- What are the symptoms of joystick drift on the DualSense?
- What are the causes of joystick drift on PS5 controllers?
- How to fix joystick drift on PS5?
When playing on your PS5, do you sometimes notice that your character moves on its own on the screen? The sticks of your DualSense controller might be suffering from « drifting ». For PlayStation 5 owners, this phenomenon of joystick drift on the PS5 controller, or « joystick drift » in plain English, can be particularly disturbing. In this guide, we help you understand and solve this problem, so that your experience on the Sony console remains optimal.
What are the symptoms of joystick drift on the DualSense?
What is called « drift » on the PS5 controller is an abnormal behavior of one or both joysticks — as if they were « stuck » in a certain direction instead of returning to their neutral position. This induces lateral movements or rotations, which occur without prior action on the analog sticks.
On the screen, this phenomenon manifests when the character or camera moves autonomously, without any interaction on your part. This symptom can not only ruin your session but also hinder your progress in the game, preventing you from performing certain precise actions.
What are the causes of joystick drift on PS5 controllers?
The reasons for joystick drift are varied, but mainly include the following causes.
- Accumulation of dust and debris: over time, fine particles get under the joysticks and interfere with the sensors.
- Wear of internal components: frequent use of the controller leads to deterioration of the potentiometers, the parts that record joystick movements.
- User damage: a bad fall of the controller, or excessive pressure on the sticks can compromise the structure of the controller.
- Firmware bugs: malfunctions, or an outdated version of your controller's software, cause a « ghost movement » of the joysticks.
How to fix joystick drift on PS5?
Reset your controller
Resetting your controller can sometimes fix malfunctions such as joystick drift.
- Turn off your PS5 console.
- Locate the reset button on your controller, in a small hole in the center, at the back.
- Use a sharp object, like a paperclip or pin, to hold this button down for about 5 seconds.
- Reconnect the controller to the console using a USB cable.
- Turn on the console and press the PlayStation button to reconnect the controller.
Maintain your controller
If your controller drifts due to dust accumulation, it may be useful to perform a deep cleaning. On a daily basis, this maintenance habit can improve the responsiveness of the joysticks and extend the life of your controller.
- Use a compressed air spray to blow around each analog stick.
- Clean the surface of the joysticks with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
- Let your controller dry completely before using it again.
Press the analog sticks
It may happen that your sticks are not properly pressed, or that they are « stuck » in a certain position: pressing them can help realign internal components and restore joystick calibration.
- Press the sticks firmly in different directions.
- Hold this pressure for about 10 seconds in each direction.
- Perform complete rotations with the sticks to check that they can move without obstruction.
Replace the analog sticks
If the above methods do not work, it may be necessary to replace the sticks. You can do it yourself, but be careful! This operation may void your controller's warranty. If you are not sure you can perform this repair yourself, it may be wise to consult a professional or contact Sony customer support.
- Buy a joystick replacement kit compatible with the DualSense controller.
- Open the controller by unscrewing the screws at the back. Operate with caution to avoid damaging other components.
- Remove the old joysticks by gently disconnecting the connectors and desoldering the components if necessary.
- Install the new joysticks following the instructions provided with the replacement kit.
- Reassemble the controller, making sure to reposition all elements correctly.
Just like the controller grip, the joysticks play an essential role in your gaming experience on the PlayStation 5 console. By applying the tips in this tutorial, you should be able to regain control, minimizing interruptions due to joystick malfunction. However, if the problem persists, troubleshooting by a repairer, or in the most serious cases, replacing your PS5 controller may be necessary.
To go further, also discover how to connect a PS5 controller to a PC.
