Remove the batteries, then hold the Xbox button for a few seconds to drain any remaining power.

This will make sure you don't shock yourself or short the device.

The second step is to remove the side plates that rest against your palms. This can be done with an iFixit opening tool or some iFixit opening picks.

If you have an opening tool, insert it near the tip as shown and "pry" the side plate away from the controller. You'll hear a click as the clips come loose. Slide the tool around the plate, prying as you encounter resistance, until it comes free.

If you also have an opening pick, it can be helpful to insert one near the bottom once the plate loosens. Otherwise, the clips at the bottom may reconnect while you're working on the others.

This takes a bit of force, but apply it slowly at first. If the prying tool slips, you could end up jabbing yourself.

If you only have opening picks, press them between the side and front plates. At first, you'll only be able to insert them in certain spots; push them in as deeply as you can until you have a few in place. Then, wiggle and slide the picks until you hear the clips loosen.

The clips can be difficult to locate, so you may need to experiment a bit. The picture may help give you an idea how to get started.

Remove 5 screws shown on the picture using the T8 bit.

The screw in the middle is underneath the sticker in the battery bay. You can push the screwdriver bit through the sticker, or peel it away. There is only one screw!

Please note that this makes both the front and back plates completely loose from the controller.

Now the front plate is removed we can also remove the backplate.

If you only need to swap the joysticks you can just pull them off, replace, and reassemble.

Or if you just want to replace the d-pad you can lift the metal ring up and just pick it up and replace it.

If you are going further in the guide, you do need to remove the joysticks, but can leave the d-pad in place.

Now we are going to take off the little plate between the bumpers to futher access the controller.

Start by pushing the two little plastic pieces on either side of the xbox on/off button.

Just push the little pieces up and away from the controller (plate may shoot away so hold it a little).

(sorry for blurry pics)

To remove the bumper, on either sides are little pieces of platic just like the ones we just undid, just push it away from the controller. I like to use the screwdriver for this ones since its a little smaller and gets behind the plastic easier.

I also added a pic of the bumper so you can see how it looks if you need to buy a new one (mine broke within a year).

Next we are going to remove the trigger caps. Use a T6 bit for this.

Remove the screws on the backsides of the caps and just gently push the plastic around the trigger from the outside towards the inside

Be careful of the small gray rumble motors. Try not to let them dangle by their wires while working.

To remove the motherboard (top one) we first disconnect the Bluetooth antennas. We do this by slowly lifting up the connectors on the side of the motherboard.

Now remove the big rumble motors by pushing a little plastic piece back and lifting the motor up (remember to minimize strain on the wires).

Next we need to remove the little rumble motors in the triggers from the top, just make sure the wires aren't connected to the chassis anymore.

Next we remove the two screws in the bottom corners (using T6 bit). Next we can lift the motherboard up. NOTE that the 3.5mm jack is not soldered and just sandwiched between the two boards.

When assembling the device note that the multiple metal pieces on the 3.5mm go towards the motherboard.

For removing the motherboard just simply lift it from one of the corners without bending it too much. (sorry the camera was out of focus)

Now we remove the last six screws (still T6). After those you can lift the daughter board. The buttons will be loose after removing, so take care not to lose them.

Remove the buttons before flipping the controller chassis

Buttons are keyed to ensure they are in the right position and orientation. Check placement if one doesn't seem to fit.

When assembling, these might be nice to know. When placing the big rumble motors, place the plectrum in first so it just slides in.

When the daugtherboard is placed back in the chassis, check if all the buttons work(except B that goes to the motherboard).

(It took me a second to find that my Y was dislodged because the controller was resting on it, that meant I couldn't press it and couldn't pull the RT all the way down, so I had to go back some steps).

When putting back the D-pad ring, make sure the top is sitting deep enough or you could run into trouble.

When placing the wires back for the trigger rumble motors... just put on some good music and try to keep you patience.

Please when you are almost done and only need to put the side plates (step 2) check before finishing if everything works. You can easily do this using this link https://gamepad-tester.com/