PS5 controller uses the same Sticks as PS4, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if you start facing Stick Drifts after some use. But don’t worry, today we are going to help you solve Stick Drift on your PS5 controller.
Stick drift on the PS5 controller can be easily solved by removing any dust particles around the Analog-stick. To remove dust particles: disconnect the controller>Hold the analog stick to one side>Blow away the dust particles with an Air Compressor. If the issue is still not fixed, then updating both controller and PS5 should definitely fix the issue.
This tricks should work for the most of you but it didn’t then don’t worry we have a lot more for you.
But before that I would suggest you to have a look at all the reason for your PS5 controller Stick drift. If you don’t want then you can directly skip to the solution.
Causes of the Stick Drift on PS5 controller
During my research I found that there can be many reason for Stick Drift on PS5 controller.
Here are the reason for Stick Drift:
Dust or Dust in the Analog Stick: This is the most common reason for stick drift on any controller and Duelsense is no exception.
With time Dust, Dirt, and Grime make their way into the controller and prevents the analog stick to go back to it’s original intended position. And from the personal experience I can tell that these thing adds up pretty quickly, causing even severe Stick drift.
But you can prevent it by cleaning your PS5 controller regularly.
Moisture in the Analog Stick: If there is moisture in the Analog Stick then it can mess up with the electrical circuit and can cause Stick drift.
Software issues: No matter how modern Duelsense hardware is, if its software is not optimized then it can cause many issues including Stick Drift.
Faulty Potentiometer: Potentiometer is the device that translates the sticks physical position into electrical signals.
The best way to fix this is either changing or cleaning the potentiometer and both of these methods require you to open the controller.
But don’t worry, if your controller is new then it’s unlikely to be the case.
Faulty controller: If the hardware of the controller is faulty then it can also cause Stick Drift issues.
If your controller is in warranty then it’s better to contact Sony then trying to fix it.
Now that we know the reason for the stick drift on the PS5 controller.
Things to do before Fix 1:
Turn Off and On Bluetooth: There is a chance that your Duelsense is fine but the issue is with PS5’s Bluetooth. And if that’s the case then turning off then on should do the trick.
Here is how to turn off and on Bluetooth on PS5:
- Go to the setting at the top-right corner of the screen.
- Once you are inside the setting, go to Accessories then General.
- You will be able to see the option to turn off the Bluetooth, then turn On it.
Removes obstacles around the PS5: PS5 uses the 5.0 version Bluetooth that is capable of registering input even when the controller is in a different room but if anything is blocking the signal then it can cause issues.
So make sure to remove any object around the PS5 that can block the signal.
Remove other Bluetooth devices: There is a chance that the other Bluetooth devices are interfering with the PS5 signal.
I know Bluetooth devices these days have come really far that there is very little interference but they are not immune.
So, see if removing all the other Bluetooth devices help to fix the Analog Stick.
Fix 1: Clean the controller with compressed Air
Almost 80% of the time, the reason for Stick Drift is Dust, Dirt, & Grime. So we are going to thoroughly clean it and what better way than Compressed Air Can.
You can also blow air through your Mouth, but there is a chance to push moisture, so I will advise using Compressed Air can.
You can buy Compressed Air cans from Amazon.
Here is how to clean your controller:
Step 1: Disconnect your Duelsense controller. To disconnect your controller first press the Playstation button to bring Control center > Controller icon > Turn off the controller.
Step 2: Clean under the Analog stick with some isopropyl alcohol on q-tip. This should prevent you from pushing the Dust into the controller.
Thoroughly clean the Analog Stick 2-3 times and make sure not to miss any spot.
Isopropyl Alcohol is safe for electrical devices so don’t if it goes inside the Analog Stick.
Step 3: After you have clean thoroughly with a q-tip, hold the Analog Stick on one side and blow the compressed air at its base.
Hold the controller into your hand, and make sure to keep the nozzle at least 3 inches away, or else you will risk blowing moisture into your controller.
