How to Fix PS5 Controller Stick Drift [Quick Tutorial]

In this video, I'll show you the steps on how to fix your PS5 controller stick drift. Stick drift is caused by dust or particles interfering with the sensor of your analog sticks which will cause random and unprompted movement.
Step 1 is to reset your PS5 controller. There is a small button on the back of your dualsense controller that you must press and hold for 5 seconds. You can use something small to press the button like a toothpick or paperclip. After the controller is reset, plug it back into the PS5 console to resync.
If that doesn't work, then Step 2 is cleaning the area around your analog sticks. Blow air or use a cotton swab to clean out the area underneath your analog stick. Be sure to rotate the analog stick to find all areas to clean.
Step 3 is to push in on both analog sticks for 10 seconds, then rotate the analog sticks clockwise for 10 seconds and then counter clockwise for 10 seconds. Last step is pushing them in again for 10 more seconds.
If none of those methods worked for fixing your PS5 controller stick drift, then you may want to replace the analog sticks. I only recommend this if you're skilled at changing technical components. Otherwise, you may want to buy a new PS5 dualsense controller.

[@valtteriwikstrom9932]

Four methods in under three minutes. I wish all tech videos were like this.

[@blaqa2sik]

If you need a video to suggest cleaning the area or reseting it you are your own problem lol

[@iveneverlostapistolround]

It's beyond me why holding down the stick for ten seconds fixes the stick but I'm glad it does. You're a goat

[@sv.60s45]

Worked for me tf thank you 🔥🔥

[@lockelaton287]

Worked for me too, nice, didn't expect that. Edit: but for a short time :) guess I've to replace the plastic piece inside

[@user-vs9zy6gx4u]

I already got 5 controllers my two newest ones started tweaking Idk how long it’s gon last but ima keep doing it every time

[@user-vs9zy6gx4u]

I lied it didn’t work for long atleast

[@HipHopHead911]

Dude I swear to god I was like no way tip three is fucking working sad as hell cuz tips one and two didn’t and I know I can’t do four but than I tried tip three and it actually worked. I thought I was the only one 😂😂😂

[@jakecharnigo3144]

Bro thank you I’ve already replaced the controller once and my replacement just got stick drift after 4 months 🙏

[@Visaux]

Bruh i am playing on ps5 for 16 months and its still all good

[@EpisodeAceholla2011]

That's exactly why I came searching for this video

[@What-mk1ps]

@@VisauxYou probably play less and or play a more chill style of games, I don’t play a lot but I play rainbow six siege and apparently it’s a super large problem within the community

[@liluminati9791]

@@Visauxboth the ones i own worked for 2 years, and recently started drifting like crazy. all 4 of my dualshock have been working perfectly for 8 years. sony got so caught up in their fancy new mechanics that they forgot to make quality controllers smh

[@treatb09]

Did you try rolling the stick around in circles. Quickly. Both directions for 10 seconds each?

[@thewatcherscouncil]

I have to agree with all of the positive responses below. I did all three, but, again - like so many others - it was the *third* one that worked! I'm hoping it holds, because I was having characters spin around and making all sorts of weird maneuvers, especially without me touching the stick, and now the person on the screen is entirely *still* for the first time in I can't remember how long. You're absolutely a star for this video (and it's concise length)! Immediate thumbs-up and subscription coming your way!

[@DaveO0808]

it seems the third one is working at least so far during 5 minutes i have tested i have no idea why it works

[@ballack39]

Pressing down for 10secs, rotating and then pressing down for 10secs seemed to work - may God BLESS YOU

[@btnhstillfire]

Sony should be sued for this bullshit. Controllers that wont even last 8 months. Thats fucked up.

[@shawnpaquette5835]

2 broken with left stick drift within 8 months. It's ridiculous. Meanwhile ps3 controller lasts 10+ years.

[@savvizz95]

Bro I wished mine lasted 8, it only lasted 2 months

[@jzx4d321]

Theyre greedy, they could improve the durability of the joysticks but would rather have people pay money to repair their controllers or buy new ones

[@alfiejaksudworth4641]

I'm on my 4th this year alone

[@liamthenub4295]

6months actually😢😢

[@pyrotech8877]

Great! It worked. Thank you so much. I tried everything prior to this in terms of resetting firmware updates disconnecting etc. I even went as far as using electrical component cleaner rubbing alcohol and compressed air and it did not work. Funny thing is the one that actually fixed it was clicking down both sticks for 10 seconds and rotating them in different directions for an additional 10 seconds and then pushing it down again. Seem to work great Thank you again so much.

[@Alan_the_Red]

Wow, the 10 second spinning and clicking method worked. Incredible, thank you sir.

