Xbox Error Code 0x87e11838 occurs when you try launching a game, and it’s usually caused by either a network problem or a licensing issue. I’ll discuss the error in more detail and explain how to fix it in the guide below.
Key Takeaways
- Xbox Error 0x87e11838 is a network error that can also be caused by licensing issues when launching an app.
- Causes of the error include Xbox servers being down, connectivity problems, and incorrect data.
- To fix the error, users can fix their Internet or check the Xbox server status.
What Is Xbox Error Code 0x87e11838?
As mentioned above, the error is yet another network error plaguing the console. Apart from being caused by a connectivity problem or by the servers being down, it’s unique in that licensing issues can also prompt the error to occur.
The error pops up when launching an app and states, “Something went wrong. Give it another try. If this happens again, visit xbox.com/errorhelp and enter the following code: 0x87e11838.” From this, we can’t gather much at all about what causes the error, so we have to research ourselves.
What Causes Xbox Error Code 0x87e11838?
The main causes of this error are very easy to diagnose, but there are other reasons for it to occur as well. Compiling all these causes together, the error is caused by:
- The Xbox servers are down.
- Connectivity problems.
- You’re not logged onto the account you used to buy the game.
- If someone else bought the game, the console isn’t set as a home console.
- Built up cache.
- A corrupted data file.
- A temporary error with the app.
- Outdated system software.
- Outdated app.
How To Fix Xbox Error Code 0x87e11838?
Now that I’ve discussed everything that can cause this error, we can write down the fixes for each cause. The fixes include:
- Checking Xbox servers.
- Fixing your Internet.
- Log into the account you bought the game with.
- Setting up the console as a home console.
- Clearing cache.
- Clearing storage.
- Restarting the app or game.
- Reinstalling the app or game.
- Updating system software.
- Updating the app or game.
- Resetting the console.
Checking Xbox Servers
With a significant shift towards online systems, Xbox has completely abandoned the idea of a self-contained service in the name of security. So, even if a streaming channel like Netflix’s servers is working, you cannot use the app unless Xbox servers work.
This has, however, led to a situation where losing connection to the servers results in losing access to numerous features. Should the issue originate from the server’s side, checking the status of Xbox servers becomes important. This can be accomplished through two primary methods: from the Xbox Help website or by referring to Downdetector.
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Fixing Your Internet
Another factor that might be responsible for the error is the servers being operational while your Internet connection encounters difficulties connecting to them. To address this, you can take the following steps:
- Begin by checking your connection quality using an online internet speed checker, from Xbox settings, or any other method.
- If you detect any issues with the speed, consider resolving them by restarting the router.
For in-depth guides, check out:
Logging Into The Proper Account
Another cause for this error can be that you’re using an account you did not buy the game with to attempt to access it. This isn’t usually a problem if you’re playing on your console, but if you’ve changed the default home console, this can cause an error. To fix this, switch to the correct account that has ownership over the game or service you’re trying to avail.
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Setting Up Home Console
If someone else bought the game, you can fix the error by setting this one up as a home console belonging to the owner account. You can also do this if you are the game owner but are using another account or the correct account but not on your home console.
Remember that doing this will remove any other one from its status as the home console, as there can only be one at any given time.
You can do this by navigating to the “Personalization” menu inside the “General” settings. Then, you can access the “Set up my home console” option.
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Clearing System Cache
A cache is temporary data that helps speed up processing but can cause errors. Clearing the Xbox cache can help resolve issues. Methods include power cycling, performing a hard reset, and clearing the cache through settings.
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Clearing Storage
Any console needs a certain amount of free storage for it to be able to process stuff properly. If there’s not enough of it for the system to work, it can result in errors like these. There are a number of ways to make space on your console: deleting or moving games, apps, and captures; uploading data to a cloud drive; and connecting an external HDD.
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Restarting Or Power Cycling Xbox
Power cycling Xbox is an impressive yet easy troubleshooting method that deals away with any errors caused by temporary glitches, short time cache the console builds up, or heating up. You can do this by turning the console off, taking the plug out, waiting a bit, and then turning it on again.
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Restarting The App
To begin, let’s look at the solution suggested by Xbox support. According to Microsoft, the error is a temporary issue without any clear cause. To fix it, they recommend restarting the game. Unlike on phones and PCs, Xbox has no separate menu to see what’s running. Instead, you can find your open apps and games in the “Guide menu” and close them from the “Options menu.”
