Stick drift is one of the issues most players experience with their PlayStation 5 (PS5) controllers. To fix the stick drift PS5 without opening, clean the analog sticks first and then power off the controller. Next, use compressed air to spray near the base of the sticks to dislodge dust. Additionally, try recalibrating the controller. If the issue does not disappear, attempt to update your controller’s firmware and reset your controller. Do not forget to ensure that there are no Bluetooth connection problems. Lastly, change your in-game settings or the PS5 system to correct the drift.
Methods To Fix Stick Drift PS5 Without Opening
Here are the methods to fix this issue:
Method 1: Clean the Analog Sticks
One of the simplest solutions for stick drift is to clean the analog sticks. This is how you can do it:
- Turn Off the Controller: Press and hold the PS button for a few seconds the controller shuts off.
- Use Compressed Air: Place the can of compressed air upright and spray it at the bottom of the analog sticks. Spray while tracing circles with the sticks to loosen any buried dirt.
- Clean with Isopropyl Alcohol: Dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol (ideally 70% or greater) and wipe at the bottom of the sticks.
- Let It Dry: Let it dry for several minutes to ensure the alcohol evaporates completely before powering the controller back on.
Method 2: Recalibrate the PS5 Controller
If cleaning doesn’t work, recalibrating the controller might help. Follow these steps:
- Proceed to Settings > Accessories > Controllers.
- Select ‘Adjust Analog Stick Dead Zone.’
- Adjust the dead zone slightly to become insensitive to minimal stick movement.
Method 3: Update the Controller Firmware
Software issues can sometimes lead to stick drift. A firmware update to the controller should be able to correct the issue. These are the steps to update it:
- Plug the controller into the PS5 using a USB cable.
- Go to Settings > Accessories > Controllers.
- Select Update Controller Software.
Method 4: Reset the Controller
Resetting the controller can solve calibration or software issues. The steps to restore it are:
- Find the small reset button on the back of the controller.
- Press and hold the button with a paperclip for about 5 seconds.
- Plug the controller into the console and test the sticks.
Method 5: Turn Off and On Bluetooth Connectivity
Bluetooth interference can sometimes affect input.
- Go to Settings: From the PS5 home screen, go to ‘Settings.’
- Go to Accessories: Go to ‘Accessories’ > ‘Controllers’ > ‘Communication Method.’
- Disable Bluetooth: Turn off Bluetooth, wait for a second, and then turn it back on.
This will refresh the connection and resolve the issue of drift.
Method 6: Adjust the Controller’s Dead Zone Settings
The analog stick has a threshold beneath which it does not register movement; this area is called the ”dead zone.” To reduce drift, raise the dead zone:
- In-game Setting: Some games also have dead-zone options. Check the game’s Options’ or ‘Settings’ menu under ‘Controller’ or ‘Input’ settings and adjust the dead zone.
- System settings: If your game doesn’t support this, you can also change dead zone via PS5 system settings:
- How to Access Settings: From the home screen, select Settings.
- Select Accessories: Click on Accessories > Controller (General) > Adjust Dead Zone.
- Increase the Dead Zone: Increase the value of the Dead Zone slider and test the controller to determine whether the drift is well-adjusted.
Avoid setting the dead zone too high since it will make your controller less responsive.
Method 7: Rotate Your PS5 Controller’s Stick
- Power Off the Controller: Ensure your PS5 controller is turned off to prevent accidental input.
- Rotate PS5 Thumbsticks Gently: Rotate each analog stick in a circular motion to redistribute any internal debris.
- Click the Thumbsticks: Press the thumbsticks inward until you hear the clicks, repeating several times to ensure the sticks are seated properly.
- Test the Controller: Power the controller back on and check if the stick drift issue has improved.
Regularly performing these steps can help maintain optimal controller performance.
What Causes PS5 Stick Drift?
Knowing why your PS5 controller sticks drift will help you diagnose it better. The following are various reasons that result in this aggravating phenomenon:
- Dust and Debris: Small dust grains, food debris, or similar material may travel inside your controller. These unwelcome visitors disturb the fine interior components of the analog sticks, causing them to be detected as motion even when untouched.
- Wear and Tear: As with any mechanical component, the analog sticks deteriorate over time. The internal sensors that sense movement can become less accurate with use, resulting in faulty inputs and, by extension, stick drift.
- Software Glitches: Occasionally, the issue isn’t physical; it’s software-related. Software bugs or transient faults in the controller’s firmware or the PS5’s system software can cause unpredictable behavior, including stick drift.
- Calibration Problems: Your controller should be properly calibrated to recognize the neutral position of the sticks. If the calibration is off, the controller might incorrectly interpret stick positions, leading to unwanted movement. Understanding these causes helps you choose the right fix.
Conclusion
Fixing PS5 stick drift without opening requires non-invasive methods that often resolve the issue. First, try the basics. Clean the analog sticks with compressed air and isopropyl alcohol to remove any debris interfering with the internal mechanisms.
If that doesn’t work, explore software-related solutions. Recalibrating the controller, updating its firmware, or resetting it might fix calibration problems or software glitches. Adjusting the dead zone settings in your games or the system can also mitigate the drift. If you still have this drift problem, consult console repair experts like Tech City.
