What is “The Person Who Bought This Needs to Sign in” Xbox Error?

This particular error indicates several unknown factors that prevent the licensed user(s) from checking their usage rights for a game or app. This message is triggered randomly in response to one of the possible causes.

Internet connectivity issues: whether your router is not connecting to the Internet, or the device where your Xbox account is logged in is offline, both scenarios can prevent your account details from loading properly.Game Pass License-holder has not set a Home console: if you play on an Xbox console as a Game Pass holder, you should set it as your home console device. Otherwise it may result in an error.Something gone wrong with Xbox Live servers: in rare occasions when the Xbox Live servers are down, your account will temporarily fail verification.Problems with your Xbox account: there can be multiple account issues preventing proper verification of Xbox account.Problems with your Xbox console and registered devices: your Xbox console and registered devices may accumulate a few issues over time. To resolve them, you may want to go for a device reset.

If you’ve encountered this error yourself, the following methods should speedily resolve the issue.

1. Check Internet Connection/Restart Router

Your router is the hub of all your online activities. While Xbox supports offline mode activities, the console or PC app may still need player and gaming information from the cloud. Without those Live servers, your gaming device may feel functionally unusable. Therefore, checking your Internet connection should be your immediate response when you face any unexpected downtime. To troubleshoot the router, follow the steps below. In place of a router, if you prefer a Mi-Fi device to connect to the Internet, we have you covered as well.

2. Check Xbox Network Connection

Even if Wi-Fi access on a router works fine, your Xbox dashboard may paint a different picture. It may have unexpectedly disconnected from the Live servers and thus, a simple restart of the console or PC app will get you online again.

3. Restart Xbox Console

If both the Internet source and Xbox console are showing a connected status, but your account keeps getting rejected, it’s a good idea to restart the console. After a simple restart, if you again see the error, consider resetting your console which we have covered below.

4. Set the Default Xbox Console as My Home Xbox

This is one of the topmost reasons behind the Xbox console failing to identify a licensed account holder. It may happen that you used a different Xbox console to register your Gamepass than the one you’re using currently. This means your default Xbox console is unable to match your account credentials. Moreover if you use your console for sharing with other family members, and if one of their accounts has a Game Pass, it will not sync with the default Xbox console. Setting the current Xbox console as your default “My Home Xbox” involves the following steps.

5. Check the Xbox Server Live Status

Xbox Live servers are very important in maintaining the smooth operations for your account. If there are server issues due to Microsoft’s maintenance activities, that may prevent you from loading your game data on the console as well as PC app. The best way to check the status of Xbox Live servers is through online methods on any browser.

6. Sign Out and Login Again to Your Xbox Account

Sometimes your user account may behave erratically leading to disconnection issues. Despite it not being your fault, you may not be able to access the games and apps you need. To resolve this issue, it is very easy to simply sign off from your Xbox devices.

7. Cancel and Restart Your Game Pass Membership

If there are no Internet issues or problems with your Xbox console/app or account, but you’re still unable to get past any account syncing errors, consider canceling your Game Pass membership. With a fresh start and a new payment mode, any previous account integration issues will resolve automatically.

8. Remove a Microsoft Account from Your Xbox Console

Another drastic measure is to remove your Microsoft account entirely from your Xbox console followed by adding it back once again. This can be done using the Xbox console’s account creation page.

9. Re-Register Your Device in Xbox Account

If your Xbox device fails to connect to your licensed Game Pass account, you can try to register it again. Whether you play Xbox games on the console or your PC, you can always go for a fresh restart on the network.

10. Factory Reset Your Xbox Console

This one should only be attempted if all other methods have failed to connect you online. Doing a factory reset on your Xbox Console enables you to restart the device in mint condition. Note: A big downside is that all your personal data and games/apps will be gone (although you can retain them, it’s best to go for a complete reset.) Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Sayak Boral