How to Fix DualSense Stick Drift Problem in PS5



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The Sony PlayStation 5 controller is prone to the dreaded analog stick drift. This page will show you how to spot the stick drift problem, how to fix it, and how to send your DualSense controller to Sony to get it fixed if all else fails.

Stick drift on the PS5 controller is relatively easy to detect. This is a phenomenon where one of the analog sticks moves on its own, even if you are not touching the controller. This affects games as your stick moves and changes movement/aiming, etc.

What causes the stick drift problem in DualSense?

DualSense stick drift occurs when the PS5 registers movement on the screen while the player is not touching the controller. For example, your character may move in Fortnite even if you are not actually touching the DualSense.

This happens because of DualSense drift. Essentially, the joystick sensors inside the pad are prematurely obsolete. They wear out quickly, get clogged with thumb markings, and can deform over time.

This is not ideal if you want your DualSense to last a long time. No one wants to spend on a new controller if it fails in a few months. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to fix DualSense drift.

How to resolve the DualSense stick drift issue in PS5?

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Update your PS5 and your PS5 controller

If you haven’t updated your console or controller in a while, do it as soon as possible. The good news is that Sony releases timely PS5 updates to keep your console and controller up to date.

If you are using outdated firmware, problems such as controller drift may occur. Follow these simple steps to update your PS5 controller.

  1. First, go to Settings -> Network. Under “Network”, uncheck the “Connect to the Internet” option.
  2. Now go to Settings -> System -> Date and Time. Change the date on the PS5 to match the current day.
  3. Now connect the PS5 DualSense controller to the console via USB.
  4. Then reboot the PS5 and update the controller.

Reset the DualSense controller

If you are still experiencing controller drift after cleaning and updating the console, you need to reset the DualSense controller. Resetting the DualSense controller is fairly simple; follow these simple steps.

  1. First, turn off the PS5 console.
  2. Now, look at the back of the DualSense controller. There should be a small hole in the back.
  3. Under the small hole is the reset button. The best way to press the reset button is to use a pen or a sharp tool.
  4. You can also use a SIM card ejector.
  5. You must hold the stylus in the hole for at least 5 seconds to start the reset process.
  6. Then connect the controller to the PS5 console with a USB cable and press the PS button.

Resetting BlueTooth settings

If the controller drift problem still occurs after using the above methods, you will need to reset your Bluetooth settings. Although Bluetooth is the least likely cause of controller drift, you can still try it. Many users report that resetting the Bluetooth settings has eliminated the controller drift problem.

  1. First, go to Settings.
  2. On the Settings page, go to Accessories -> General.
  3. Now turn off Bluetooth on the General tab and then turn it back on.



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Frequently Asked Questions

Find the small hole in the back of the DualSense where the reset button is hidden. You will need an object, such as a paper clip, to gently insert the button and hold it in for five seconds. After resetting, reconnect the controller to the PS5 and check to see if the drift is still there.

Limiting the actual playing time is counterintuitive, but it can be helpful to pay attention to other factors. For example, clean the outside of the controllers regularly to prevent particles from getting inside. Do not put them on the floor, couch cushions, or pets.

DualSense drift is by no means a new problem, although it has recently been in the news in connection with a class-action lawsuit. The aforementioned examples of drifting date back to when the console launched. Since then, there have been numerous other posts on the PlayStation and PS5 subreddits complaining about the problem.

There are several reasons why the PS5 controller may not sync with the console: The controller is synced with another device. Pairing the controller with a PC or other console cancels its pairing with the PS5. Problems connecting the controller via Bluetooth.

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