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How to Take Apart an Xbox One Controller

Safely disassemble your Xbox One controller for easy fixes

By Jeremy Laukkonen Jeremy Laukkonen Writer Shoreline Community College Jeremy Laukkonen is automotive and tech writer for numerous major trade publications. When not researching and testing computers, game consoles or smartphones, he stays up-to-date on the myriad complex systems that power battery electric vehicles . lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on October 25, 2021 Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr Michael Heine is a CompTIA-certified writer, editor, and Network Engineer with 25+ years' experience working in the television, defense, ISP, telecommunications, and education industries. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Consoles & PCs Xbox Buyer's Guide

What to Know

Find a clean, clear, well-lit workspace and get a T-8 safety Torx. Use a prying tool to gently separate and pry off the grip covers.Remove the battery cover; use a T-8 safety Torx bit to remove all the screws. Remove the assembly from the front case.With access to the interior, clean and replace components and remove analog sticks, the d-pad ring and d-pad, and more. This article explains how to take apart an Xbox One controller if it needs repairs, keeping in mind potential snags and specialized tools you'll need. Xbox One controllers are generally accepted as one of the best video game controllers around, but they still break down from time to time. Jeremy Laukkonen

How to Take Apart an Xbox One Controller

Before you can take apart your Xbox One controller, find a clean and clear workspace that's well lit. You will also need to obtain the following tools if you don't already have them: T-8 safety TorxPrying tool You can use a Torx bit in a driver or with a socket wrench, or use a dedicated Torx driver, but it has to be a T-8 safety Torx. You can tell the difference between a regular Torx and a safety Torx by the small hole found in the tip of a safety Torx. Without this small hole, a regular T-8 Torx will not fit into the Xbox One controller screws. For the prying tool, you can use anything that's thin enough to fit inside the gap between the controller housing and the end covers. Try to use a plastic tool if possible to avoid damaging the housing of your controller. Here's how to take apart your Xbox One controller: Use a prying tool to gently separate the right or left grip cover. Once the covers have started to separate, you can finish carefully pulling them off by hand. Repeat the process with the other grip cover. Remove the battery cover. If your controller has never been taken apart, the sticker inside the battery compartment will be intact. You will need to push through the sticker with your Torx bit or cut it away to access the hidden screw. You are now ready to remove the screws, starting with the hidden screw inside the battery compartment. Use a T-8 safety Torx bit, and be careful to properly seat it and apply even pressure to avoid stripping the screw. Using the same Torx bit or driver, remove one of the screws from one of the grips. Remove the second screw from the same grip. Repeat the same process on the other grip, removing the final two screws, and the controller will come apart. You now have access to the rumble motors, triggers, and some additional screws that you can leave alone unless you need to replace specific components on the circuit board. To access most of the other components, remove the assembly from the front case and flip it around. From this view, you can clean the buttons and analog sticks, remove the analog sticks, remove the d-pad ring and d-pad, and more. To reassemble the controller when you're done, simply reverse these steps. Place the controller assembly back in the front case, set the rear case in place, insert and tighten all fight screws, then finally snap the grip covers and battery cover back into place.

Performing Xbox One Controller Repairs

Once you have successfully taken apart your Xbox One controller, you can attempt to make repairs. Some problems can be fixed by simply cleaning components, while other issues require you to replace components. In some cases, advanced skills like soldering are required to remove and replace components. Depending on your experience level, some of those repairs are better left to the professionals. Other fixes are much simpler, like repairing or replacing the d-pad ring. If your d-pad isn't responding correctly, try this quick fix: Use a prying tool or tweezers to carefully pop off the spring steel d-pad ring. Carefully lift up the arms on the d-pad ring so that they apply more pressure, and reassemble. If that doesn't fix your problem, you may need a new d-pad ring.

Why Take Apart an Xbox One Controller

If your Xbox One controller isn't working right, and you've already updated the firmware and gone through some basic troubleshooting like checking the batteries, the next step is usually going to be taking the controller apart. Here are some fixes that require taking apart your Xbox One controller, including advice on what to do after you've opened the controller up: Malfunctioning d-pad: Carefully pry up the tabs on the spring assembly so it pushes down with more force. Replace if necessary. Drifting analog sticks: Clean or replace the analog stick units as necessary. Inoperable audio jack: Verify that the jack is properly seated and making contact, and replace if necessary. Sticking buttons: Use canned air and other methods to remove gunk and other buildup after removing the circuit board assembly from the controller housing. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Fix Xbox One Controller Drift How to Fix PS4 Controller Drift How to Fix It When an Xbox One Controller Headphone Jack Isn't Working How to Change a Mac Mouse Battery How to Fix an Xbox One Controller That Won't Turn On How to Fix It When Your PS4 Won't Turn On How to Fix It When an Xbox One Controller Won't Recognize the Headset Using the XBox SmartGlass Controller How to Uninstall a Game on Xbox One How to Fix It When Your Xbox One Headset Is Not Working Xbox One Won't Turn On? How to Fix It How to Fix An Xbox One Mic That Isn't Working How to Use External Controllers on Steam Deck How to Connect an Xbox One Controller to Android How to Clear the Cache on Xbox One Consoles How to Fix the Xbox 360 Red Ring of Death Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies