How to Fix Controller Stick Drift
- Raymond van Wyk
- Aug 9
- 4 min read
All gaming console controllers can get stick drift, and it's usually due to wear and tear. We'll show you how to fix controller stick drift, what causes it, and the best controller repair technicians in South Africa.
Disclaimer: We highly recommend sending your controller with stick drift to a repair technician. Trying to repair it yourself could result in further damage.
Does My Controller Have Stick Drift?
Controller stick drift is usually quite easy to notice. If your controller does any of the following, it's most likely due to stick drift:
Stick drift: The cursor moves even when you're not touching the stick.
Dead zones: Movement isn’t registered until the stick is pushed far.
Inconsistent response: Jerky or delayed input.
Who Can Fix Controller Stick Drift?
Why use the best technicians? These top-rated technicians in South Africa use precision equipment to ensure a long-lasting stick drift repair with original components.
Ruiter Electronics (PTA)
📱 WhatsApp or Call: 0628035834
Contact Ruiter Electronics for expert controller stick drift repairs in Pretoria or use their collect, repair, and deliver service anywhere in South Africa.
Delta 5 (Centurion/PTA)
📞 Call: 0126648903 (Centurion) / 0125677911 (PTA)
Delta 5 is a well-known console repair center with branches in Pretoria and Centurion. They provide high-quality repairs for all controllers.
What is Stick Drift?
Stick drift causes movement in games without you doing anything on the controller. It's one of the most common controller repairs and is completely normal.
Inside your controller, there are two electronic sensors (potentiometers) on each analog, which pick up the direction you're pushing the analog and how far you're pushing it.
When these sensors are dirty or worn, they can no longer accurately determine your input or might pick up movement randomly.
What Causes Controller Stick Drift?
The potentiometers pick up every single movement you apply to the controller analog, and as you can imagine, they work constantly. Games such as FIFA are known to cause a lot of wear on these sensors due to the amount of movement you need to make.
Inside the potentiometer, there's a small wire (the wiper) that runs along a resistive track to accurately determine your movement. Eventually, this will wear out, usually after quite a lot of input.
When they wear, they will cause stick drift, and the only way to fix it is to replace those potentiometers or the entire analog.
Controller Stick Drift Tester
You can test if your controller has stick drift using a computer or your mobile device by downloading an app. Here's how you can test your controller:
Xbox Controller Stick Drift Test
Xbox consoles have a built-in controller tester. Connect your controller to the console, go to settings > Devices and Connection > Choose your Controller and select the test option.
This will allow you to see if all the buttons work and point out if there's movement without your input. While it's a quick way to test your controller for stick drift, it can be less accurate compared to other methods.
Xbox, PS4, and PS5 Stick Drift Tester Website
You can test your Xbox, Nintendo, PS4, and PS5 controllers for stick drift by visiting the controller tester website as well.
You'll need to connect your controller to your PC or mobile device, which will be picked up by the website automatically.
In the image, you can see that the left analog is pointing to the right without our input, indicating stick drift.
Did You Know? Ruiter Electronics can repair your controller stick drift in less than a day. Contact them on WhatsApp or call 0628035834 to repair your PS4, PS5, Xbox, or Nintendo controller.
Test Your Controller with a Mobile App
You can also test your controller for stick drift on your smartphone or tablet by downloading the "Game Controller Tester".
You'll need to connect your controller to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth, open the app, and test the buttons and analogs.
If the analogs are yellow and show movement, your controller has stick drift.
Can I Fix Controller Stick Drift Myself?
While it is possible to fix it yourself, you'll need a new analog, a soldering iron, and the skills to do fine soldering work. Even then, we would still recommend using an experienced technician.
There are multiple risks when trying to fix stick drift yourself, including irreversible damage to the controller board, which is very expensive to repair.
The analog is not easy to remove, which is why technicians use advanced tools to ensure it's done right and accurately. Besides, you won't be saving much, and it will most likely take you much longer than just having it repaired.
Controller Stick Drift FAQ
Why does my controller move by itself?
If your controller causes movement without your input, it could indicate stick drift. You can test for it using a website or mobile app we recommend.
Who can fix controller stick drift?
We highly recommend Ruiter Electronics and Delta 5 for controller repairs. They are located in Pretoria and Centurion and are experts at fixing controller drift and other console repairs.
How do I fix PS5 controller stick drift?
If your PS5 controller has stick drift, you'll need to send it to a technician. We recommend Ruiter Electronics for PS5 stick drift repairs. They are fast and reliable.
Will the stick drift on my Xbox controller go away?
No, stick drift is caused by wear on the sensors in the controller. Therefore, it has to be repaired by a technician. For Xbox controllers, we recommend Delta 5 in Pretoria or Centurion.
How long does it take to repair stick drift on PS4 controllers?
Ruiter Electronics in Pretoria can usually complete stick drift repairs within a day (if it's not too busy). Otherwise, it will take up to 2 days.
Is there a way to prevent stick drift on PlayStation and Xbox Controllers?
Ruiter Electronics can upgrade your controllers with Hall Effect, which is known to last much longer than regular controller analogs. Talk to them about upgrading your controller to make it last longer.
What stick drift tester can I use?
You can connect your controller to your computer or mobile device via Bluetooth and use the website or mobile apps we recommend to test your controller buttons and analogs.
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