How to Get Rid of Stick Drift on PS4: A Complete Guide

Stick drift is a common problem faced by many PS4 gamers, and it can be incredibly frustrating when your controller doesn’t respond accurately to your movements. If you’ve been dealing with erratic movements or unwanted inputs while playing your favorite games, stick drift might be the culprit. In this blog, we’ll explore what causes stick drift on PS4 controllers and how you can fix it.

What is Stick Drift?

Stick drift occurs when the analog sticks on your PS4 controller register input without you actually moving them. For example, you may find your character moving on the screen even though you aren’t touching the joystick. It’s usually caused by wear and tear on the analog stick components or dust/debris inside the controller.

Common Causes of Stick Drift on PS4 Controllers:

1. Wear and Tear:
   Over time, regular use of your controller causes the analog stick components to wear out, leading to drift.

2. Dirt and Dust:
   Accumulation of dirt, dust, or grime around the analog stick can interfere with its functionality, causing unintentional inputs.

3. Internal Hardware Malfunctions:
   In some cases, the internal sensors or wiring of the analog stick may malfunction or become misaligned.

4. Firmware Bugs:
   Occasionally, software or firmware issues within the PS4 system may contribute to stick drift.

How to Fix Stick Drift on Your PS4 Controller:

1. Clean Your Controller

One of the most common causes of stick drift is dust or debris affecting the analog stick’s movement. Cleaning your controller thoroughly can often solve the issue.

• Steps to Clean Your PS4 Controller:
  1. Turn off your PS4 controller and disconnect it from any cables.
  2. Use a soft cloth and compressed air to clean the analog sticks and remove any visible dirt or grime.
  3. For stubborn debris, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and gently clean around the base of the stick.
  4. Allow the controller to dry completely before using it again.

2. Calibrate the Analog Sticks

In some cases, stick drift can be caused by miscalibrated analog sticks. Recalibrating the sticks on your PS4 can sometimes fix the drift issue.

• Steps to Calibrate:
  1. Go to Settings > Devices > Controllers on your PS4.
  2. Scroll down and select Reset the Controller.
  3. Press the PS button on your controller to reset the sticks and recalibrate them.

3. Adjust the Dead Zone in Your Game Settings

Many games have a “dead zone” setting for analog sticks, which is the area where the stick can move without registering input. Increasing the dead zone can help reduce the effects of stick drift in certain games.

• Steps to Adjust Dead Zone:
  1. Go to the game settings (check if the specific game has an option for dead zone adjustments).
  2. Increase the dead zone slightly until the unwanted drift is minimized.

4. Reset the PS4 Controller

If cleaning and recalibrating don’t work, resetting the controller could help clear any software-related issues causing stick drift.

• Steps to Reset Your PS4 Controller:
  1. On the back of the controller, find the small reset button near the L2 trigger.
  2. Use a paperclip or similar object to press and hold the button for 5-10 seconds.
  3. Reconnect the controller to your PS4 using a USB cable and press the PS button to reconnect.

5. Update Your PS4 Firmware

Outdated firmware can cause various issues with your PS4 controller, including stick drift. Make sure your PS4 is running the latest software update.

• Steps to Update Your PS4 Firmware:
  1. Go to Settings > System Software Update.
  2. If an update is available, download and install it.
  3. After the update is complete, check if the stick drift issue persists.

6. Replace the Analog Sticks or Controller

If none of the above methods work, the problem may be due to faulty hardware or worn-out analog sticks. In this case, you can try replacing the analog sticks or even getting a new controller.

• Steps to Replace Analog Sticks:
  1. Open the PS4 controller by removing screws (use a proper tool, like a T8 screwdriver).
  2. Remove the analog stick components and replace them with new ones.
  3. Reassemble the controller.

If you're not comfortable with opening the controller, it’s best to consult a professional repair service or replace the controller entirely.

Prevention Tips to Avoid Stick Drift in the Future:

1. Regular Cleaning:
   Make cleaning your controller a regular habit to keep dust and grime from accumulating.

2. Use Thumb Grips:
   Thumb grips can reduce friction and wear on the analog sticks, extending the life of your controller.

3. Store Your Controller Properly:
   When not in use, store your controller in a dust-free environment and avoid tossing it around.

4. Limit Intense Use:
   While it's tempting to play for hours, taking breaks can prevent excessive wear and tear on your controller.

Where to Buy a New PS4 Controller or Parts

If you’ve tried everything and your controller still drifts, it might be time to replace it. You can find a variety of new PS4 controllers and replacement parts below:

• Buy New PS4 Controller
• Buy PS4 Controller Parts

Conclusion

Stick drift on your PS4 controller can be annoying, but with the right steps, you can fix it without having to buy a new one. Try cleaning the controller, recalibrating the analog sticks, or adjusting the dead zone to reduce drift. If the problem persists, consider resetting the controller or replacing the parts. Keep your controller maintained and cleaned regularly to avoid future issues. Happy gaming!