[@KingGoCrazyForReal]

The one that I least expected to work just worked lol I thought it sounded so weird to push the sticks in for 10 secs and move them around for 10 more secs but it actually worked thank you

[@AB_4561]

Ur a legend bro i just tried this as a last resort

[@Judgement_Kazzy]

Worked for me too. I'm guessing something about moving the sticks in that way helps dirt that might be underneath them work its way out. That's the only explanation I can think of for why that seems to work.

[@harleydad1975]

With the PS5 on and the controller connected or off?

[@mikesgaming798]

Its a old trick people uesd to use on the n65 or n3ds it never fails

[@DaddyDaughterDuoSlays]

​@@harleydad1975I was wondering the same thing. It was off in the video but that was just for demonstration but since he didn't specify I assumed off?

[@waynescopeland]

The rotating step worked amazingly!!!! Thanks so much!!!

[@ComedyGamerGr]

The 3rd worked for me. Thanks bro 👍

[@Chevrolicious.]

Thank God for this freaking video. I've had my PS5 for a year, and I'm super easy on my controller, and the stick drift was getting worse. I was worried I'd have to shell out money for a new controller.

[@GreenPie69]

Thankyou so much dude. The 3rd tip of holding the sticks in and then rotating and holding in again for 10 secs each time worked.💚

[@Mancini316]

Does is matter if you do this with the system turned on or turned off?

[@mcsasquatch]

Massive help, dude. Thanks!

[@josephfimbres6958]

Thanks. The first 3 tips worked. I did all 3 one right after the other 🤜🏼🤛🏼👍🏼

[@brentdorenkamp4112]

I went with trying options 2 and 3 right away, and it worked like a charm! So glad you made this video... saved me at least $75!!!

[@michealconnell7499]

Mine didn’t

[@MarioYalda95]

Saved my $75 for a day or two lmao

[@evan258]

Thanks man tip 3 worked for me like others said! Good video short and sweet!

[@lLuckyBluel]

Third one worked for me as well! Thanks 🙌🏽

[@QCode11]

#3 did make it much better!! Thank you!!

[@insurd]

Did all the tips. Works a bit better. Thank you

[@pedrodepacas2463]

Followed the steps as suggested and only after the third step did it work! Thanks.

[@timmayhaespodcast2812]

My son just got me a new controller for Father's Day because of the drift on mine. I tried method three and it fixed the issue! Thank you so much!!

[@Ghost-196]

bless him🙏🏽

[@heribertovizcaino4682]

That's nice of your son. Thankfully you fixed it. Happy gaming.

[@bdubs79]

now you can play multiplayer together

[@angelicabuenaventura2187]

Thank youuuu!!! I think i just fixed my controller with the third step!!!! I haven't used my other controller for months cause it has a joystick drift on the left. I was already thinking of buying a new one until i did what you said and it worked! Saved me money!! ❤

[@Solty24]

Thought for sure I had to get a new controller. Washing with alcohol and twisting the sticks around worked! Thank you for the video!

[@ImusakHctividar]

I tried out the first couple of methods and it seemed to fix it, so thanks a ton dude!

[@jade_harley413]

Okay normally i'm skeptical of these videos but this actually worked. I was positive it was some sort of hardware issue, but I guess it was just some sort of internal calibration. Thanks!

[@yarinco6]

Thank you! Pressing it for 10 seconds and moving the stick around solved it for me :)

[@D8nnyJ]

Thank you, dude! Had stick drift for a week and it was killing me! Came here, and the trick that solved it was pushing in the L3 and R3 buttons and the 10 second rotations. Worked like a charm! Thanks!!!

[@KAM_MAYER]

I pressed them for 10 seconds and rotated them. It worked. Thanks man. Very helpful

[@maksyma]

LOL I can't believe it - I went straight to holding and spinning for 10 sec. method and it worked. Thanks man!

[@farhanmaqbool9286]

Thanks mate, very helpful video, the third step also worked for me, pressing in and rotating sorts it out.

[@wujay]

The 3rd tip worked. Thanks!

[@matthewjoy1270]

Yo the trick with the analog rotation worked perfectly, i’m in udder shock, THANKS MAN U EARNED A SUBSCRIBER

[@loading8986]

Thank you so much the first two tips helped so much 🙏

[@rocconatale9503]

I am so confused as to why it worked when i have tried literally every other method on the internet but replacing them including taking it apart and cleaning it, but the 3rd method cleared up some real bad drift for me, my character just sprinted left in every game i was playing. Its not a permanent fix but i just redo it every time it starts drifting and it seems to work, thank you so much dude you are a life saver

[@grayshadow19]

i had so many doubts about the third, but damn, it worked

[@jacktucker9027]

Amazing video. Got a new controller which had stick drift and was about to return it. Thankfully I found this video before I returned it.

