How To Fix Stick Drift PS5 | Easy Steps

Stick drift on a PS5 controller (DualSense) happens when the analog stick moves or registers input without you touching it. Turn off and unplug your controller.

Here’s how you can fix or reduce stick drift — from quick DIY solutions to more advanced ones:

🧼 1. Clean the Analog Stick

Tools Needed:

• Isopropyl alcohol (at least 70%)

• Cotton swabs or a soft brush

• Compressed air (optional)

Steps:

1. Turn off and unplug your controller.

2. Push the analog stick to the side and use a cotton swab lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol to clean around the base.

3. Rotate the stick while cleaning.

4. Use compressed air around the base if there’s visible dust or debris.

Tip: Don’t oversaturate with alcohol—it can seep inside and damage electronics.

🔁 2. Reset the Controller

Steps:

1. Look for the small reset hole on the back of the controller (near the L2 button).

2. Use a paperclip to press and hold the button inside for 5–10 seconds.

3. Reconnect the controller to your PS5 via USB and press the PS button.

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⚙️ 3. Update Controller Firmware

Outdated firmware can cause input issues.

Steps:

1. On your PS5, go to:
   Settings > Accessories > Controller (General) > DualSense Wireless Controller Device Software

2. Install any available updates.

You can also update using a PC with the DualSense Firmware Updater.

🛠️ 4. Adjust Input Dead Zone (Game-Specific Fix)

Some games allow you to set a dead zone, which is the area where the stick doesn’t register input.

Steps:

1. Go into the game’s settings (usually under “Controls” or “Gameplay”).

2. Find the Dead Zone or Stick Sensitivity option.

3. Increase it slightly to ignore minor drift.

🧰 5. Open and Repair Internally (Advanced)

If you’re confident with small electronics, you can open the controller and clean or replace the stick modules. This voids warranty and is not recommended unless you’re experienced.

Option A: Clean Internals

• Disassemble controller (Phillips #00 screwdriver and prying tools required).

• Clean potentiometers on analog stick modules with alcohol and a soft brush.

Option B: Replace Analog Stick

• You can buy replacement analog sticks (ALPS RKJXV analog sticks used in DualSense).

• Requires soldering.

🔄 6. Send to Sony for Warranty Repair

If your controller is still under warranty (usually 1 year), Sony may fix or replace it for free.

Steps:

• Go to: PlayStation Hardware Support

• Start a repair request and follow the instructions.

✅ Summary: Best to Try First

If you’re not comfortable opening the controller, your best bet is to try cleaning, reset, and firmware update first, then go for warranty repair if needed.