Controller joystick drift is a major issue on almost every single generation of controller on every single platform. Xbox, Switch, and PS5. While there have been some recalls over the years that have aimed to fix these issues, there is still a small amount of room for drift that is acceptable from manufacturers, which sucks. The good news is that there are also ways to fix some PS5 controller stick drift issues, so follow along as we guide you through the steps.
Takeaways:
- Learn how to fix PlayStation 5 Dual Sense controller stick drift issues.
- Can you recalibrate PS5 controllers to fix stick drift issues?
Table of Contents
Why Resetting the Joystick Helps Fix Drift
Drift is common in a DualSense controller after long periods of use. Even if you open the controller and clean it, the joystick can still shift from its true centre. When the centre point is off, movement and aiming in games become less accurate.
The issue is not only dust or dirt, but the loss of the joystick’s zero point. Resetting calibration matters because:
- Your character or cursor stops moving on its own and returns to normal behaviour.
- Precision improves, especially in competitive games.
- Controller performance becomes more consistent and responsive.
- It is best to correct the issue as soon as drifting or irregular movement is noticed.
How to Fix PS5 Controller Stick Drift | Dualsense Joystick Calibration
If your controller is drifting, you might not need to replace it. Try updating the firmware, then recalibrating it using the steps shown below.
Update Your Controller Firmware
- To update your PS5 controller firmware, you’ll need to install the app on your Windows PC. You can download the app here.
- Once you have installed the Firmware updater for DualSense wireless controllers, open it and connect your controller using the USB cable.
- Now just follow the steps shown, and confirm the request to download additional software (the firmware update). Make sure you do not disconnect your controller or turn off your PC during this process.
That’s everything, you can now use your PS5 controller with the latest firmware updates. More often than not, these increase connectivity, address any issues with dropouts and occasionally they will also adjust the way the sensors and vibrations work in certain games. The latest Xbox controller firmware update tweaked vibrations for Forza 5.
What you need to Recalibrate Your DualSense controller Joysticks
- A computer with internet access
- A USB cable, preferably a Sony cable
- Your PS5 controller
Do the following:
- Open your internet browser and go to DualShock Calibration GUI
- Connect your PS5 controller to your computer using the USB cable.
- In the online tool, select Connect.
- A pop-up window will appear showing the detected device. Select it and press Connect again.
- The screen will show how the joystick is currently positioned. If it is not centred, this confirms that calibration is needed.
- Select Calibrate stick centre.
- A floating window will appear with instructions. Press Start or Begin.
- Follow the movement instructions using your joystick. After each step, select Continue.
- When the process is complete, check that both joysticks now return to the zero point.
- Test the controller to confirm that drift has been eliminated.
Once the centre point has been updated, you can use the controller normally again. If you later notice slight misalignment, you can repeat the same calibration process to restore accuracy.