[@Ev.000]

thought that last step was bs but it actually worked, tysm!!!

[@notdracarys8129]

Thank you man the third step helped me out 🔥

[@Lennon_0621]

Thank you so much! I did the reset and now it works perfectly!

[@bossmanager6978]

Tip number two worked nicely for me, thanks a bundle!

[@MoreZelo]

Thanks your videos are very helpful :)

[@StevePalmer1983]

Dude, thank you so much. Pushing in for 10 sec, rotating right & left for 10 sec and then pushing back in for an additional 10 seconds worked for me. Thank you very much

[@r3lax375]

Does your controller still work

[@kennethstone9566]

Did you have the controller on or off when you did that? I am on my second Controller in less than a year hope this works 🤞

[@r3lax375]

@kennethstone9566 I'm on my third controller in one year. My last one started getting stick drift. I did this like in video and it worked. Now from time to time it does come back but only when you use your L3 or R3. When it get small stick drift I just repeat like in this video and it works perfect again. Saved me a lot of money.

[@jtArtsMedia]

You absolute genius. I just went straight to the third method after seeing the comments, and wow. Thanks so much 😁 worked a treat.

[@mikesgaming798]

Its been around since the n64 and n3ds 😂 old trick its a pro tip teach it to your friends and other people

[@adamdavis5312]

I can’t believe I was dealing with this for soo long, when it was such an easy fix. Thanks for the vid!

[@petercomrie1924]

Third step worked like a charm. Thank you for saving me money. Liked and subbed

[@thiagohanaoka6351]

I can't believe it actualy worked! Thanks

[@brooksmartin5792]

Yeah, the first two tips didn’t work for my issue, but the 3rd one did. Thank you so much!

[@QuanDonOG]

Much love to you fam. I was at the “it is what it is” point with my controller but no more 👍🏽

[@nthngrvs9523]

I Already Tried The first and the third one, and actually it's still drifting A Little bit, but it's waaay much better than before....... So yea, thanks for this video, it helped me alot

[@TDot478]

Thanks! Option 3 worked the best for me

[@ArthurMorgan-gn4lx]

Thanks, got straight to the point.

[@theirishblackguy23]

tip 3 with rotation helped me thanks

[@mouldyman2423]

Thank you so much the stick drift getting on my nerves it was the third one that fixed just hope it permanently stays like that

[@krillissueonshrimpment]

Yo thanks man! My controller hasn’t had stick drift, but the joystick just kinda stuck in a spot then went after a second. Shoving a thin nail in the button did work as well, making my jar of “stolen” screws and whatnot was actually useful. So thank you once more! Well hot damn. When I originally wrote this I had forgotten about my other controller that had some serious stick drift. I just shoved a nail in, hit the button, and boom, fixed! Hats off to you man!

[@kattiegarza4611]

Oh my goodness thank you, your advice worked! I can't believe it, I tried so many things. I really didn't think that would work but at that point I was like "whatever, let me try it". I was already about to throw it away. (Pressing the sticks for 10s, rotating both ways 10s and pressing again 10s. Worked perfectly)

[@jrm371]

Thank you!!! What helped me was using a lightly damp qtip with rubbing alcohol. It didn’t work at first until I really got in there (gently) and swiped all the way around, getting rid of some gunk/debris. The 10-second strategy didn’t work for me, unlike most here.

[@joesilva187]

The reset didn’t work, so impressed in for 10 seconds and did the rotations and held the center in for an additional 10 seconds and it fixed the issue! You the man!

[@orlandobaldwin1717]

bro no way me too i was so thankfull

[@orlandobaldwin1717]

is this like a common issue we all ps5 users r having??

[@ReD-oy6ny]

​@@orlandobaldwin1717 yeah. I remember the times when something such as stick drift happened incredibly rarely, now its apparently norm. Fuck modern controllers, man.

[@user-ry7wc5jw8h]

I have had 2 pa5 controllers since Xmas 2023 and they both got drift I was so annoyed I’m exited to see if this works

[@hhfhtoolboxgffff]

The rotation trick worked for me. Thankyou

[@NIGHTWULF]

Youre a legend. Resetting the controller did the trick for me!

[@decathect3203]

❤❤❤❤! The second method worked on my controller! Thank you so much!

