How to Fix Xbox One Overheating and Turning Off

We discussed many scenarios in which an Xbox One keeps turning off by itself or how to solve beeping. Of all the issues users encounter, the most common reason for an Xbox One shutting down by itself is overheating. Luckily, it’s also one of the most straightforward fixes – depending on what’s causing your console to overheat. 

The Xbox One was designed to alert you if it’s overheating and will turn off to protect itself from potential damage. It’ll give off cues and initiate self-correcting actions, such as: 

• A loud hum from the fan working at maximum speed
• Pop-ups or banner alerts
• Decrease performance and enter a lower power state
• Shutting down completely to avoid damage to the hardware

What causes overheating in your console may vary. If you’re having trouble with your Xbox One shutting down unexpectedly, this guide will provide some troubleshooting steps, as well as tips to prevent your gaming system from overheating.

Why Xbox One Is Overheating and Freezing

So your unit is acting up and giving off warnings that it’s too hot to function. Here are the possible causes:

• High Environmental Temperature: It occurs when the environmental temperature turns into a severe high. The CPU and GPU both have electronic thermometers that measure and monitor its internal temperature. Environmental temperatures that are too high, or storing it near heat sources, are most likely to cause the console to warm up. 
• Dust Block the Cooling Fan: If dust or debris blocks the cooling fan, the Xbox One won’t regulate its temperature. Cleaning it can prevent dust buildup. 
• Chip Safety: If the xbox is shutting down, the CPU detects a possible threat damaging the chip. 
• Insufficient Maintenance: Playing graphically intensive games for long hours, skipping out on maintenance, or never turning it off will overwork your console. Needless to say, if you don’t give it a break, it’ll shut itself down for you. 
• Ventilation System Problem: The ventilation system may need to be repaired or replaced. 
• Drying up Thermal Lubricant: The CPU has a thermal paste that may dry up and need to be replenished. The product is inexpensive and can be reapplied every few years. Make sure to change the thermal paste if you notice that its temperatures are rising or if you removed the cooler for any reason.
• Lack of Airflow: Covering your console or storing it in closed areas such as cupboards decreases its airflow. The lack of ventilation will overwork it and eventually cause it to turn off to cool down. Move it away from any barricades or closed areas and avoid placing anything on top of it.

Xbox One X Overheating

While both systems have many similarities and benefits, there’s no doubt that the Xbox Series X is a processing beast. Its AMD’s Zen 2 and RDNA 2 architectures provide 12 teraflops of power. It has a resolution of up to 120 frames per second.

However, this raises questions for users, many theorizing it to be prone to overheating. Many wonders if it’s possible for the robust unit to get hot enough to make grilled cheese. 

While Microsoft has addressed some issues (such as disc drive issues and noises), overheating wasn’t one of them. At most, players reported that it’s releasing plenty of heat, but it’s a good sign that it’s regulating its internal temperature (and possibly saving you money on heating bills). 

Aaron Greenberg, the general manager for Xbox Games Marketing, states, “Our engineering team confirmed the heat leaving the console is not significantly different than Xbox One X,” he said on Twitter. He emphasizes that there’s no concern regarding overheating and the gaming system’s performance. 

While there haven’t been any notable reports of the Series X overheating, it’s recommended to take extra precautions to keep it cool. Regardless of what console and games you have, your setup should be kept in regulated room temperatures with plenty of ventilation. 

Also, beware of hoaxes: due to the vertical design and the ventilation on the top, users create the illusion of the console overheating by blowing vape smoke into their gaming systems. We didn’t think we’d ever have to say this, but don’t vape into your Xbox Series X console. 

Xbox One S Overheating

As a more affordable option, players opt for the Xbox Series S, an all-digital console with no optical drive. It contains half the storage and a third of the Series X processing power, but it’s an excellent option for players who prefer digital game copies.

It’s a more compact, slimmer build than its hefty counterpart, so it’s less likely to overheat. Aside from the lack of disc drive, and less performance and storage, it holds many similarities to the Series X console. Like with all gaming systems, it should still have a cool and open placement and require you to remove any items that could block vents and cause it to overheat.

How to Fix Xbox One Overheating

If you receive a message that your Xbox One console is hot, or if it freezes and shuts off unexpectedly, here’s how to fix it:

• Turn off the Xbox console and unplug it from the outlet.
• Wait at least 30 minutes to 60 minutes.
• Move the console to a good ventilated area away from other components.
• Once it has cooled down, plug the console back into the outlet and turn it on.

How to Prevent Overheating

You can avoid this issue by taking proper care and performing regular maintenance. Here are some ways you can keep your gaming system cool and running smoothly:

• Place your console in an open area with lots of ventilation away from enclosed spaces and other heat sources such as other devices or direct sunlight. 
• Avoid stacking other electronic devices on top of, underneath, or against the sides of your console.
• Keep the console and its power supply on a cool and steady surface. Avoid placing it on soft furniture and surfaces such as beds, rugs, or couches.
• Keep the console away from heat-generating and high-vibrating sources, such as low-frequency speakers, subwoofers, etc.
• Clear the exhaust grill and side panels. 
• Replace the thermal pastes after a couple of years or after removing the cooling system.

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