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Control of Sony’s PlayStation 5 succumbed to the dreaded drift of analog. This page covers how to identify the stick deviation, how to potentially fix it, and how to send it to Sony to have your DualSense controller repaired if all else fails.
How to identify stick deviation
The stick drift on the PS5 controller is relatively easy to identify. It’s the phenomenon in which one of your analog sticks moves by itself, even if you don’t touch the controller. This will interfere with the games as it will move your stick and change the movement / aim etc.
How to fix the PS5 controller stick deviation
Sony technical support suggests the following steps to troubleshoot the PlayStation 5 Controller. If the following does not work, you will need to contact Sony support directly to have your controller serviced.
Fixed temporary deviation of the PS5 control: While obviously not ideal, some games, such as Call of Duty: Warzone, have the option to augment “Deadzone”. This will make the stick drift less likely to affect your gameplay, however, you will need to be more deliberate with your inputs in order for the controller to register them – which is not optimal when minute control is required.
PS5 control bypass troubleshooting steps
- Make sure your PS5 and PS5 controller are up to date:Check the controller software by pressing the PS button> opening Accessories> choosing the wireless PS5 controller. It must be “Wireless Controller Device Software 0210”. See how to update your PS5
- Reboot your controller: Turn off the PS5 console. On the back of your controller, there is a small hole to the right of the Sony logo. Press and hold for five seconds using a paper clip or other tool. After that, it will be disconnected. Turn on your PS5.
- Disconnect and reconnect the controller to Bluetooth: Follow the instructions in 1 to get to the controller settings. Disconnect it from Bluetooth and reconnect it.
- Adjust the triggers: Go back to the controller settings and change the intensity of the trigger effect – turn it off and on again (or vice versa if it’s already off)
- Clean the Analog Stick: A Sony representative recommended cleaning the analog stick (the joint attached to the controller itself) with a soft, dry cloth, such as an eyeglass cleaning cloth. They could not recommend the use of alcohol or any cleaning solution.
If none of this works, contact Sony. Steps below:
How to send a PS5 controller with Drift stick for repair
The PlayStation 5 DualSense controller is under warranty for one year after purchasing it or the PS5 it came with – as long as it is under warranty, you can contact Sony and have your controller serviced.
- First, make sure you have completed the troubleshooting steps above. Your Sony representative will ask you to complete them before proceeding.
- Call (800) 345-7669. Choose options: 1 and 1 again
- They will ask you to complete the steps above.
- The representative will provide the necessary information to send the PS5 controller for maintenance.
Some important notes:
- You will need to provide your own box and shipping cost to ship to the controller.
- If the controller is lost or lost during transportation or by Sony, the representative said that Sony will replace it, provided you prove that it was sent to the correct address. So keep your shipping receipt!
- Sony will take 7-10 business days to repair the controller most the additional time it takes for the controller to arrive at the facility and the additional shipping time it takes to return to you.