Why Is My PS5 Controller Drifting? (7 Fixes)

Dealing with a drifting PS5 controller can be incredibly frustrating. You're in the middle of an intense gaming session, and suddenly your character moves on its own, throwing off your aim or ruining a critical moment. You're not alone—controller drift is a common complaint among PS5 users, with many reporting the issue within months of purchase. This problem can stem from hardware wear, dust buildup, or software glitches, and it affects both casual and hardcore gamers alike.

This guide is here to help you troubleshoot and potentially fix the drift issue with actionable steps. We'll walk you through the most common causes, from simple fixes like recalibrating the controller to more involved solutions like cleaning the analog sticks. You'll learn seven practical fixes, ordered from easiest to hardest, to get your controller back in working order. If the problem persists, we'll also guide you on when it's time to consider a replacement and recommend reliable alternatives.

By the end of this guide, you'll either have a working controller or a clear path forward. Let's dive into the causes and solutions to stop that annoying drift once and for all!

Common Causes

• Dust or debris buildup under the analog sticks
• Worn-out analog stick components (potentiometer failure)
• Software or firmware glitches
• Physical damage from drops or overuse
• Improper calibration of the controller

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Reset the Controller

Difficulty: easy | Time: 2 minutes

Use the reset button to refresh the controller's connection. Locate the small reset button on the back of your PS5 controller near the L2 button. Use a paperclip or small pin to press and hold it for 5 seconds. Reconnect the controller to your PS5 via USB or Bluetooth. Why this works: This can resolve minor software glitches causing drift by resetting the controller's internal settings. What you should see: After reconnecting, test the analog sticks in a game or the PS5 settings menu; drift should disappear if this was the issue. Warning signs: If drift persists, it might be a hardware issue.

Tools needed: Paperclip or small pin

2. Update Controller Firmware

Difficulty: easy | Time: 5 minutes

Ensure your controller's firmware is up to date. Connect your controller to the PS5 with a USB cable, go to Settings > Accessories > Controllers, and check for updates. Install any available updates. Why this works: Sony often releases firmware updates to address drift and calibration issues. What you should see: After updating, test the sticks; drift may stop if it was a software bug. Warning signs: If no update is available or drift continues, move to the next step.

Tools needed: USB cable

3. Recalibrate the Analog Sticks

Difficulty: easy | Time: 5 minutes

Recalibrate to fix minor stick inaccuracies. On your PS5, go to Settings > Accessories > Controllers > Adjust Stick Sensitivity. Follow the on-screen instructions to recalibrate both sticks. Why this works: Miscalibration can cause drift, and this resets the stick's neutral position. What you should see: Post-calibration, the sticks should respond accurately without unintended movement. Warning signs: If recalibration doesn't help, there could be physical debris or damage.

4. Clean Around the Analog Sticks

Difficulty: medium | Time: 10 minutes

Remove dust and debris from the analog sticks. Power off your controller. Use a can of compressed air to blow around the base of the sticks, or gently use a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol (70-90%) to clean the area. Avoid excessive liquid. Why this works: Dust buildup can interfere with stick sensors, causing drift. What you should see: Test after cleaning; sticks should move smoothly without drift. Warning signs: If cleaning doesn't help, the internal components might be worn. Safety note: Do not disassemble unless you're experienced; you risk damaging the controller.

Tools needed: Compressed air, Cotton swab, Isopropyl alcohol

5. Adjust Dead Zones in Games

Difficulty: medium | Time: 5 minutes

Increase dead zones to mask minor drift. In some games, you can adjust the controller dead zone settings (check the game's control options). Increase the dead zone slightly to ignore small unintended inputs. Why this works: This is a software workaround that can temporarily hide drift without fixing the root cause. What you should see: Your character or cursor should stop moving unintentionally. Warning signs: This is not a permanent fix; if drift worsens, it won't help.

6. Check for Physical Damage

Difficulty: medium | Time: 5 minutes

Inspect the controller for visible wear or damage. Look at the analog sticks for uneven wear, cracks, or looseness. If you've dropped the controller, internal components might be misaligned. Why this works: Identifying physical damage can explain persistent drift and help decide if repair is worth it. What you should see: If sticks look damaged or wobbly, the issue is likely hardware-based. Warning signs: Visible damage often means replacement parts are needed, which can be tricky to install.

7. Replace Analog Stick Modules (Advanced)

Difficulty: hard | Time: 60 minutes

Replace the analog stick mechanism if you're skilled in repairs. Purchase a compatible PS5 controller analog stick module (available on Amazon or electronics stores). Disassemble the controller using a small screwdriver (T8 or T9 Torx), following online guides or YouTube tutorials. Replace the faulty module and reassemble. Why this works: Drift is often caused by worn potentiometers in the stick module, and replacing it can fully resolve the issue. What you should see: After replacement, the controller should work like new with no drift. Warning signs: This voids warranties, and improper reassembly can break the controller. Only attempt if you're confident. Safety note: Disconnect the battery before working inside the controller.

Tools needed: Small Torx screwdriver, Replacement analog stick module, Spudger tool

When to Upgrade

Sometimes, fixing a drifting PS5 controller just isn't worth the hassle or cost. If you've tried all the steps above and the drift persists—or if the controller is over a year old and heavily used—it's likely the internal components are too worn to salvage. Visible damage, such as cracked sticks or a loose feel, is another sign that the controller may be beyond repair. Additionally, if you're outside the one-year Sony warranty period (check your purchase date), professional repair costs ($50-70) can approach the price of a new controller ($60-75), making replacement more economical.

Consider the cost-benefit ratio before diving into complex repairs. Replacing analog sticks yourself can cost $10-20 for parts, but it requires skill and risks further damage. If you’re not comfortable with DIY repairs or don’t want to void your warranty, upgrading might be the smarter choice. Also, if drift keeps recurring even after temporary fixes, it’s a red flag that the controller’s quality or design isn’t holding up to your usage needs.

Safety isn’t a major concern with controllers, but peace of mind is. A persistently drifting controller can ruin your gaming experience and even cause in-game losses. If you’re still under warranty, contact Sony for a free repair or replacement before buying a new one. Otherwise, investing in a new or upgraded controller with better durability or drift-resistant technology (like Hall effect sticks in some third-party options) could save you future frustration.

Upgrade Now

🛒 Buy Sony PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller on Amazon

🛒 Buy SCUF Reflex Pro Steel Gray PS5 Controller on Amazon

🛒 Buy NACON Revolution 5 Pro Controller for PS5 on Amazon

🛒 Buy RiiRKii PS5 Controller Replacement Parts (Analog Sticks) on Amazon

Prevention Tips

• Keep your gaming area clean to avoid dust buildup around the controller.
• Avoid excessive force on analog sticks during intense gameplay.
• Store the controller in a protective case when not in use to prevent accidental damage.
• Regularly update your PS5 and controller firmware to address potential software bugs.
• Use compressed air monthly to lightly clean around the analog sticks.