How to Fix Xbox One Controller Drift (2024)

When an Xbox One controller starts suffering from drift, you'll typically notice unwanted movement while playing games. It's called controller drift, or analog stick drift, because one or both thumbsticks will drift, or move, in an undesired direction even when you aren't touching them.

To fix Xbox One controller drift, you'll have 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 moving one of the analog sticks in any direction will continue registering that movement even after taking your thumb off the stick.

When Xbox One controller drift occurs, there are three leading 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 problem 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 has a boxy sensor component soldered to the controller circuit board. This component can fail internally; the only possible fix is replacing 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 alcohol
• Cotton swabs
• Prying tool
• T-8 or T-9 safety Torx
• Shim of your choosing or replacement thumbstick pads

Once you’ve gathered those items, here’s how to perform the fix:

1. Apply isopropyl alcohol to a cotton swab.

   

2. Pry back the thumbstick, and carefully wipe the rounded surface with alcohol.

   

3. Rotate the thumbstick incrementally, carefully cleaning the entire thing.

   

4. Check to make sure that you’ve thoroughly cleaned the thumbstick and test operation.

   

5. If the thumbstick still sticks or drifts, disassemble your Xbox One controller using a pry tool and T-8 or T-9 safety Torx.

   

6. Check the thumbsticks to see if they're positioned correctly, and try wiggling them to see if they're loose.

   

   See Also

   How to fix stick drift on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S: What should you do when analogue drift, aka controller drift, kicks in?How To Fix Xbox Controller Drift (This Fix Worked For Most)How To Fix Drift On Your Xbox One And Series X|S Controllers - SlashGear

7. If the thumbstick pads feel loose, remove them.

   

8. Replace the thumbstick pads with new ones, or reinstall with a shim like a sliver of paper or plastic, and check to see if they feel loose.

   

9. Reassemble the controller and test operation.

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 tool
• T-8 safety Torx
• Analog stick springs
• Tweezers

Here’s how to replace the springs in an Xbox One controller analog stick:

1. Disassemble your controller using a pry tool and T-8 or T-9 safety Torx.

   

2. Carefully pry off the green plastic covers on the bottom and right side of the thumbstick assembly.

   

   If you break either plastic cap, you will have to replace the entire analog stick module, which requires soldering.

3. Remove the springs.

   

   Use tweezers if you're having trouble removing the spring.

4. Replace with new springs, or springs taken from another controller.

   

5. Snap the green plastic covers back into place.

   

6. Reassemble your controller and test operation.

How to Replace an Xbox One Controller Analog Stick

In some cases, you’ll find that one or both of your analog sticks are worn out and must 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 tool
• T-8 or T-9 safety Torx
• T-7 Torx
• Desoldering tool
• Soldering tool
• Solder
• Replacement analog stick assembly

Here’s how to replace an Xbox One controller analog stick:

1. Disassemble your controller using a pry tool and T-8 or T-9 safety Torx to take apart the case and a T-7 Torx to remove the circuit board.

   

2. Use a desoldering tool to remove the old analog stick assembly from the circuit board.

   

3. Insert the new analog stick assembly, and solder it in place.

   

4. Reassemble the controller and test operation.

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.