Over time, though, drift often gets bad enough to impact your performance in games. It doesn’t always mean you need a new controller. There are a few ways to fix it yourself without having to dig up a spare.
What is Controller Drift?
Like most hardware, controllers wear down over time and develop problems. Because they’re something you have your hands on, move around, and often grip hard during stressful matches, they’re probably more prone to issues than hardware that just sits on a shelf. Understanding the mechanics behind drift is easier if you know a bit about how a controller works. Controllers use current to complete circuits and report what buttons you’re pressing. Since thumbsticks also have to determine what directions and how far they’re being moved, a wheel and wiper system respond to the exact positioning of the joystick and determine how much current flows and where. That’s how your input changes based on the movement. Any part of this system can experience problems that create a drift. Solutions range from a quick cleaning to a more in-depth teardown to replacing parts to using a different controller.
Why is My Controller Drifting?
Either the parts inside the controller are worn, a part is broken, or some kind of debris keeps it from moving freely. Using a controller normally has a high chance of leading to drift at some point in its lifetime. While keeping your controller clean and gentle with it can help, there’s no guarantee that it will keep your motion smooth and proper.
How to Fix Xbox One Controller Drift?
Start with the most straightforward fixes and move on to the more difficult or expensive ones if they don’t work. Remember to always clean and repair your hardware with caution. It’s okay to ask for help from a specialist if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself.
Before You Begin
Take a moment and examine your controller. Look for worn-out parts and areas where the buttons or thumbsticks are sticking. Roll the thumbsticks around to see whether you can find anything hindering free and smooth movement. Sometimes a little dust or something similar can wedge itself in there and keep the stick from moving quickly. Doing this before starting allows you to locate and mark areas to target when cleaning or disassembling the controller. Some players have had luck just moving the joysticks in multiple quick rotations until the drift went away. However, if that fixes it, it’s probably a sign that you need to deep clean your controller.
Normal Cleaning
Use isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs to give your controller a thorough cleaning. Even if you aren’t experiencing significant drift yet, it’s a good habit to get in to keep your controller clean of dust, skin flakes, oil, and other debris. When choosing your isopropyl alcohol, make sure to get one with the highest percentage of alcohol you can find. It’s safer to use a higher rate when cleaning electronics. Once the controller is dry, try to go into another game to see whether you’re still experiencing drift.
Take the Xbox Controller Apart
To take apart an Xbox controller, you want a pry tool and a Torx tool. Some Xbox models use Torx 8, and others use Torx 9. Check the screw size on your controller model before purchasing one. Once you remove the back panel, everything is very simple. You can remove the internal electronics and work on cleaning the area around the buttons and thumbstick. Make sure to focus on the front of the controller as you’re cleaning. You’ll have more access to the parts that are usually hidden, and it will be much easier to see if something is hindering them. Clean all the sides and faces of the buttons and joysticks. Now that the controller is clean try to play your favorite games again. Try to do some of the same activities where you noticed you were getting controller drift. If the problem is gone, you can likely continue using your controller like normal. If the problem persists, you might have worn-out parts you will need to replace.
Repair and Replace Parts
Replacing the joysticks on your controller might fix drift if cleaning the controller isn’t working.
Repair And Replace Joystick Sensors
Remember that the joystick sensors are on the actual electronic area of the controller. You could brick the entire thing if something goes wrong. Only attempt to replace the springs if you’re comfortable with it. Use a light touch.
Replace Your Controller
Sometimes there’s something wrong with the controller that you can’t quickly fix at home. In that case, controllers are easy enough to find that it might be time to replace it. When you shop for an Xbox controller, remember that you don’t always have to choose an OEM one. Look for one that fits your hands, looks neat, or has lighting options you want, if you prefer. You can also find used controllers online if you’re looking to save a little cash. Either way, try to prevent future issues with drift by treating your controllers gently and keeping them clean. Wash your hands before you touch them and try to avoid leaving them out where they can collect dust. By doing this, you’ll have adequately responsive controllers that help keep your game on point.
