Stick drift is a common problem that affects many controllers, especially after prolonged use. It occurs when the analog sticks register movement without being touched, causing unwanted input in games. This can ruin your gaming experience and make it hard to aim, steer, or navigate menus.
Fortunately, there are some ways to fix stick drift, or at least reduce its impact. In this blog article, I will share some tips and tricks on how to fix stick drift on different controllers, such as Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch. I will also explain what causes stick drift and how to prevent it from happening in the first place.
What Causes Stick Drift?
Stick drift is caused by the wear and tear of the potentiometers inside the analog sticks. Potentiometers are devices that measure the change in voltage based on the position of a sliding contact. They are used to translate the movement of the sticks into digital signals that the console or PC can understand.
However, over time, the potentiometers can become dirty, damaged, or misaligned, resulting in inaccurate readings. This can cause the controller to think that the stick is in a different position than it actually is, resulting in stick drift.
Some factors that can contribute to stick drift are:
- Dust, dirt, and debris that accumulate inside the controller and interfere with the potentiometers.
- Liquid spills, humidity, or condensation that can corrode or short-circuit the potentiometers.
- Excessive force, pressure, or impact that can bend, break, or dislodge the potentiometers.
- Manufacturing defects, design flaws, or poor quality control that can affect the durability and reliability of the potentiometers.
How to Fix Stick Drift on Xbox Controllers
Xbox controllers are prone to stick drift, especially the older models. If you have an Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S controller that suffers from stick drift, here are some possible solutions:
- Reset the controller. Press and hold the Xbox button on the controller until it turns off. Wait a few seconds, and then press and hold the Xbox button again to turn it on. This can sometimes fix minor glitches or connection issues that cause stick drift.
- Update the controller firmware. Connect the controller to the Xbox using a USB cable. Press the Xbox button on the controller to open the Guide. Select the Settings tab, then select Devices & connections. Select Accessories, then select the controller you want to update. Select Firmware version, then select Update now. This can sometimes fix bugs or improve the performance of the controller.
- Clean the controller with compressed air. Remove the batteries from the controller. Tilt the controller so that the sticks are facing down. Use a can of compressed air to blow out any dust or debris from the gaps around the sticks. Use short bursts of air and avoid spraying too close to the controller. This can sometimes dislodge any particles that interfere with the potentiometers.
- Adjust the deadzone settings. The deadzone is the area around the center of the stick where no input is registered. Increasing the deadzone can reduce the effect of stick drift, but it can also make the controller less responsive. Some games allow you to adjust the deadzone settings in the options menu. Alternatively, you can use the Xbox Accessories app on your Xbox or PC to customize the deadzone settings for your controller.
- Replace the analog stick modules. If none of the above methods work, you may need to replace the analog stick modules inside the controller. This requires opening the controller, which will void your warranty and may damage your controller if done incorrectly. You will also need some tools and replacement parts, which you can find online or at a local electronics store. You can follow this guide¹ on how to replace the analog stick modules on an Xbox controller.
How to Fix Stick Drift on PlayStation Controllers
PlayStation controllers are also susceptible to stick drift, especially the DualShock 4 and the DualSense. If you have a PS4 or PS5 controller that suffers from stick drift, here are some possible solutions:
- Reset the controller. Locate the small hole on the back of the controller, near the L2 button. Use a paper clip or a similar object to press and hold the reset button inside the hole for about five seconds. Then, reconnect the controller to the console using a USB cable. This can sometimes fix minor glitches or connection issues that cause stick drift.
- Update the controller firmware. Connect the controller to the console using a USB cable. Go to Settings, then select Devices. Select Controllers, then select Software Update. This can sometimes fix bugs or improve the performance of the controller.
- Clean the controller with isopropyl alcohol. Remove the battery from the controller. Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to gently clean the area around the sticks. Be careful not to use too much alcohol or to touch any other parts of the controller. Let the controller dry completely before reinserting the battery. This can sometimes remove any dirt or grease that interfere with the potentiometers.
