How to Fix PS5 Stick Drift
Nintendo isn’t the only company that has issues with joystick drift. JoyCons may be the highest profile controller that suffers from drift, but Sony’s PS5 controllers may face a similar trap. If your PS5 characters are moving on their own, there are some steps you can take to fix the drift.
What is stick drift?
Stick drift is when your controller’s analog sticks think input is being made even when you don’t move the stick at all. You will immediately notice this problem as the game menus and characters will move around on their own. This is frustrating and makes many games unplayable.
There is no single root cause for stick drift. In some cases, the analog stick can come loose and make the sensors think it’s tilted when it isn’t. In other cases, dirt and debris can get into the rod, resulting in a similar error. In the worst case, various parts of the joystick wear out with use, causing it to fail and causing the controller to think that the joysticks are moving when they are not.
How to Fix Stick Drift on PS5 Controller
If you are experiencing drift on your PS5 controller, there are a few troubleshooting steps that can restore the normal analog stick.
Let’s start with the simplest: if the problem is software, try rebooting the controller. Turn off your PS5, flip the controller over, and press and hold the tiny button next to the Sony logo (you’ll need something thin enough to reach the button, like a SIM tool). Turn your PS5 back on and reconnect your controller. You can also try updating your controllers by going to Settings > Accessories > Controllers > Wireless Controller Device Software .
Unfortunately, stick drift is often not software based. If the problem is dust and debris trapped in the sticks, they need to be cleaned. While Sony does not recommend using solvents to clean joysticks, users have reported success with rubbing alcohol, as the alcohol simply evaporates. As shown in this YourSixStudios walkthrough , you can use a Q-tip soaked in rubbing alcohol to remove debris from the sticks, and even use a toothpick to lift the sticks to clean hard-to-reach areas. Just be careful not to hit any vital electronic components.
Alas, your joysticks may simply be worn out, and this issue has been brought to the attention of iFixit , who notes that some modern joysticks rely on parts that wear out too quickly. The two parts especially subject to wear and tear are the parts that tell the console where the analog stick is at any given time, and the one that sets the neutral point for your joystick (i.e. the part that tells the controller when the analog stick is not in use) . If it happened in one or both of these parts, you will probably experience some drift.
Sony Will Fix Your PS5 Controller’s Joystick Drift (If You’re Still Under Warranty)
If the parts are worn out, the repair is much more complicated. If you have soldering experience, you can do it yourself. But if the controller is still covered by the original one-year manufacturer’s warranty, you’d be better off sending the controller to Sony for repair. According to IGN , you can call (800) 345-7669 to start the process, but you can also create a repair ticket from Sony’s website . After receiving the controller, it takes 7 to 10 business days to work on it, so it may take some time before you see it again.
If the controller is out of warranty or you don’t want to wait that long, try taking it to your local repair shop. They will likely be able to identify the problem and determine if it is worth fixing.
Let’s hope the next time console makers release a controller, they’ll use better parts and leave stick drift forever.