Rotate the Analog Stick to reach harder to reach places.
Step 4: Give the same treatment to your second analog stick, once you’re done with this one.
This method should remove any dirt from the analog stick and potentially stick drift.
You should clean your PS5 controller twice every month and it will help avoid most of the stick drift issues.
If the Stick drift is still not fixed then you should try then you should clean it with isopropyl alcohol.
Fix 2: Update PS5 and DuelSense
Having software issues with a new console is not something new, and PS5 is no exception, and the controller and console can solve a lot of these issues.
So, we are going to update both DuelSense and PS5.
You will be notified of the update as soon as you boot the PS5, and you will be asked to either “Update Now”, or “Update later.” If by mistake you click on an update later then you can follow these steps:
Update PS5 controller Firmware
Things can get a little bit tricky if you miss out on an update on the PS5 controller.
One thing you can do is wait for 24hrs for the update message to pop-up again. If you don’t want to wait then you do is disconnect PS5 from the internet then increase the date by 2, then shut down, then connect it using a USB cable, then Power On the PS5 again.
If you need some help then here is the step-by-step process:
- Turn off the Internet: Go to settings > Networks > Setting > Disable the Connect to the internet by sliding it to the left.
- Change Date: Go to Settings > System > Date and Time > Set Manually > Increase the date by 2 (e.g. 10-12) > Press OK.
- After changing the date, Shut down the PS5.
- Then connect the controller through a USB cable.
- Boot the PS5 again by pressing the PlayStation button on the controller.
Now you should be able to see the update option again. Just hit X and wait for it finishes updating.
Update PS5
Make sure to save any unsaved data as you will need to restart your PS5,
Updating the console is really easy, just follow these steps:
- Go to settings at the top-right corner of the screen.
- Scroll down and click on system.
- Click on the System software, then click on the System Software update and Setting.
- Click on Update System Software.
- Now, you will be chosen to either Update using the Internet or Update from a USB drive, Choose the one that’s more convenient to you,
- Then click on Update.
Now, all that’s left for you is wait for the update to download & install.
Updating the console and DuelSense should fix software issues and potentially Stick Drift.
Method 3: Reset your controller
It might be possible that your controller has software issue that is causing the Stick Drift.
To make sure there is nothing wrong with the controller we are going to reset it.
Don’t worry resetting the controller is really easy and it’s won’t cause any issue.
Before you begin resetting your controller. make sure it’s charged. DON”T RESET CONTROLLER ON LOW BATTERY.
Make sure the PS5 controller is ON, and whether to connect it to the console or not is up to you, Just make sure it’s ON.
To reset your controller:
Step 1: Flip the controller around.
Step 2: You will be able to see a small hole on the right of the Sony logo at the back of your controller.
Step 3: Take a small pin, SIM ejector tool will do just fine.
Step 4: Insert that pin into the hole for at least 5 second,
If your controller is connected to the PS5 then a message will POP up on the screen that the controller has been disconnected.
And there you go, you have successfully reset your controller and hopefully the Stick Drift.
Increase your Deadzone
Increasing the deadzone is the most convenient way to deal with stick drift.
As for what is deadzone?
Deadzone control’s how far you have to move the thumbstick before it registers in-game.
If you want to know more about deadzone, then we have a whole post about it:
Stick drift can be easily solved by increasing the Deadzone. Increasing the deadzone will disable the area where the stick is drifting. To increase deadzone go to Setting> Controller Setting > Deadzone, and increase it until the character stop’s moving on its own,
But increasing the deadzone is just a temporary fix. I will still recommend using the above method, especially Method one and two.
Contact Sony
If none of the above methods didn’t work for you then it’s certain that there are some hardware issues with your controller. And it’s time for you to knock Sony service center door or you can contact them online.
If your PS5 is in warranty and the damage is not physical then you should get a replacement for your controller.