I come across several people asking about the return process when their Xbox 360 needs repair.  Since I’ve had to experience the process returning my own, I figured I’d make this step-by-step article for those of you who have questions about the process.

After you call Xbox Support or initiate the repair online, they’ll send you a box to ship your console in.  It generally takes 2-3 days to get the box but it may take longer.  I received my box on the third day after placing the call to Xbox Support.  This article picks up after I had received the box.

Step 1 - Removing. No cables, hard drive, or faceplate. Remove everything. Only send in a naked Xbox 360 console.

Step 2 - Inventory. You should have instructions, foam, plastic for your console, a strip of tape and a return label.

Step 3 - Package instructions.  Look over these for the proper way to package your console.

Step 4 - Preparation. Your console should look like this when properly packaged.

Step 5 - Packing. Place your console in the same box you received so that it fits flush inside the box.

Step 6 - Tagging. Put a piece of paper with your reference # (given to you by support) somewhere in the box.

Step 7  - Tagging. Write your reference # on the outside of the box as well.

Step 8 - Seal & Label. Use the strip of tape to seal the box. Put the return label directly over the existing label.

Step 9 - Delivery. Call UPS to schedule a pick up time for your box or drop it off at a UPS location near you.

That’s it.  The wait for your Xbox 360’s return begins.  Feel free to bookmark this if need be for reference.  I hope it helps.  As simple as this seems, some people are always asking about it.  If all of the above is done correctly, you can track and monitor your Xbox 360 repair status here.