Have you ever gone through an intense situation when you are about to win, and your car drifts off the track for no reason? Well, thumbstick drift is a common issue faced by DualSense controller users. Here’s how to fix stick drift PS5 controller.
What Is Joystick Drift?
Joystick drift, also known as stick drift, is when your controller behaves as if you are pressing one or both of your joysticks in a direction, but you are not even touching it. This controller drift can be caused because of software or mechanical issues or can sometimes be triggered by both. This mainly happens with the Dual Sense Controllers, but it can happen with your PS4 controllers as well.
Some of the common stick drift symptoms include the characters moving by themselves or spinning in one direction constantly, menu options being selected randomly, or a vehicle in your racing game drifting by itself.
How To Fix Stick Drift PS5 Controller
Like every other controller, the PS5 controller works less effectively over time, and so does their Joysticks. The most common PS5 controller drift issues are caused by physical damage, normal wear and tear due to regular use, scrap build-up in the controller, or some software issues. We have given you some easy and effective methods to fix stick drift PS5 controller, along with the things you should avoid doing.
1. Adjust The Dead Zone
The dead zone, also known as the input threshold, is the area where the thumbstick doesn’t register any movement. So, if the drift you are experiencing is not too extreme, you can fix stick drift PS5 in specific games by adjusting the dead zone so that the game does not register the amount the controller is drifting.
Unfortunately, this is not a permanent solution and can vary from game to play, also, the PS5 itself doesn’t have any such option.
2. Clean Your Joysticks
Another common and obvious method to fix stick drift PS5 controller is to clean your controller and joysticks thoroughly. Although cleaning your cleaning your controller should be a regular thing, considering how new the system is, you may not have done it yet. It is very easy for grease, dust, and grime to enter our controller and create havoc in a short span. If the wrong-sized rubble ends up at the wrong place in your controller, then the joystick can easily drift.
You should consider cleaning your joystick with a cotton swab and a dab of alcohol, as it is the best and safest way. Before cleaning, make sure to turn off your controller. First, use compressed air in short bursts while rotating your thumbstick to clear dust. Once done, use a cotton swab with a dab of oil and clean along the edges of your thumbstick’s base. Just let it air dry and then check it.
3. Lift and Rotate Your Thumbsticks
If you use your controller to frequently play games that require the use of a thumbstick in a specific direction for a prolonged period, then you will notice that sticks start drifting in that direction.
Another fix to this is to gently remove your thumbstick from its housing at generously rotate it in all directions for some time. This will help the mechanism of the thumbstick to re-center and will hopefully fix stick drift PS5 controller.
4. Reset Your DualSense Controller
Another easy to fix stick drift PS5 controller is to reset your dual sense controller. Resetting your Dual Sense isn’t as simple as just turning it on and off, in fact, there is a hidden reset button to refresh your controller completely. To start, follow these steps:
- Turn off your PS5 console.
- Using a straightened paper clip or safety pin, hold the reset button inside the small hole located at the back of your PS5 controller.
- Keep holding down that button for 5 seconds.
- Once the Dual Sense controller fully disconnects, turn on the console.
5. Reset Your Bluetooth
If resetting your controller also doesn’t work, then you should try turning the Bluetooth on and off to fix stick drift PS5. Bluetooth connection issue is usually not the cause of the drift, but it’s better to try it as well. To turn off the Bluetooth;
- Open Settings.
- Go to Accessories and then to Communication Method.
- Now, toggle off the Bluetooth.
- Once its disabled, wait a while and then turn it on and check if the issue’s resolved.
6. Update Your PS5 Controller
Consoles are updated most frequently when they are about to be launched in order to fix issues and bugs. It can be a possibility that your console or controller has missed one that can fix stick drift PS5. When you hardwire your console into your PS5, it will prompt you to update it. Before this, make sure that your PS5 itself is updated.
- Go to Settings and open System.
- Now, navigate to System Software Update.
- Choose Update Using Internet.
- Your console will then check if your console is updated. If not, then apply it.
- Once updated, wait till it installs and reboots. Now, check if the drift’s still there.
Return Send Your PS5 Controller For Repair
In case every other method fails, and you don’t know how to fix stick drift PS5 console anymore. You are only left with the last option to either repair your controller or replace it with a new one. Based on the retailer you purchased your controller from and whether you purchased any warranty or not, the best option you have is to try and get a replacement from the same retailer. If all goes in order, you should be able to get a replacement on the spot.
Now, in case you can’t get a replacement or purchase it directly from Sony, then you will need to go to Sony hardware and Repair. Sony offers a one-year warranty for their Dual Sense, but this does have its drawbacks. First, Sony confirms if you have attempted all the troubleshooting steps, which they provide and we also covered in this Guide as well, you will need to ship your faulty controller to them.
Once received, Sony takes up to 7 to 10 business days to check and fix stick drift PS5. After repaired it is shipped back to you. This whole process can take up to two weeks, and you will have to be without your controller, but it will be repaired and much cheaper than buying a replacement.
What Not To Do
Now that you know how to fix stick drift PS5, you also need to understand what not to do.
- Never take your PS5 controller apart. If you do so, you are voiding the warranty, which means you can’t return the controller for a replacement. Anyways, taking it apart is completely useless as you don’t have the correct components to fix it.
- We recommended cleaning the controller to fix stick drift PS5 above, but that doesn’t mean that you have to use water or any liquids to clean the controller. It can be easily cleaned by the method mentioned above, or a quick fix like cleaning slime is also reliable.
- Don’t be reckless with your controller, and treat it with care. Don’t throw the controller, in rage of losing or when excited after winning. Also, don’t press the thumbsticks too hard, as they are a delicate component.
- Don’t expose your Dual Sense to extreme temperatures or keep them in a dusty place. Washing your hands prior to playing is also recommended.
FAQs
Q: Which PS5 controllers don’t drift?
The Nacon Revolution 5 pro doesn’t drift as it uses Hall Effect sensors.
Q: how long is the PS5 controller warranty?
The PS5 controller warranty lasts for 1 year from the purchase date.
Q: How to prevent stick drift?
To prevent stick drift, you should keep your controller in a place where it is not exposed to dust and grime. You should also avoid playing without washing your hands, especially after snacking.
Conclusion
DualSense drift is a problem that needs to be solved soon by Sony. But until the issue is not solved we will need to solve it by ourselves only. We hope that the above article has helped you in answering your query about how to fix stick drift PS5 console controller.
