Consoles are usually pretty reliable, built to withstand whatever you throw at them. However, it's also true that every now and then, a lemon comes along and becomes a real nightmare. So, to make things easier for you and save you time and money, we're going to tell you everything you need to know to make repairing your Xbox as simple as possible, so that at the end of the day, you have your console back and ready to provide thousands of hours of entertainment.
How to repair an Xbox under warranty
If your Xbox One S, Xbox One X, Xbox Series S, or Xbox Series X starts malfunctioning, the first thing to check is whether it's still under warranty (we'll explain how to do this below). If it is, then there are two things to do. First, contact the store where you bought it (remember to always have your receipt with you) so they can advise you on any special arrangements they might have with Microsoft. For example, they might prioritize support with faster shipping, etc.
©iFixit
By contacting the store that sold you the console, you can avoid potential complications with shipping, handling, and other procedures that often accompany these types of requests. Below you'll find the links and contact numbers to report your issue as quickly as possible to the main authorized Microsoft retailers located throughout Spain :
- Amazon
- MediaMarkt
- MediaMarkt support page
- Phone: 900 205 000
- Official Twitter: @MediaMarkt_en
- El Corte Inglés
- El Corte Inglés support page
- Phone: 900 373 111
- Contact WhatsApp: 609 72 75 51
- Carrefour
- Carrefour support page
- Phone: 914 908 900
- Contact WhatsApp: 628 018 289
- Worten
- Game
- PC Components
- PC Components Support Page
- Phone: 968 977 977
- Contact WhatsApp: 609 72 75 51
And if you contact Microsoft?
While the previous step may be necessary in some cases, our advice is to go directly to the entity responsible for repairing your console. That is none other than Microsoft itself. So, to contact their support page and open a ticket, the best thing to do is follow the instructions below.
©iFixit
It goes without saying that before resorting to technical support, it is advisable to check that the console's operating problems are not due to an error derived, for example, from the Smart TV itself, or from the power, HDMI and network cables, which could be deteriorated and pass themselves off as an error apparently caused by the console's hardware.
Write down this data before requesting support
If you're absolutely certain that the problem lies with a faulty component inside the machine, then yes, you should contact Microsoft (preferably). And what do we need before we get started? Well, take note:
- Know the ID with which we access to the Xbox to log in, that is, the combination of email and password (plus verification in two steps if you have it activated).
- Serial number of the console, which we can know in two different ways:
- Looking at the sticker that has your Xbox affixed to the back.
- Accessing the menu within the console in Profile & System > Settings > System > Console Information.
It goes without saying that if the problem with your console is that it doesn't turn on, you can only necessarily know that serial number by looking at the sticker, but if this is not the case, remember that you also have the possibility of finding it that way.
On the other hand, it's important to remember that the entire repair process requires that your console be linked to your Microsoft account via its serial number . Haven't done this yet? You can do it now here.
With that information, how do we apply for assistance?
We now have those two pieces of information, so it's time to go to the Microsoft support page, which, at least in our personal experience, has worked quickly and effectively for other devices we've sent in for repair. The step-by-step process is as follows:
- First we request the repair service.
- Microsoft then verifies that we are under warranty and starts the repair process.
- As a general rule, Microsoft tells us where we should deliver the package with the Xbox to send it to its support service.
- Once the console is received, it evaluates the type of repair necessary and confirms that the guarantee covers this work.
- About seven days after shipping, the Xbox returns (repaired) to the delivery address set by the user.
To request this service, we must access the following page and follow the steps indicated:
- Log in with your Microsoft ID used on the Xbox.
- choose the console that you want to repair (in case you have more than one).
- Verify that it is still in the warranty period.
- Scroll down the information window until the model and serial number details are displayed.
- Click on Information and support.
- You will go to another screen with more data from your console, such as OS compilation, etc.
- Now yes, you will see the possibility to start the repair process by clicking on start order.
Now all you have to do is follow the instructions Microsoft will give you on how to deliver the console to the carrier, where, and the deadline (these orders are usually valid for one month) to receive assistance. Remember that you can track the entire process daily on the same page for devices linked to your Microsoft ID, so you know exactly where your Xbox is and how much longer you have to wait before getting it back.
In any case, even if your console is under warranty, do you know what cases are excluded? Behold.
What assumptions are not covered by the Microsoft warranty?
As with all warranty services, there are certain situations that we cannot cover, and these are often the source of conflicts between users and companies. It is for these cases that the warranties we supposedly accept exist, but we want to make it clear that if they do not comply with the law, they are completely null and void and therefore cannot be applied.
