What To Do If Your PS5 DualSense Controller Drifts - IGN

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New ChecklistAll ListsMy ChecklistsAllAll ListsMy ChecklistsHow creative can you get with your first free checklist?Create a free accountWhat To Do If Your PS5 DualSense Controller DriftsBy Brendan Graeber, Janet Garcia, Miranda Sanchez, +66 moreUpdated: Feb 11, 2021 11:13pm UTC

Sony's PlayStation 5 controller has succumbed to the dreaded analog stick drift. This page covers how to identify stick drift, how to potentially fix it, and how to send it in to Sony to get your DualSense controller repaired if all else fails. 

How to Identify Stick Drift

Stick drift on the PS5 controller is relatively easy to identify. It's the phenomenon in which one of your analog sticks moves on its own, even if you're not touching the controller. This will interfere with playing games, as it will move your stick and alter movement / aiming etc.

How to Fix the PS5 Controller Stick Drift

Sony tech support suggests the following steps to troubleshoot the PlayStation 5 Controller. If the following doesn't work, you'll need to contact Sony support directly to send your controller in for service.

Temporary PS5 Controller Stick Drift Fix: Though obviously not ideal, some games, such of Call of Duty: Warzone, have the option to increase "Deadzone". This will make it less likely for stick drift to affect your gameplay, however, you will have to be more deliberate with your inputs for the controller to register them - not great when minute control is necessary.

PS5 Controller Stick Drift Troubleshooting Steps

1. Make Sure Your PS5 and PS5 Controller Are Up-to-Date:Check your controller software by pressing the PS button > opening Accessories > choosing the wireless PS5 Controller. It should be "Wireless Controller Device Software 0210". See How to Update Your PS5
2. Reset Your Controller: Turn off the PS5 console. On the back of your controller, there's a tiny hole to the right of the Sony logo. Press and hold that down for five seconds using a paperclip or other tool. After that, it will disconnect. Turn on your PS5. 
3. Disconnect and Reconnect the Controller to Bluetooth: Follow the instructions under 1 to reach your controller settings. Disconnect it from Bluetooth and reconnect it.
4. Adjust the Triggers: Go back into the controller settings and change the Trigger Effect Intensity - turn it off, then back on again (or vice versa if it was already off)
5. Clean the Analog Stick: A Sony representative recommended wiping the analog stick (the joint attached to the controller itself) with a soft, dry cloth, like an eyeglass cleaning cloth. They could not recommend alcohol or any cleaning solution be used.

If none of this works, contact Sony. Steps below:

How to Send in a PS5 Controller With Stick Drift for Repair

The PlayStation 5 DualSense controller is under warranty for one year after the purchase of it or the PS5 it came with - as long as it's under warranty, you can contact Sony and request your controller to be serviced.

1. First, make sure you have completed the troubleshooting steps above. The Sony representative will ask you to complete these before moving forward.
2. Call (800) 345-7669. Choose options: 1, then 1 again
3. They will ask you to complete the steps above.
4. The representative will then give you the information required to send in your PS5 controller for service.

Some important notes:

• You will have to provide your own box and cost of shipping to send in the controller.
• If the controller gets lost or misplaced in shipping or by Sony, the representative said Sony will replace it as long as you can prove it was sent to the correct address. So, save your shipping receipt!
• It will take 7 to 10 working days for Sony to repair the controller plus the additional time it takes for the controller to arrive at their facility and the additional shipping time it takes to return to you.

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