How to Eliminate Stick Drift on PS5 and Xbox Gamepads
A step-by-step guide shows how to clean and reset PS5 DualSense and Xbox Wireless controllers to reduce stick drift, and advises warranty contact if problems persist.
Stick drift, where a controller moves the on-screen view without input, often stems from debris or wear on the analog sticks of PS5 DualSense and Xbox Wireless controllers. The guide advises first cleaning the sticks with short bursts of compressed air or a lightly alcohol-dipped cotton bud, ensuring the device is turned off. It then details a reset procedure using a paperclip to press the rear pinhole for five seconds, after which the controller should be re-paired via USB.
Firmware updates—accessed through the console settings for both platforms—can also resolve software-related drift. If cleaning and resetting fail, the article suggests contacting Sony or Microsoft for warranty service, and notes that the DualSense Edge offers a $30 aftermarket stick module that can be swapped without professional tools. Finally, it warns against opening the controller yourself unless it is out of warranty.
Why it matters
Stick drift hampers gameplay; fixing it extends controller life and avoids unnecessary replacements.
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