Microsoft Apologizes After Erroneous "Dummy" Notifications Spam Xbox Mobile App Users

Microsoft apologizes for sending multiple "dummy test" notifications to Xbox app users, confirming a system error rather than a security breach.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 26, 2026, 8:13 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from PCMag UK

A Sudden Flood of Test Messages

Around 12:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Xbox players began receiving a barrage of identical notifications through the official Xbox mobile app. Some users reported receiving more than 10 messages in rapid succession, with the text reading: "This is a dummy test message sent via braze. please capture a screenshot once you receive it. This should take you to the recently added gallery." The nonsensical nature of the alert caused confusion across social media, leading some to fear their accounts had been compromised.

Microsoft Confirms Internal Error

The official Xbox account on X (formerly Twitter) quickly addressed the situation, attributing the spam to a system that got "a little too enthusiastic with test notifications." The brand clarified that the incident was an internal blunder and not the result of a cyberattack or security breach. The mention of "Braze" in the message refers to a third-party customer engagement platform used by Microsoft to manage real-time marketing and communication across multiple channels.

Leadership Transition and Future Concerns

The glitch arrives during a pivotal period for the Xbox brand. Following the retirement of long-time chief Phil Spencer, Asha Sharma—formerly of Microsoft’s CoreAI division—has stepped in as CEO of Microsoft Gaming. The transition has fueled industry speculation about the platform's future. Xbox co-founder Seamus Blackley recently suggested that Microsoft may be "sunsetting" the traditional console platform to prioritize its burgeoning AI business, stating that the company is shifting its focus toward enabling AI-driven customer experiences.