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Official iFixit API visual reference

How to Open and Clean an Xbox Series X

Use this guide to open up and clean dust and...

Microsoft Xbox Series X Moderate 20 - 40 minutes Guide 146486

Licensed iFixit integration

This attributed iFixit guide is displayed through Fixonic's recorded commercial API permission. iFixit remains the independent source and author of the procedure.

Guide overview

Before you begin

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.

Step 1

Uncover the back panel screws

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP ESD Safe Blunt Nose Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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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

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP ESD Safe Blunt Nose Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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For cleaner removal, use an iOpener or hair dryer to heat the sticker.
Use a pair of tweezers or a sharp blade to peel up a corner of the large sticker on the back panel. Use your fingers to peel it farther, just enough 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!

Step 3

Remove the back panel screws

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP TR8 Torx Security Screwdriver Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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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

Unclip the back panel

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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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

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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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

Remove the back panel

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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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

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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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

Remove the fan screws

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP TR8 Torx Security Screwdriver Referenced by the iFixit guide

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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

Step 9

Disconnect the fan cable

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP ESD Safe Blunt Nose Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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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.

Step 10

Remove the fan

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP TR8 Torx Security Screwdriver Referenced by the iFixit guide

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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

Clean the fan

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Dust Blower Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Tweezers Referenced by the iFixit guide

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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

Clean the exterior panels and vent holes

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Anti-Static Brush Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Spudger Referenced by the iFixit guide

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

Step 13

Clean the heatsink

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Dust Blower Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Anti-Static Brush Referenced by the iFixit guide

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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

Clean hard-to-reach areas

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Anti-Static Brush Referenced by the iFixit guide

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Dust Blower Referenced by the iFixit guide

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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!