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Sony’s PlayStation 5 controller conceded among the dreaded analog sticks. This page discusses how to identify stick drift, how to fix it and how to send it to Sony to have your DualSense controller repaired if all else fails.
How to identify Stick Drift
Stick drift on the PS5 controller is relatively easy to identify. This is the phenomenon in which one of your analog sticks moves on its own, even if you do not touch the controller. This will hinder the playing of games as it will move your stick and move / aim, etc.
How to Fix the PS5 Controller Stick Drift
Sony’s technical support suggests the following steps to fix the PlayStation 5 controller. If the following does not work, contact Sony Support directly to send your controller for service.
Temporary PS5 Controller Stick Drift Fix: While not ideal, of course, some games, such as Call of Duty: Warzone, have the option to increase “Deadzone”. Stick driving will be less likely to affect your game, but you need to be more purposeful with your input so that the controller can register it – this is not very good if you need a little control.
PS5 Controller Stick Drift Troubleshooting Steps
- Make sure your PS5 and PS5 controller is up to date:Check your controller software by pressing the PS button> Open Accessories> select the PS5 wireless controller. It must be “Wireless Controller Device Software 0210”. See how to update your PS5
- Reset your administrator: Turn off the PS5 console. On the back of your controller there is a small hole to the right of the Sony logo. Push it in for five seconds with a paper clip or other tool. After that, it will disconnect. Turn on your PS5.
- Disconnect and reconnect the controller to Bluetooth: Follow the instructions below 1 to access your controller settings. Disconnect it from Bluetooth and reconnect it.
- Adjust the triggers: Go back to the controller settings and change the Trigger effect intensity – turn it off, then on again (or vice versa if it was already off)
- Clean the analog stick: A Sony representative recommended wiping the analog stick (the connection to the controller itself) with a soft, dry cloth, such as a cleaning cloth for the glasses. They could not recommend alcohol or use any cleaning solution.
If none of this works, contact Sony. Steps below:
How to send a PS5 controller with Stick Drift for recovery
The PlayStation 5 DualSense Controller is under warranty for one year after purchasing it or the PS5 it came with – as long as it is under warranty, you can contact Sony and request that your controller be serviced.
- First, make sure that you have completed the above troubleshooting steps. The Sony representative will ask you to complete it before proceeding.
- Call (800) 345-7669. Select options: 1, and then again 1
- They will ask you to complete the steps above.
- The representative will then give you the necessary information to submit your PS5 controller for service.
Some important remarks:
- You must provide your own packaging and delivery costs to send in the controller.
- If the controller gets lost or misplaced in the shipment or by Sony, the representative said that Sony will replace it as soon as you can prove that it was sent to the correct address. So, save your proof of delivery!
- It will take 7 to 10 business days for Sony to repair the controller plus the extra time it takes for the controller to arrive at his facility and the additional shipping time it takes to get back to you.