What is Stick Drift?
The problem is a result of wear to the mechanical potentiometers used in most game controllers.
As these contacts become worn or dirty, stick drift can occur due to incorrect readings being registered.
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Stick drift isnt always predictable.
With potentiometer-based controllers, its usually a matter of when not if stick drift will occur.
Once stick drift starts, the problem is unlikely to go away on its own.
Tim Brookes / How-To Geek
A larger dead zone can help mask stick drift by essentially ignoring small unwanted inputs.
This is a quick fix, not a long-term solution.
Since stick drift is only likely to get worse over time, eventually even this fix wont work.
Tim Brookes / How-To Geek
For standard DualSense controllers, there is no system-level dead zone control.
The good news is that many first-person shooters and racing games include this option.
If you have aDualSense Edge controller, youre in luck.
Tim Brookes / How-To Geek
you’re free to adjust the dead zone configs by creating and using a custom profile.
Use the Create Custom Profile option followed by the Stick Sensitivity/Deadzone setting to effectively trim the stick drift.
Its probably better to have a controller that feels less precise than one that exhibits stick drift.
You may also have success by adjusting the stick sensitivity options within whatever game it is youre playing.
This wont eliminate drift, but it will make it less noticeable.
Unfortunately, it will also make things feel more sluggish across the board.
You should get a good few years out of your controller, even with heavy use.
A successful warranty claim will see your controller repaired or replaced with a brand-new one for free.
you might use thePlayStation Support websiteto reach out to Sony and get the ball rolling.
Alcohol is great at loosening grime and it has the bonus of evaporating quickly.
That said, there are some precautions to take when going this route.
Cotton balls help to moderate the amount of alcohol you’ve got the option to apply.
Essentially, youre working the grease and grime loose using the alcohol as a cleaning solvent.
The good news for DualSense Edge owners is that replacing the sticks is relatively easy.
Pop the controller cover off using the RELEASE slider on the underside of the pad.
For standard DualSense controllers, this isnt an option.
According to iFixit, this is very difficult and could take up to two hours.
Who knows, maybe youre a soldering pro?
Alternatively, repair shops may help you out assuming the cost isnt prohibitive.
If youre thinking about getting your controller repaired, confirm that the quote includes parts and labor.
Sadly, its often cheaper to just buy a new one than it is to fix the old one.
