how to fix joystick drift

It is very rare that a new console is released without some problems. The best we early users can hope for is that they are as mild and not as serious as the infamous red ring of death caused to the first release of the Xbox 360. Unfortunately, PlayStation Sony's 5, or more specifically the DualSense controller, has attracted a lot of negative attention for a bug in the joystick. The joystick drift issue is almost identical to the one seen with Nintendo's Joycons, in that case called the Joycon drift, except that it appears much earlier in the controller's life cycle.

If you notice problems with your DualSense joystick, there are several methods you can try to fix yourself. The drift joystick essentially leaves your game playable, and repairing or replacing it might leave you with no way to enjoy your console for days and the cost of a new one. can be very high. Before doing any of that, here is how to fix the joystick error on the PS5.

What is the drift lever?

If you are unfamiliar with this terminology, a joystick drift is when your controller behaves as if you were pressing one or both of the joysticks in a particular direction even if you weren't touching the controller. In the game, it can manifest when your character spins or walks in a continuous direction or cycle through menu options beyond your control. This happens with the DualSense controller because the sensors under the bar are being activated by something or are failing at a software or mechanical level. The first two problems can be solved on your own using these tips, while the second you cannot.

What not to do

First of all, do Not try to open your DualSense controller. Even if you do so as carefully as possible, opening it up will void your warranty, meaning that if none of the other fixes here work, you won't even be able to pay Leave it for a new one. There's also no reason to get inside unless the problem is mechanical, in that case you won't have parts to fix it, so put your screwdriver aside for now.

Also, and we will cover this again when we get to the cleaning section, but please make sure to clean your controller properly. That means we don't wet it with water, or actually get it wet. After all, this is an electronic device and you can easily do more damage this way. Rubbing alcohol in small amounts, properly applied is more than enough.

Finally, and this is a good rule to follow no matter what, be kind to your operator. We all sometimes have gamer angry moments, but never take it out on your controller. A bad throw or drop can permanently damage an interior or exterior. Even rough grip can cause problems more quickly.

Reset your DualSense

Get started with easier fixes hoping to quickly and easily solve the joystick drift problem. Resetting your DualSense isn't done by turning it off and on; there is actually a hidden reset button that will completely refresh your controls. Look at the back of the DualSense to find a small hole where the reset button is hidden. You will need something like a paper clip to gently insert and hold the button for five seconds. Once it has rebooted, plug your controller back into the PS5 and see if the error persists.

Reset your Bluetooth

If resetting the controller doesn't work, you can try turning Bluetooth on and off. This is less likely to be the cause of the drift but it is still worth trying in case there is some intervention. To turn off your Bluetooth, go to Settings> Accessories> Controller> Communication Methods and then hit Turn off Bluetooth. After the connection is disabled, wait a moment, then turn it on again and test.

Update your PS5 and controller

The most frequently updated consoles near launch to fix issues and errors like these, so it's possible your controller or console may have missed one which will be eliminated. give up the drift. Your controller will prompt you to update if you fixed it to your PS5. To make sure that your PS5 itself is on the current patch go to Settings> System> Update system software and settings> Update system software and choose Updated by Internet. Then your dashboard will check to see if it has the latest update and apply it if it doesn't. If you got the update, wait for the update to install, restart your console and see if the error is gone.

Clean your joystick

Regular cleaning of the controller should be a part of your routine to make sure it still works well, but considering the new system you may not be able to do. It's all too easy for dust, dirt, and oil from our hands to seep into and wreak havoc inside our controller in a short amount of time. If the wrong size debris ends up incorrectly under your thumb, it can easily cause it to float.

The best and safest way to clean your controller is to use a cotton swab, some rubbing alcohol and compressed air. Before starting to clean it, just make sure your DualSense is turned off. Reapply once with compressed air, spraying in short bursts as you rotate your thumb in a circle. Next, use your cotton swab and a little bit of alcohol and apply it along the edges of your analog stick sole. Let it dry for a few minutes and then inject the medicine.

Adjust the dead zone

This is not a complete solution as it is a remedy for minors and conditionals. Some games allow you to place what is called a "dead zone" in the controller settings. This is the range of motion where you can move the stick to where the game is will not Register for any movement. If the drift is not too severe, you can correct it in specific games by adjusting the dead zone so that the amount of controller is naturally drifting away from being captured by the game. The downside is that this will take place on a case-by-case basis depending on the game. Not all games offer this feature, and unfortunately, you can't adjust the dead zone on the PS5 to apply to all games.

Return it or send it for repair

If all else fails, you have no choice but to replace or repair your DualSense controller. Depending on the retailer you purchased your controller or console from, or if you have purchased or not purchased any kind of warranty, your best option is to try and get a product. replacement from the same retailer. If all are in order, you Candlestick it can be brought in and replaced on the spot.

If you cannot get a replacement product from a retailer or you buy directly from Sony, then you will need to go to an official store PlayStation Repair and Replacement Place. Sony offers a one-year warranty for the DualSense, but it has some drawbacks. After confirming that you've tried to fix the problem with the troubleshooting steps they provide, which we also cover in this guide, you'll need to pay to box and ship the controller fault it for them. After they receive it, Sony estimates a period of 7 to 10 business days for them to fix it and then have time to wait for it to actually get back to you. In general, you may not have DualSense for more than two weeks, but it will get repaired and cheaper than buying a replacement device yourself.

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