How To Fix Stick Drift PS5
So, your PS5 controller is acting up. You’re not touching the stick, but your character’s moving on their own. Yeah, that’s stick drift—and it’s just as annoying as it sounds.
But here’s the good news: in many cases, you don’t need to buy a new controller. I’ve been through this myself, and trust me, a few simple tricks can often fix it.
First, What Exactly Is Stick Drift?
Stick drift is when the analog stick sends input even though you’re not touching it. Your character might slowly walk forward, or the camera could start moving on its own. It almost feels haunted. But really, it’s just the controller being a bit… off.
Why Does It Happen?
Honestly, it’s usually one of a few things:
Dust or gunk built up under the stick
The stick’s internal parts wearing out (especially if you’ve gamed a lot)
A low battery doing weird things
Or even just a software glitch that needs resetting
And yeah, sometimes it’s a mix of all that.
Step 1: Try Cleaning It First
Alright, let’s start with the easiest thing.
Turn off your PS5 and unplug your controller.
Grab a cotton swab and dip it in a bit of isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher works best).
Gently move the stick around and clean around its base.
Let it dry for a few minutes before turning it back on.
If you’ve got a can of compressed air, blowing it around the stick can also help clear out tiny bits of dust.
Step 2: Reset the Controller
Sometimes, all your controller needs is a quick reset.
Flip it over and find the tiny hole on the back (right next to the Sony logo).
Take a paperclip or something small, press and hold the button inside for about 5 seconds.
Then plug it back into the console with a USB cable and turn everything back on.
Check if that helped. It sounds too easy, but it’s fixed mine before.
Step 3: Update the Software
You might not think software could cause stick drift, but weird things happen.
Go to:
Settings → Accessories → Controllers → Update Wireless Controller
Then also check:
Settings → System → System Software → Update System Software
If there’s an update, install it. Sometimes that’s all it takes.
Step 4: Check for Deadzone Settings (If Your Game Allows It)
Some games (especially shooters) let you adjust the deadzone. That’s basically how much you need to move the stick before the game reacts.
Look in your game’s settings. If there’s a deadzone slider, bump it up just a little. This doesn’t “fix” the drift technically, but it can hide it—your controller will ignore those tiny, unwanted movements.
Step 5: Try Re-centering the Stick
I know this one sounds silly, but give it a shot.
Push the analog stick in (like you’re clicking it) and hold it there
Rotate it in slow, wide circles—first clockwise, then counterclockwise
Let go and don’t touch it for a bit
I’ve done this a few times when drift started to creep in, and it sometimes works surprisingly well.
Still Drifting? Here's What Else You Can Do
I know this one sounds silly, but give it a shot.
Push the analog stick in (like you’re clicking it) and hold it there
Rotate it in slow, wide circles—first clockwise, then counterclockwise
Let go and don’t touch it for a bit
I’ve done this a few times when drift started to creep in, and it sometimes works surprisingly well.
Still Drifting? Here's What Else You Can Do
If none of the above worked, don’t give up just yet.
Option A: Contact Sony
If your controller is still under warranty, reach out to Sony. They’ll either repair it or send you a new one. Here’s the support page you’ll need: playstation
Option B: Replace the Analog Stick
This is for the brave ones. You can open the controller and swap out the stick module, but it’s a bit risky if you’re not used to doing that kind of stuff. There are tutorials online if you’re up for it, like the ones on iFixit.
Option C: Get a New Controller
If all else fails, and it’s been a while since you bought the controller, it might just be time to replace it. If you want to future-proof, consider a controller with Hall Effect sticks—they’re way less prone to drift.
How to Avoid Drift in the First Place (If You’re Lucky Enough to Still Be Safe)
Keep your controller clean. Give it a wipe now and then.
Don’t press the sticks too hard or jam them around.
Store your controller in a drawer or case when not in use.
Maybe once a month, give the sticks a gentle clean—even if everything’s fine.
Final Thoughts
Stick drift sucks. There’s no sugarcoating that. But thankfully, it’s not always the end of your controller’s life. A little cleaning, a reset, and maybe some updates can often bring it back to normal.
And if not? Well, now you know what your options are. Either way, don’t let a drifting stick ruin your gaming time.
Liked this guide? Feel free to bookmark it or share it with a fellow gamer struggling with stick drift. Happy gaming, and may your aim always stay steady!
Also read : Microsoft and AMD Just Teamed Up for Xbox’s Future — And It Says a Lot About Where Gaming Is Headed