
Key Takeaways
- Stick drift is a typical concern with the PlayStation 5 DualSense controllers, however there are a number of dependable fixes you’ll be able to strive.
- Clearing particles by rotating the analog stick, and cleansing the bottom of the stick (the bearing), are two efficient options.
- Resetting the controller’s Bluetooth connection, updating the software program, and adjusting in-game lifeless zone settings can even repair PS5 controller drift.
Whereas the DualSense controller for the PlayStation 5 is nice in lots of respects – stellar haptics, snug form, and improbable triggers – some PS5 players have sadly discovered that it will probably endure from joystick drift.
Stick drift is when the console or recreation registers motion though you have not moved the analogue stick. It is most frequently attributable to joystick degradation or particles beneath or across the thumbstick.

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We have tried a number of totally different fixes for controller drift and had good outcomes. Based mostly on these assessments, are some issues you’ll be able to attempt to repair your PS5 controller drift.
Repair 1: Clear particles by slowly rotating the analogue stick
This repair is likely one of the hottest ones on Reddit (thanks, “echoey-tentacle2“), and for good cause. It is easy to do, and has a greater success charge for fixing PS5 stick drift than some harder options.
To clear particles by rotating the analogue stick, do the next.
- Gently press whichever stick is drifting, simply previous the purpose of its button-click.
- Sustaining this mild strain, transfer the stick in a clockwise circle for about 30 rotations.
- Sustaining the identical strain, transfer the stick in an anti-clockwise circle for 30 rotations.
- Repeat steps 1, 2, and three, making use of barely extra strain to the thumbstick.
- Maintain repeating, including further strain, till you are including a average quantity of strain to the stick.
- Attempt lifting the stick out of its housing and rotating a couple of instances, too.

PlayStation DualSense Wi-fi Controller
Many PS5 players have discovered that this resolves their stick drift as a result of it will probably dislodge any particles that is perhaps interfering.
Repair 2: Clear the bottom of the stick
Generally, any particles or gunk inflicting stick drift will be cleared away by merely cleansing the bottom of the stick (the bearing), with out taking aside the controller.
There are 4 methods you are able to do this, although we will solely formally suggest the primary manner as a result of the others might pose some danger of harm.
With a microfiber fabric
Cleansing the issue joystick with a clear microfiber fabric is the most secure and best cleansing methodology. Merely tilt the keep on with reveal the a part of its bearing that is often lined by the case and begin to gently wipe with the fabric, making certain you get within the hole between the stick and case. Transfer the stick round slowly to entry totally different components of the bearing for cleansing.
With compressed air
Along with wiping with a clear microfiber fabric, you would strive blowing compressed air into the slight hole between the thumbstick and controller casing to dislodge any particles, attempting from a couple of totally different positions across the thumbstick. Simply make sure you maintain the can upright to maintain the air clear

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With contact cleaner
In case you’re snug taking the chance, you would strive turning the controller off and spraying contact (electrical) cleaner into the hole between the analogue stick and controller casing, as an alternative of compressed air.
Correct contact cleaner should not trigger any harm to electronics, but it surely’s extra dangerous than utilizing no resolution in any respect, so use it at your personal danger.
With isopropyl alcohol
If you cannot entry any contact cleaner, you would strive turning the controller off, wiping isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) across the base of the stick, then gently urgent the stick down and rotating it a couple of instances, ready for it to dry, and turning the controller again on.
That is unlikely to trigger an issue with the circuitry as a result of rubbing alcohol dries shortly and is not very conductive. However, once more, it is nonetheless extra dangerous than not utilizing something in any respect, so use it at your personal danger.
Repair 3: Reset the controller’s Bluetooth connection
Some customers have discovered that resetting their PS5 controller’s Bluetooth connection mounted their controller drift. Here is how one can flip your DualSense controller’s Bluetooth on and off:
- Press the PlayStation button in your controller and choose Equipment.
- Choose Bluetooth Equipment.
- Select your controller and choose Delete.
- Press the PlayStation button and the Share button collectively and choose Sure.
Repair 4: Replace your PS5 and controller software program
Whereas outdated software program is not a typical reason for controller drift, it does not damage to make sure your controller and PlayStation 5 are each up-to-date. Here is how one can replace your PS5 and controller software program.
Tips on how to replace your PS5 software program
To replace your PS5 software program, go to Residence -> Settings -> System -> System Software program -> System Software program Replace and Settings -> Replace System Software program, then select to replace by way of USB or Wi-Fi.

