It’s a fear we all share, and one that some of us have already experienced: water accidentally splashing onto a precious electrical gadget, such as your Xbox Series X console. But these days, more and more of our technology is built with waterproof casing — so it’s fair to wonder if the Xbox Series X is as well.
The Xbox Series X isn’t waterproof, so take care to prevent water spillage around the console. If water finds its way into your Xbox, you should unplug and disassemble the console so that the outer surface and internal components can dry fully. Note disassembly will void your warranty.
Let’s take a closer look at what to do if water spills on your console or controller — and how to avoid that in the first place. This might not happen all that often, but when if it happens to you, at least you’ll have a game plan on what to do!
Is the Xbox Series X Waterproof?
Like most other household multimedia devices, the Xbox Series X (on Amazon) is susceptible to water damage and therefore not waterproof.
The build of an Xbox leaves many small spaces in between the assembled parts. This allows for the penetration of water droplets into the internal components, which can cause damage.
The ports extending to the plastic body of the console can also get wet.
What Should You Do If Water Spills on Your Xbox Series X?
The water molecules in the console aren’t necessarily harmful on their own. But when they come into contact with the electrical components of the console, it can be very destructive.
Water will conduct electricity when it comes in contact with Xbox components, which in turn could blow them up. It’s therefore essential to prevent your console from such harm.
If you happen to spill water on your Xbox, follow these few steps to get your console back in working order:
Unplug and Consider Disassembling
Disconnect the console from the electricity source and put it down in a dry place. The console should remain unplugged until all the water droplets inside and outside are gone.
And, to be clear here – disassembling the device fully is going to void your warranty. You need to make a judgement call on what you want to do: if you have the technical ability to believe you can disassemble and reassemble the device, or just partially disassemble it to dry out any water that dripped in, go for it.
But if you’re intimidated by that process, go ahead and start getting in touch with Microsoft support to coordinate a repair.
Dry the Outside Surface of the Xbox X
After unplugging, use soft, dry cloths to wipe off the water. It’s advisable to use two fabrics; one for wiping off the water and the other to dry the surface.
Start with the large surfaces and work your way down to the little crevices.
Open Up the Xbox
If there’s still water after completing the above steps, and then you can go on to open up the console. This may require professional assistance if you’re not familiar with taking apart a console.
Dry the Internal Components
You can do this by carefully dabbing the dry cloth into areas with excess water droplets. Instead of the dry cloth, you can use an air dryer and ensure the dryer doesn’t get too close to the components; this prevents the components from getting overheated.
How Do You Fix a Water-Damaged Xbox Controller?
If your Xbox controller gets wet from water spillage, there are a few methods and processes to follow to get your controller working once again.
The following materials are required: 91% isopropyl alcohol (on Amazon), a screwdriver set, a towel, and a well-trimmed toothbrush.
- Clean the body with a dry towel.
- Disassemble all the parts, including the internal parts, and arrange the screws accordingly.
- Clean every part of the controller’s components; the component board, rotors, speakers, and buttons. Cotton wool and a soft toothbrush can come in handy in this case.
- Thoroughly reassemble the different parts of the controller.
How Do You Prevent Water Damage on Xbox Series X?
As a precautionary measure to preventing water from damaging the components of your Xbox Series X, it’s best to use a protective covering that will fend off water molecules.
You’ll find a range of protective sleeves and housing options that can keep dust and water away from your Xbox. These covers are usually made of nylon and feature a double layer design to better repel water. We recommend the PlayVital Dust Cover (on Amazon).