Product safety warnings and instructions

​​​​​​​NOTICE: Read safety and health information

Read this guide for important safety and health information about your device.

To reduce the risk of injury, death, or property damage, follow all setup and use guidelines and instructions provided for your device and, if applicable, its accessories and content (e.g., software applications, games, or other content).

You can find additional support at support.microsoft.com. For Surface devices, support is also available in the Surface App.

Keep all printed guides for future reference. You can also refer to the Microsoft Help and Support section for contact information at support.microsoft.com.

If you wish Microsoft to contact you only for product-safety alerts or recall notices for this product, please register at aka.ms/product-notifications.

 This symbol identifies safety and health messages in this guide.

 WARNING: Not for safety-critical uses

Your device is not designed or intended for use in any application or situation where device malfunction or failure could lead to death, serious personal injury, property damage, or environmental harm.

 CAUTION! Hearing safety (for headsets only)

Frequent or extended exposure to loud noise or sounds when using a headset or headphones can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. Individual susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss and potential hearing problems varies. Also, the sound volume produced by a device may vary depending on the nature of the sound, device settings, and the headset or headphones used. As a result, there is no single volume setting that is appropriate for everyone or for every combination of sound, settings, and equipment.

Here are a few common-sense recommendations to minimize your exposure to loud noises or sounds when using a headset or headphones with your device:

• Minimize your time listening to loud sound. All of the sound you are exposed to each day adds up. At maximum volume, listening to music or other content on your device with a headset or headphones can permanently damage your hearing in 15 minutes. If you are exposed to other loud sounds also, it takes less time listening at high volumes to cause hearing damage.

• The more time you spend exposed to loud sounds, the more likely you are to damage your hearing. The louder the sound, the less time that is required to damage your hearing.

• Always turn the volume on your device down before plugging a headset or headphones into your device. Set the volume loud enough to hear clearly in quiet surroundings, and no louder.

• Do not increase the volume after you start listening. Your ears can adapt over time so that high volume sounds normal, but the high volume could still damage your hearing.

• Do not increase the volume to block outside noise. The combination of outside noise and sound from your headset or headphones can damage your hearing. Sealed or noise-canceling headphones can reduce outside noise so that you don’t have to turn up the volume.

• To minimize the potential for hearing damage, keep the volume low enough that you can carry on a conversation with people nearby. If you can’t understand someone nearby speaking normally, turn down the volume. Sound that drowns out normal speech can damage your hearing. Even with sealed or noise-canceling headphones, you should be able to hear nearby people speak.

Finally, be aware of hearing loss symptoms. It’s a good idea to have your hearing checked regularly by an audiologist. Stop using a headset or headphones with your device and have your hearing checked if:

• You experience any hearing loss symptoms

• You hear ringing in your ears

• Your speech sounds muffled, dull, or flat

 WARNING! Parts of this device are magnetic

• Parts of your device are magnetic and may attract metallic items. To reduce the potential risk of sparks and resulting property damage or possible injury, verify the electrical connection areas are free of metallic objects before interconnecting devices or charging.

• Check your headset or headphones before use to be sure they are clean and free of objects such as staples or paper clips.

• Magnetic interference can disrupt the operation of some medical devices. If you use a medical device, consult the device manufacturer or your physician for information and instructions about the use of products with magnetic components near it.

WARNING! Do not insert objects into ports and openings

To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or damage to your device, do not insert objects into it. This includes ports, kickstand slots and hinges, spaces around keys, vents, fan, or other openings.

 WARNING! Clean safely

The risk of fire, shock or damage to your device during cleaning can be reduced by taking the following precautions:

• Unplug all cables and turn your device off before cleaning.

• Only clean the exterior of your device.

• Use a dry cloth only, no liquids.

• Gently wipe the exterior surface of fans, vents or other openings to remove any dust buildup.

• Do not clean ports or any part of the device with sharp objects (e.g., paper clips, screwdrivers, knives, etc.).

• Keep connectors dry. Gently wipe with a clean, dry cloth only.

 WARNING! Do not use in potentially explosive atmospheres

Do not store or carry flammable liquids, gases, or explosive materials in the same compartment as your device, its parts, and/or accessories. 

Turn off your device, and do not remove or install battery chargers, AC adapters, or any other accessory for your device when you are in an area with potentially explosive atmospheres. Areas with potentially explosive atmospheres are often, but not always, posted and may include fueling areas or fuel service stations; below decks on boats or other vessels; fuel and/or chemical transfer and storage facilities; and areas where flammable chemicals or particles, such as grain dust or metal powders have collected in the air. In such areas, sparks can occur and cause an explosion or fire.

 WARNING! Keyboard key repair/replacement (for keyboards only)

Microsoft recommends seeking professional assistance to repair or replace keyboard keys. Opening and repairing your device can present electric shock, device damage, fire, and injury risks, and other hazards. Do not attempt do-it-yourself repairs unless you follow the Service Guide at support.microsoft.com for the product, and have the required knowledge, experience, and specialized tools to do so.

Do not force detached key caps back onto the keyboard or insert objects between the keys and the board cover.

Assistance and information from Microsoft for device repair and other services is available at support.microsoft.com.

