Fix Stick Drift On An Xbox One Controller: The Complete Guide

Home » How To Fix Controller Drift Xbox One » Fix Stick Drift On An Xbox One Controller: The Complete Guide

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow The Ultimate Guide to Fixing Stick Drift on an Xbox One Controller PDF download Download Article Written by Travis Boylls

Last Updated: February 24, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Troubleshooting
    • |
  • Repairing the Controller
    • |
  • Video
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Travis Boylls. Travis has been a tech writer at wikiHow for more than 10 years. He has also worked in technical support for Dish Network and AT&T Wireless. He studied graphic design and web design at Pikes Peak Community College. He specializes in Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and video game consoles. Travis has had a fascination with computers and technology that goes all the way back to childhood. He is proficient in all manner of software and computer operating systems. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 332,433 times. Learn more...

Are you having a problem with stick drift on your Xbox controller? Stick drift happens when one of your analog sticks starts to move by itself without you pressing it. Before long, your games become unplayable because the camera or your characters start to move on their own. Before you consider purchasing a new controller, there are a few things you can try to salvage your controller. This wikiHow article will go over troubleshooting steps and how to repair your controller.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 2:

Troubleshooting

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Push and pull on the joysticks lightly. 1 Push and pull on the joysticks lightly. When the problem first starts, try leaning the sticks in different directions and pressing down on them so that they click. You can also try pressing on the base of the joystick with your finger. If that doesn't work, you can try pulling up on the stick and clicking it in place.
  2. Step 2 Restart the controller. 2 Restart the controller. To do so, press and hold the Xbox button in the center of the controller until it turns off. Wait a few seconds, and then press and hold the Xbox button to turn it back on.[1] Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Restart the Xbox One. 3 Restart the Xbox One. Restarting your system can fix any errors that just started occurring. Use the following steps to restart your Xbox One:[2]
    • Press the Xbox button in the center of the controller to open the Guide.
    • Select the Profile & System tab.
    • Select Power.
    • Select Turn off console.
    • Wait 5 minutes.
    • Press the Xbox button on the front of the console.
    • See if the problem continues.
  4. Step 4 Change the batteries. 4 Change the batteries. In some cases, low battery levels can cause issues with the controller. Try replacing the batteries and see if the problem persists.[3]
  5. Step 5 Resync the controller. 5 Resync the controller. If there is a connection problem with your controller, re-syncing it may reestablish a connection and fix any connection issues you are having. Use the following steps to resync your Xbox controller with your Xbox console:[4]
    • Press the Connect button on the left side of your Xbox console.
    • Press and hold the connect button on the top, center-right side of the controller.
    • Continue holding the Connect button until the Xbox button flashes.
  6. Step 6 Update your Xbox controller. 6 Update your Xbox controller. Updating the firmware of the controller may fix certain issues you are having with the controller. Use the following steps to update your Xbox controller:[5]
    • Connect your controller to the Xbox using a USB cable.
    • Press the Xbox button on the controller to open the Guide.
    • Select the Gear/Settings tab.
    • Select Settings.
    • Select Kinect & devices.
    • Select Devices & accessories.
    • Select More options.
    • Select Firmware version.
    • Select Update now.
  7. Step 7 Clean the sticks with compressed air. 7 Clean the sticks with compressed air. First, make sure you have the batteries removed. Press the stick in one direction and spray the base of the stick on the opposite side. Use quick, short bursts of air. Continue pressing the stick in all directions while spraying the opposite side of the base. Let the controller sit for a while before putting the batteries back in. See if the problem continues.[6]
    • Be sure to keep the can of compressed air level to avoid spraying moisture into the controller that could damage the circuitry.
  8. Step 8 Clean the stick with alcohol. 8 Clean the stick with alcohol. Again, make sure the batteries are removed from the controller. Lightly soak a cotton swab with Isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Use it to clean the base of the joystick. Press the joystick in all directions to expose more of the base and clean as much of it as you can. Wait for the alcohol to completely dry before reinserting the batteries and powering it back on.[7]
  9. Step 9 Change the deadzone. 9 Change the deadzone. The dead zone is the area where you can move the stick without moving. If you are having problems with the joystick leaning slightly on its own, expanding the dead zone may prevent unwanted movement during a game. Use the following steps to change the deadline:[8]
    • Press the Xbox button on the controller to open the Guide.
    • Select the Gear/Settings tab.
    • Select Settings.
    • Select Kinect & devices.
    • Select Devices & accessories.
    • Select your controller and press the Menu button.
    • Select Adjustments.
    • Use the slider bar below "Deadzone" to increase the dead zone.
    10. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 2:

Repairing the Controller

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Make sure your controller isn't under warranty. 1 Make sure your controller isn't under warranty. If all the standard troubleshooting steps don't fix the stick drift problem, you will need to take the controller apart and attempt a physical repair. This will void your warranty. If your controller is less than a year old, contact Microsoft and see if you qualify for a warranty exchange.[9]
    • If you do qualify for a warranty exchange, ask for a controller that has the newer stick modules that last longer.
    • If you are not comfortable attempting a physical repair, you can take it to an electronic repair shop and see if they can fix it for you.
  2. Step 2 Remove the batteries. 2 Remove the batteries. You'll need to remove the batteries to access one of the screws needed to take the controller apart. Remove the batteries from the controller on the back.
  3. Step 3 Remove the plastic covers from the back sides. 3 Remove the plastic covers from the back sides. You can either use a flathead screwdriver or your fingernails to pry loose the plastic covers on the back left and right of the controller below the trigger buttons.
    • Be careful not to apply too much pressure so that you don't break the plastic covers.
  4. Step 4 Use a Torx screwdriver to remove the screws from the back. 4 Use a Torx screwdriver to remove the screws from the back. There are two screws on the left and right sides under the plastic cover and one in the center of the battery compartment. Use a Torx screwdriver to remove the screws.
    • If you don't have a Torx screwdriver, you can use a small flathead screwdriver. You'll have to place it in at an angle against one of the triangle sides.
    • You may need to peel off the warranty stick from inside the battery compartment to access the screw.
  5. Step 5 Remove the faceplate of the controller. 5 Remove the faceplate of the controller. Once the screws are removed from the back, turn the controller over. The front faceplate should lift right off. If it does not, you may need to pry it loose with your fingernails or a flathead screwdriver.
  6. Step 6 Remove the joysticks. 6 Remove the joysticks. The rubber joystick pieces slide right on top of the joystick modules. Just pull them off to expose the modules below the stick.
  7. Step 7 Remove the grey plastic holder on the left side of the module. 7 Remove the grey plastic holder on the left side of the module. The purpose of this plastic piece is to hold the module in place. Once you put the faceplate on, it's not needed. A lot of times, the plastic piece comes loose and starts to rise. This could be what is causing the drift, so removing the grey plastic piece on the side of the module may fix the drift problem.
    • Do not glue the plastic piece down. If you get glue inside the module, it will ruin your controller.
  8. Step 8 Clean out the joystick modules. 8 Clean out the joystick modules. Use compressed air to clean out any dust and debris that might have gotten stuck in the joystick modules. You can also use a cotton swab slightly damp with Isopropyl rubbing alcohol to clean it out. Just make sure you let the alcohol completely dry before putting the controller back together.
    • Be sure to hold the can of condensed air level to avoid getting any moisture inside the modules.
  9. Step 9 Test the controller. 9 Test the controller. Go ahead and put the joysticks back on the modules and put the faceplate back on. Put the batteries back in and go ahead and test the controller. If it's working properly, go ahead and put the screws back in. If not, go ahead and take it apart again. There are still a couple more things you can try.
  10. Step 10 Take apart the controller and remove the backplate. 10 Take apart the controller and remove the backplate. If you are still having problems with the controller, go ahead and remove the faceplate and the rubber thumbstick from the modules. Then grab the motors on the left and separate the controller boards from the backplate of the controller. You may need to pry the backplate loose with your fingernails or a flathead screwdriver.
  11. Step 11 Tape the motors down. 11 Tape the motors down. Right now, the motors are loose. To keep them from flopping around, it's recommended you tape the motors down with some electrical tape or something that's not too sticky. You should be able to turn the controller over without the motors falling out.
  12. Step 12 Turn the controller over and remove the screws from behind the motors. 12 Turn the controller over and remove the screws from behind the motors. These are the screws that are holding the motherboard in place. You'll need to use a slightly smaller Torx screwdriver than the one you used to remove the screws that hold the controller faceplate in place.
  13. Step 13 Move the motherboard forward and prop it on the trigger buttons. 13 Move the motherboard forward and prop it on the trigger buttons. It's the larger circuit board. Be careful not to touch any of the metal parts on the circuit board. Place your index finger on the top of the board and your thumb on the bottom. Wiggle it gently until you are able to remove the circuit board. Use the trigger buttons as a prop so that the circuit board rests tilting towards you.
  14. Step 14 Turn the black piece on the side of the joystick module. 14 Turn the black piece on the side of the joystick module. Use a flathead screwdriver to turn the black piece on the left side of the joystick module you are having problems with. If the stick is drifting up, turn it counterclockwise. If it is drifting down, turn it clockwise. Give it two or three full turns. Then wiggle the stick inside the module and give the black piece a few more turns. Repeat a couple of times.
    • While you have the controller disassembled, see if the insides need any cleaning. Use condensed air to clean out any dust or debris inside the controller.
  15. Step 15 Test the controller. 15 Test the controller. Go ahead and reassemble the controller. First, reattach the motherboard and put the controller back in the backplate. Put the rubber joysticks back on the modules and then place the faceplate back on. Don't reinsert the 5 screws on the back until you are sure the controller is working. Go ahead and test the controller. If it is not working, take it apart again and give the black piece on the side of the module a few more turns. Repeat until the controller is working.
    • If you are not able to get the stick drift to stop, you may need to replace the joystick modules. You can purchase Xbox One controller parts online, but it is not recommended you try to replace the modules yourself unless you are skilled at soldering and desoldering. You may want to take it to a repair shop, or just get a new controller.[10]
    16. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

