How to Fix Xbox Controller Drift? Top 5 Methods to Fix the Issue

Xbox Controller Drift

The first sign of Xbox controller drift is usually unwanted movement during a game. After a period of time, drift gets bad enough to affect your performance in games. What causes Xbox controller drift? Well, a careless and irresponsible action while cleaning up the Xbox One console may result in it. Besides, factors as below can lead to Xbox controller drift too.

• Internal failure of analog stick
• Worn out thumbstick pad
• Worn out springs
• Bad thumbstick unit
• Dirty analog sticks
• Malfunctioning springs

How to fix stick drift Xbox One? Here are some methods for you. Simply pick one to repair the issue.

Method 1: Clean the Xbox One Controller

The following steps show you how to fix controller drift Xbox One.

Step 1: Disconnect and turn off your Xbox One controller by pressing the Xbox button for 5-10 seconds.

Step 2: Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a cotton swab or soft cloth, and then wipe the analog stick especially at the base.

Step 3: Move the stick around when you clean so that you can cover more area.

Step 4: Repeat this process for the other analog sticks.

Step 5: Press one analog stick as far as it will go in one direction and then spray the compressed air into the stick base on the opposite side.

Step 6: Slowly roll the stick around while continuously spraying the base with air.

Step 7: Try gently pulling the analog stick up or pressing it down when you push it all the way to one side.

Step 8: Repeat this process with the other analog stick.

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Method 2: Power Cycle Xbox One

How to fix stick drift Xbox One? You can repair it simply by performing a power cycle.

Step 1: Press and hold the Xbox button on the console for 10 seconds at least to open the Power center.

Step 2: Unplug the power supply from your console and wait for 3 minutes or so.

Step 3: Plug the power supply back into the Xbox console.

Step 4: Turn on the console by pressing the Xbox button.

Step 5: Press and hold the Xbox button on the controller until it gets it. If Xbox wireless controller flashes, it indicates that the Xbox controller drift issue is fixed.

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Method 3: Replace Xbox Controller Batteries

If batteries of the Xbox controller run out, you could encounter the Xbox controller drift issue as well. If so, you should replace its batteries with new ones.

Step 1: Press the pair button on the console, which is next to the USB port.

Step 2: Keep pressing the button until the Xbox button gets lit or flashes.

Step 3: When connected, the Xbox logo will stay lit.

Method 4: Fix or Replace the Analog Sticks Springs

Step 1: Dissemble your Xbox One controller.

Step 2: At the bottom, you will see green plastic covers that should be pried off vigilantly because damaging a single item needs you replace the whole analog stick.

Step 3: Carefully remove the springs with tweezers.

Step 4: Insert the new springs and reassemble the controller correctly.

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Method 5: Replace the Entire Analog Stick

Replacing the analog sticks on the controller is one of the most complicated tasks. You should take care while executing the operation. Here is the step-by-step guide on how to fix controller drift.

Step 1: Disassemble your Xbox One controller with T8 and T9 Torx. To pull apart the circuit board, you need T7.

Step 2: As the analog stick has a soldered connection with the circuit board, you need to get de-soldering equipment to pull apart the analog stick from the board.

Step 3: Take the new analog stick assembly, put it on the circuit board, and solder it properly.

Step 4: Put every part of the controller back into its place and check if the Xbox controller drift issue is solved.

How to fix Xbox controller drift? If you are still bothered by it, this post can help you. It offers you 5 methods to fix the issue.