How to Fix Stick Drift on PS5 and Xbox Controllers

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Thumbstick drift in modern video game controllers has currently been a problem for years. Hall effect controllers can reduce controller drift, so it’s very annoying that neither the PS5 DualSense nor the Xbox Wireless Controller use this technology. You can easily identify stick drift if you don’t touch your controller, but the in-game camera begins to pan without your intervention or your character/vehicle slowly begins to move.

Although this defect is irritating, it can be fixed in some cases. Below we’ll walk you through some simple cleaning tips that can help reduce stick drift on PS5 and Xbox controllers, before explaining why this problem occurs in the first place. One final word of warning: if your keys are having issues, don’t open your controller. Instead, if the pad is still under warranty, contact Microsoft or Sony to inquire about repairing or replacing your controller.

Your first step should be to clean your DualSense thoroughly. Dust, grime, and sweat from your fingers can negatively impact your controller’s sensors. As for how you should clean your pad sticks, your best options are to either use a can of compressed air or a cue tip/cotton swab lightly dipped in rubbing alcohol. With the first method, be sure to use only short, intermittent sprays; as for the latter, don’t delay it with alcohol. Whichever method you choose, turn off your DualSense before attempting to clean it.

Resetting a PS5 controller can also help eliminate stick drift. After turning off your DualSense, turn it over and locate the small reset hole on the back. Once you find it, use a paper clip to gently press this button for at least five seconds. You can then pair the pad with your PS5 using a USB cable.

While stick drift is primarily caused by hardware issues, software issues can also wreak havoc on your gamepad’s inputs. If the cleaning or resetting methods above don’t work, try updating your controller’s firmware. You can do this by going to Settings > Accessories > Controller (General) > DualSense Wireless Controller Device Software.

For those of you who own Sony’s ultra-expensive DualSense Edge, you have an additional option to banish stick drift (although, unfortunately, it’s not free). If none of the above methods work for you, you can purchase a new DualSense Edge Stick module for $30. Although it’s annoying, Sony doesn’t ship its $200 pad with replacement modules, at least they’re easy to swap.

First, slide the release latch on the back of the controller to the left, then remove the plate surrounding the sticks. Each stick has a metal release latch that can be pulled up to allow you to slide out a faulty stick. Once you’ve removed the stick, you can simply insert the new one, before securing it in place by lowering the release latch. Put the plate back in place and your new stick will be ready to go.

Attempting to repair an Xbox Wireless Controller that is experiencing stick drift involves the same processes as the DualSense. The previously mentioned cleaning methods should be the first things you try if you are suffering from erratic camera or character movement due to faulty stick behavior. In our experience, the cotton swab/rubbing alcohol method works best.

As with the DualSense, it’s also worth updating the firmware on your Xbox Wireless Controller. To do this, press the Xbox button on your pad, then navigate to Profile & System > Settings > Device & Connections > Accessories. Choose your controller and if a new firmware update is available, install it. You also need to download the Xbox Accessories app from the Xbox Store. This free software has calibration tools that allow you to adjust/test the dead zones of your controller’s sticks.

The most common cause of pole drift is simple wear and tear. The more you use your controller, the greater the risk of stick drift. If you’ve used your gamepad for hundreds of hours, there’s a good chance you’ll eventually encounter this annoying flaw. Controllers use devices called potentiometers to track the position of their analog sticks, and these can wear out after heavy use.

Accidental damage and moisture buildup can also cause poles to drift. Sweat and fluids can impact the internal components of your game controller, affecting its thumbsticks. Even newer controllers can be affected by stick drift. You might end up unlucky by purchasing a pad that has calibration issues right out of the box due to manufacturing issues. If you find that your sticks are working and your controller is still under warranty, try having it repaired or replaced by Microsoft or Sony.