What Is Ps4 Controller Drift
As you know, there are two analog sticks, right and left, for each controller of the PS4. If theres any trouble with any analog stick, you may see sudden uncontrolled movements on the screen. Moreover, you may also notice the circling of the character for no reason. This is a Ps4 controller or Analog-stick drift. Its super distracting and annoying but can easily be fixed at home.
Fix Stick Drift In Few Minutes:
We will be exploring several potential fixes that you can follow to fix the issue in no time. Our focus is to attempt to resolve the drift in controllers of Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Series X | S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.
If you are facing controller drift on a different controller like the Razer controller for PC, or you are using Logitechs controller for gaming, you can follow the guide for any controller, whether it is Xbox or PlayStation for your controller.
Without any further ado, let us get to the fixes.
Reset Your Dualsense Controller
Starting off with one of the easiest solutions, let us go through how you can reset your PS5 controller. Do note that resetting does not mean simply turning the controller on or off.
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Solution : Compressed Air
This technique works to remove debris from inside the Controller without having to disassemble it. For this, youd require a compressed air can, which translates to concentrated blasts of compressed air into the Controller to get rid of dirt and debris from inside that is causing the drift.
So how does this work?
This is probably one of the easiest methods where you start with a can of compressed air, targeting the bottom of the analog sticks. Make sure that your Controller is powered off.
Spray bursts that last five to eight seconds only, and then repeat again after an interval of a few minutes in between each burst. In about 3-4 bursts, you shall have all the debris removed. Keep moving the analog stick in different directions simultaneously while blowing compressed air into the stick where it slots with the Controller. This ensures that the air hits all internal parts where there could be debris, disrupting the internal working of the Controller.
Once youre done, dislodge the debris that surfaces before moving to another set of bursts. Make sure not to invert the can of air while spraying since that can liquefy the compressed air within. And, we all know how electric and liquid are a sinister match for any gadget .
Now, turn on your console and your Controller to check if the drifting has been fixed.
Press Down On Your Analog Stick
If you someone more advanterous like my little brother, who throws away his controller like he doesnt need it anymore, then this method is for you.
Sometimes controllers analog stick get dislocated and it can cause some major stick drift.
To fix this, follow these steps:
Step 1: Disconnect your controller from your Ps4. To do this hold Ps button for 20 second.
Step 2: Pull your Left-analog stick to the side and press it downwards on the created portion, with your thumb. And do this with every possible angle.
And please, dont be like my friends who shows all his power on his poor controller and broke it. Really, that was a disastrous tragedy for him and funny for us.
Step 3: Give the same treatment to your R-analog stick.
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Does Ps5 Controller Have Stick Drift
DualSense controllers seem to suffer the same drifting phenomenon as the DualShock 4. Since the release of the PS5, owners of the console have noticed an unfortunate defect with the DualSense controller. Like the DualShock 4 that shipped with the PS4, the PS5 controller appears to suffer from drifting.
Disassemble And Deep Clean
If the normal method of cleansing did not fix your analog drift issue, then you can proceed with a deep clean by disassembling your controller.
- Remove the screws from the back of your controller.
- Gently pull apart the two halves of your controller.
- Take out the ribbon attaching the two shells.
- Take out the two plastic attachments holding the battery and then take out the battery from the motherboard.
- Disconnect the cable from the motherboard.
- Detach the motherboard from the shell, taking care of the cable strip.
- Blow some air around the analog sticks or clean them using a cotton swab dipped in cleansing alcohol.
- After thoroughly cleaning the area, assemble your controller back.
You can follow this video tutorial for a visual guide.
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Why Does My Ps4 Controller Keep Drifting In One Direction
This is in an attempt to remove any bits of debris that might be disrupting the internal workings of the controller, and ensure that there should be a smooth movement whatever direction you move the stick in. If youre using pressurized air, at this point be careful not to blast it inside the controller.
