How to Fix Stick Drift on DualShock and DualSense Controllers

You’re playing your favorite game, but your character starts moving on its own—even when you’re not touching the joystick. This frustrating issue is called stick drift, and it affects many PlayStation 4 (DualShock 4) and PlayStation 5 (DualSense) controllers over time.
Whether caused by dust, wear and tear, or hardware faults, stick drift can ruin your gaming experience. In this guide, we’ll show you how to fix stick drift on your controller, what causes it, and when it’s best to seek professional help from Consolefixit Pvt Ltd, India’s trusted console and controller repair center.
What Is Stick Drift?
Stick drift occurs when the analog stick on your controller sends movement signals to the console, even when it’s in a neutral position. As a result, characters or cursors move without input, making gameplay frustrating or impossible.
Common Causes of Stick Drift
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Dust or debris inside the joystick module
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Worn-out potentiometers (components that measure stick movement)
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Moisture or oxidation on internal contacts
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Frequent heavy use leading to hardware fatigue
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Manufacturing defects (common in some controller batches)
Signs You Have Stick Drift
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Character moves on its own in-game
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Camera angle rotates randomly
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Inaccuracy in aiming or movement
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Joystick doesn’t return to center correctly
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Testing in controller settings shows movement without input
How to Fix Stick Drift at Home
⚠️ Note:
These steps are safe for light cleaning and reset. If the problem persists, don’t disassemble the controller yourself—you may void the warranty or damage it further. Visit Consolefixit Pvt Ltd for expert service.
1. Clean Around the Analog Stick
Dust and grime build-up is a leading cause of drift.
Steps:
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Turn off the controller
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Use a soft, dry brush or compressed air to clean around the base of the analog stick
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Move the stick in circular motions while cleaning
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Avoid using water or liquid cleaners
2. Use Isopropyl Alcohol for Deeper Cleaning
If dry cleaning doesn’t help, try this non-invasive cleaning method.
Steps:
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Dip a cotton swab in 90%+ isopropyl alcohol (do not soak)
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Gently apply it around the base of the analog stick
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Rotate the stick to help the alcohol reach inside
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Let it dry completely before reconnecting or powering on
This can dissolve grime or oxidation causing inaccurate signals.
3. Reset the Controller
Sometimes, the drift can be caused by firmware or calibration errors.
DualShock 4 Reset:
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Turn off the controller
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Use a pin to press the small reset button near the L2 trigger
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Hold for 5 seconds
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Reconnect the controller to your PS4 using a USB cable and press the PS button
DualSense Reset:
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Locate the small reset hole on the back of the controller
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Use a paperclip to press the button for 5 seconds
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Re-pair it via USB with your PS5
4. Update Controller Firmware
For DualSense (PS5) controllers, firmware updates can fix known issues.
Steps:
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Connect the controller to the PS5 via USB
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Go to Settings > Accessories > Controller (General) > DualSense Wireless Controller Device Software
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If an update is available, follow on-screen instructions
When to Contact Consolefixit Pvt Ltd
If stick drift continues after trying the steps above, it’s likely a hardware issue. At Consolefixit Pvt Ltd, we offer:
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Joystick module replacement with high-quality components
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Professional internal cleaning
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Circuit-level diagnostics and repair
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Service for DualShock 4, DualSense, Xbox, and Switch controllers
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Pickup and delivery in major Indian cities including Coimbatore, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and more
Why Choose Consolefixit Pvt Ltd?
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Official controller repair specialist
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Trained technicians with hands-on experience
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Fast turnaround with warranty on repair
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Transparent process—no hidden charges
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Trusted by thousands of gamers across India
Controller Drift Repair Services Available In:
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Coimbatore
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Chennai
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Bengaluru
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Delhi NCR
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Mumbai
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Hyderabad
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Pune
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And other major cities
Final Thoughts
Stick drift can happen even with normal use, but it’s not the end of your controller. A little cleaning or reset might solve the issue—but if not, Consolefixit Pvt Ltd is ready to help. Our trained team will restore your controller to peak performance so you can get back in the game—without the drift.
Book Your Controller Repair Today
Consolefixit Pvt Ltd is Coimbatore’s preferred destination for game controller repairs. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a competitive player, we’re here to ensure your controller feels like new again.
Contact Us
Experiencing problems with your Console ? Contact Consolefixit today:
📍 Visit Us: https://consolefixit.com/game-console-and-controller-repair/
📞 Call Now: https://consolefixit.com/contact-us/
🌐 Website: https://consolefixit.com
🕐 Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Mon–Sat
Service Locations: Branches across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Hyderabad, and Kerala.
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