Xbox One controllers are finicky beasts. One might last you four years, another might last four weeks. Given how expensive these controllers are, it’s important for you to take advantage of your controller’s warranty when it breaks. I’ve compiled everything you need to know about your Xbox One controller’s warranty down below, so give it a read if you’re in need of a controller repair or replacement.
Want to take your Xbox to the next level? See the latest pricing for the best Xbox accessories on Amazon below
How Long are Xbox One Controllers Under Warranty?
Xbox One controllers are under warranty for 90 days from the date of purchase. Microsoft tracks the warranty on your controller internally, so you don’t need to keep track of it yourself. The warranty coverage includes external damage, as well as internal errors such as a burnt-out battery or joystick drift.
All Xbox controllers carry a 90 day, or three months warranty. This warranty covers the repair or replacement cost you would typically need to pay Microsoft to have your controllers fixed. If your controller isn’t covered by its 90-day warranty, then you’ll have to pay this fee.
Three months isn’t an extraordinary amount of time to have your controller covered, but it does allow for the repair of any factory issues your controller might be suffering from. Any damage you deal to it outside of that three-month grace period is on you. Provided you look after your controller, though, you shouldn’t have to worry about losing out on your warranty window.
So, your controller is covered for 90 days. That’s all well and good, but getting a replacement under warranty isn’t as simple as that one statement. We’re going to deep dive into the Xbox One controller replacement system, highlighting how you can tell if your controller is still under warranty, as well as how long it takes for you to get your replacement.
Does your Xbox One controller ever struggle to connect? If so you should read my complete guide on how to fix a disconnecting Xbox One controller.
How do I Know if my Xbox One Controller is Under Warranty?
To find out if your Xbox One controller is under warranty, all you have to do is sign in to Microsoft’s Device Service and Repair Center. This will show you what devices are still under warranty, as well as how long your warranty has left.
You can access Microsoft warranty center here.
Microsoft has been fairly comprehensive with its warranty system. Rather than tracking it internally using serial numbers like Sony, it has an online portal that customers can access, as well.
This portal shows you all of the devices you have registered and how long the warranty is going to last on them. There’s no need for a phone call or an email to tech support, all you have to do is sign in.
You can check with Microsoft yourself if you’re skeptical of the online portal, and you do still need to register your device and have its serial number handy. However, the entire process is much more consumer-friendly than most other hardware companies out there today.
The ease of access to warranty repairs doesn’t just stop there, though. It runs throughout the entire replacement process. I’ve taken a look at how long it takes for you to get your replacement Xbox One controller back, so give it a read before you go mailing over your old hardware.
Want the fastest internet for your Xbox? Of course, you do! See my guide on how to get super-fast internet and fix lag here.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Replacement Xbox One Controller?
After Microsoft service center receives your Xbox controller, a replacement will be shipped to you within 14 to 21 days, return shipping is free of charge.
You can see in this Microsoft thread that the time to receive a replacement Xbox controller will vary greatly, one user got theirs in 3 weeks!
It’s important that you remember to factor in how long it takes for your controller to reach them, and how long it takes them to repair it, all without factoring in business operating days and hours.
In total, it could be upwards of one or two months before you see your controller again from the time you send it off. That’s fairly industry standard, though. However, if you’re on the ball and follow all the recommended processes to the letter, you shouldn’t have to wait too long at all.
I still remember Microsoft repairing my Xbox 360, a delivery man picked it up the SAME DAY and I got my replacement one from Germany a few days later, I remember my Xbox being cold to touch as it came from the airplane cargo hold.
You should keep in mind that your Xbox One controller is only covered under warranty as it is out of the box. If you make any sort of modifications to it, you’re going to lose that warranty.
Likewise, if you buy an already modified Xbox controller, like a Scuf, you’re dealing with them, not Microsoft, for the warranty.
Are you curious if Scuf controllers are worth it? See my complete guide on the modified controllers here.
Unlike Microsoft, these third-party controller retailers are notoriously bad for replacement and return shipping times. There are several stories of players waiting over six months for their controller to be returned to them. Compared to Microsoft’s times, that’s a horror story.
So if you want to mod your controller, make sure you’re prepared to lose your Microsoft warranty on it.