- Adjust the deadzone settings. The deadzone is the area around the center of the stick where no input is registered. Increasing the deadzone can reduce the effect of stick drift, but it can also make the controller less responsive. Some games allow you to adjust the deadzone settings in the options menu. Alternatively, you can use the PS Remote Play app on your PC or mobile device to customize the deadzone settings for your controller.
- Replace the analog stick modules. If none of the above methods work, you may need to replace the analog stick modules inside the controller. This requires opening the controller, which will void your warranty and may damage your controller if done incorrectly. You will also need some tools and replacement parts, which you can find online or at a local electronics store. You can follow this guide² on how to replace the analog stick modules on a PS4 controller, or this guide³ on how to replace the analog stick modules on a PS5 controller.
How to Fix Stick Drift on Switch Controllers
Switch controllers are notorious for stick drift, especially the Joy-Cons. If you have a Switch Joy-Con or Pro Controller that suffers from stick drift, here are some possible solutions:
- Calibrate the controller. Go to System Settings, then select Controllers and Sensors. Select Calibrate Control Sticks, then select the controller you want to calibrate. Follow the on-screen instructions to calibrate the sticks. This can sometimes fix misalignment or calibration issues that cause stick drift.
- Update the controller firmware. Go to System Settings, then select Controllers and Sensors. Select Update Controllers, then wait for the update to complete. This can sometimes fix bugs or improve the performance of the controller.
- Clean the controller with contact cleaner. Remove the battery from the controller. Use a can of contact cleaner to spray the area around the sticks. Use short bursts of spray and avoid spraying too close to the controller. Let the controller dry completely before reinserting the battery. This can sometimes dissolve any residue or oxidation that interfere with the potentiometers.
- Adjust the deadzone settings. The deadzone is the area around the center of the stick where no input is registered. Increasing the deadzone can reduce the effect of stick drift, but it can also make the controller less responsive. Some games allow you to adjust the deadzone settings in the options menu. Alternatively, you can use a third-party software like reWASD or JoyToKey on your PC to customize the deadzone settings for your controller.
- Replace the analog stick modules. If none of the above methods work, you may need to replace the analog stick modules inside the controller. This requires opening the controller, which will void your warranty and may damage your controller if done incorrectly. You will also need some tools and replacement parts, which you can find online or at a local electronics store. You can follow this guide on how to replace the analog stick modules on a Switch Joy-Con, or this guide on how to replace the analog stick modules on a Switch Pro Controller.
How to Prevent Stick Drift
Stick drift is inevitable on most controllers, due to the nature of the potentiometers. However, there are some ways to prevent or delay stick drift from happening, such as:
- Keep your controller clean and dry. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking while using your controller. Wipe your controller with a soft cloth after each use. Store your controller in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, or moisture.
- Handle your controller with care. Avoid dropping, throwing, or hitting your controller. Do not apply too much force or pressure on the sticks. Do not twist, bend, or pull on the sticks. Use a protective case or cover for your controller when not in use.
- Use a different controller for different games. Some games require more frequent or intense use of the sticks than others. For example, shooters, racers, or fighters may wear out the sticks faster than platformers, puzzles, or RPGs. If possible, use a different controller for different types of games, or switch between controllers regularly.
- Buy a high-quality controller. Not all controllers are made equal. Some controllers have better build quality, durability, and reliability than others. If you can afford it, buy a high-quality controller from a reputable brand or manufacturer. You may also want to look for controllers that use hall effect sensors instead of potentiometers, as they are more resistant to stick drift.
Conclusion
Stick drift is a frustrating problem that can ruin your gaming experience. However, it is not a hopeless situation. There are some ways to fix stick drift, or at least reduce its impact, by resetting, cleaning, updating, calibrating, adjusting, or replacing your controller. You can also prevent or delay stick drift from happening by keeping your controller clean, dry, and well-maintained.
I hope this blog article has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions comment below 👇
Hi, I’m deoravijendra, a professional content writer and digital marketer with 5 years of SEO experience. I’m passionate about crafting compelling content and optimizing online presence for maximum impact.