Fix Controller DriftGot Controller Stick Drift? How to Fix it Fix Stick Drift PS45 Simple Ways to Solve Stick Drift on PS4 Fix Stick Drift Ps55 Easy Ways to Fix Stick Drift on Your PS5 Controller Take Apart Xbox One ControllerHow to Disassemble an Xbox One Controller: Simple Tutorial Fix Oculus Quest 2 Controller DriftFast + Easy Fixes if your Oculus Quest 2 Drifts Fix Joy Con Drift8 Ways to Fix Joy-Con Drift: Updating, Cleaning, Repairing & More Calibrate PS4 ControllerHow to Calibrate a PS4 Controller: Easy Guide + Troubleshooting Fix a PS3 ControllerHow to Fix PS3 Controllers Xbox Controller Keeps Disconnecting12 Simple Ways to Fix an Xbox Controller That Keeps Disconnecting Oculus Controller Not WorkingHow to Fix Oculus Controllers That Are Not Responding Take Apart Xbox Series X ControllerHow to Disassemble an Xbox Series X Controller Fix an Xbox 360 Wireless Controller That Keeps Shutting OffHow toFix an Xbox 360 Wireless Controller That Keeps Shutting Off How toClean a PS4 Controller Fix a KeyboardHow toFix a Keyboard Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://support.xbox.com/en-us/help/hardware-network/controller/wireless-controller-solution
  2. ↑ https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/hardware-network/power/restart-or-power-cycle-console
  3. ↑ https://support.xbox.com/en-us/help/hardware-network/controller/wireless-controller-solution
  4. ↑ https://support.xbox.com/en-us/help/hardware-network/controller/wireless-controller-solution
  5. ↑ https://support.xbox.com/en-us/help/hardware-network/controller/wireless-controller-solution
  6. ↑ https://techrt.com/how-to-fix-xbox-one-controller-drift/
  7. ↑ https://www.wepc.com/tips/how-to-fix-xbox-controller-drift/
  8. ↑ https://support.xbox.com/en-us/help/hardware-network/accessories/adjusting-the-xbox-stick-settings-in-the-accessories-app
  9. ↑ https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/hardware-network/controller/controller-warranty
More References (1)
  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uoxz0oHX9TE&t=409s

