How to test your controller
- Connect your controller with a USB cable or pair it over Bluetooth.
- Press any button. Browsers keep gamepads hidden until you do — this is a privacy feature, not a bug.
- Press everything once. The button checklist above tracks which inputs you've verified working.
- Run the drift test with the controller resting on a table, then the circularity and vibration tests.
What the drift numbers mean
The drift test measures how far each stick sits from true centre while untouched. Here's how to read your result:
| Resting deflection | Verdict | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Under 2% | Rock solid | Nothing — your stick is in great shape. |
| 2–5% | Healthy | Normal sensor noise. Games hide this inside their default deadzone. |
| 5–10% | Minor drift | Raise the in-game deadzone just above your measured value, and try the cleaning steps below. |
| Over 10% | Significant drift | Clean the stick base; if it persists, the sensor module needs repair or replacement. |
How to fix stick drift
Drift is almost always one of three things: debris under the stick, a worn potentiometer, or a weakened centring spring. In order of effort:
PS5 DualSense / PS4 DualShock
- Power off, then rotate the stick firmly through its full range a dozen times — this often dislodges debris.
- Blast short bursts of compressed air around the stick base while moving it.
- Update the controller firmware (Settings → Accessories on PS5).
- Persistent drift inside the first year is covered by Sony's warranty; out of warranty, replacement stick modules (including drift-proof Hall-effect ones) are an affordable repair.
Xbox Series / Xbox One
- Power cycle the controller (hold the Xbox button 6 seconds), then test again.
- Update firmware in the Xbox Accessories app on console or PC.
- Clean around the stick skirt with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab.
Switch Joy-Con / Pro Controller
- Recalibrate first: System Settings → Controllers and Sensors → Calibrate Control Sticks.
- Lift the rubber skirt gently and clean underneath with isopropyl alcohol.
- Nintendo repairs drifting Joy-Cons free of charge in many regions — check their support site before paying for anything.
For a deeper walkthrough, use the dedicated stick drift test.
What the circularity test tells you
Rolling the stick around its edge should produce a near-perfect circle. If the trace dips inward at certain angles, the sensor is wearing unevenly — you'll feel it as inconsistent aim sensitivity in shooters. Under 5% error is a healthy stick; some controllers with square-ish gates naturally bulge past the reference ring at the diagonals, which is normal and not a fault.
Frequently asked questions
How do I test my controller for stick drift?
Connect your controller, press any button, then click Start drift test and put the controller down. The tool measures where each stick rests for 6 seconds. Under 5% resting deflection is healthy, 5–10% is minor drift (raise your in-game deadzone), and over 10% means the stick needs cleaning or repair.
Why is my controller moving by itself?
That's stick drift: the analog stick reports movement when you aren't touching it. It's usually caused by worn potentiometers, dust or debris under the stick, or a weakened centering spring. Run the drift test to measure how bad it is, then follow the fix guide above.
Does this work with PS5, Xbox and Switch controllers?
Yes. Any controller your computer or phone recognises works: PS5 DualSense, PS4 DualShock, Xbox Series and Xbox One pads, Switch Pro Controller, Joy-Cons (paired individually), 8BitDo and most generic USB or Bluetooth gamepads. It also works on Android phones over Bluetooth.
Why isn't my controller detected?
Browsers hide gamepads until you press a button on them, so press any button first. If it still doesn't appear: check the USB cable or Bluetooth pairing, close Steam and other game launchers (they can capture the controller), and try Chrome or Edge, which have the best Gamepad API support.
Is my controller input sent to a server?
No. The test runs entirely in your browser using the standard Gamepad API. This site is static — there is no server-side processing, and nothing you press is transmitted anywhere.
What deadzone should I use?
Set the deadzone just above your measured resting drift. Most games default to 5–10%. If your drift test shows 7% resting deflection, an 8–9% deadzone hides it; past about 10%, fixing the stick beats masking it.
What does circularity error mean?
Rotating the stick around its edge should trace a circle. Circularity error is how much the measured radius wobbles around that circle: under 2% is excellent, under 5% is a typical healthy stick, and over 9% suggests worn hardware that will hurt aim consistency.
More free tools
Focused version of this tool: Stick Drift Test · Everything else: all Alienated Tools.