The X box Series S can overheat from various reasons. One of the most common reasons why your X box Series S is overheating is due to bad ventilation. Bad ventilation will most likely cause your console to overheat because the console will fail to cool itself as it will not have where to get cool air from. 

Another most common cause of X box Series S overheating is using your X box Series S on a soft surface such as a carpet. Consoles are supposed to be placed on hard surfaces to avoid overheating like a cabinet, desk, table etc. When they are placed on tables or desks and not on surfaces that absorb heat such as a plushy mattress. They will most likely not overheat.

Xbox series s overheating


Why is my X box Series S over heating

When your Series S is overheating, it means that the Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) is becoming more hot than it should be. If this happens the X box Series S turns off by itself to avoid further damage to the APU. X box Series S overheating is not a new issue with the Series S. It can be caused by a number of different things.

Fan is blocked by debris or dust.

If your console is overheating, you may be experiencing a couple of problems. First, it may be an issue with the fan. You will notice your fan will start making noise. The fan removes heat from the top of the X box Series S console where you see a black circle. The fan can get clogged with dust and dirt over time. When this happens, the fan will not be able to cool down your X box Series S properly causing it to overheat.


Not enough ventilation around your console to keep cool air circulating

If your X box Series S is not properly ventilated it will most likely overheat. Microsoft suggest a minimum of 4-6 inches of clearance on all sides. This way your console can get air inside through the air vents on the sides and out through the exhaust on top of the console where there is a black round circle. Also ensure there is nothing on top of the console as this would block the exhaust and keep all the hot air inside the console which may cause overheating.

Console overheating from an excessive amount of dust or dirt inside the console

Your console can be overheating from excessive dust in side the console. One of the most common causes of overheating is dealing with too much dust or dirt getting into the console where it shouldn't be. This can lead to problems like overheating and reduced performance over time as dust collects on components inside your console and makes them more susceptible to failure over time due to increased temperature. This is especially true if you use your console in an area with high levels of dust or dirt.

Thermal is dried out between the APU and heat sink

Another reason why your X box Series S is overheating is because of dried/insufficient thermal paste between the APU and the heat sink. The heat sink is designed to absorb heat from the X box Series S APU to prevent it from overheating. Thermal paste acts as a transfer medium to transfer heat from the APU to the heat sink, but if there is no thermal paste between the heat sink and APU, then it can't do its job causing the X box Series S to overheat.

Clogged or blocked Air intake

The air intake for your X box Series S is the first point of contact for dust and other contaminants that may be present on the surface of your console. If you notice any signs of clogged or blocked air intake, it's likely that your console's air intake is clogged. The air intake is located on the sides of you X box Series S console

The first thing to do is try to clear the clogged Air intake on the console and blowing through it with compressed air. You can also try using a can of compressed air to blow air through the Air intake, but be sure to use caution so as not to cause damage. I would advise to just open the console so you can clean it nicely as compressed air can push dirt further to where it's not supposed to be.

Note: Continuous overheating of the console can damage it overtime.

Signs your X box Series S is starting to overheat

If your console is starting to overheat, you may start experiencing a couple of problems. First, it may be an issue with the fan. You will notice your fan will start making noise. The fan removes heat from the top of the X box Series S console where you see a black round circle. The fan can get clogged with dust and dirt over time. When this happens, the fan will not be able to cool down your X box Series S properly causing the console to overheat and the fan to make noise as it will work harder to rotate.

X box Series S fan noise

If your X box Series S fan is making noise, It is that your fan is working more hard to cool your console hence causing the noise. Here are some reasons why your fan is making noise on the X box Series S;

CPU and GPU (APU) getting Hot

The main reason why your X box Series S fan is making noise is due the Accelerated Processing unit getting hot. If the APU gets hot on the X box Series S the fan will start rotating at full speed to try and cool the APU. As the fan gets to the full speed, It will start making noise.

Fan is blocked by debris/dust

If the fan is blocked by debris or dust it will require more work to rotate to continue cooling the console. This will cause it to rotate at the highest speed because the debris and dust will be slowing it down. As the fan rotates with the highest speed it will start making noise.

Not enough ventilation

If your X box Series S is not properly ventilated, the fan will require more work to keep it cool and running. If the fan is working too hard to cool the console because of bad ventilation it will start making noise. The X box Series S exhausts air from the top of the console where there a black round circle. Just underneath the black round circle is the fan. You have to make sure nothing is sitting on top of your console and that you have enough ventilation around your console.

X box Series S overheating message

If you X box Series S turned off by itself due to overheating, the next time you turn it on it should display this message. If it doesn't show this message when you turn it on then it could be another issue with your X box Series S.

'This X box console is designed to automatically shut down to protect it from insufficient ventilation.

Like other electronic devices, the X box console requires proper ventilation. To help prevent another automatic shutdown:
  • Do not block any of the ventilation openings on the console or power supply.
  • Do not place the console or power supply in a confined space or fully enclosed space, such as a closed stereo cabinet, or bookshelf entertainment center, unless the space is well ventilated and cabinet doors are open.
  • Do not place the console or power supply on a bed, sofa, or soft surface that may block ventilation openings.
  • Do not place the console or power supply near any heat sources, such as radiators, heat registers, stove or amplifiers.