[@jamalshannon4282]

Fixed my problem. 🙏🏾Thank You

[@codemisterz]

Thanks so much! The first one worked, saved me some money! ❤🎉

[@goldentaco4970]

Thank you. So far the first step seems to have worked. It's a very weird thing. I got my PS4 in 2018 and never had this happen on that system. I had controller issues, like with my original ps4 controller, but I don't think it was this. But I got my PS5 last summer 2023. I have two controllers and this started happening to the newer one that I got around last fall or late summer! I keep my place pretty dust free for the most part so it's like some kind of software issue. Which makes sense since resetting it with that little dohickey in the back worked. Thanks for the quick video. I hope it stays working. It was very annoying and was going crazy on the menu. I could barely trim a video.

[@doctordissident]

Thanks dude, that third one actually fixed it! Hopefully it lasts. It's inside warranty anyway so will probably just get it replaced.. Who would of thought a Dualsense would give out before my Joy-Cons on my Switch!?

[@plutoblueeyes]

Holy crap it worked! I had my right stick at a 80% deadzone and now im back to normal levels!

[@deannabowlin8311]

The third hack worked PERFECTLY! Thanks so much!

[@sal08ly]

DUDE … step 3 worked and I’m overjoyed! 🎉🎉🎉 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@gewoondaan2003]

Thanks mate. The third method really did wonders. My car kept going left on Gran Turismo and was getting sick of it

[@dl1987]

I did the 3rd method hours ago and my controller has been working like a charm. Thank you so much. And you know what is funny? Before coming here I was at Sony's support page and they don't even have that step mentioned there LOL

[@jasonhannum8536]

Had to personally thank you for your tips. Circling and pressing my sticks fixed it 🎉🎉🎉

[@bindosgames7637]

I can't believe it, but step 3 worked.... Thank you❤

[@zippydoda8317]

Thank you! I was really worrying that I would have to ask my parents for a new one, but the third one worked for me!

[@NAZO-REECE-]

Dude, you’re a damn genius. I swear God bless you. All three of my controllers work perfectly now.

[@CostasGR99]

Such a great video thank you!

[@jglencoe79]

Mine didn't look dirty around the sticks but it was cleaned them up and drift is gone. Thank you for the helpful info and saving everyone some money.

[@OnlyDonKnows]

This video just saved me from a trip to Gamestop where i would’ve traded in both of my controllers for a ridiculously low amount. The reset and the swabbing of the analog sticks fixed ‘em both respectively. Thanks again!!

[@glackin108]

Thank you so so much, the exercise thingy helped me out, no more drift

[@jacoboq8452]

the third one w holding down actually worked! im not sure for how long and its weird how ive never heard of it but ggs

[@shareefsteele4486]

Thank you so much!! Been trying to play mass effect 3 with stick drift and this fixed it!!!

[@CarlRizzo914]

Bro thank you the clockwise and counterclockwise for 10 second worked !

[@eshaanyee]

like everyone else, the third one worked. u a legend for this bro 🙏

[@ericpagel826]

I tried what I thought was EVERYTHING to fix my controller before trading it. Had this new one for a year and it just started drifting. Alcohol on the stick did it. Big upps my dude this worked

[@ethansolid5524]

Lifesaver dude this worked for real. I’m surprised and back to gaming. Thanks dude.

[@adolfhipster6019]

Thanks just needed to reset the controller! Cheers 😎

[@joserivera-gramajo9345]

The one that u have to press down and rotate helpeddd! Thank you so much ive been struggling so much lately but this helped! Wish we had more instructors like this!

[@chanteblair4103]

Thanks so much - the 3rd option worked 👍

[@IosonoOtakuman]

It seems the third one works. It feels so weird, it's like using a cheat code in real life 🤣🤣 Thanks a lot, man! 😁

[@davipassarinho2927]

i dont know why but these methods solved my problems. thank you.

[@chipli2022]

Thank you so much. The third one helped!

[@RobYTccfc]

Method 3 worked for me (thank you so much)

[@ScottCwik]

Honestly thank you so much dude, I brought a new dualsense so I could play the resident evil 4 remake (as my controller that came with the ps5 had really bad stick drift after about 2 years) and it just started to get stick drift

[@trehen3681]

Third method worked immediately. Love that for us

[@tonyrydell8578]

Worked great! Thank you 😊

[@eddieconner2274]

Great thanks alot I cleaned my analog sticks and now works great again 😃

[@JackTrevor-py7jq]

You are the goat I've had stickdrift gorever

[@AaronSegura-gr1yb]

3rd one worked for me thank you

[@dotsopriv]

Thank you the hold 10s rotating 10s hold 10a method worked

[@markdodson5866]

Third worked like a charm. Much appreciated

[@MissTinaTv]

Thanks so much! Really worked