How to Fix Stick Drift PS4: Tips and Tricks

Introduction

Do you suffer from sticky joysticks or sudden movements in your PS4 controller? Have you ever shouted in frustration because this happening? If so, your PS4 controller is suffering from what is known as “stick drift,” which can be a maddening experience for any gamer. But before you panic and throw away your controller, we will discuss some helpful tips that you can try to fix this problem. In this article, we will explore six strategies for eliminating stick drift from your PS4 controller. Follow these tips and become a master of your games.

Start with the Basics

The first and most obvious fix for stick drift in your PS4 controller is to give it a good cleaning. Sometimes the problem comes from dirt and grime buildup in the joystick, so it’s essential to clean your controller thoroughly. You can use rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs to get into tight spaces. You may also use a water-dampened cloth for exterior cleaning, but don’t let water seep inside the controller. Here are the tools you will need for cleaning;

• A soft cloth
• A toothbrush or small brush
• A small bowl of water
• A few cotton swabs
• Rubbing alcohol

To clean your controller:

1. Unplug the controller from the console and remove the battery
2. Use the toothbrush to gently brush away any dirt or grime on the controller exterior
3. Moisten a small portion of the cloth with water and wipe the exterior gently
4. Moisten a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol and clean the seams and pockets of the controller
5. Let the controller dry completely

Calibration is the Key

Calibration is another strategy that can help eliminate the problem of stick drift on your PS4 controller. Calibration means that you will be resetting the controller so that the device reads the joystick’s neutral point correctly. Here are the steps to follow to calibrate your PS4 controller:

1. Turn off the PlayStation 4 console
2. Connect the controller to the console using a USB cable
3. Press and hold the PlayStation button on the controller to turn it on
4. Wait until the controller light turns blue, then release the PlayStation button
5. Select “Settings” from the home screen menu and then choose “Devices”
6. Select “Bluetooth Devices”
7. Select the “Wireless Controller” option, and then choose “Disconnect”
8. Select “Connect a DualShock 4 Controller” and follow the onscreen instructions to complete calibration

Before recalibrating the controller, ensure that the joystick is in its default position. The calibration process can be somewhat challenging, but if you follow all the steps correctly, you can reset your controller’s neutral point and restore control for better gameplay.

Adjust Dead Zones

Another great method to minimize stick drift is to adjust the dead zones of the controller. Dead zones are the areas on the joystick that have no effect on the game. When you adjust the dead zones of your controller, you can effectively remove all unwanted interruptive movements. Here is how to adjust the dead zones:

1. Turn on the console and wait until the home screen appears
2. Open the “Settings” menu and select “Devices”
3. Click “Controllers” and select “Landing and Lazing Dead Zones”
4. Use the onscreen instructions to adjust the size of the dead zones
5. Test the joystick after you adjust the settings

You may need to fine-tune the dead zones to eliminate stick drifts completely. Be sure not to exaggerate the dead zones because that may adversely affect gameplay.

Check Firmware

Firmware in your PS4 controller is another likely culprit for stick drift. In such a case, the firmware may be corrupted and need an update OR it may not be up to date. Checking and updating firmware is a relatively simple process. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Turn on the PlayStation 4 console and select “Settings”
2. Select “System Settings” then choose “System Information”
3. Check your current version of the PS4 controller firmware
4. Navigate to the PlayStation site and download the required updates
5. Connect the controller to the PlayStation 4 via USB cable and update the firmware following the on-screen instructions

PS4 firmware updates are frequent and usually contain bug fixes, improvements, and compatibility updates. Thus, it is essential to check your firmware version frequently.

Replace the Sticks

In cases where all the above methods fail, joystick replacement is the ultimate option. Replacing the sticks is relatively easy, and it’s a cheap fix if you’re handy with a few tools. Note that you may need to buy a pair of sticks for your controller. Here’s the step-by-step process for replacing the sticks:

1. Unscrew the controller and remove the back panel
2. Remove the circuit board or the motherboard to access the joysticks
3. Detach the existing joystick from the circuit board
4. Attach the new joystick to the circuit board and reassemble the controller

Be sure to buy the right size and make sure that you don’t damage any connecting wires or cables while opening the controller lid.

Talk to Customer Support

If, after all these attempts, you still suffer from stick drift, it’s time to get in touch with the customer support team. Sony has an excellent support system in place, and customer service representatives are always available to help. Here’s how you can contact them:

• Visit Sony’s customer support website at https://www.playstation.com/en-gb/get help/
• Select the problem you’re experiencing from the list of available options
• Select the contact option of your choice (live chat, phone, or email)
• Provide your details and explain your problem.

You may need to provide proof of purchase, your PS4 serial number, and other details, so be sure to have that information handy.

Preventing Stick Drift

As they say, “prevention is better than cure.” There are several preventative measures that you can take to avoid stick drift from occurring on your PS4 controller. First, clean it regularly to prevent gunk buildup. You can also use a protective case to keep your controller in pristine condition. Most importantly, be gentle with your controller. Use the controller appropriately and handle it with care.

Conclusion

Stick drift on your PS4 controller can be incredibly frustrating, but with these helpful tips, you can fix your controller and continue enjoying your gaming ventures. Remember to start with the basics, calibration and dead zones, and firmware and replacement if all else fails. If none of these tips work, use the customer support system. Finally, don’t forget preventative measures for future events. Keep your controller clean and use it with care.