Fix your Xbox controller drift with these solutions

The Xbox One and its controllers’ functionality and high-end graphics gaming experience are unparalleled. These controllers, known as Xbox controllers, can, however, experience drifting problems. Do you too have issues with Xbox controller drift? Let’s try to solve it.

Before we know how we can resolve the Xbox controller drift, we need to see its causes for our better understanding. 

Possible reasons for Xbox controller drift issue

• Internal Analog Stick Failure- Sometimes the issue with your Xbox One controller is with the analog stick. The internal circuit is to blame, therefore no matter how much work you put into cleaning up your controller, the drifting problem persists. A sensor component on the analog stick is connected to the controller’s internal circuit board. You would refer to an analog stick or thumbstick’s internal failure if the issue is with the sensor component or circuit board.
• Unclean Analog Sticks- As was previously indicated, casual gamers frequently disregard the condition of their Xbox One controllers. The analog sticks on the controller start to fail as a result of the excessive accumulation of dust over time, which creates drifting problems. Additionally, as time goes on, the thumbsticks start to wear down after a lengthy period of dust collection. The worn-out analog sticks guarantee more drifting issues that demand prompt fixes.
• Ineffective Springs- The analog stick is made up of two key components: the sensor section and the spring-loaded portion. Once the thumb is taken off the analog stick, these springs are in charge of repositioning it. Nevertheless, frequent usage of the controller may lead to worn-out springs, which causes the controller to drift.

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How to Correct Xbox Controller drift?

Since the causes of the Xbox One controller drift issue have previously been covered, let’s focus on the solutions that may be able to assist you in fixing the issue. The following are some fixes for Xbox controller drift-

1. Attempt to clean the analog sticks

The simplest option to try first is to clean your Xbox One controller’s analog stick. The analog stick pad on your controller can still be in good condition. Therefore, a quick clean-up will undoubtedly be helpful in this situation.

Please adhere to the instructions below to thoroughly clean the analog stick pads.

• Isopropyl alcohol should be placed on one of the sides of a cotton bud.
• Clean the analog stick pad with a rounded surface with the cotton bud that has been wet.
• Please be careful to rotate the stick back and forth and side to side to completely wipe the pad.
• You can test the controller if you think you cleaned the pad properly. However, you can open the controller, which is a difficult process, if the controller continues to wander.

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2. Close the Xbox One controller’s case

You can use T8 and T9 safety Torx to open up the controller by removing its components if cleaning the analog stick pads does not stop the device from drifting. The Xbox One controller is being disassembled to see if the analog sticks are in the right place.

Additionally, you may check to see whether the sticks are loose. Try replacing the analog stick pads with new ones if they seem sloppy to you.

3. Repair or replace the analog stick springs if possible.

The analog stick springs on your Xbox One controller are a significant contributor to drifting. These springs go through laborious processes throughout time, as was previously indicated. To verify the condition of the springs, kindly follow the instructions below-

• Start by taking apart your Xbox One controller.
• You must carefully peel off the green plastic covers at the bottom because if you damage even one of them, the entire analog stick will need to be replaced.
• Try carefully removing the springs with the tweezers.
• After installing the new springs, precisely reassemble the controller.

4. Completely swap out the analog sticks

The two solutions suggested above frequently fail for certain people. It’s possible that both analog sticks need to be replaced. It is one of the most difficult chores to attempt to replace the analog sticks on your Xbox One controller, therefore if you are not skilled at soldering and de-soldering, we encourage you to get professional assistance.

You may change the analog sticks by carefully following the procedures outlined below, despite the operation being dangerous for a non-professional-

• Start by using T8 and T9 Torx screws to disassemble your Xbox One controller. T7 will also be necessary for this instance to disassemble the circuit board.
• A soldered connection exists between the circuit board and the analog stick. Therefore, in order to remove the analog stick from the board, you require de-soldering tools.
• The new analog stick assembly should then be placed on the circuit board and properly soldered.
• Finally, you must reassemble the controller piece by piece, then check to see if the controller drift problem is still present.

Your Xbox One controller drifting is unquestionably a bothersome problem. The one benefit of the issue is that it is rather prevalent, making a variety of solutions available. Here are those solutions that you can use to resolve Xbox controller drift.