 WARNING! Device repair involves risks

Microsoft recommends that you seek professional assistance for repairs. Opening and repairing your device can present electric shock, device damage, fire, and injury risks, and other hazards. Do not attempt do-it-yourself repairs unless you follow the Service Guide at support.microsoft.com for the product, and have the required knowledge, experience, and specialized tools to do so.

Assistance and information from Microsoft for device repair and other services is available at support.microsoft.com.

 WARNING! Keep your device dry

• Do not expose it to rain, snow or other types of moisture. Do not use your device near water or in a damp or excessively humid location (e.g., near a shower, bathtub, sink, or swimming pool, or in a damp basement).

• Do not dry your device with a hair dryer, clothes dryer, conventional, toaster, or microwave oven. If your device becomes wet, gently wipe the exterior with a clean, dry cloth.

 WARNING! Allow sufficient ventilation to avoid overheating 

• Do not place your device in narrow or cramped spaces.

• Do not place objects on top of your device.

• Do not allow dust to build up on the fan, vents or other openings.

 WARNING! Avoid excessive heat

• Do not use or store your device near heat sources or in strong direct sunlight.

 WARNING! Avoid contaminants

• Avoid getting contaminants such as food debris, dust, dirt, oil, or chemicals on your device.

 CAUTION! Protect from damage

Handle your device with care. It is made of metal, glass, and plastic and has sensitive electronic components inside. Your device can be damaged if dropped, burned, punctured, or crushed, or if it comes in contact with liquids. Broken components can cut, and damage to a battery may cause injury, death, or property damage, and may damage your device or its accessories as a result of battery fluid leakage, fire, overheating, or explosion.

If you suspect damage to your device or its battery, stop using it. Contact Microsoft for information about device repair or dispose of it safely.

Assistance and information from Microsoft for device repair and other services is available at support.microsoft.com.

 WARNING! Keep out of reach of small children

Your device and its accessories are not toys. Keep your device and all its parts and accessories out of the reach of small children. Children could hurt themselves or others or damage your device. In addition, the device may contain or break into small parts that may be a choking hazard to children under 3 years.

 WARNING! Prolonged contact with warm devices (wearable devices)

Your device and its charger may become warm during normal use. It complies with the surface temperature limits defined by international safety standards; nonetheless, sustained contact with warm surfaces may cause injury. If you have a condition that affects your ability to detect heat or your sensitivity to heat, then you may be particularly susceptible to such injuries.

To reduce this risk:

• If your device gets uncomfortably warm, remove it and take a break.

• Use caution when operating your device with a pillow, blanket or other soft material in contact with your device. The material can block airflow, which may result in the device overheating.

• When charging, keep your device and its charger in a well-ventilated area. Allow for air circulation around the device and its charger. Don’t place your device or its charger under a blanket or pillow or charge on soft surfaces.

• Avoid sustained skin contact with your device when it’s connected to a power source. For example, don’t sleep with it while connected to a charger.

 CAUTION! Skin irritation (wearable devices)

This device is made of materials commonly used in wearable electronic devices. However, certain people may develop skin irritation due to allergies or sensitivities. To reduce the risk of skin irritation:

• Clean your device regularly.

• If your device gets sweat or moisture on it, wipe it dry with a cloth.

• Avoid using lotions or other products under the portions of the device that contact your skin.

• Do not wear over injured skin.

• Where applicable, adjust until snug, but not uncomfortably tight.

• If your skin becomes irritated, stop using the device.

If symptoms are severe or persist, consult your physician.

 CAUTION! Skin irritation (non-wearable devices)

This device is made of materials commonly used in electronic devices. However, certain people may develop skin irritation due to allergies or sensitivities or if their skin is already injured. To reduce the risk of skin irritation:

• Clean your device regularly.

• Avoid using lotions or other products in locations where the device may contact your skin.

If symptoms are severe or persist, consult your physician.

 WARNING! Power cord and cable safety

Damaged power cords and cables can pose an electric shock or fire hazard, and exposed device cables and cords pose a potential tripping hazard. Arrange all cables and cords so that people and pets are not likely to trip over or accidentally pull on them as they move around or walk through the area. Do not allow children to play with cables and cords. To avoid damaging the cords and cables:

• Protect cords from being walked on or crushed.

• Protect cords from being pinched or sharply bent, particularly where they connect to a wall power (mains) outlet, the power supply unit, and your device.

• Do not jerk, knot, sharply bend, stretch, or otherwise abuse the power cords. Do not wrap your power cord too tightly, especially around the power brick. Instead, wrap it using loose coils rather than tight angles.

• When positioning your device or PSU make sure that the cords are not bent sharply and that the connectors are not pushed against a wall or hard surface.

• Do not expose power cords to heat sources.

• Do not allow pets or children to bite or chew on power cords.

• When disconnecting the power cord, pull on the plug—do not pull on the cord.

Inspect your power cords and cables regularly. If a power cord or cable becomes warm, frayed, cracked or damaged in any way, stop using it immediately. We recommend that you replace your damaged power cord or cable with a genuine Microsoft replacement power cord or cable.

Unplug your power cord during lightning storms or when unused for long periods.