Are you a PS5 player tired of seeing your character wander all over the map despite everything but your fingers being far away from the analog sticks? Yeah, that’s stick drift! We’ve all done it—one second everything is great, and the next you’re trying to aim but your crosshairs have set off on their own like they’re possessed.
Here, I’ll walk you through step by step how to fix stick drift PS5—in using the simplest tricks anyone can attempt at home. No complicated tech jargon, no soldering irons, no hefty repair costs. Simply genuine fixes you can perform yourself, whether you’re a hobbyist gamer, a full-fledged PlayStation addict, or something in between. If you’re looking for a solution that doesn’t mean throwing your controller or shelling out a lot, you can keep reading. We’ll get you back playing, without the rage quits.
Table of Contents
What Is Stick Drift, Anyway?
Stick drift is when your PS5 DualSense controller starts moving the analog stick on its own, even though you’re not touching it. Out of nowhere, your game character starts walking off, your car veers sideways—total chaos, right? This issue hits a ton of gamers and is pretty common on PlayStation 5 controllers, especially after hours and hours of intense gaming.
How to Fix Stick Drift PS5: Step-by-Step Solutions
Here’s the section you’ve been waiting for! I’ve put down all the simplest methods on how to fix stick drift PS5 that actually work—no fiddly teardown necessary. We’ve also included a few methods on how to fix stick drift ps5 without opening.
1. Clean Around the Analog Sticks
First things first—stick drift in most cases is caused by dust and debris that become lodged under the analog stick. So, pick up a can of compressed air and just spray around the bottom of your analog sticks. Spray while you move the stick in a circular motion to loosen dirt that’s hidden.
You can also use a cotton swab lightly wetted with isopropyl alcohol to wipe the area. Do not get liquid in the controller—just swipe it lightly around the outside, then allow it to dry completely before plugging it in.
2. Try the Rotation Trick
Next, give your controller some loving care. Slowly rotate each analog stick in a complete circle—repeat this several times clockwise and counterclockwise. Push the stick down completely while rotating. This loosens up detritus that may be triggering the drift.
Be thorough—don’t be afraid to reach out to the outer rim. Occasionally, the solution is this basic motion to free things up within the stick’s mechanism.
3. Blow Into the Base
Remember blowing into cartridges back in the day? Same principle applies here. Very gently move the analog stick upwards and blow inside that little space at the bottom. This can remove dust particles responsible for random movement. Sometimes, these OG solutions actually work magic.
4. Reset Your PS5 Controller
One of the more insidious causes of stick drift is software bugs, and a simple reset does magic.
Switch off your PS5 console.
Locate the small reset button at the rear of your controller (adjacent to the L2 button).
Use a pin or a paperclip and press the button for approximately 5 seconds.
Allow your controller to disconnect, then reswitch on your console and reconnect the controller with a USB-C cable.
5. Update Controller and Console Software
Believe it or not, using an old version of software can result in stick drift. Connect your controller to your PS5 with a USB-C cable and update as follows:
Navigate to Settings > Accessories > Controllers > Wireless Controller Device Software —update if necessary.
Also, make sure your console is up-to-date at Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings.
Keeping the software up-to-date can kill a surprising amount of bizarre problems before they ruin your game.
6. Alter Deadzone Settings During Play
Some games have you adjust “deadzone” settings within controller settings. What’s that? Just the area where the analog stick won’t register movement. By increasing the deadzone, you can eliminate slight stick drift—helpful during multiplayer FPS sessions.
7. Re-Calibrate Your Controller
Proceed to Settings > Accessories > Controllers > Test Input Devices and go through the instructions to test and realign. If drift continues, go back through cleaning and resetting before resorting to more severe solutions.
8. When All Else Fails: Repair or Replace
When all other solutions have failed and your controller’s still wandering off on its own, you may be faced with wear and tear or mechanical damage within. You can take it to a certified repair shop, or if you’re feeling brave (and know your way around a screwdriver), crack it open for deeper cleaning or swapping out the analog stick module. But let’s be real—these steps are hardcore. For most of us, trying the fixes above solves things without breaking a sweat.
Pro Tip: Prevention Is Easier Than Repair
A bit of cleaning every couple of weeks and keeping your DualSense away from the dust does magic to avoid stick drift. If you snack and game (we ALL do!), clean your hands prior to sessions for extra merits.
Final Thoughts
That’s my full guide on how to fix stick drift PS5, written just like I’d explain it to any fellow gamer. Whether your controller just started drifting or you’ve been battling the issue for months, these easy steps cover all the bases. Gaming should be fun, not frustrating—so go fix that controller, and let the wins roll in!
Also Read: Easy Ways to Fix PS5 Green Screen of Death
