This guide will show you how to open an Xbox 360 Controller and put it back together the easy way. If you want to mod, repair, clean, or just want to see the insides of the controller this guide is for you.

Advanced Hardware Guide - Guide Created: 10/5/2011 - Last Modified: 1/25/2012

Introduction

Is your controller getting less responsive or just no longer works so you want to repair or clean it? You going to mod it with lights, turbo, rapid fire or you just want to check out how to open the controller? You found the right place. Opening the controller is pretty easy. If you are opening a wireless Xbox controller all you are going to need is a Tamper Resistant Torx Screwdriver (also called Torx Security Screwdriver) with 6-points (some have the 5-points but are rare). You will need a size 8 (T8). The Tamper Resistant Torx Screwdrivers have a little hole in the middle. Putting it back together can be difficult sometimes but I have two easy methods that I have outlined below! Best of luck!

Please note, if you are opening a wired controller all you need is a sized 2 (very common) Philips head.

Step 1: Let the Unscrewing Begin

You will have to remove 7 screws which I have circled below. One screw is located directly in the middle of the barcode label while the rest of the screws are in plain sight. To remove the screw behind the barcode you can either take your time removing it completely or use the screwdriver and poke a hole in the barcode label since it is just made with paper.

Please note, if you are opening a wired controller you will have to remove the label completely because the labels are not made out of paper and you can't poke a hole in one with the screwdriver.

Simply remove the screws with your Tamper Resistant Torx Screwdriver. Make sure you don't forget the screw under the barcode label. Once you have removed all 7 screws your ready for the next step.

Step 2: Open It Up

The easiest way I have found to open the controller case up is to use the cracks where the two molds come together. I just use my fingernails to separate them. If you plan to use a flathead screw driver or something else metal, the plastic is weak and will be damaged under pressure, so be careful.

Once one side is open like the picture is above you can now move to the other side. Please notice I have turned my controller with the buttons facing down in the below picture. Make sure you have the buttons facing down when you open the controller or the buttons are going to fall out and go all over the place.

Step 3: Removing the PCB

Removing the PCB is just as easy as everything else. You just need to pull up on the end with the mic port. You may need to push the battery springs forward so they don't snag.

Congratulations! You just opened up an Xbox 360 Controller. Easy enough.

Step 4a: Coming Together My Way

There is two easy ways to put the controller back together. I have outlined them both here just in case you are having trouble with the way I always do it. Here is my preferred method:

Place the PCB back into the bottom part of the case. Put the triggers in first then followed by the mic end. You may have to move/wiggle the battery spring to get it together.

Now put all the buttons and D-pad into the top part of the case, don't worry about getting them in the wrong spot, all the buttons can ONLY be placed into the intended hole in the correct direction. The Start and Back buttons are identical buttons so they can be exchanged. Once the buttons are in place you can now put the rubber conductive pads for the buttons and D-pad in place.

Now you want to take both the top and bottom half and bring them close together, all the time keeping the top half facing down as shown in the picture below.

Place the two rumble motors from the bottom half into the slots in the top half as shown in the above picture. Slowly lower the bottom half onto the top half. Make sure the 360 sticks are going into the holes, you may have to move them around a bit to get them to go in. Once the two cases come together press tightly and ensure all the buttons feel normal. Screw the 7 screws back in and you're in business! If you are having trouble, try the alternative method below.

Step 4b: Coming Together Another Way

This method has you place everything into the top half of the case first. Place all the buttons and D-pad into the top part of the case, don't worry about getting them in the wrong spot, all the buttons can ONLY be placed into the intended hole in the correct direction. The Start and Back buttons are identical buttons so they can be exchanged. Once the buttons are in place you can now put the rubber conductive pads for the buttons and D-pad in place.

Now place the PCB on top of the buttons and place the two rumble motors in their respective slots as shown below.

Now you can place the bottom half (trigger end first) on the top half. Once both halves are together, press firmly and ensure all the buttons feel normal. You can now finish this up by screwing the 7 screws back in and you are now done!

• Tamper Resistant Torx Screwdriver (Size T8)

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