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Xbox controller drift is one of those issues that has been around for about as long as analog sticks themselves. As we play our console to death, it isn’t just the material on the thumbsticks that starts to wear, the internals can sometimes get a little bit clogged up too, causing your character in-game to slam into a tree or continuously walk off in a single direction.
You may not need to buy a new one either, there are several fixes for this Xbox controller issue, some of which won’t even require the controller to be opened.
What is Xbox controller drift?
Have you noticed your in-game cursor or character veering off to the side when your release the thumbstick? That is likely to be controller drift. The two thumbsticks can become faulty after extensive use but it is usually down to dirt, grime, or plastic dust from the grinding sticks that cause controller drift.
Common causes of Xbox controller drift
As mentioned, the most common cause of Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Series S controller drift is dirty analog sticks. You will have seen this yourself, where white dust builds up on the smooth ball of the stick, along with dust of course. The accumulation of grime can result in the stick stiffening up and sometimes malfunctioning entirely.
After prolonged use, the internal workings of the analog sticks could fail. Whether the controller was always faulty or the circuits inside have since been damaged, you could end up with controller drift. If it is an internal failure, there is a strong chance you may need to replace the controller.
The analog stick features springs underneath which are responsible for resetting the position of the analog stick. Over time the integrity of the spring can become compromised, giving you some unwanted drift.
How to fix Xbox controller drift
To fix controller drift when the issue is dirt build-up, you are going to need two items: Isopropyl rubbing alcohol and a couple of cotton swabs.
- Lightly wet the cotton swab with your Isopropyl rubbing alcohol and then rub the rounded, smooth surface at the base of each thumbstick.
- Rotate the thumbstick, leaning it in each direction so you can clean as much of the base as possible.
To prevent Xbox controller drift, you can repeat this process every 3-4 months.
If the above fails, you may need to open up the controller to double-check the analog sticks are in the correct position or assess if they or the springs need replacing. Always take extra care when disassembling a controller or when removing internal components to prevent permanent damage.
If the damage is internal and you are out of warranty, there are no downsides to taking the pad apart and fixing the problem yourself. If, however, it is new, take it back to the store and get yourself a working replacement.
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