Fix: Xbox Series S keeps overheating

January 2023 · 8 minute read

Microsoft’s Xbox Series S was developed taking into consideration the movement of air within the console.

In spite of that, some people are still experiencing this problem, which may be quite aggravating if the root reason cannot be identified.

If you’re playing a particularly taxing game on your Xbox Series S and the console doesn’t have adequate airflow, you’re likely to have overheating issues.

Players notice slowness and pauses in their gameplay when the Xbox Series S overheats.

In order to keep itself safe, the console may shut down on its own to save energy and prevent further damage.

In this article, you’ll learn about the root causes of the problem and how to fix it so that you can get back to playing.


Article Contents

Why does Xbox Series S keep overheating?

Short Answer: Your Xbox Series S keeps overheating because the exhaust grills or side panels are clogged, the surrounding temperature is too high, the console is being overworked, or the thermal paste has not been updated for years. Poor ventilation or positioning the console in direct sunlight might potentially result in overheating of the system.

In order for your Xbox Series S to overheat, there are many possible causes:

1. Temperature in the surrounding area

The Xbox Series S is more prone to overheat in hot places of the globe because of the environmental temperature.

Keep an eye on the temperature and wait for it to drop if it’s too hot out there. In addition, keep your gaming system somewhere cool.

2. Insufficient Airflow

Playing video games on an Xbox when it’s tucked away in a TV console or covered in a sheet causes more damage than good.

The console will shut down to save energy if it gets too hot and there isn’t enough ventilation around it.

3. Blockage of the Cooling Fan

The console’s temperature is managed by the cooling fan.

This might be a problem with an external item, such as dirt or dust, obstructing the cooling fan.

This will prevent it from functioning properly and will cause the Xbox Series S to get overheated.

4. Thermal paste has not been replenished

The CPU in every Xbox console is treated with thermal paste to prevent overheating.

This paste must be replaced or reapplied on a periodic basis. There is a risk of overheating if you don’t.

5. Using the Console excessively

Consider taking a break from your console if you’ve been playing an intense game nonstop from the moment you woke up until you fell asleep.

Overheating may occur if you use the console for a long period of time, continuously, or if you do not properly manage it.

Now that you know what’s causing your Xbox Series S to shut down due to overheating, let’s look at some of the solutions.

It is important to keep in mind that rebooting the system may assist in the short term, but it will not solve the problem of the Xbox Series S being too hot permanently.


Fix: Xbox Series S keeps overheating

Method 1: Thoroughly Clean the Exhaust Grills and Side Panels

It is important to clean the back grilles and side panels of the gadget in order to ensure that it can cool down effectively.

Xbox Series S owners should do the following checkups to ensure the console’s longevity:

In order to facilitate airflow, ensure that there are no obstacles on either side.

Switch off your Xbox. To avoid electric shocks, make sure the equipment is unplugged.

The console’s back panel should be examined. There will be exhaust grills.

These aid in the normal dissipation of heat and prevent overheating. Wipe the grills down with a damp towel.

Look at the console’s side panel now. You can see the small pores via which the heat is dissipated at this location.

Make sure there are no obstructions by blowing some air through the apertures.


Method 2: Make Sure There’s Enough Airflow

You must set the Xbox Series S on a level surface and in an area that is well-ventilated.

Keep it away from fragile or uneven surfaces. This might lead to an obstruction of both the exhaust grill and the side panels.

There’s a good chance that this will lead to overheating.

If you’re going to place the gadget in a restricted space, you should think again about it.

As a result, the console will overheat if the heat builds up.

A table above the ground may potentially be a suitable location for the console.

Ventilation will be improved if you raise the console to an appropriate height.


Method 3: Take a Break from the Console

The console will be placed under a lot of strain if you play for extended periods of time.

Gaming for lengthy periods of time will cause the console to work overtime

A higher risk of overheating is the result of this. Don’t forget to give your console a rest from time to time

You shouldn’t continue functioning without giving yourself a rest, either. The console and your health will benefit from a few brief rests.

Your console will have a longer lifespan as a result of this, and it will also be protected from overheating.

Avoid putting the console away or into the TV console as soon as you’ve finished playing. Allow it to cool for a few minutes.

While it’s being used, never put a covering over it.


Method 4: Change out the Thermal Paste 

After attempting the aforementioned solutions, if your Xbox Series S continues to become too hot, the console likely has some underlying problems on the inside.

Disassemble the console to see whether all of the thermal paste has been applied evenly over its surface.

If so, you’ll have to scrape it off and reapply fresh thermal paste.

But if you are not an experienced user, you should send the console to a specialist who can provide you with appropriate advice.


Method 5: Storage should be emptied

A lack of storage will cause the Xbox to overwork its CPU, increasing the likelihood that it may overheat.

As a result, you should make sure you have enough space.

To guarantee it, follow the actions outlined below:

Use the Xbox button on your controller to get to the System menu and choose it.

Clear Persistent Storage by selecting it from the Blu-ray menu.

After waiting for five minutes, you should then power up the console again.

You may now check to see whether the Xbox Series S is overheating now.


Method 6: Keep the console away from direct sunlight

The console should not be used in the open, especially in direct sunlight.

It’s best to keep your Xbox Series S in a location that’s not exposed to direct sunlight.

If you reside in a hot climate, be careful not to misuse the console, particularly during the summer months.

Ensure that the power source is situated on a firm, cool surface. Don’t put it on anything soft like cushions or carpets.

Avoid placing the console near speakers, subwoofers, or any other heat-generating equipment.


Method 7: Do not place the console on the carpet

Airflow will be blocked if you set the console on the carpet.

If you don’t clean up your carpet, it will be pushed into your console, which might prove problematic.

It is important to ensure that the console is placed on a level, clean, and free from obstructions.

The best option is a shelf or a table.


Method 8: Place the Xbox in an upright manner

Although the console may be utilized in either a vertical or a horizontal position, it is obvious that the console was designed to be used vertically.

The horizontal arrangement is disruptive and unappealing. In order to maximize ventilation, the console should be positioned vertically.

Place it horizontally if room is restricted, but be sure to clean it on a regular basis.


Method 9: Maintain the Cleanliness of Your Xbox Series

Keep the Xbox Series S dust-free to avoid clogging the ventilation system.

To get rid of the dust, just sweep it away with a duster or blow it away with a blower.

It is possible for animal hair to get into anything, even your Xbox Series S.

Every three months, we suggest that you clean the console. There’s no need to disassemble it.

In order to ensure adequate cooling of the internal components, make sure that there is no build-up in or around the fan’s region.


Method 10: Change the power source

If none of the above-mentioned solutions worked, then the console’s power source may be the issue.

An expert inspection of the console and power supply is highly recommended.

Current flow, voltage control, or faulty coils might all be at blame.

If you have any more questions, you may consult with professionals at approved service centers.