5 Easy Ways to Fix Stick Drift on Your PS5 Controller

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Easy steps to correct PlayStation controller drift

Written by Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: July 30, 2024 Fact Checked

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Reset the Controller

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Rotate the Thumbsticks

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Clean the Controller Surface & Sticks

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Adjust the Input Threshold

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Repair or Replace Your Controller

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Tips

Does your character, screen, or mouse move to the side slowly even when you're not touching your PS5 controller? Stick drift, or analog stick drift, happens when the thumbsticks on your controller seem to move on their own. Stick drift can affect standard Sony PS5 controllers as well as third-party controllers. Fortunately, it's easy to fix stick drift by resetting and cleaning the controller or maneuvering the thumbsticks. This wikiHow article teaches how to fix the stick drift on a PlayStation 5 controller.

Things You Should Know

Resetting your PS5 controller will often fix stick drift.
The most common stick-drift solution is cleaning the analog sticks, which is easy.
Avoid taking your PS5 controller apart because that action voids the warranty.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Reset the Controller

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1
Turn off your PS5 console. You need both the controller and console to be off to reset the controller.
- When you reset your PS5 controller, it will return to its original factory settings. After the reset, you'll need to pair it again with your console.
- These steps will work for any of the PS5 controllers.
This is a recessed button, so you'll need a pin or straightened paper clip to press it.

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3
Connect the controller to the PS5 with a USB cable. The controller came with a USB cable, but if you don't have it, you can use any USB cable. Using a short USB cable is okay since you'll only connect this way initially so you can connect wirelessly to your console.
- Reset your Bluetooth connection by going to Settings > Accessories > General > Turn Off Bluetooth.
4
Turn on your PS5 and press the PS button on your controller. Once your PS5 starts up, pressing PS will trigger the controller to connect. You'll see the light turn on in front of your remote, letting you know it's connected.
- If resetting your controller does not fix stick drift, it's likely not a software issue. Cleaning your PS5 controller should resolve the stick drift.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Rotate the Thumbsticks

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If you play a game that requires you to push the thumbstick in one direction more than others, you might notice that your joystick drifts in that direction. Counteract this by rotating your thumbsticks.
You want to hear them both click down.
3
Rotate your depressed thumbsticks. Turn them clockwise for 10 seconds, then counterclockwise for 10 seconds.
- Release them when you're done and see if that fixed your stick drift.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Clean the Controller Surface & Sticks

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1
Gather your materials. There may be dust and debris preventing your PS5 sticks from sitting normally. This basic cleaning method doesn't require you to disassemble or take apart your controller, and it's so easy that anyone can do it! To clean this your controller, you'll need:
- Compressed air
- Isopropyl alcohol
- A cotton swab
To prevent shock and injury or damage to your controller, you want it to be off when you clean it.
3
Put cleaning alcohol on a cotton swab and clean the area around the sticks. You want to rub the cotton swab around the base of the analog sticks to clean the area of dust and dirt.
- However, avoid soaking the swab and the sticks! Getting your controller wet isn't recommended.
Use your cotton swab to clean the new areas you're exposing by moving the sticks left and right.
5
Push the sticks down and use compressed air to clean them. Once you've gotten to all the areas you can with your cotton swab, use the compressed air. Press the sticks down and rotate them 360 degrees clockwise and counterclockwise for about 10 seconds each way.
- Shake the can well before you use it, and don't spray the can too close to the sticks or they can freeze.
- Once you're done, let the controller sit for 10-15 minutes to dry. After that time has passed, turn on your console to test your controller.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Adjust the Input Threshold

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Not all games have a deadzone setting, but you can try to eliminate stick drift in your games that do have this setting.
Use the controls available (sometimes sliders) to get rid of your stick drift.

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Repair or Replace Your Controller

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1
Contact Sony for help. Especially if your controller is new, it might still be under warranty, which means that you can get it repaired or fixed for free! If you couldn't fix stick drift with other methods, Sony will replace your controller.
- If it's not under warranty, you can pay to get your PS5 controller fixed or buy a new one.
If you have an old controller that's seen its share of rough use (like it fell on the floor repeatedly or got stepped on a lot by your pets), then buying a new one might be worth it. Many electronics retailers sell new PS5 controllers, like Best Buy or Amazon.

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Tips

Don't take your controller apart or you'll void the warranty.

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Helpful 19 Not Helpful 11
Don't clean your controller by soaking it. Water damages electronic components.

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Helpful 13 Not Helpful 15
Treat your controller with care and it'll work wonderfully for you! Throwing it across the room once or multiple times can lead to damage.

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