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Updating The System Software
The outdated system can cause a synchronization error if the game has been optimized for the newer system. To fix this, update the system. There are several ways to update your Xbox, whether you prefer an online or offline approach.
If you choose the online method, you can use the Guide menu. You can install the update on a drive and format it as an installer for offline updates.
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Updating The App Or Game
An outdated app can also cause the system to glitch out and prompt an error when there isn’t any. Because of this, keeping both your system and games properly updated helps lessen the number of errors you face significantly. To update your games, follow these steps:
- Select “My Games & Apps” from the main interface.
- Select “See All.”
- Inside the list, navigate to “Manage.”
- On the right side, you should see “Update.” Here, you can either choose “Update All” or select the specific games and apps that you want to update
Alternatively, you can also update an item directly from the home interface. To do so, follow these steps:
- Highlight the game or app that you need to update.
- Press the “Menu” button on your controller.
Manage games and apps (Image by Emopulse) - In the menu that pops up, go to “Manage Game and add-ons.”
Updates (Image by Emopulse) - You will see “Updates” on the right side of your screen.
- If this is empty, it means there have been no updates.
- If any updates are shown, selecting the option opens up a new menu.
- In this menu, select “Update All.”
Reinstalling The App Or Game
If no other fix has worked, there might be an issue with the app. There might also be an issue with how the app was installed and not the app itself. The app might have gotten corrupted during installation, or a bad internet connection may have caused it to download the same file multiple times.
To fix this, follow these steps:
- Open the “Guide menu” by pressing the “Xbox button” on your controller.
- Cycle through the tabs by pressing the left and right bumpers.
My Games & Apps Menu (Image by Emopulse) - Select “My Apps and Games.”
See all in my games and apps (Image by Emopulse) - Then, select “See all.”
- Highlight the app showing the error.
- Press the “Menu button” to open options for that specific app.
Manage Game & add-ons – Image Credits [emopulse] - Choose “Manage games & add-ons” or “Manage apps,” depending on your needs.
Uninstall All – Image Credits [emopulse] - Select “Uninstall all.”
You can then reinstall the game as you installed it the first time.
Performing A Factory Reset
If none of the other methods have resolved the issue, you may consider factory resetting your console as a last resort. There are two methods of going about it.
You can choose the “Reset and keep my games and apps” option to keep most of your apps and games (some of them can still be accidentally deleted).
You can also choose “Reset and delete everything” to perform a full reset. Remember to back up important data before proceeding with either of these, and only do them if you cannot fix the console any other way.
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What To Do If Nothing Works?
If no method seems to help make them disappear, contact Xbox support. The website’s filled with forums of like-minded gamers and competent moderators, so finding a fix for an error like yours shouldn’t take long.
If you cannot find anything, you can chat with an agent using the Contact Us option. Tell them the problem, attaching any relevant screenshots. If no other fix works, having an agent examine your account directly is the only thing that can help.
Final Words
Xbox Error Code 0x87e11838 is yet another non-specific network error that plagues the Xbox consoles. It does have a slight specification in that it usually occurs when there is a license problem.
That said, it can also occur without such a problem being present. You can fix this error by restarting, updating, and reinstalling the app. Restarting your console, fixing your Internet, updating the system software, and clearing the cache are also valid fixes.
Lastly, if no other method seems to work, you can hard reset your console after you’ve backed up any important data.
If this helped, also take a look at our guides on fixing other Xbox errors, such as:
Frequently Asked Questions
What's The Maximum Amount Of Time I Can Leave My Xbox On?
It's okay to leave it on for about 6-7 hours. Xbox requires a break from using every electronic item to cool down. However, leaving your gaming console on for one night does not guarantee that it will immediately malfunction or become too hot.
What Does It Mean If My Xbox Game Is An Anywhere Title?
Digitally acquired Xbox Play Anywhere games are yours to play on both Xbox and Windows. The game will appear in your game library whenever you check in after you buy it through the Microsoft Store on your Xbox or Windows device.
Can I Play Games Offline On My Xbox?
Some elements won't be available if you play the game offline, including leaderboards, buying more products from the Microsoft Store, and using the Xbox network's advantages.
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