Fixing Xbox One Controller Drift. Although Xbox One controllers are pleased to hold and perform as an ideal Xbox controller, the design has been carried over to Xbox Series X|S controllers, and the controllers are not without flaws.
Xbox One controllers have stood the examination of time, but like many other gaming controllers, they suffer from the most frequent problem with any gaming controller: stick drift.
And, while bar drift is one of the numerous annoying things you can share with a gaming control if your Xbox One controller is sharing stick drift, there are a rare ways you can use to troubleshoot and repair the issue. Let us investigate.
How to Troubleshoot Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S Stick Drift
Because the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S controllers and systems are so similar, you can use the same methods to troubleshoot your Xbox Wireless Controller stick drift for both controllers.
To determine whether a software mistake is the root cause of the stick drift before you attempt to fix your Xbox Wireless Controller physically, troubleshoot the issue. Fortunately, there are simple ways to accomplish this.
Update Your Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S Controller
One of the easiest ways to decide whether a system fault in your Xbox controller or console is driving the stick drift is to update your Xbox controller.
By updating your Xbox controller, you ensure that it is as up-to-date as potential and running the most recent potential updates for issues and malfunctions published by Microsoft. This would indicate whether a point other than a physical problem with your controller is causing the stick drift.
Fortunately, updating your Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One controller is a simple process that includes accessing your console’s Accessories under the Devices & Connections settings on either your Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One.
You should know right away if an update has addressed your stick drift after using the Accessories choices to update your controller or to see if an update is available. If it doesn’t work, alternative ways exist to troubleshoot your Xbox Wireless Controller’s stick drift.
Reset Your Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S Controller
Aside from editing your Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S controller, if the stick drift has appeared unexpectedly, a simple reset of your Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S controller may resolve the issue. Follow these instructions to reset your Xbox Wireless Controller:
- Ascertain that the Xbox controller to be reset is related to your Xbox One or Series X|S and that you are on the Home screen.
- Holding the Xbox button in the center of the controller for about 5 seconds should result in the Xbox button going dark.
- Once the Xbox button has been depressed, leave your Xbox controller for a few seconds before pressing the Xbox button again to reconnect your controller to your Xbox.
You have successfully reset your Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S controller after reconnecting your Xbox controller. However, this form of troubleshooting only tells you if the stick drift is a transitory issue caused by a system error.
If your stick drift issues persist, it’s conceivable that a significant software error is to blame, and you’ll need to reset your Xbox system. But, before you go that far, it’s worth attempting to physically fix the stick drift problems with your Xbox Wireless Controller.
How to Physically Repair Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S Stick Drift
While you can perform more obvious inspections on your physical controller, such as changing the batteries or inspecting for visual damage, there are still various ways to correct the issue, even if there isn’t an obvious fix.
Repair Your Xbox Controller Stick Drift With Compressed Air
The accumulation of dirt within your Xbox One or Series X|S controller, preventing an analog stick from functioning correctly, is one of the most typical issues that may cause stick drift.
Unfortunately, the simplest way to fix this issue is to get a can of compressed air and clean the cavity where the analog stick resides. This should free up any dirt causing the stick drift issues.
If you have a can of close air on hand, you can attempt to set the stick drift issues with your Xbox controller by tracking these steps:
- First, turn off your Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S controller.
- Next, place the compressed air can’s air tube towards the base of the analog stick and begin blowing compressed air.
- Finally, slowly rotate the analog stick when the mood strikes the ground and crevices to free up any trapped dirt.
While it may take several attempts, the compressed air should be able to clear any potential blockages causing your Xbox controller’s stick drift issues.
Fix Stick Drift by Taking Your Xbox One Controller Apart
You may need to dismantle your Xbox One or Series X|S controller if compressed air can’t fix the stick drift problems with your Xbox controller. Unfortunately, disassembling your Xbox controller is rather tricky and, if done wrong, may cause severe harm to the controller.
The method also violates the controller’s warranty. Still, if you wish to attempt to replace your analog sticks or remove any obstructions generating stick drift, you can disassemble your Xbox controller by following these instructions:
- Remove the left and right corner grips while turning off the Xbox controller. A prying tool may be required.
- Drag the battery cover from the back of the Xbox controller and use a T9 screwdriver to remove the concealed screw beneath the sticker.
- Unscrew the two screws on either side of the Xbox controller grips with the same screwdriver.
- After you’ve removed all of the screws, you may remove the casing from your Xbox Wireless Controller to show the internal components.
Now that the internal components of your Xbox Wireless Controller are accessible, you should be capable to determine whether there are any obstructions interfering with the analog stick mechanism and, if necessary, replace the stick entirely.
You may also use this time to clean your Xbox One controller. After all, a neat and well-maintained controller is less prone to develop errors in the first place, and the inside components are a dust and muck magnet.
Keep Your Xbox One Controller Well-Maintained and Healthy
By following and testing the instructions above, you can attempt to fix the stick drift issue with your Xbox Wireless Controller. Of course, if the problem persists, you may need to replace the controller entirely, but setting stick drift is usually possible, especially when analog sticks are easily replaced.
Other simple, quick solutions will assist in ensuring your Xbox gaming experience is well-maintained and ready to go if you encounter other typical issues with an Xbox controller.
