Fix the Xbox Sign-In Error 0x87dd0006 (Full Tutorial)
Xbox Live is a service, and like any other service, it runs into problems. Unfortunately, this is the type of service that can’t be unavailable for too long, because if problems with it persist, users will not be able to play games anymore. It’s not an easy problem to deal with — so if you’re seeing the Xbox assist 0x87dd0006 error, here’s our answer to the question: what can I do to fix Xbox sign-in error 0x87dd0006?
Xbox Assist 0x87dd0006: Sign-In Errors Explained
Xbox Live is a service and in order to use it, you need an Xbox Live account. This service is used on an Xbox but also on Windows 10.
This post focuses on the Xbox assist 0x87dd0006 error that you see on the Xbox console, and not sign-in errors on the Xbox app on Windows 10.
What does the Xbox assist 0x87dd0006 error mean?
The Xbox assist 0x87dd0006 error is an Xbox sign-in and authentication failure. When it appears, the console is unable to verify your account with Xbox Live servers. The root cause almost always falls into one of four categories:
- Xbox service outage: Microsoft’s servers are experiencing problems and authentication is temporarily unavailable for all users.
- Local network or connectivity problem: Your router, modem, or home network connection is unstable or misconfigured, preventing the console from reaching Xbox Live.
- Billing or account mismatch: A recently changed payment method, expired card, or mismatched billing address is blocking account verification.
- Profile corruption: The local profile data stored on the console has become corrupted, preventing sign-in for that specific account.
A quick way to triage the Xbox assist 0x87dd0006 error before you start troubleshooting: if the Xbox Live status page shows an active outage, simply wait — there is nothing to fix on your end.
If the error started right after you updated a payment method or billing address, head straight to the billing fix below. If only one account fails on one console while others work fine, profile corruption is the most likely culprit and removing and re-adding the profile should resolve it.
1. Check service status
Xbox Live is a service used around the clock, around the world. If the service is down, for whatever reason, you won’t be able to sign in and you may see the 0x87dd0006 error. To check if the service itself is causing sign-in problems, visit the Xbox Live status page. If the service is down, the status page will say as much.
You can visit the service status page here. If the service is down, Microsoft will have to fix it. There’s nothing you can do on your end to expedite the fix.
2. Run power cycle
If the Xbox Live service is up and running, you should try to restart your router and your Xbox.
- Locate the power button on your router.
- Press and hold it for ten seconds, and then release it.
- Press it again to turn the router on.
- On your Xbox console, press and hold the Xbox button for ten seconds, and then release it.
- Wait another ten seconds, and then press the button again to turn the console on.
- Try signing in.
Once the console is back on, verify that it actually has a working internet connection before attempting to sign in again. Press the Xbox button, go to Profile & system>Settings>General>Network settings, and select Test network connection. If the test fails, the issue is your local network rather than Xbox Live itself.
It is worth noting that the xbox assist 0x87dd0006 error can appear even when Xbox services are fully operational if your home network connection is unstable or misconfigured. Keep that in mind if the status page looks clean but the error persists.
If the connection test fails or you are still seeing the error after the power cycle, try these additional network steps:
- If you are using Ethernet: Unplug the Ethernet cable from the back of the console. Attempt to go offline and confirm the console loads without it. Reconnect the cable firmly at both ends — the console and the router or switch — then retry sign-in. Try a different cable or port on the router if possible.
- If you are using Wi-Fi: Try temporarily switching to a wired Ethernet connection to rule out a wireless signal issue. If you are already wired and having trouble, try switching to Wi-Fi on a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band to see if one performs better. Isolating whether the fault is with the cable, the wireless signal, or the router itself will point you toward the right fix.
3. Enable offline sign in
If you’re not trying to set up the Xbox i.e., it has already been set up but you’re unable to sign in, you can enable offline mode and play games that you’ve downloaded.
- On your controller, press the Xbox button.
- Go to Profile & system>Settings>General>Personalization>My home Xbox.
- Select ‘Make this my home Xbox’.
- Press the Xbox button again.
- Go to Profile & system>Settings>General>Network settings.
- Select ‘Go offline’.
4. Check billing information
If your billing information isn’t correct, or it needs to be updated, you may see the xbox assist 0x87dd0006 error. This is a particularly common trigger if you have recently updated a payment method, added a new card, or changed your billing address.
Microsoft requires that the billing details on your Microsoft account and your Xbox account match exactly. Make sure to verify the billing address, card number, expiration date, and any other saved payment details to confirm everything is consistent and current.
- Press the Xbox button on your controller.
- Go to Profile & system>Settings>Account>Payment & billing>Edit info.
- Follow the on-screen prompts and update your billing information. Check the billing address as well as any cards you’ve saved.
If you’re unable to access/update billing information on your Xbox, you can update it from a desktop computer.
- Visit the Microsoft website.
- Sign in with your Xbox Live account.
- Click Payment options in the bar at the top, and check your billing information.
If you are on an Xbox 360, the path to manage payment options is slightly different: go to Settings>Account>Manage payment options and review the details there.
5. Turn off VPN
If you’re using a VPN with the Xbox, it may be experiencing a service outage or it may be preventing the service from connecting. A VPN can sometimes cause the xbox assist 0x87dd0006 error by routing your traffic through a server that Xbox Live doesn’t recognize. Try turning it off, and then sign in.
Run a game from a disc
If you have a game disc, and your Xbox console has a disc slot, try playing a game from a disc. Play for a few minutes and then try signing in.
6. Remove and add your profile
Much like a user account on a desktop OS can be corrupted, the same can happen with a profile on Xbox. A corrupted profile is one of the known triggers for the xbox assist 0x87dd0006 error, and it may prevent users from signing in.
- Press the Xbox button on the controller.
- Go to Settings>Account>Remove accounts.
- Select your profile, and remove it.
- To add the account back, click the Xbox button on your controller.
- Go to the Sign in tab and sign in with your account.
For Xbox 360 users: When removing the profile, be sure to select Delete Profile Only rather than the option that also deletes game saves and items. This clears the corrupted profile data while keeping your locally stored progress intact.
To re-add it, press the Guide button on your controller, go to the Download Profile option, and sign in with your Microsoft account credentials to pull the profile back down.
If the Download Profile option is not visible, sign out of all other Xbox profiles on the console first, and then try again. Having multiple profiles active can sometimes hide that option.
7. Update controller
Try updating the controller. Make sure it is charged and that the device is approved for use with an Xbox. Official controllers work best but you can use other, non-Xbox controllers as well.
- Press the Xbox button on the controller.
- Go to System>Settings>Devices & streaming>Accessories.
- Select your controller.
- Click Device Info>Firmware version.
- Click Update Now.
- Once the controller has been updated, try signing in again.
8. Update Xbox console
The Xbox, like all other hardware, runs an operating system that updates from time to time. Try updating the Xbox to see if the sign-in error goes away.
To update the Xbox,
- Press the Xbox button on your controller.
- Go to Settings>System>Updates & Downloads.
- If an update is available, the next panel will tell you as much. Select and install it.
- Once the update is installed, try signing in again.
Fix Xbox Assist 0x87dd0006: Conclusion
Xbox Live used to have some stability issues but the service has improved a great deal over the years. It is far more stable than it used to be initially — which is to be expected.
The good news: it’s fixable
As stable as it is, you will still run into trouble every now and then. The xbox assist 0x87dd0006 error is one of the more common sign-in issues, but as the steps above show, it is almost always resolvable without contacting support. The only difference is, the errors are much easier to resolve since the service itself is far less likely to be the problem.
