Xbox Error Code 0x80070002 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error 0x80070002 means Xbox cannot find a file it needs to run a game or complete an action. The file is either missing, corrupted, or stored on a drive that is no longer connected. Reinstalling the game or app is usually the fix.

Affected Models

Xbox One
Xbox One S
Xbox One X
Xbox Series S
Xbox Series X

Common Causes

Game or app files were partially deleted or became corrupted
The game is installed on an external drive that is no longer connected
A system update created a mismatch between game files and system files
The game's installation was interrupted and left incomplete
The console's storage has errors that prevent files from being read correctly

How to Fix It

Check if the game is on an external drive. If you use a USB storage drive, make sure it is plugged in and the LED is lit before launching the game.

Games installed on external storage will not work if that drive is unplugged.
Restart your console completely. Hold the Xbox button for 10 seconds until it turns off. Unplug the power cable, wait 30 seconds, then restart.

A full restart resets the file system and often resolves temporary file-not-found errors.
Check for game updates. Go to My Games & Apps, select the game, press the Menu button, and select 'Manage game and add-ons.' Check for updates and install them.

Missing updates can cause file-not-found errors if the game references files not yet downloaded.
Uninstall and reinstall the game. Go to My Games & Apps, select the game, press Menu, and choose Uninstall. Then redownload it from the Store or reinstall from disc.

This replaces any missing or corrupted files with fresh copies.
If the error happens with a disc game, make sure the disc is clean and not scratched. The console may be failing to read a specific file on the disc.

Clean the disc with a soft, lint-free cloth — wipe from center to edge, not in circles.

When to Call a Professional

Error 0x80070002 does not require professional help. If the error appears for all games and not just one, your storage hardware may have a problem. Contact Xbox Support if you suspect your internal storage is failing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does 0x80070002 happen after a system update?

Sometimes a system update changes how game files are organized or referenced. A game installed before the update may have files in the wrong place from the console's new perspective. Reinstalling the game after the update usually fixes this.

Do I lose my progress if I uninstall a game on Xbox?

No. Game saves are stored in the cloud (Xbox cloud saves) and separately from the game itself. Uninstalling and reinstalling only removes the game files — not your save data. Make sure cloud saves are enabled in Settings > Account > Cloud Saved Games.

Can a damaged hard drive cause error 0x80070002?

Yes. If the storage drive has bad sectors, the console may fail to read specific files and report them as missing. If this error happens with multiple different games, run a storage check. Contact Xbox Support if you suspect a hardware storage problem.