How to Open and Clean an Xbox Series X

Written By: Arty

Comments: 7

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

20 - 40 minutes

Introduction

Use this guide to open up and clean dust and debris out of the fan, grilles, or vents of an Xbox Series X.

If your console is loud, overheating, or underperforming, it may have built-up dust in the cooling fan, heatsink, or main vents.

In the Xbox Series X, when upright, the large top fan pulls air in from the bottom, which cools the console, then pushes the air out of the top vent. If your Xbox lives in a TV cabinet with limited airflow, consider opening the door while gaming or moving it out to open air. If your Xbox is on the ground, it may suck in extra dust, dirt, or hair and limit its ability to keep cool.

Tools

Step 1

Before you begin, completely power down and unplug all cables from your console.
Use a pair of tweezers to remove the sticker hiding the first screw on the back panel, near the base.

Step 2

For cleaner removal, use an iOpener or hair dryer to heat the sticker.
Use a pair of blunt tweezers to peel back the large sticker on the back panel to reveal the second screw.
You only need to peel this sticker to where you can access the hidden screw. You don't need to pull it completely off.
Technically, these are tamper-evident stickers, but don't worry—Microsoft can't legally void your warranty, as long as you don't damage anything. Have fun!

Recommend using a hair dryer to soften the label adhesive.

Crash -

Microsoft can void your warranty. They can use whatever excuse if it is sent in because you opened it and you cannot prove you didn’t damage it.

DirtyD -

Step 3

Use a T8 Torx driver to remove the two 7.4 mm‑long screws securing the back panel.
Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from to avoid damaging your console.

Step 4

Insert the flat end of a spudger into the gap between the back panel and the shell, near the left side of the base.
Pry up the back panel to release it from the locking clips.

Step 5

Insert the flat end of a spudger into the gap between the back panel and the shell, near the right side of the base.
Pry up the back panel to release it from the locking clips.

Step 6

Grip the back panel at the opening you just created and pull it up and away from the shell to unclip the long edges.
During reassembly, press along the edges of the back panel to snap it into place.

Step 7

The back panel slots into a gap at the top of the shell.
Tilt the back panel up and pull it away from the top edge of the shell to release it from the gap.
Remove the back panel.

Step 8

Use a T8 Torx driver to remove the three screws securing the fan to the center chassis:
One 10.5 mm pancake screw
Two 8.8 mm screws

are there any 10.5mm wide head screw for the xbox fan for sale because i need a replacement because i accidentally broke mine

GhostMindX9 -

If the 10.5 mm screw isn’t budging, use some pliers to loosen it

Joseph Grant - 07/07/24

Step 9

Use your fingers or a pair of blunt tweezers to grip the edges of the fan cable connector, and pull up to disconnect it from the center chassis.
Always pull cables by their connectors and not the wires themselves.
During reassembly, route the fan cable underneath its small cable guide on the fan housing so it doesn't interfere with the back panel.

But don’t pull the connectors with tweezers because you will inevitably still damage the cable as you have no grip on the connector and the tweezers will slip.

Leif DeWolf -

Step 10

Slide the fan out of its slot to remove it.
During reinstallation, note that the fan can only be installed one way—make sure Master Chief is facing you.
If you're replacing the fan, a new fan might not include the plastic installation bracket, which is attached to the fan with four T10 Torx screws. This isn't pictured in this guide.

Step 11

Over time, dust will build up inside the fan and on the fan blades.
Use a pair of tweezers to grab loose hairs and dust clumps off of the fan.
Use a small dust blower or light compressed air to blow remaining dust off of the fan.
Use a finger to keep the fan blades steady—it makes them easier to clean.
If there's a layer of grime on the fan blades, use soapy water on a damp rag or an isopropyl alcohol wipe to clean it off.

Step 12

Use a clean rag or microfiber cloth to wipe both sides of the back panel clean.

Step 13

The Xbox Series X draws air up through the large heatsink fins, and they may clog with dust and debris over time.
Use a dust blower to blow out any trapped dust from both sides of the heatsink fins.
If you need to remove the heatsink for deeper cleaning, follow this guide.

Step 14

Depending on how dirty the inside of your console is, you might need to use a soft bristle brush to dislodge more dust and grime.
Using an anti-static brush or a new toothbrush, clean any dust out of hard to reach areas.
Once most dust is dislodged, use a dust blower to blow it out of the console.
Remember: use this time to clean any other dirty internal surfaces before you seal your console back up. Happy gaming!

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Disassembly or cleaning didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Xbox Series X Answers community for help.

Author

Arty

Member since: 27/10/19

26864 Reputation

2 comments

i Congratulate You Because taught me how to properly clean my Xbox.

my ubit - 04/12/24

Sehr geil...🤙🤙🤙🙏👍

Andreas Nützmann -