Does Resetting Your PS4 Controller Fix Stick Drift? A Step-by-Step Guide

Stick drift is one of the most common and frustrating issues that PS4 controller users encounter. It happens when the analog sticks on your controller begin to register movement even though they are not being touched, causing unwanted character or camera movement in games. If you’ve been struggling with this issue, you might be wondering: Does resetting the PS4 controller fix stick drift?

In this blog, we’ll discuss whether resetting the PS4 controller can help with stick drift, and provide step-by-step instructions on how to do it. Additionally, we’ll explore other solutions if resetting doesn’t resolve the issue.

What Is Stick Drift?

Stick drift occurs when the PS4 controller’s analog sticks begin registering movement even when they’re not being touched. This can lead to frustrating gameplay, where your character moves or the camera shifts on its own. Stick drift is generally caused by issues with the internal components of the analog stick, like the potentiometer (the sensor that tracks the position of the stick), or it could be due to wear, dirt, or debris buildup.

While stick drift is typically caused by hardware issues, a software glitch or calibration error can sometimes lead to similar problems. This is where resetting the PS4 controller may help.

Can Resetting Your PS4 Controller Fix Stick Drift?

The short answer is: It can help—but not always.

Resetting your PS4 controller reboots the controller’s software and can sometimes resolve issues caused by software glitches or calibration errors that may mimic stick drift. However, if your controller is suffering from physical wear and tear (e.g., worn-out internal components or dust buildup), resetting the controller will not fix the problem. In those cases, physical cleaning or replacing the analog stick components may be necessary.

When Resetting the Controller Might Help:

1. Software Glitches or Calibration Errors:
   • Sometimes, stick drift can occur because of a temporary software issue or glitch. Resetting the controller clears any configuration errors that may have caused the problem.
2. Unresponsive Analog Sticks:
   • If your controller is not responding correctly and seems to have a slight drift due to calibration issues, a reset may restore its normal functionality.

When Resetting Won’t Help:

1. Wear and Tear:

   • If the potentiometer or the analog sticks themselves are worn out due to heavy usage, resetting won’t fix the issue.

2. Dust or Debris Inside the Controller:

   • If the drift is caused by dust, dirt, or other debris inside the controller, a reset won’t address the physical obstruction. Cleaning the controller is necessary in this case.

3. Internal Component Failure:

   • If the analog stick's internal components are damaged or defective, resetting the controller will not resolve the issue. In this case, the controller may need repair or replacement.

How to Reset Your PS4 Controller

If you suspect that a software glitch is causing your stick drift or other issues, here’s how you can reset your PS4 controller:

1. Perform a Soft Reset:

• Step 1: Turn on your PS4 console.
• Step 2: With the controller connected, press and hold the PS button (the central PlayStation logo button) and the Share button (located next to the D-pad) simultaneously for about 10 seconds.
• Step 3: Your controller will vibrate and briefly flash, signaling that it has reset. Once this is done, release both buttons and wait for the controller to reconnect to the PS4.

Why It Helps:
This resets the controller’s software, and may fix minor calibration or connection issues that are causing drift.

2. Perform a Hard Reset (Factory Reset):

If a soft reset didn’t work, or if you want to ensure that the controller is completely reset, you can do a hard reset.

• Step 1: Turn off your PS4 and disconnect the controller.
• Step 2: On the back of the controller, find the small reset button located next to the L2 trigger. Use a paperclip or similar object to press and hold this button for about 5–10 seconds.
• Step 3: Once reset, reconnect the controller to the PS4 using a USB cable, then press the PS button to pair it.

Why It Helps:
This process completely resets the controller to its factory settings, which can eliminate any underlying software-related issues causing stick drift.

What to Do if Resetting Doesn’t Fix Stick Drift

If resetting your PS4 controller doesn’t solve the stick drift problem, you may need to try some additional steps:

1. Clean the Controller

• What to Do:
  • Use compressed air to blow out any dust or debris around the analog sticks.
  • You can also use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to clean around the base of the analog sticks to remove any grime buildup that could cause friction.

Why It Helps:
Cleaning the controller can remove dirt, dust, or oils that might be causing interference with the analog stick’s movement.

2. Calibrate the Analog Sticks

• What to Do:
  • On the PS4, navigate to Settings > Devices > Controllers and look for an Adjust Analog Stick Sensitivity option (if available).
  • In certain games, you can also adjust the dead zone of the analog sticks to minimize drift.

Why It Helps:
Calibration can help correct minor software-related issues that might be causing the drift to appear.

3. Replace the Analog Stick or Potentiometer

• What to Do:
  • If your controller is out of warranty and you’re comfortable opening it, you can replace the analog stick or its potentiometer. Alternatively, you can take it to a professional repair service.

Why It Helps:
If the drift is caused by physical wear on the analog stick or its internal components, replacing the faulty parts will restore the controller to its original functionality.

Conclusion

Resetting your PS4 controller can help fix stick drift in cases where the issue is caused by software glitches or calibration errors. However, if the drift is caused by physical wear, dust buildup, or damaged components, a reset will not resolve the problem. In such cases, cleaning, calibrating, or replacing parts may be necessary.

If you’ve tried all the fixes and the drift persists, it may be time to replace the controller or consult a professional repair service. Regular cleaning and gentle use can help prevent drift in the future, ensuring your PS4 controller stays in top condition for years of gaming fun.