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What Does Xbox Controller Drift Mean?
Before we get into the solutions for fixing the controller drift issue, let’s define what controller drift is on the Xbox One. To make things easier to understand, you may have noticed that the character continues to stare upward even when you are not holding control!
When you haven’t hit a single button on your device, the character will continue to move in circles. Even if you want the character to run in a given way, if controller drift is present, the character will continue to run or move in the same direction even if you leave the joystick. Isn’t it a tad annoying?
The circumstances described above frequently occur when your controller has a drifting problem, which can lose you victory in various games. So, let’s look at the reasons why your device is drifting.
Causes Of Xbox One Controller Drift
There are various reasons why the analog stick on your controller is drifting. Finding the source of the problem aids in the speedy resolution of the issue. Let there be some light on the grounds;
1. Analog Stick Internal Failure
The fault can sometimes be found in the analog stick of your Xbox One controller. The drifting problem persists because the internal circuit is to blame, no matter how much work you put into cleaning up your device. The analog stick has a sensor component that connects to the controller’s internal circuit board.
You’ll call it an internal failure of the analog stick/thumbstick if the issue is with the sensor portion of the circuit board.
2. Dirty Analog Sticks
As previously stated, casual gamers frequently overlook the hygiene of their Xbox One controllers. Dust builds in large volumes over time, causing the analog sticks on the controller to malfunction, resulting in drifting issues.
Furthermore, due to a long period of dust deposition, the thumbsticks become worn down over time. The worn-out analog sticks will cause further drifting issues, which will demand rapid attention.
3. Springs That Are Not Working
The analog stick comprises two main components: the sensor and the springs. These springs are in charge of repositioning the analog stick once the thumb has been withdrawn. However, regular controller usage can wear out the springs, resulting in controller drifting.
Read more: How To Fix Sticky Buttons On Xbox Controller?
How To Fix Xbox One Controller Drift
When it comes to controller troubles, it’s always a good idea to start with the basics. Given that we’ve already addressed the causes of the controller drift, let’s focus on the solutions that can assist you in resolving the issue so that you can continue to enjoy your favorite Xbox games on one of the most significant platforms;
1. Try Cleaning Up The Analog Sticks
Cleaning your Xbox One controller’s analog stick is the most straightforward approach, to begin with. Perhaps the analog stick pad on your controller hasn’t worn out yet. In this scenario, basic cleaning will undoubtedly be beneficial.
Please follow the methods outlined below to clean the thumbstick pads properly.
- Dip one of the sides of a cotton bud in isopropyl alcohol.
- Clean the analog stick pad with a rounded surface with the damp cotton bud.
- Make sure the pad is completely clear by turning the stick back and forth and side to side.
- You can test the controller if you think you’ve cleaned the pad correctly. If the controller continues to drift, you can open it, which is a difficult task.
2. Take the Xbox One Controller Out Of The box.
If cleaning the analog stick pads does not cause the controller to drift away, you can disassemble the controller using T8 and T9 safety Torx. The device disassembly aims to see if the analog sticks are in the wrong position. You’ll also be able to tell if the sticks are loose or not.
If you notice that the analog stick pads are loose, try replacing them with new ones.
Also read: How To Unpair Xbox One Controller?
3. Try To Repair or Replace the Analog Stick Springs.
The control stick springs are another important reason for your controller to drift. These springs, as previously said, go through a series of wear-and-tear processes throughout time. To check the status of springs, please follow the instructions outlined below.
- Start by taking apart your Xbox One controller.
- There are green plastic covers at the bottom that you must pry off with extreme caution, as any damage here will result in the thumbstick being replaced entirely.
- Carefully remove the springs with the tweezers.
- Replace the springs and reassemble the controller correctly.
4. Completely Replace the Analog Sticks
The two fixes listed above may or may not work for certain folks. Both analog sticks may need to be replaced. Suppose you want to replace the analog sticks on your device. In that case, it’s one of the most challenging operations, so if you’re not comfortable soldering and de-soldering, we recommend hiring a pro.
Though the procedure is dangerous for an amateur, you can change the analog sticks by carefully following the procedures outlined below.
Start by removing the T8 and T9 Torx from your Xbox One controller. T7, on the other hand, will be required to disassemble the circuit board.
A soldered connection connects the circuit board and the control stick. As a result, de-soldering equipment is required to separate the stick from the board.
After that, please insert the new analog stick assembly on the circuit board and solder it in place.
Finally, reassemble the controller and check to see if the controller drift problem persists.
Check out our post if you want to learn How To Turn Off Controller Vibration on Xbox One?
