If your PS5 controller keeps moving characters or aiming without any input, you’re probably dealing with stick drift. It’s one of the most frustrating issues for PlayStation gamers because it affects control, speed, and accuracy. Whether your character moves on its own or the screen keeps spinning, stick drift is a common problem that has several easy fixes—many of which you can do at home.
Let’s walk through what causes it, how to fix it, and ways to stop it from coming back.
What Is Stick Drift on a PS5 Controller?
Stick drift means the controller is registering movement without the player touching the analog stick. You might be in a game and notice your character walking in one direction on its own, or the camera slowly spinning even when you’re not moving anything. This usually happens when the internal sensors around the joystick are off, worn out, or blocked by dirt.
The PS5 DualSense controller has a pair of analog sticks that sit on small modules. These modules can get dirty, shift slightly from wear, or lose their accuracy. Even a small amount of drift can make some games nearly impossible to enjoy, especially when timing or precision is key.
It doesn’t mean your controller is broken forever. It just means something inside is either sending false signals or needs a reset or cleanup.
What Causes Drift on the PS5 DualSense?
Stick drift is often caused by hardware wear or dust buildup, but software problems can also trigger it. Here are the most common reasons:
- Dust and debris collecting under or around the joystick.
- Worn potentiometer sensors inside the stick module from overuse.
- Moisture and oil from fingers getting inside the controller.
- Minor falls or rough pressure damaging the sensor alignment.
- Inconsistent firmware or system updates causing glitchy input.
- Manufacturing defects or quality control issues.
- Loose joystick caps putting uneven pressure on the stick base.
- Long gaming sessions heating up the internals, which can shift sensor readings.
- No deadzone buffer in certain games that fail to ignore small unwanted inputs.
- Built-up static charge in the analog sensors or trigger lines.
The reason can vary, but most problems start small and grow if left unchecked.
How to Fix PS5 Controller Drift?
Drift can be fixed at home in most cases. You don’t need to open your controller or buy parts unless it’s deeply damaged. Start with simple software steps and cleaning. If that doesn’t work, then try more advanced fixes.
1. Reset the Controller
The fastest and easiest fix is to reset the controller to factory settings. This clears any corrupted input data that might be triggering drift.
Instructions:
- Turn off the PlayStation.
- Flip the controller and find the small hole near the L2 button.
- Insert a paperclip and press the button inside for 5 seconds.
- Turn the console back on and pair the controller again.
2. Update the System Software
Sometimes drift is caused by firmware issues or bugs that Sony patches with system updates. Keeping your console updated ensures you’re using the latest fixes.
Go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings > Update System Software. If an update is available, install it.
After the update, check if the drift still happens in the game or on the home screen.
3. Adjust Game Deadzones
Some games allow you to set a “deadzone” in the controller settings. This is a buffer area where tiny stick movements are ignored.
If the deadzone is too small, even small sensor errors can move your character. Try increasing the deadzone to avoid light drift during gameplay.
Not all games have this option, but for those that do—like Fortnite, Call of Duty, or Apex Legends—it can make a big difference.
4. Clean the Analog Stick
Dirt, skin oil, and crumbs can slide under the stick cap and interfere with sensor movement. A good cleaning helps fix this in many cases.
What you’ll need:
- 90% or higher isopropyl alcohol
- Cotton swabs
- A soft toothbrush or anti-static brush
- Air duster (optional)
How to clean:
- Power off the controller.
- Dip a cotton swab lightly in alcohol (do not soak it).
- Rub around the base of the joystick while moving it in circles.
- Use a soft brush to sweep out particles.
- Let it dry fully before turning it back on.
Do not pour liquid inside the controller or apply pressure while cleaning.
5. Use an Input Tester
If you’re unsure whether your controller has drift, you can use an online input tester or PC software like Gamepad Tester. These tools show joystick positions in real-time and reveal if drift is present.
Connect your controller to a PC or phone and check if the stick moves without input. This helps confirm whether the issue is physical or digital.
6. Open the Controller and Replace the Module
This should be the last resort, only for users confident in handling electronics. Opening your controller voids the warranty.
To replace the joystick module:
- Buy a compatible analog module (DualSense-specific).
- Use a precision screwdriver to open the case.
- Remove the faulty stick module and install the new one.
- Reassemble and test using a Gamepad Tester tool.
If you’re unsure about this, it’s safer to send the controller for professional repair.
7. Contact Sony for Warranty Repair
If your controller is under 12 months old, Sony might replace or repair it for free.
Steps:
- Go to https://hardware.support.playstation.com
- Select “Fix and Replace”
- Choose “DualSense Controller”
- Fill in your details and explain the drift issue
They’ll provide a prepaid shipping label. Once they receive the controller, the process takes around 10–14 business days.
How to Prevent Drift from Coming Back?
Stick drift often returns if you don’t take care of the controller. These tips help extend the life of your DualSense and avoid future problems.
- Keep the controller in a case or closed drawer when not in use.
- Don’t press hard or force the analog sticks during gameplay.
- Avoid playing with dirty or sweaty hands.
- Clean the joystick area monthly with a soft cloth or brush.
- Don’t charge the controller near heat or damp spaces.
- Use a silicone grip to protect against hand oil build-up.
- Never place the controller stick-side down.
- Take breaks during long play sessions to let it cool down.
These small habits prevent wear and reduce the chance of new drift problems.
Conclusion
PS5 controller drift is a common but fixable problem. You can reset it, clean it, update your software, or even adjust game settings to fix light drift. For deeper problems, Sony repair or joystick replacement is your best option.
With simple prevention tips, you can make your controller last longer and avoid buying a new one too soon. Share this guide with someone struggling with drift or leave a comment below if a tip worked for you.