xbox console

Did you receive an error code 0x838601e7 while setting up or playing a game on your Xbox console? If yes, then you may find this guide useful as here, we discussed all possible reasons that may trigger this problem. Additionally, we will also look into four ways that should resolve the sync error on Xbox. 

Fix Error 0x838601e7 when you try to play a game on Xbox Console

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Ways to Fix Xbox Error 0x838601e7 

If you are getting an error code 0x838601e7 while starting a game on Xbox console, try these fixes and see if any address this problem –

1] Check the Xbox Status page

Before you apply any workarounds discussed below, make sure to check the Xbox status page for once. This is necessary as, at times, errors like this appear just because of server issues. If you do find all the signals green, follow the solutions discussed below. Else, wait for the signals to turn green from red. 

Xbox Status - Games and gaming

2] Restart your Xbox Console

If the status page doesn’t display any issues, the problem may lie with the console itself. In such cases, one must restart his/her console and check if the problem resolves. Here’s how to reboot the Xbox console –

  • On your console, press and hold the Xbox button for at least 10 seconds. Doing this will force the shutdown of the gaming console.
  • Remove all the connecting wires as well as the power cable. Wait again for 10 seconds.
  • Press the Xbox button on your console to turn it back ON.

Now that you have rebooted the Xbox console, check if this fixes the error code 0x838601e7 or not.

3] Do the Power cycling of Xbox

In case the error 0x838601e7 persists even after restarting the Xbox console, the problem may lie with your associated Microsoft account. So, unlink your official account followed by power cycling the Xbox console. Here’s how you can perform this task –

  • First of all, press the Xbox button.
  • Click Profile & system and reach out to the following section –

Settings > Account > Remove accounts

  • Select the Microsoft account that is associated with the Xbox console, and hit the Remove button. 

Now that you have removed your official account, use these steps to perform a power cycling –

  • Press and hold the Xbox button till it shuts down completely. This whole process might take 10-15 seconds.
  • Wait for the next 10 seconds, and switch on the Xbox console. 
  • Xbox should display a green signal if you had booted it successfully. In case it doesn’t, you have to repeat the above steps again and again.
  • Enter the Xbox console by pressing its button.
  • Select Profile & system > Add or switch > Add new.
  • If you have an additional Microsoft account, use that. Else, use the recently removed account to sign in to Xbox.
  • Now, follow the on-screen instructions to configure setting up the Xbox console. 

4] Clear the stored cache on Xbox

The unnecessarily stored cache on the Xbox may also cause errors like 0x838601e7 to appear. In order to fix this issue then, you may try clearing all the stored cache by using the steps below –

  • Hit the Xbox button to launch the Guide.
  • Click Profile & system and navigate to the below path –

Settings > System > Storage

  • Here, you will find an option to clear local saved games. Well, click on it.

The error 0x838601e7 should resolve automatically. In case it doesn’t, check if the network is all okay by performing these steps –

  • First of all, browse to the following path on the console –

Profile & system > Settings > General > Network settings

  • Once you are there, click Test network connection. Initiating a network test will run and check if there’s a problem with your net connectivity or not. 

I hope the error resolves by now. In case it doesn’t, Check Xbox forums to find about the Xbox community’s take on this problem.

What causes Xbox sync error?

The Xbox may fail to sync because of one or more reasons enlisted below. Keeping your Xbox in sync allows the cloud to save your game progress online. With the recent progress backed up in the cloud, you may start the game from where you left quite easily. However, when Xbox starts failing to sync your game progress, you may receive error messages including Error 0x838601e7.

Here are some of the common Xbox syncing issues and their solutions –

  • We can’t save additional info for…

This issue pops up when your console runs out of space for saved games synchronizing with the cloud. To solve this, you may either delete the not-so-useful saves or continue with the Gameplay ignoring the error message. 

  • Which one do you want to use?

This error appears when the data saved in the cloud don’t match with the data on your console. This must happen when you have either newer data or locally saved data that don’t get in sync with the cloud. In such scenarios, you will be asked which data is of importance and which one you want to let go of. Pick the one as per your need and hit the Save button.

  • Your other Xbox is taking a long time to sync the cloud

As quite clear in the error message itself, this problem occurs when you start playing on a different Xbox console while the previous data hasn’t been backed up yet. The gaming console allows two options to choose from. While the first one allows syncing the last saved data on the console you’re currently using. Opting for this option will delete all the data from your other device. The other option suggests waiting till Xbox resolves the sync issue. 

  • We couldn’t sync your info with the cloud

This issue signifies that your console could not maintain a good connection to the Xbox network. In such cases, you may opt to play offline. You may test the network connection as well.

  • We couldn’t get your latest saved data

This error implies that the Xbox service for Social and Gaming may be limited. The server must be down, so check the Xbox status page. If you do find any issue there, wait for the next 30 minutes.

Soni Aryan

Soni Aryan

Soni Kumari is a tech enthusiast known for her expertise in how-to type topics and Windows troubleshooting articles. She loves exploring how to do things or tweaks in Android, iPhone, and other operating systems.