How To Fix Xbox Controller Drift
It is always a good idea to start with simple solutions to fixing issues with Xbox One controllers. As we have already discussed the factors responsible for Xbox One controller drift issue, lets have a light on the fixes that can help you resolve the problem so that you can continue enjoying your favorite games on one of the best consoles
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Changing The Analog Sticks
This method can be used for analog sticks that have gone through a lot of wear and tear and are the only way to get your controller with no software issue to get going. Follow up with the same steps mentioned to disassemble your PS4 controller and simply pull out the analog sticks attached to the board.
Now, you can attach your new pair of sticks to the board and reassemble your controller. It should be perfectly working now without any analog stick drift issue that will cost you your game.
Fixing Dualsense Drift Issues
Resetting your PS5 DualSense controller can solve drift issues. Power off your PS5. On the back of the DualSense, there is a tiny hole on the right. Press this with a paperclip or pin and hold it down for five seconds.
This will disconnect it from your PS5. Reconnect and see if your issues persist. You can also try blasting the analog sticks with canned compressed air. If you see dust flying out, its a good sign that the controller needed to be cleaned.
If youre only experiencing drift in certain games, you can see if they have a dead zone setting in the options. Recent Call of Duty games have this option, as an example. Increasing the dead zone will stop drift if its only occurring in that game.
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How To Fix The Ps5 Controller Stick Drift
It hasnt been long since Sony released the PlayStation 5, and yet people have already started to complain about experiencing controller drift on their DualSense controllers.
In a very recent article, an American e-commerce company iFixit has released a detailed article about PlayStation 5 controller. To many peoples surprise, it was built to last for a couple of hundred hours.
Now that is a debate for another time. If you have recently got yourself a PlayStation 5 and already facing the drift issue, do not worry, I have got your back. You might fix the problem before getting back to Sony for repairs.
Method 1 Reset your DualSense controller
The PlayStation 5 is an impressive piece of hardware in all ways including, its DualSense controller. The hardware and software are extremely complex and as advanced as the tech can get. Sometimes a bug and glitch can cause issues.
It is also possible that due to some bug, you are facing the PS5 controllers drift. It might be the fix that can resolve the issue without trying any other circumventions from this list. If you are not familiar with how you can reset the PS5 controller, please follow the steps down below:
If you do not have a cable with you then:
- Press the PS and buttons together for a couple of seconds.
- Your console will detect the controller. If you have another controller, connect it with your PS5 console and register the Wireless Controller appearing under the Accessories found section.
How Do You Fix Stick Drift On Ps4
How to Fix PS4 Controller Analog Stick Drift
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How Do I Stop My Ps4 Controller From Drifting
How to Fix PS4 Controller Analog Stick Drift
Similarly, Do all controllers have stick drift?
Though stick drift can happen to any controller, todays latest models seem to be the most susceptible to this problem. According to IGN, PS5, Xbox, and Switch Pro controllers have similar potentiometers.
Additionally, How do I fix my PS4 controller from moving by itself? How do you fix analog stick drift on the PS4?
Related Contents
Ps4 Controller Calibration Test
Recently, I decided to do some calibration tests on my ps4 controller. I was curious to see how well it would hold up in different gaming scenarios. To my surprise, the controller performed exceptionally well across all genres. The only issue I encountered was with the analog sticks they seemed to be a bit off when it came to precision movements.
However, after some adjustments in the settings menu, I was able to get them calibrated just the way I wanted them. Overall, I found that the controller was very responsive and easy to use. If youre having any issues with your PS4 controller, be sure to try out these calibration techniques! You may be surprised at how much of a difference they can make.
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How Not To Fix Your Drifting Ps5 Controller
Now that we’ve told you some possible ways to fix the problem, you need to know what not to do.
First, don’t take your PS5 controller apart. If you do, you will void the warranty, meaning that you can’t return the DualSense to Sony for a replacement. You don’t need to take it apart as you probably don’t have the correct components to fix it with, anyway.
Second, while we do recommend you clean your controller, we wouldn’t suggest jumping in the shower with it or hosing it down in the garden. Only use proper cleaning substances .
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Third, treat your controller with care. Don’t throw it if you lose a game or you will damage the controller. Likewise, you don’t have to press the thumb stick buttons in too hard, as these are delicate components that are easy to operate. You don’t have to pulverize them while you play.
