Tech & Auto
Why Your Xbox Series X|S Controller Is Drifting (And How To Fix It)
By MONICA J. WHITE
Controller drifting can be an annoying problem when gaming. Luckily, you can take some simple steps to address controller drift on your Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.
Ease of repair varies depending on what is causing the stick drift. The problem can be due to dust and dirt build-up or wear and tear from prolonged usage.
To remove build-up, get a can of compressed air with a straw. Shake the can, attach the straw, turn the controller off, and remove the battery if it’s wireless.
Blow some air into the bottom of your analog sticks in quick, short bursts. Move your controller around as you do this, then wipe it dry and let it sit for a few minutes.
You can also clean the thumbsticks with a cotton swab and some alcohol. Isopropyl Alcohol is ideal for this purpose, as it can break down oily substances and dries fast.
If cleaning doesn’t work, you can open the controller to try to fix the problem. However, this will completely void any remaining warranty you might have.
Start by removing the batteries or unplugging the controller. Afterward, pull the chassis off from the left and the right part, and use a flathead screwdriver to remove the screws.
Push up on the chassis’ back until the front side comes off, remove the analog stick, and tighten the gray plastic clip. If that doesn’t work, try removing the clip.
If it’s still under warranty, you can contact Microsoft Support for Xbox and try to either have it replaced or repaired. You can also contact the store where you bought it.
Other solutions include restarting or resyncing the controller, updating its firmware, and adjusting the deadzone, though the last option can be complex.