Yes, there is a rest mode for Xbox consoles that allows the console to download updates and recharge controllers while powered down. This rest mode goes by different names depending on the Xbox console model. On Xbox One consoles it is called “Instant-on mode” while on Xbox Series X/S consoles it is called “Standby mode.” Enabling rest mode provides a number of benefits over fully powering down the console.
What are the benefits of using rest mode?
There are several benefits to using rest mode on Xbox consoles rather than fully powering down:
- Downloads and updates can continue – With rest mode enabled, your Xbox can continue downloading games, updates, and other content while powered down overnight or whenever you’re not using it.
- Faster start up – Restarting from rest mode is much faster than booting up the console from a fully powered down state.
- Controller charging – You can charge your Xbox wireless controllers by connecting them while the console is in rest mode.
- Remote access – You can remotely wake your Xbox from rest mode to play games from your phone or other devices.
- Game suspend/resume – You can quickly suspend a game in rest mode and instantly resume where you left off next time you start up.
So in summary, rest mode delivers convenience and immediacy compared to fully shutting down the Xbox. It enables your console and controllers to charge, updates to download, and allows you to instantly access your games and content.
What are the rest mode options on Xbox One?
On Xbox One consoles, there are two main rest mode options:
Instant-on mode – This is the enhanced rest mode on Xbox One. With Instant-on, the console enters a low power state but remains available for quick start up and the benefits listed above. The console will use about 15W of power.
Energy-saving mode – This option fully powers down the Xbox One while still allowing it to receive updates. It uses less power (around 0.5W) but doesn’t provide the full rest mode experience.
You can configure these options under Power & startup settings on Xbox One. Instant-on is enabled by default as it offers the most convenience.
What are the rest mode options on Xbox Series X/S?
The Xbox Series X and Series S consoles also have two similar rest mode options:
Standby mode – The enhanced rest mode on Xbox Series X/S. It powers the console into a low power state while allowing instant start up and background activity.
Shutdown (energy saving) – Fully powers down the Xbox Series X/S while still allowing downloads and updates. Provides the most energy savings.
You can choose between Standby and full Shutdown under General > Power options on your Xbox Series X/S. Standby is enabled by default and recommended for most users.
How to enable rest mode on Xbox One
Follow these instructions to enable Instant-on mode on your Xbox One console:
- From the Home screen, go to Profile & System > Settings.
- Select Power & Startup.
- Under Power mode, select Instant-on.
- Confirm Instant-on in the popup.
Instant-on will now be enabled as the default rest mode whenever you power down your Xbox One.
To switch back to Energy-saving mode in the future, simply select Energy-saving under Power mode in the Power & Startup settings.
How to enable rest mode on Xbox Series X/S
Here is how to configure Standby mode on your Xbox Series X or Series S:
- From the Home screen, go to Profile & System > Settings.
- Select General.
- Select Power mode & Startup.
- Under Power mode, select Standby.
Standby mode is now enabled by default when you power down your Xbox Series X/S.
To switch to full Shutdown in the future, choose Shutdown under the Power mode menu instead.
How to wake Xbox from rest mode
There are a few different ways to wake your Xbox console from rest mode:
- Press the Xbox button on a paired controller.
- Press the Xbox power button, if your console has one.
- Say “Xbox on” to an Xbox voice remote or controller.
- Use the Xbox mobile app to remotely wake your console.
After waking from rest mode, your Xbox will take just seconds to become fully powered on and accessible. Any paused games or apps will be instantly resumed right where you left off.
How to turn off rest mode
If you decide you don’t want to use rest mode on your Xbox anymore, you can fully disable it by:
On Xbox One
- Go to Settings > Power & Startup.
- Change Power mode to Energy-saving.
On Xbox Series X/S
- Go to Settings > General > Power mode & Startup.
- Change Power mode to Shutdown (energy saving).
This will make your Xbox fully power down when switched off, rather than entering rest mode. However, you lose out on the benefits like fast start up and game suspend/resume.
How much energy does rest mode use?
Here is an overview of the power draw in rest mode vs fully off for each console:
| Console | Rest Mode | Fully Off |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox One (Instant-on) | ~15W | 0.5W |
| Xbox Series X/S (Standby) | ~10W | 0.5W |
As you can see, there is a significant power draw difference between rest mode and fully off. Rest mode uses 15-20x more power when the console is inactive.
However, the always-ready convenience of rest mode is often worth the extra energy usage for most gamers.
Tips for using rest mode efficiently
Here are some tips to use Xbox rest mode efficiently:
- Enable auto updates so your games update while in rest mode.
- Turn off controllers when charging them to avoid wasting power.
- Adjust power-down timers to enter rest mode faster when inactive.
- Use energy saving mode during long vacations or periods of non-use.
- Disable “Keep my games & apps up to date” if you don’t play often.
Properly configuring settings like auto-update and power timers can help minimize unnecessary power draw in rest mode.
Conclusion
Rest mode provides major convenience benefits for Xbox gamers. While it does use more energy when not in active use, the ability to instantly access your games, keep controllers charged, and download updates in the background is extremely valuable.
Both Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S offer optimized rest modes called Instant-on and Standby respectively. These modes are enabled by default but can be disabled if desired. With the right settings configured, gamers can enjoy rest mode’s advantages while still minimizing inactive power usage.