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Tips on how to replace your PS5 controller software program
To replace your PS5 controller software program, first plug it into your PS5 by way of USB. Then press the PlayStation button and navigate to Equipment -> Wi-fi Controller Machine Software program. You need to be capable to replace your software program from this display if it isn’t already up-to-date.
Repair 5: Manufacturing unit reset the controller
Generally, manufacturing unit resetting your PS5 controller to default settings can repair controller drift.
To manufacturing unit reset your PS5 controller, insert one thing skinny resembling a paperclip into the outlet on the underside of the controller, subsequent to the Sony brand, and maintain down the reset button for a couple of seconds till the controller lights flash off.
Repair 6: Alter in-game lifeless zone (enter threshold) settings
If not one of the above works, and you continue to have stick drift, you would possibly be capable to remove it by adjusting the “lifeless zone” (enter threshold) settings to your analogue sticks in every recreation. This setting is often discovered within the “Controller settings” (or equal) tab of a recreation’s settings.
An analogue stick’s lifeless zone is the space that it should be moved earlier than the sport registers any motion. In case you enhance the enter threshold by a few factors, the sport would possibly ignore the faulty actions inflicting stick drift. The truth is, you’ll be able to simply enhance the enter threshold bit-by-bit till the stick drift is not a problem. If the edge is low, the lifeless zone won’t even be noticeable as you play.
Repair 7: You probably have a DualSense Edge controller, change the sticks

In case you’re fortunate sufficient to personal a DualSense Edge controller quite than a standard DualSense controller, you is perhaps in luck, as a result of Edge controllers have replaceable analogue sticks.

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The DualSense Edge controller has a launch button on the again. To swap out a stick, merely slide the discharge button to launch the entrance cowl, take away the quilt, flick the analog stick’s lever to the facet, slide the stick out, change it with a brand new one, shut the lever over it, and change the quilt.
Repair 8: In case you do not thoughts the chance, disassemble and clear your controller
You probably have notably cussed controller drift and nothing up to now has labored, you would strive disassembling the controller and cleansing it as soon as utterly disassembled. However we would suggest that solely consultants do that, and provided that you are blissful voiding your guarantee.
Disassembling your PS5 controller and cleansing its internals might harm it. It is going to additionally void your guarantee.
In case you resolve to disassemble your controller regardless of the dangers, here is how to take action:
- Take away the black half of your controller’s cowl by prying it aside on the seams on the facet of the controller with a skinny flat-head screwdriver.
- Come out the L1 and R1 buttons by inserting and levering a flat-head screwdriver between these buttons and the triggers beneath.
- Unscrew the L1 and R1 screws and the screws on the underside of every of the handles.
- Pry the white cowl from the black cowl by prying between the seams alongside the edges.
- Pull out the 2 hooks fastidiously on the front-inside of the analogue sticks.
- Unplug the battery.
- Unscrew the battery cowl.
- Disconnect all flat cables connecting the PCB to the encircling {hardware}.
- Raise the PCB and switch it the other way up to entry the sticks.
- Now you’ll be able to clear extra completely with compressed air or contact cleaner.
Repair 9: Return your PS5 controller for restore
If not one of the above fixes work, you have had your controller for lower than a 12 months, and you have not determined to void your guarantee by disassembling the controller, you’ll be able to ship it in for restore.
Go to the PlayStation repair page, choose your controller, observe the on-screen prompts, and try to be given the choice to “Request Restore”.
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