To fix Xbox One controller drift, you need to take the controller apart and repair or replace one or more components related to the analog sticks.
What Is Xbox One Controller Drift?
The most common situation involves drift in the left analog stick, which usually manifests in your character constantly looking up in first-person games. However, the right stick can also suffer from drift issues. You may also notice that when you move one of the analog sticks in any direction, it will continue registering that movement even after taking your thumb off the stick. When Xbox One controller drift occurs, there are three main causes:
Worn out thumbstick pad: Each thumbstick consists of a boxy sensor component with a moveable shaft on top and a rubber or plastic component that snaps onto the shaft. If the rubber or plastic piece becomes worn, replacing or repairing it will fix your drift issue. In some cases, a similar issue can be caused by dirty thumbstick pads.Worn out springs: Each thumbstick sensor component has two springs that help snap it back to the center whenever you remove your thumb. When one or both springs wear out, you’ll notice drift. Replacing the springs fixes that problem.Bad thumbstick unit: Each thumbstick consists of a boxy sensor component that’s soldered to the controller circuit board. This component can fail internally, in which case the only possible fix is to replace it with a new part.
How to Fix Worn Out Thumbstick Pads
If you notice that your Xbox One controller is suffering from thumbstick drift, you’ll want to start with the easiest fixes and continue from there. While dirty or worn out thumbstick pads don’t represent the most common source of this problem, this is the best place to start since it’s the easiest and fastest thing to try out. To perform this fix, you’ll need:
Isopropyl alcoholCotton swabsPrying toolT-8 or T-9 safety TorxShim of your choosing or replacement thumbstick pads
Once you’ve gathered those items, here’s how to perform the fix:
How to Fix Worn Out Xbox One Controller Thumbstick Springs
If you still experience drift after attempting to fix your thumbstick pads or determine that they were neither dirty nor loose, then the next easiest fix is to replace your thumbstick springs. If only one thumbstick is giving you trouble, only replace the springs on that thumbstick. To perform this fix, you’ll need:
Prying toolT-8 safety TorxAnalog stick springsTweezers
Here’s how to replace the springs in an Xbox One controller analog stick:
How to Replace an Xbox One Controller Analog Stick
In some cases, you’ll find that one or both of your analog sticks are just worn out and need to be replaced. This is an even more complicated repair, and you shouldn’t attempt it if you aren’t comfortable with desoldering and soldering. If you want to attempt this fix, you’ll need:
Prying toolT-8 or T-9 safety TorxT-7 TorxDesoldering toolSoldering toolSolderReplacement analog stick assembly
Here’s how to replace an Xbox One controller analog stick: If these tips aren’t resolving the issue(s), it might be time to spring for a new controller. At least you’ll know you gave it your best shot.