Even so, here we leave you all those scenarios in which Microsoft washes its hands, in general, with its products [sic]:
- Damage caused by use with products, applications, or services not made, licensed, or supplied by Microsoft (including, for example, games and accessories not made or licensed by Microsoft and “hacked” games).
- Damage caused by any external cause (including, for example, falling, exposure to liquids, or use with inadequate ventilation).
- Damage caused by use not in accordance with the user manual or any other instruction provided by Microsoft.
- Damage caused by repairs or modifications made by anyone other than Microsoft or a Microsoft authorized service provider.
- Scratches, dents, other cosmetic damage, or reasonably foreseeable damage as a result of normal wear and tear.
- Damage caused by hacking, cracking, viruses and other malware, or by unauthorized access to Microsoft services, accounts, computer systems or networks or products in which your software or hardware has been modified to alter its functionality or capabilities through the use of code malicious, malware, bots, worms, Trojan horses, backdoors, security vulnerabilities, cheat sheets, fraud, hacks, hidden diagnostics or other mechanisms [intended for]:
- Disable security or content protection mechanisms
- Give the user an unfair advantage or degrade the experience of other users in online games
- Deceive or defraud Microsoft or others or that may harm the product or our systems.
It's important to remember that even if your console is under warranty, you won't know if Microsoft will use any of the reasons listed above to avoid providing free service until they receive your console. In these cases, if the repair price they quote is too high, or you disagree with it, you can request a return of your console in its original condition.
©iFixit
What if my Xbox is out of warranty?
Microsoft's official warranty is two years from the date of purchase, so when you take it from the store, even if you're eager to try it out, the first thing to do is register it with your Microsoft ID and check on the devices page that everything is OK, as shown in the screenshots above, which reflect the exact date on which that coverage period ends.
If your Xbox breaks down and you want it fixed, you have two options: either you repair it at an unauthorized Microsoft service, which will probably cost you less but does not offer you the certification that original parts have been used in the process; or send it to Microsoft, which will charge you a fixed price per type of console or accessory.
What are the prices out of warranty?
Whether it's because the two-year warranty period has expired or because Microsoft (unilaterally) decides that your Xbox doesn't qualify for its coverage, you should be aware of the current prices for each of the models that are still officially available for purchase. In some cases, it represents a considerable expense, although it's still quite different from the retail price you'd find in stores.
Here are the prices for our country:
| Spain | (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Xbox series s | 197.11 |
| Xbox Series X | 296.15 |
| Elite 2 Wireless Controller | 98.07 |
| Xbox One S | 177.33 |
| Xbox One X | 246.66 |
| Xbox Wireless Headset Ear Pads Replacements | 9.92 |
In the case of other Spanish-speaking territories, the prices would be as follows:
| Country or region/product | currency/price |
|---|---|
| ARGENTINA | (ARS) |
| Xbox series s | 22,751.27 |
| Xbox Series X | 34,184.07 |
| Elite 2 Wireless Controller | 11,318.46 |
| Xbox One S | 20,464.73 |
| Xbox One X | 28,467.67 |
| Xbox Wireless Headset Ear Pads Replacements | 1,143.33 |
| CHILE | (CLP) |
| Xbox series s | 173.793 |
| Xbox Series X | 261.126 |
| Elite 2 Wireless Controller | 86.46 |
| Xbox One S | 156.326 |
| Xbox One X | 217.459 |
| Xbox Wireless Headset Ear Pads Replacements | 8.733 |
| COLOMBIA | (RUBBISH) |
| Xbox series s | 886.265 |
| Xbox Series X | 1,331,624 |
| Elite 2 Wireless Controller | 440.906 |
| Xbox One S | 797.193 |
| Xbox One X | 1,108,945 |
| Xbox Wireless Headset Ear Pads Replacements | 44.536 |
| MEXICO | (MXN) |
| Xbox series s | 4,586.47 |
| Xbox Series X | 6,891.21 |
| Elite 2 Wireless Controller | 2,281.72 |
| Xbox One S | 4,125.54 |
| Xbox One X | 5,738.87 |
| Xbox Wireless Headset Ear Pads Replacements | 230.49 |
| USA | (USD) |
| Xbox series s | 199.00 |
| Xbox Series X | 299.00 |
| Elite 2 Wireless Controller | 99.00 |
| Xbox One S | 179.00 |
| Xbox One X | 249.00 |
| Xbox Wireless Headset Ear Pads Replacements | 10.00 |