If you are using your Ps4 controller for some time, then it’s normal for it to have stick drift. I know personally How irritating stick drifts can get. But, don’t worry, today we are going to help you solve that Stick drift for your Ps4 controller.
Stick drift on the Ps4 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. Do this until every dust particle has been removed.
If this method doesn’t work for you then don’t worry we have a different solution for you. So, stay tuned,
What is Stick drift?
Stick drift is simply when the analog stick doesn’t return to its original, intended position that can cause many unwanted actions.
That’s all. This is the only reason for you to miss that sweet Headshot in Call of Duty, your car to crash everywhere on its own in NFS, and your build to mess up in Fortnite.
Truly, stick drift can totally messed up the experience of any game.
What causes Stick Drift on your Ps4 controller?
The most common cause of Stick Drift on the Ps4 controller is Dust, dirt, and grime making their way into the controller and prevents the analog stick to go back to its original position. These things can add up over time, causing even severe stick drift issues on your controller.
Another not so common issue for controller drift is Moisture. And it can mess up your electrical connections a little, causing stick drifts.
Now, that we know what is stick drift and what is causing it. It’s time to fix the stick drift of your Ps4 controller.
Most of the time, stick drift on the Ps4 controller can be solved without opening it. But in some cases, where the stick drift is severe, we have to open the controller. Don’t worry we will guide you through both cases.
But I would highly recommend to open your controller only when nothing works.
How to fix an analog stick without opening your controller?
The way to fix the stick drift of any controller is to remove any Dust, Dirt and grime particle around the analog. There are many different ways to do that. But there are 4 ways that stand above every method.
Method 1: Clean it with a compressor
If all we have to do is remove dust particles, then what better way to do that than with an Air compressor. So, make sure to buy one from Amazon or anywhere you like.
After you buy the compressor follow these steps:
Step 1: Disconnect your controller from your Ps4. To do this hold the Ps button for 20 seconds.
Step 2: Clean under the analog stick with some rubbing alcohol on a q-tip. This should prevent you from blowing extra gunk deeper into the controller. Double-check to not miss any spot.
Step 3: Hold your Left analog stick to one side and blow with your compressor 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.
Step 4:Do the same with your Right analog stick. And this should remove any dirt or dust from your controller.
Another PRO tip: Rotate the analog stick to reach those harder to reach places.
This method will definitely fix the stick drift issue you are facing.
Do this once every month and it can help you most of your stick drift problems.
But. if you don’t have a compressor then don’t worry we have a different method for you.
Method 2: Blowing Air through your Mouth
As the name suggests we are going to fix the stick drift issue by blowing away air through our mouth.
The best part you just need some a q-tip, rubbing alcohol and your mouth.
After you gather everything follow these steps:
Step 1: Disconnect your controller from your Ps4. To do this hold the Ps button for 20 seconds.
Step 2: Clean the analog stick with some rubbing alcohol on a q-tip. This should prevent you from blowing extra gunk deeper into the controller. Make sure to not miss any spot.
Step 3: Pull the analog stick, upwards and blow hard into the space created. Then pull the analog stick side-wise and then blow the air. All in all, make sure to clean everything.
Step 4: Repeat the process with the another analog stick.
Method 3: Press down on your Analog stick
If you someone more advanterous like my little brother, who throws away his controller like he doesn’t need it anymore, then this method is for you.
Sometimes controller’s analog stick get dislocated and it can cause some major stick drift.
To fix this, follow these steps:
Step 1: Disconnect your controller from your Ps4. To do this hold Ps button for 20 second.
Step 2: Pull your Left-analog stick to the side and press it downwards on the created portion, with your thumb. And do this with every possible angle.
And please, don’t be like my friends who shows all his power on his poor controller and broke it. Really, that was a disastrous tragedy for him and funny for us.
Step 3: Give the same treatment to your R-analog stick.
Method 4
This method is really similar to the above method.
Step 1: Disconnect the controller from Ps4. So that you don’t damage your console by mistake.
Step 2: Then press both analog stick, downward for 30 sec.
Step 2: Then move both your analog stick 5-times Clockwise and then 5-times counter-clockwise.
Step 4: Again press both your Analog stick downwards and hold it for 30 sec.
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.
What to do when nothing works?
Almost every time stick drift can be solved without open the controller. But if the stick drift is severe then the only thing we can do is open the controller.
if your Ps4 controller is less than 1year old then it’s is highly recommended to pay service center a visit. Your controller will be replaced if the damage is not physical.
How to do it?
Now, this was the best guide to open and clean Dualshock 4’s and will help you in every aspect. There is some difference in the old and newer models but this guy explained everything from what you see here and what you might to fix stick drift issues.
This video is necessary because the visual representation of what you are doing for the first time helps a lot.
Down are the step is you need them on a single page after watching the video, this will make work easier for some after understanding the procedure or rechecking if something went wrong
How To Fix Stick Drift on PS4
Step 1: Unscrew the 4 little screws on the back and gently separate the controller.
Step 2: Don’t pull too hard while separating because there is a ribbon connecting them both. Gently pull the blue tab that will pull out the ribbon separating them.
Step 3: Separate the battery by pulling the connector out and then snap out the battery board as shown in the video.
Step 4: Disconnect the cable at the top right by either pulling or by opening the clamp depending the version of your controller.
Step 5: Unscrew and separate the board from the front panel. Be gentle and check if the ribbon is coming through the front panel.
Step 6: After removing the green board you’ll see the board connected to the analog stick. Clean every dust on it.
Step 7: Remove the analog sticks by pulling them out and you see some familiar green boxes if you read about the potentiometer above.
Step 8: Snap Open the green tabs that hold the potentiometer. They are tightly locked so you will be using a little force. Be careful because the potentiometer is very soft and even a little bend will ruin your day.
Step 9: clean it with some alcohol on the q tip and rub the inside of the green tabs and also the potentiometer. let it dry.
Put the potentiometer back the right way. The video shows how should it go in. Then put everything back.
Putting everything back is easier and some buttons might have fallen so watch the video how to put all back together, some stuff like putting L and R pads needs a specific way so watching the video is much better option.