How to Do the Xbox 360 Towel Trick

Last Updated: May 13, 2022

One day, you may be playing your perfectly fine Xbox 360 when it suddenly freezes. When you reboot the system, it gives you 3 flashing red lights in the front. This means your 360 has encountered a hardware problem. If you don't want to return your console to Microsoft right away, you can do this "towel trick."

Steps

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You'll get your usual RROD. Let it run for 15-20 minutes.
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It should work.

Community Q&A

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Question

Does doing the towel trick mess up my Xbox?

Community Answer

It can mess with the thermal dynamics (fans and cooling). I would recommend just taking off the front plate, removing the hard drive and put it in a cold place (but not in a freezer or fridge!).

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Question

How do I get the red ring of death without doing anything?

Community Answer

It overheats while inactive. If the Xbox is left on for extended periods of time, it heats up.

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Tips

A fire extinguisher would be nice if you feel the need you might want to use it. (Make sure it's for electrical fires)

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When heating your 360, keep a close eye on it, just in case it might overheat too badly.

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Warnings

While this may solve the problem, it might only last a few more hours before showing the RROD again. In this case, call Microsoft (1-800-4-MY-XBOX) to place a repair order. This may take 3-4 weeks, but the repair is free if you have the RROD problem and if you're still under warranty.

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Things You'll Need

An Xbox 360 with the Red Rings of Death (3 flashing red lights on the front)
3 towels
45-60 minutes to waste
Optional: A fire extinguisher for electrical fires

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How to Do the Xbox 360 Towel Trick

Steps

Community Q&A

Tips

Warnings

Things You'll Need

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