Controller tester / Fix guides
How to fix PS5 stick drift
Start with the free fixes; most mild drift goes away with a reset, a clean or a dead zone. The steps also work for the PS4 DualShock 4.
Not sure it's drift? The PS5 controller test takes 11 seconds and tells you how bad it is. Opening a controller can void its warranty, so check that first.
Measure it first
Run the stick drift test and note the furthest reading at rest. Under 3% is normal. Test again after each fix below so you know which one worked.
Reconnect and try a cable
Turn the controller off, reconnect it, and test over a USB-C cable as well as Bluetooth. If the drift only shows on one connection, the stick is fine and the problem is the connection or the device you paired with.
Update the controller's software
Your PS5 offers DualSense updates when they exist; you can check under Settings › Accessories › Controllers. On a Windows PC, Sony offers a free firmware updater app for the DualSense. Updates rarely cure worn sticks, but they rule out a software fault.
Reset the controller
Turn off your PS5 or unplug the controller. On the back of the DualSense, next to the Sony logo, there is a small hole with a reset button inside. Press it with a pin or straightened paper clip for about five seconds, then reconnect with a cable and press the PS button. The DualShock 4 has the same reset hole on its back, near the L2 button.
Clean around the stick
Dust and grime under the stick cap are a common cause of mild drift. With the controller off, push the stick to one side and blow short bursts of compressed air into the gap around its base, then rotate the stick in full circles. Repeat from each side.
If that doesn't help, dampen a cotton swab with a little isopropyl alcohol (90% or stronger), run it around the gap while rotating the stick, and let the controller dry for a few minutes before turning it on. Never pour liquid in.
Set a dead zone in your game
Many games let you raise the stick dead zone in their controller settings. Use the value the drift test suggests: it hides the drift with the smallest loss of precision. This doesn't fix the stick, but it makes mild drift invisible in play.
Use the warranty or Sony's repair service
PlayStation hardware usually comes with a one-year warranty, though terms vary by region. If your controller is covered, start a repair from PlayStation's hardware support site before you open it, because opening it can void the warranty.
Replace the stick, or the controller
The DualSense's stick modules are soldered to the circuit board, so replacing one means desoldering. Replacement modules include Hall effect sticks, which measure position with magnets instead of a worn contact track and resist drift. If you can't solder, a phone repair shop or a controller repair service can do it.
If you are buying new, the DualSense Edge has stick modules you can swap without tools, and several third-party controllers ship with Hall effect sticks.
Questions
Can PS5 stick drift fix itself?
Drift caused by dirt sometimes comes and goes, but worn sticks get worse over time. Clean it, and if it keeps coming back past 8%, plan for a repair.
Does recalibrating fix DualSense drift?
It can help when the stick's centre point has shifted, but not when the sensor itself is worn. The PS5 has no built-in stick calibration; we're building an in-browser calibration tool.
Is it safe to use alcohol on a controller?
A little high-strength isopropyl alcohol on a swab is a common cleaning method because it evaporates quickly. Use very little, keep the controller off, and let it dry fully.
Last checked 2026-10-17. Menu names can change between system updates.