About This Article

Travis Boylls Written by: Travis Boylls wikiHow Technology Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Travis Boylls. Travis has been a tech writer at wikiHow for more than 10 years. He has also worked in technical support for Dish Network and AT&T Wireless. He studied graphic design and web design at Pikes Peak Community College. He specializes in Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and video game consoles. Travis has had a fascination with computers and technology that goes all the way back to childhood. He is proficient in all manner of software and computer operating systems. This article has been viewed 332,433 times. 45 votes - 40% Co-authors: 9 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 332,433 Categories: Xbox One In other languages Portuguese Italian Hindi Thai Indonesian Chinese French Spanish Czech Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 332,433 times.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Travis Boylls Written by: Travis Boylls wikiHow Technology Writer 45 votes - 40% Click a star to vote 40% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 9 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 332,433

Quizzes & Games

What Chakra Do I Need to Balance QuizWhat Chakra Do I Need to Balance QuizTake QuizAm I Chronically Online QuizAm I Chronically Online QuizTake QuizMental Health QuizMental Health QuizTake QuizOCD TestOCD TestTake QuizAre My Hormones Imbalanced QuizAre My Hormones Imbalanced QuizTake QuizWhy Can't I Sleep QuizWhy Can't I Sleep QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Fix Controller DriftGot Controller Stick Drift? How to Fix itFix Stick Drift PS45 Simple Ways to Solve Stick Drift on PS4Fix Stick Drift Ps55 Easy Ways to Fix Stick Drift on Your PS5 ControllerTake Apart Xbox One ControllerHow to Disassemble an Xbox One Controller: Simple Tutorial

Featured Articles

What Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is My Aesthetic QuizWhat Is My Aesthetic Quiz Celebrate Xmas: Expert Advice on Enjoying the HolidaysHow to Celebrate Xmas: Expert Advice on Enjoying the HolidaysHilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughHilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizWhy Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)Why Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)

Trending Articles

Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Make OutHow toMake OutAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Am I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizHow Nonchalant Am I Quiz180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument

Featured Articles

A Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body TypeA Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body Type Tell if You’re in LoveHow to Tell if You’re in LoveWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I QuizWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I QuizWhat Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)How Beautiful Am I QuizHow Beautiful Am I Quiz

Featured Articles

13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)Which of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceWhich of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceMental Illness TestMental Illness TestEnjoy the HolidaysHow toEnjoy the Holidays Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreHow to Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreAm I Girly QuizAm I Girly Quiz

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

Have I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizRandom Fortune GeneratorRandom Fortune GeneratorWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)Which Classic Christmas Movie Character Am I?Which Classic Christmas Movie Character Am I?Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?

Quizzes & Games

Do I Have Brainrot QuizDo I Have Brainrot QuizTake QuizHow Awkward Am I QuizHow Awkward Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Reality Check Do I Need QuizWhat Kind of Reality Check Do I Need QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizWhat Brainrot Word Am I QuizWhat Brainrot Word Am I QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Hobbies and Crafts
  • Games
  • Video Games
  • Xbox
  • Xbox One
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --521

Tag » How To Fix Controller Drift Xbox One