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%Start How to Fix Xbox One Controller Drift GA
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REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Gaming > Consoles & PCs 50 50 people found this article helpful
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When not researching and testing computers, game consoles or smartphones, he stays up-to-date on the myriad complex systems that power battery electric vehicles . lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on April 18, 2022 Reviewed by Jessica Kormos Reviewed by
Jessica Kormos Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Jessica Kormos is a writer and editor with 15 years' experience writing articles, copy, and UX content for Tecca.com, Rosenfeld Media, and many others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email
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Expand Jump to a Section About Controller Drift Fix Worn-Out Thumbstick Pads Replace Thumbstick Springs Replace the Analog Stick Frequently Asked Questions When an Xbox One controller starts suffering from drift, you’ll typically notice unwanted movement while playing games.
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It’s called controller drift, or analog stick drift, because one or both thumbsticks will drift, or move, in an undesired direction even when you aren’t touching them. To fix Xbox One controller drift, you need to take the controller apart and repair or replace one or more components related to the analog sticks.
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What Is Xbox One Controller Drift
The most common situation involves drift in the left analog stick, which usually manifests in your character constantly looking up in first-person games. However, the right stick can also suffer from drift issues.
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You may also notice that when you move one of the analog sticks in any direction, it will continue registering that movement even after taking your thumb off the stick. When Xbox One controller drift occurs, there are three main causes: Worn out thumbstick pad: Each thumbstick consists of a boxy sensor component with a moveable shaft on top and a rubber or plastic component that snaps onto the shaft. If the rubber or plastic piece becomes worn, replacing or repairing it will fix your drift issue.
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In some cases, a similar issue can be caused by dirty thumbstick pads.Worn out springs: Each thumbstick sensor component has two springs that help snap it back to the center whenever you remove your thumb. When one or both springs wear out, you’ll notice drift.
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Replacing the springs fixes that problem.Bad thumbstick unit: Each thumbstick consists of a boxy sensor component that’s soldered to the controller circuit board. This component can fail internally, in which case the only possible fix is to replace it with a new part.
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How to Fix Worn Out Thumbstick Pads
If you notice that your Xbox One controller is suffering from thumbstick drift, you’ll want to start with the easiest fixes and continue from there. While dirty or worn out thumbstick pads don’t represent the most common source of this problem, this is the best place to start since it’s the easiest and fastest thing to try out.
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To perform this fix, you’ll need: Isopropyl alcoholCotton swabsPrying toolT-8 or T-9 safety TorxShim of your choosing or replacement thumbstick pads Once you’ve gathered those items, here’s how to perform the fix: Apply isopropyl alcohol to a cotton swab. Jeremy Laukkonen Pry back the thumbstick, and carefully wipe the rounded surface with alcohol.
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Jeremy Laukkonen Rotate the thumbstick incrementally, carefully cleaning the entire thing. Jeremy Laukkonen Check to make sure that you’ve fully cleaned the thumbstick, and test operation.
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Jeremy Laukkonen If the thumbstick still sticks or drifts, disassemble your Xbox One controller using a pry tool and T-8 or T-9 safety Torx. Jeremy Laukkonen Check the thumbsticks to see if they're positioned correctly, and try wiggling them to see if they're loose.
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Jeremy Laukkonen If the thumbstick pads feel loose, remove them. Jeremy Laukkonen Replace the thumbstick pads with new ones, or reinstall with a shim like a sliver of paper or plastic, and check to see if they feel loose.
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Jeremy Laukkonen Reassemble the controller and test operation.
How to Fix Worn Out Xbox One Controller Thumbstick Springs
If you still experience drift after attempting to fix your thumbstick pads or determine that they were neither dirty nor loose, then the next easiest fix is to replace your thumbstick springs.
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If only one thumbstick is giving you trouble, only replace the springs on that thumbstick. To perform this fix, you’ll need: Prying toolT-8 safety TorxAnalog stick springsTweezers A lot of controllers, including Xbox 360 controllers, use the same analog stick component as the Xbox One controllers, so you can take springs from an old controller. You can also buy a replacement analog stick and take the springs from that.
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Here’s how to replace the springs in an Xbox One controller analog stick: Disassemble your controller using a pry tool and T-8 or T-9 safety Torx. Jeremy Laukkonen Carefully pry off the green plastic covers on the bottom and right side of the thumbstick assembly.
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Jeremy Laukkonen If you break either plastic cap, you will have to replace the entire analog stick module, which requires soldering. Remove the springs. Jeremy Laukkonen Use tweezers if you're having trouble removing the spring.
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Replace with new springs, or springs taken from another controller. Jeremy Laukkonen Snap the green plastic covers back into place.
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Jeremy Laukkonen Reassemble your controller and test operation.
How to Replace an Xbox One Controller Analog Stick
In some cases, you’ll find that one or both of your analog sticks are just worn out and need to be replaced.
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This is an even more complicated repair, and you shouldn’t attempt it if you aren’t comfortable with desoldering and soldering. Don't attempt this fix if you don't have experience desoldering components from a circuit board.
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Any mistakes with the desoldering tool or soldering iron could easily ruin your controller. If you want to attempt this fix, you’ll need: Prying toolT-8 or T-9 safety TorxT-7 TorxDesoldering toolSoldering toolSolderReplacement analog stick assembly Here’s how to replace an Xbox One controller analog stick: Disassemble your controller using a pry tool and T-8 or T-9 safety Torx to take apart the case and a T-7 Torx to remove the circuit board. Jeremy Laukkonen Use a desoldering tool to remove the old analog stick assembly from the circuit board.
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Jeremy Laukkonen Insert the new analog stick assembly, and solder it in place. Jeremy Laukkonen Reassemble the controller and test operation. If these tips aren't resolving the issue(s), it might be time to spring for a new controller.
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At least you'll know you gave it your best shot. Game Console Reviews & Buying Guides FAQ How do I fix sticky buttons on an Xbox One controller? If you're experiencing sticky buttons on an Xbox One controller, unplug the controller and dip a cotton swab into rubbing alcohol.
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Gently clean the area where the button is sticky, carefully accessing all the nooks and crannies you can reach. How do I fix an Xbox One controller that won't turn on? To fix an Xbox controller that won't turn on, try installing new batteries.
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Check the battery contacts, which should extend at an angle. Use a prying tool if you need to bend one back out.
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Also, check your cables and update your Xbox One controller firmware. How do I update an Xbox One controller? To update an Xbox One controller's firmware, turn it on and sign in to the Xbox Network.
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Press the Xbox One button to open the guide and go to System > Settings > Kinect & devices > Devices & accessories. Select More (three dots) > Firmware version > Update now.
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