Fix Your Stuff Community Store

Fan Removal

Prerequisite Only
This guide is only intended to be used as a prerequisite for other guides. It's incomplete by itself.

Introduction

This guide shows how to remove the fan in your Xbox Series X (Digital Edition) gaming console.

What you need

  1. Fan Removal, Uncover the back panel screws: step 1, image 1 of 2 Fan Removal, Uncover the back panel screws: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • Before you begin, completely power down and unplug all cables from your console.

    • Two stickers cover the back panel screws. You can remove the stickers without heating them, though it makes them much easier to remove cleanly.

    • Heat an iOpener and lay it on the smaller sticker near the bottom of the back panel for two minutes.

    • Alternatively, you can use a hair dryer to heat the sticker.

    Edit

  2. Fan Removal: step 2, image 1 of 3 Fan Removal: step 2, image 2 of 3 Fan Removal: step 2, image 3 of 3

    • Use a pair of angled tweezers to remove the sticker hiding the first screw on the back panel, near the base.

    Edit

  3. Fan Removal: step 3, image 1 of 3 Fan Removal: step 3, image 2 of 3 Fan Removal: step 3, image 3 of 3

    • Use an iOpener or hair dryer to heat the larger sticker near the center of the back panel.

    Edit

  4. Fan Removal: step 4, image 1 of 3 Fan Removal: step 4, image 2 of 3 Fan Removal: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to scrape up a corner of the larger sticker until you can grip it with a pair of blunt tweezers.

    • Use blunt tweezers to peel back the sticker 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!

    Edit

  6. Fan Removal, Remove the back panel screws: step 5, image 1 of 2 Fan Removal, Remove the back panel screws: step 5, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    Magnetic Project Mat
    $19.95
    Buy

    • Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from to avoid damaging your console.

    • Use a T8 Torx driver to remove the two 7.4 mm‑long screws securing the back panel.

    Edit

  7. Fan Removal, Unclip the back panel: step 6, image 1 of 3 Fan Removal, Unclip the back panel: step 6, image 2 of 3 Fan Removal, Unclip the back panel: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • 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.

    Edit

  8. Fan Removal: step 7, image 1 of 3 Fan Removal: step 7, image 2 of 3 Fan Removal: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • 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.

    Edit

  9. Fan Removal, Remove the back panel: step 8, image 1 of 3 Fan Removal, Remove the back panel: step 8, image 2 of 3 Fan Removal, Remove the back panel: step 8, image 3 of 3

    • 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.

    Edit

  10. Fan Removal: step 9, image 1 of 3 Fan Removal: step 9, image 2 of 3 Fan Removal: step 9, image 3 of 3

    • 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.

    Edit

  11. Fan Removal, Remove the fan screws: step 10, image 1 of 2 Fan Removal, Remove the fan screws: step 10, image 2 of 2

    • Use a T8 Torx driver to remove the three screws securing the fan to the center chassis:

    • One 10.3 mm‑long pancake screw

    • Two 9 mm‑long screws

    Edit

  12. Fan Removal, Disconnect the fan cable: step 11, image 1 of 3 Fan Removal, Disconnect the fan cable: step 11, image 2 of 3 Fan Removal, Disconnect the fan cable: step 11, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingernails or a pair of angled tweezers to firmly grip the edges of the fan cable connector.

    • Grip your tweezers close the connector to get a better grip.

    • Pull the connector straight out of the socket to disconnect it.

    • If you're having trouble, gently rock the connector side to side to loosen it.

    • 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.

    Edit

  13. Fan Removal, Remove the fan: step 12, image 1 of 3 Fan Removal, Remove the fan: step 12, image 2 of 3 Fan Removal, Remove the fan: step 12, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Dust Blower
    $18.99
    Buy

    • Slide the fan out of its slot to remove it.

    • During reassembly:

    • Before installing the fan, make sure it's clean! Use a dust blower or compressed air to blow off any dust or debris, and wipe the fan clean with a clean cloth.

    • Use a finger to keep the fan blades steady—it makes them easier to clean.

    • Note that the fan can only be installed one way—make sure Master Chief is facing you.

    Edit
Finish Line

Author

Spencer Day

Member since: 09/14/22

94,776 Reputation

662 Guides authored

Badges: 38

+35 more badges

Team

iFixit Member of iFixit

Staff

118 Members

19,445 Guides authored

0 Comments

Add Comment

View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 8

Past 7 Days: 20

Past 30 Days: 27

All Time: 68