Learn how to refuel in Microsoft Flight Simulator on Xbox using the fuel panel, EFB or fuel truck, plus fixes when refuelling fails.
In Microsoft Flight Simulator on Xbox, refuel through the Fuel or Weight and Balance panel, or use the aircraft’s EFB if it has one. Set each tank or total fuel, then apply the load. For realism, park at a supported stand and request a fuel truck through ATC Ground Services.
What is the quickest way to refuel on Xbox?
The toolbar or EFB load page is the fastest and most reliable method in Free Flight. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 commonly uses a Fuel toolbar panel, while Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and more complex aircraft may direct you to an EFB or aircraft load manager.
- Open cursor mode. With a default Xbox controller profile, this is commonly assigned to a left-stick press. Move the pointer to the top of the screen to reveal the toolbar.
- Open the fuel controls. Select Fuel, Weight and Balance, or the EFB, depending on the simulator generation and aircraft.
- Enter the required quantity. Adjust total fuel or individual tanks. Keep corresponding left and right tanks balanced unless the aircraft’s operating procedure calls for a different distribution.
- Apply the load. Select the available Apply, Load or Start Fuelling control, then check the cockpit fuel gauges. Some aircraft simulate gradual fuelling rather than changing the quantity instantly.
Watch the displayed units: gallons, litres, pounds and kilograms are not interchangeable. If payload also needs changing, our guide to setting fuel and payload while controlling weight and balance covers the combined loadout process.
| Method | Best used when | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel or Weight and Balance panel | Flying default aircraft or making a quick adjustment | May be locked during missions or career activities |
| Aircraft EFB | Flying an airliner or detailed add-on | May require the parking brake, shutdown or ground services |
| ATC fuel truck | Refuelling realistically at an airport | Only works at supported airports and parking positions |
| Repair and Refuel binding | Recovering from an accidental fuel shortage | Does not provide a realistic, measured uplift |
For a planned flight, include taxi fuel, trip fuel and reserve rather than automatically filling every tank. We explain how to calculate the required fuel and choose a refuelling method separately.
How do I request a fuel truck on Xbox?
A fuel truck can serve the aircraft only when it is parked at an airport position supported by ground services.
- Park on a ramp or designated stand. Set the parking brake. Shutting down the engines removes a common reason for ground-service requests being rejected.
- Open the ATC panel. Select Ground Services and then the option to request fuel, if it appears.
- Wait for the bowser. Do not move the aircraft while it approaches.
- Set the required fuel. Depending on the aircraft, the truck’s arrival may open a fuel panel or require you to use the EFB. The truck’s presence alone does not always change the tank quantity.
If the request is absent, that airport or stand probably lacks simulated fuel service. Move to another parking position or use the toolbar/EFB method instead.
Why is refuelling not working?
Refuelling usually fails because the wrong loading interface is being used, the aircraft is not at a valid stand, or the activity has locked fuel changes.
- The Fuel icon is missing: check the toolbar’s customisation options, then look for fuel controls in the EFB. Some aircraft deliberately replace the standard simulator panel.
- The fuel truck never arrives: park fully within a recognised stand, apply the parking brake and stop the engines. If the aircraft is stranded away from parking, use these Xbox aircraft reset and repositioning methods.
- The quantity immediately reverts: use the aircraft’s own EFB or load manager. Detailed aircraft can override changes made through the standard simulator menu.
- The gauges do not move: confirm that the load was applied, switch on the required electrical power and allow time for simulated fuelling. Check both the EFB quantity and cockpit gauges.
- Fuel is aboard but the engine stops: inspect the tank selectors, fuel pumps, mixture and crossfeed controls. Adding fuel does not automatically configure the aircraft’s fuel system.
- The controls are greyed out: missions and MSFS 2024 career activities may restrict fuel changes. Set the permitted load before starting the flight or use the activity’s own servicing system.
Can I refuel while flying on Xbox?
Yes, Free Flight normally allows fuel to be added in the air through the toolbar or EFB, although this is an emergency shortcut rather than realistic operation. Aircraft-specific systems and structured activities may block it.
You can also search Xbox Control Options for Repair and Refuel and assign it to an unused button combination. Use that command for recovery only: it does not let you choose a measured fuel load and may also reset simulated damage.