Xbox and PlayStation controllers are the best among the lot. Due to this reason, many people believe they are immune to stick drift, which however is not the case.
Controller drift is a common problem that can affect any gamepad, regardless of how expensive it is. It happens when your joystick starts moving on its own, even when you are not touching it. This is indeed an annoying problem and if not fixed, it can hinder your gameplay and may even make you lose.
If you are facing this issue with your PlayStation or Xbox controller and looking for a solution to fix it, you are in the right place. Instead of buying a new controller, which is going to cost you a lot, you can follow our guide to troubleshoot the problem. We have detailed everything you need to know about fixing stick drift on PlayStation and Xbox controllers.
Fixing Xbox Controller Drift
Whether you are using an Xbox One Controller or an Xbox Series X/S Controller, you can try these simple methods to fix the stick drift. We have shared a few common solutions that most gamers follow to troubleshoot their controllers.
Method 1: Reset Your Controller
One of the quickest solutions is to simply reset your Xbox controller. To go about this method, you just need to press and hold the Xbox button on your controller for about 5-10 seconds until it turns off.
Once your controller is turned off, wait for a few moments before long pressing the Xbox button again. This will turn your controller back on and reset it.
Method 2: Clean Your Controller
Many players make the mistake of not cleaning their controllers even after using them for weeks or months. This allows dirt to settle around the analogue stick, causing it to drift during gameplay.
For basic cleaning, you can take a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol to wipe the base of the analogue stick. However, if you want to give your controller a thorough cleaning, follow these steps.
- First, turn off your controller.
- Press one of the analogue sticks as far as you can, but make sure not to break it.
- Now spray compressed air into the base and roll the stick slowly. You can spray more compressed air if needed.
- While cleaning the analogue stick, press it side to side, and up and down, so you can get the dirt out if any.
- You need to repeat this process with the other analogue stick till everything is clean and dust-free.
Note: It is advised to spray compressed air once a month even if your controllers work fine. This will help you keep them working smoothly and prevent drifting.
Method 3: Replace The Batteries
Sometimes, drifting happens because your Xbox controller is low on battery. If that’s what is happening to your controller, you can simply replace the batteries to resolve the issue.
You can either use rechargeable batteries, or the regular ones for your controller. If you choose a rechargeable battery pack, make sure to charge them fully before you start your gameplay.
Method 4: Recalibrate Your Controller
You can also consider recalibrating your Xbox controller by following these instructions:
- Open the guide by pressing the Xbox button.
- Navigate to Profile & System, select Settings, and then Devices & Connections. Next, choose the Accessories option.
- Select your controller and hit the Configure button.
- Locate the recalibration option and follow the instructions that appear on your screen.
Method 5: Update Your Controller’s Firmware
If you want your Xbox controllers to work fine, you must keep them updated at all times. Here’s how you can do it:
- First, connect your controller to your Xbox console using a USB-C cable.
- Press the Xbox button and navigate to Profile & System.
- Choose Settings.
- Go to Devices 7 Connections and select Accessories.
- After choosing your controller, select the Firmware version and hit the Update button. This will update your controller’s firmware.
Fixing PlayStation Controller Drift
When your PlayStation controller starts to move on its own, it makes games hard to play. But you can resolve this issue by implementing these solutions.
Method 1: Reset Your Controller
Sometimes, a simple reset can solve small issues like drift without having to look for a complex solution.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Turn off your PlayStation console.
- Check the back of your controller for a tiny hole because that’s where the reset button is.
- You can use a paperclip or pin to long-press the button for about 5 seconds.
- Next, connect your controller to your console using a USB cable.
- After switching on your console, press the PS button to pair the controllers again.
Note: This method works for both PS4 and PS5 controllers.
Method 2: Check For Software Updates
If your controller firmware is outdated, it can cause drifting. To fix it, follow these steps.
- On your PlayStation, go to Settings and select Accessories. Next, choose Controllers, and select Wireless Controller Device Software.
- If you see an update is available, install it.
- You should also check for any system software updates. For this, go to Settings, and select System Software Update and Settings. Follow the on-screen instructions to update your PS4 or PS5.
Method 3: Recalibrate The Sticks
Calibrating can help if your controller is slightly off-centre. If you are not sure how it works, follow these instructions.
For PS5:
- Go to Settings and select Accessories. Next, choose Controllers, then Test Input Devices, and then Test Wireless Controller.
- Follow the instructions to check if the sticks are responding correctly.
For PS4:
There’s no built-in calibration tool for PS4. However, many games offer in-game settings where you can adjust dead zones. By doing so, you can help reduce the impact of drift.
Method 4: Replace The Analog Sticks
If none of the above solutions work, chances are you have a hardware-related problem. In this case, you should consider replacing the analogue sticks. But since this is a more advanced fix, you may have to involve an expert to open the controller and solder it.