Console · Microsoft · Xbox Series X
Microsoft Xbox Series X Controller Repair
Controller Repair guide for the Microsoft Xbox Series X
Before you begin
Tools
- T8 Torx Security screwdriver
- T6 Torx screwdriver
- Plastic opening tool
- Soldering iron
- Desoldering braid
- Tweezers
- Anti-static wrist strap
Parts / materials
- Replacement Xbox Series X analog stick module
- Rosin core solder
- 99% Isopropyl alcohol
- Cotton swabs
Safety
- Wear safety glasses while desoldering and soldering electronic components.
- Ensure all power sources and batteries are removed before starting repair.
- Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling solder fumes.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Remove battery cover and batteries
1 minPress the release latch on the back of the controller and lift off the battery compartment door. Remove both AA batteries or the rechargeable battery pack.
- 2
Pry left grip panel
2 minInsert a plastic pry tool into the seam between the left handgrip panel and the main housing. Carefully twist to pop the retaining clips free along the seam.
- 3
Pry right grip panel
2 minWork the plastic opening tool into the seam of the right handgrip panel. Pry along the outer edge to unclip and remove the grip panel.
- 4
Puncture hidden screw seal
1 minLocate the small indentation under the sticker inside the battery compartment. Pierce the center of the label using a driver tip to reveal the hidden screw.
- 5
Unscrew outer frame
3 minUse a T8 Torx Security driver to remove the five outer frame screws: two on each side grip channel and one inside the battery compartment.
- 6
Remove front faceplate
1 minTurn the controller front-side up and gently lift the front faceplate straight off the body.
- 7
Remove rear casing
1 minLift the rear housing shell off the inner structural frame and set it aside.
- 8
Pull off thumbstick caps
1 minGrasp both plastic thumbstick caps firmly and pull them straight off the analog potentiometer shafts.
- 9
Unscrew top motherboard assembly
2 minUse a T6 Torx screwdriver to remove the two screws securing the top circuit board to the inner midframe.
- 10
Desolder rumble motor wires
4 minUse a soldering iron to carefully desolder the red and black vibration motor wires from the solder pads on both sides of the board.
- 11
Separate logic boards
2 minGently pull the upper button board away from the lower main board to disconnect the interconnect pin headers.
- 12
Desolder faulty thumbstick module
8 minApply flux and desoldering braid to heat and clear solder from the 14 mounting pins securing the analog joystick to the lower PCB.
- 13
Solder replacement thumbstick
5 minSeat the new analog joystick module fully into the board holes and solder all 14 pins cleanly.
- 14
Reassemble logic boards and housing
6 minPress the logic boards back together, resolder the rumble motor wires, secure the T6 board screws, reattach outer shells, and fasten the five T8 screws.
After your Microsoft Xbox Series X controller repair
Power the Xbox Series X back on and test the controller repair function before you put every screw away. Check touch/display response, charging, cameras, buttons, and wireless as relevant to this repair. If something fails after closing the device, reopen carefully and reseat the connectors for this Microsoft Xbox Series X job before assuming the part is defective. Keep leftover adhesive and screws labeled in case you need a second pass.
Keep learning
Explore more Microsoft Xbox Series X repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
