The sales of the new PS5 exude confidence because of the upward trajectory since its release in November 2021. The PS5 console has innovative features, notably the comfortable and user-friendly controller. However, a few PS5 users report experiencing the controller drift problem while using the PS5 controller. How to fix the PS5 controller drift problem is easy if you read the post below.
There are lots of features that the PS5 offers the gaming community. Some notable features include the AMD Zen 2-based CPU, custom RDNA 2 GPU (offering over 10.28 TFLOPs), and a unique ergonomic controller. Despite the new improvements to the PS5, the gaming console is still susceptible to minor flaws.
The PS5 controller drift issue is one of the common problems among PS5 owners. However, there is no need to despair because you can learn how to fix the PS5 controller drift issue in the comfort of your own home. The article below covers all the troubleshooting tips for solving the drifting problem on your PS5 controller.
What causes the drift issue on a PS5 controller?
The drifting issue is a common problem among PS5 users who have a DualSense controller. The drifting issue is common among gamers with Xbox and Oculus controllers also. Below are some possible reasons that can cause your controller to drift.
- Software glitches that affect your PS5 controller.
- Obsolete firmware on your PS5 console.
- Hardware issues affect your PS5 console.
- Dirt/debris sticking on your PS5 controller.
The PS5 controller drifting issue causes (random) changes or movements while playing your game. Your gaming characters can move even when you are not pressing any button or using the analog joystick on your PS5 controller. The drifting issue on your PS5 controller can be annoying, but you can follow the troubleshooting tips below to resolve it.
You can follow the troubleshooting tips below to fix the drifting issue on a PS5 controller.
1. Updating the firmware on the PS5 controller
The standard settings on your PS5 controller should automatically update the firmware, but you can manually update the firmware assuming the automatic update fails. You can follow the steps below to upgrade the firmware on your PS5 controller.
Step 1: Begin by opening your PS5 before navigating to the Settings section.
Step 2: Locate the Network settings on your PS5 before selecting it. Pick the Network Settings option before selecting the Connect to the internet option.
Step 3: Use the USB-C cable to connect your PS5 controller to your PC.
Step 4: Visit the PS5 homepage before logging in with your credentials. Select the Settings option next to your profile icon.
Step 5: Select the Accessories option before picking the Controllers section.
Step 6: Navigate to the Wireless Controller Device Software section before following the on-screen instructions to update the firmware on your PS5 controller.
2. Updating the firmware on your PS5 console
Follow the steps below to update the firmware on your PS5 console.
Step 1: Turn on your PS5 console before opening the Main Menu section.
Step 2: Select the Settings icon at the top right corner of your screen before picking the Systems section.
Step 3: Navigate to the System Software section before opening the System Software Update and Settings section.
Step 4: Select the Update System Software section before picking the Update Using Internet option. Ensure your PS5 connects to a reliable internet connection to complete the firmware update process.
3. Resetting your PS5 controller
You can follow the steps below to reset your PS5 controller and resolve the drifting issue.
Step 1: Turn off your PS5 console before locating the hole at the back of your controller.
Step 2: Use a small pin to press the reset button inside the small hole next to the Sony logo on your controller.
Step 3: Press the Reset button using the small pin for at least 5 seconds before releasing it.
Step 4: Take the Dual Sense controller and use the USB-C cable to plug it into the PS5 console.
Step 5: Press the PS button to turn on your PS5 console and complete the controller resetting process.
4. Recalibrating the Input Threshold on your PS5 controller
You can follow the steps below to recalibrate the Input Threshold on your PS5 controller.
Step 1: Calibrating the Input Threshold depends on the type of game you are playing. However, you can start by navigating to the Game Settings section.
Step 2: Locate the Controller settings section before selecting the Input Threshold settings.
Step 3: Modify the Input Threshold for the two joysticks to your preference before exiting the settings section for your controller.
5. Lowering the trigger intensity on your PS5 controller
Follow the steps below to lower the trigger intensity on your PS5 controller.
Step 1: Navigate to the PS5 homepage before selecting the Settings section at the top right corner of your screen.
Step 2: Locate the Accessibility section before picking the Controllers section.
Step 3: Proceed to disable the Haptic feedback feature or modify the Trigger Effect Intensity to your preference.
6. Resetting the Bluetooth connection for your PS5 controller
Resetting the Bluetooth connection can help fix the drifting issue on your PS5 controller. Follow the steps below to reset the Bluetooth connection on your PS5 controller.
Step 1: Navigate to the PS5 homepage before selecting the Settings icon at the top right corner of your screen.
Step 2: Access the Accessories section before navigating to the General section.
Step 3: Locate the Accessories option on the right pane before selecting it.
Step 4: Select the Turn Off BlueTooth option before tapping on the Continue button to complete the process.
Step 5: Restart the Bluetooth connection afterward before checking if there is still drifting on your PS5 controller.
7. Cleaning your PS5 controller
Clean your PS5 controller around the joysticks and buttons using a cloth dipped in Isopropyl alcohol. Cleaning the joysticks and buttons helps loosen dirt/debris that causes the drift effect on your PS5 controller.
Conclusion
You can take your controller to a PS5 store if the problem persists after performing the troubleshooting tips. You can get a PS5 technician/specialist at a PS5 store who can help you resolve the drift issue on your controller. The technician/specialist can help you decide to have the PS5 controller fixed or purchase a new controller.