It goes without saying that the better you treat your controller, the longer it will last. As this is a problem with the thumb sticks, avoid operating them while you wait for levels to load doing so can quickly deplete the life cycle of the delicate components inside.
Whats The Cause Behind My Controller Analog Stick Drift Issue
There are multiple things that could be the reason behind the drift issue. Its crucial to get it fixed as soon as possible otherwise the problem may increase with time.
- There could be dust or dirt under the analog sticks which get collected and then cause controller drift.
- In case your controller fell down hard and got damaged, it may have impacted the sticks which caused the drift.
- If your PS4 controller is pretty old and has seen a lot of use over time, it could cause this issue.
So, this is basically what you can do to fix the PS4 and PS5 controller analog stick drift issue. For more troubleshooting tips, error fixes and more, stay with Gamer Tweak!
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Does Your Ps5 Controller Drift
If your controller drifts, try the above solutions and see if they work for you. Start with cleaning, and if that doesn’t work, return the controller to Sony. In the meantime, some games allow you to change the deadzones, so you can still play on regardless.
Nobody wants to experience a defect when they get a new console, and this is one reason not to love the flagship controller. There are obviously lots of reasons to love it, too, but DualSense drift is a problem that Sony needs to deal with sooner rather than later if it is to keep its loyal PlayStation customers happy.
Deep Cleaning Of The Analog
If cleaning up the controller didnt help you get rid of the drifting, then the next step is to do deep cleaning from within. To do so, you may need a prying tool, cotton swabs, T-8 or T-9 safety Torx, and a mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol. Now, follow the steps below to deep clean the analog stick.
- The first step is to open up the controller using the prying tool, T-8 or T-9 safety Torx.
- Next, use a cotton swab dipped in a mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol to clean the internal components. Make sure you dont overuse the mixture otherwise, the moisture may ruin the electrical equipment.
- Now, close up the controller using the prying tool and T-8 or T-9 safety Torx after cleaning it up.
Also, keep in mind that using the pressurized air to clear the dirt may ruin the internal parts. Also, dont disconnect any parts from the controller except for the motherboards battery as it may disrupt the components within.
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What Is Stick Drift
Stick drift is simply when the analog stick doesnt return to its original, intended position that can cause many unwanted actions.
Thats all. This is the only reason for you to miss that sweet Headshot in Call of Duty, your car to crash everywhere on its own in NFS, and your build to mess up in Fortnite.
Truly, stick drift can totally messed up the experience of any game.
Can I Fix Stick Drift
Its called controller drift, or analog stick drift, because one or both thumbsticks will drift, or move, in an undesired direction even when you arent touching them. To fix Xbox One controller drift, you need to take the controller apart and repair or replace one or more components related to the analog sticks.
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How To Fix Ps5 Controller Drift Issue
Play Station 5 or PS5 created quite a stir in the gaming world. However, soon after release, it fell into a bit of trouble. Multiple users have reported their DualSense PS5 controller suffering from the dreaded drift issue. This is similar to the drift issue that surfaced on the DualSense 4 controller. If you are also experiencing PS5 controller drift then you are at the right place, as in this post, we will give you some solutions that can fix the PS5 controller drift. Let us jump right in.
Replace Or Repair Your Nintendo Joy
Nintendo is aware of the Joy-Con drift problem. The company has set up a repair program for the controllers, which is easy to use, depending on where you live. This entire process is free of charge.
Be careful sending in limited edition Joy-Con controllers for repair. Nintendo doesnt guarantee that youll get back the same controller you sent in, so if you send your matching controller from a limited edition Switch, you may never see it again.
To request a repair, head to the Nintendo Joy-Con repair site. Note that this form is only for those residing in the United States or Canada. If you live elsewhere, youll need to find a local repair center on the Nintendo website.
Fill out the form with your information. Once this is complete, youll get a shipping label to ship your Joy-Con controller or controllers to Nintendo for repair.
Nintendo is sending out the newest version of its Joy-Con analog sticks when it does repair. The company says these newer versions are sturdier but may not be fully immune to drift.
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