When an Xbox One controller begins to drift, you will usually notice unwanted movement while playing games. Controller drift, also known as analog stick drift, occurs when one or both thumbsticks drift or move in an undesirable direction even when you are not touching them.
To repair Xbox One controller drift, disassemble the controller and repair or replace one or more analog stick-related components.
What Is Controller Drift?
The most common problem is drift in the left analog stick, which causes your character to constantly look up in first-person games. The right stick, on the other hand, can suffer from drift issues. You may also notice that when you move one of the analog sticks in any direction, it continues to register that movement even after you remove your thumb from the stick.
There are three major causes of Xbox One controller drift:
- Worn-out thumbstick pad: Each thumbstick is made up of a boxy sensor component on top of a moveable shaft and a rubber or plastic component that snaps onto the shaft. If the rubber or plastic piece wears out, replacing or repairing it will solve your drifting problem. In some cases, dirty thumbstick pads can cause a similar problem.
- Worn-out springs: Each thumbstick sensor component has two springs that help snap it back to the center when your thumb is removed. You’ll notice drift when one or both springs wear out. The problem is resolved by replacing the springs.
- Bad thumbstick unit: Each thumbstick is made up of a boxy sensor component that is soldered to the controller circuit board. This component may fail internally, in which case the only solution is to replace it.
How To Fix This Problem?
since this issue will likely be caused by one of the aforementioned reasons, in order to fix it, all you have to do is fix the issue causing it. We shall consider the solutions for all problems mentioned above one by one.
Fixing Worn-Out Thumbstick Pads
If you notice that your Xbox One controller has thumbstick drift, you should start with the simplest fixes and work your way up.
- Use a cotton swab to apply isopropyl alcohol.
- Pry the thumbstick back and gently wipe the rounded surface with alcohol. Rotate the thumbstick incrementally, cleaning it thoroughly.
- Check that you’ve thoroughly cleaned the thumbstick and tested its operation.
- Disassemble your Xbox One controller with a pry tool and T-8 or T-9 safety Torx if the thumbstick still sticks or drifts.
- Check the thumbsticks to see if they’re properly positioned, and wiggle them to see if they’re loose. Remove the thumbstick pads if they feel loose.
- Replace the thumbstick pads, or reinstall them with a shim such as a sliver of paper or plastic, and check to see if they are loose.
- Reassemble the controller and run it through its paces.
Fixing Worn-Out Springs
If you still have drift after attempting to repair your thumbstick pads or determining that they are not dirty or loose, the next easiest fix is to replace your thumbstick springs. If only one thumbstick is giving you trouble, replace only that thumbstick’s springs.
- Using a pry tool and T-8 or T-9 safety Torx, disassemble your controller.
- Pry off the green plastic covers on the bottom and right side of the thumbstick assembly with care.
- Take out the springs.
- Replace with new springs or springs from a different controller.
- Replace the green plastic covers by snapping them back into place.
- Reassemble your controller and run it through its paces.
Fixing Bad Thumbstick Unit
In some cases, one or both of your analog sticks will simply wear out and need to be replaced. This is an even more difficult repair, and you should avoid it if you are unfamiliar with desoldering and soldering.
- Disassemble your controller with a pry tool, T-8 or T-9 safety Torx, and a T-7 Torx to remove the circuit board.
- Remove the old analog stick assembly from the circuit board with a desoldering tool.
- Insert and solder in the new analog stick assembly.
- Reassemble the controller and run it through its paces.
Also read:- [Answered] If I Bought Minecraft For Xbox Can I Play On PC?
Conclusion
These tips ought to do the job. If they don’t work, then It could be time to invest in a new controller. At the very least, you’ll know you gave it your all.
If you have any doubt regarding the fixes provided here, leave them in the comments down below.
Good luck!