PS5 controller drift: How to fix DualSense drifting problems
New generation, same old controller drift problems.
PlayStation controllers have seen quite a few upgrades since the DualShock was first made available in 1997. Most notably, the DualShock evolved into the DualSense with the PlayStation 5, with lots of new flashy features and one frustrating issue in drifting.
Sometimes known as stick drift, this is when one of the joysticks on the PS5 DualSense controller begins to move in a certain direction when not touched. While this can be quite detrimental to games that need precision, it's also just plain annoying.
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The problems surrounding drifting in controllers have become more prevalent in the latest generation of consoles with Nintendo's Joy-Cons also making headlines for the issue. It can typically occur from dust, skin flakes or even food falling in between the mechanics. Or deterioration can just happen naturally over time if you play games often. And then, sometimes it happens straight out of the box, which is the last thing you want when hoping to boot up your new console.
Whatever the case, we're here to solve it. Here's everything you need to know about how to fix PS5 DualSense drifting problems and what options you have when it can't be remedied.
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How to fix PS5 controller drift
There are a few different options you can try to fix PS5 controller drift, so we recommend working through these steps and see if you notice any improvement.
- Ensure your console and controller are up to date (yes, your controller gets software updates too now). This should be done automatically, but you can easily check for updates in the settings menu. Then just plug in the controller via the charging cable to your console to install.
- You can always reset your controller if that doesn't work. Use a long, thin tool such as a paper clip then place it in the small hole in the back of the DualSense and hold for five seconds. However, you'll have to reconnect your controller to the PS5 via the USB again afterwards.
- Try reducing the Trigger Effect Intensity in the controller settings menu.
- Turn the Bluetooth connection off and on again in the controller settings menu.
- Adjust the Input Threshold within game settings. Also known as the Deadzone, this is the area where the thumbstick does not register movement and can completely eradicate light drift. However, this is only found within the settings of certain games, such as the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 settings.
- Clean your DualSense controller with a fresh cloth and a dab of isopropyl alcohol cleaner - particularly around the joystick base. Residue and dust under the joysticks can eventually impact the performance of your controller.
- Lifting and rotating your joysticks can also help with the issue, helping re-centre the mechanism if you're often pointing your joystick in the same direction.
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Another tip that has surfaced from Reddit is a solution that seemingly has worked for many in the below thread, utilising a slow motion with the palm to rid any debris found within the controller sticks. While we can't vouch for it ourselves, the number of people claiming to have found this helpful over the past year makes it worth considering.
What to do if you can’t fix PS5 controller
If you've exhausted all the above options, then you may have no choice but to contact Sony for a repair or replacement. In the UK, your DualSense PS5 controller will be under warranty for 12 months, so as long as you have proof of purchase and have not damaged the controller yourself then you should be covered for a new one.
You can head to the PlayStation Support page for more troubleshooting tips, or straight to PlayStation Repairs to arrange fixes and replacements. You can find more information on PlayStation Repair and Replace Guarantee here.
If you're not covered by warranty, you'll have to arrange for a repair yourself or perhaps even buy a new DualSense controller. If this is becoming a regular problem you may want to consider investing in a PS5 Edge controller which, while expensive, does have the option for interchangeable stick caps and custom dead zones.
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