How to Fix Xbox One Wireless Controller Drift

Growing up, I always played Xbox, and one...

Microsoft Xbox One controller Easy 5 - 10 minutes Guide 150208

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Guide overview

Before you begin

Growing up, I always played Xbox, and one problem that I consistently had was with the joysticks of the controllers. The problem I experienced the most was stick drift, which is when your character in the game moves or looks around when you're not touching the controller. This can become extremely frustrating in first and third-person video games, and make it difficult to play well. I decided to create this guide to help others running into the same issue. Fixing the problem doesn't take long, and you only need 70% or higher isopropyl alcohol and a few cotton balls. Before you begin this repair, make sure your Xbox One Wireless Controller is turned off and the batteries are removed.

Step 1

Repair step

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Remove the batteries from the controller.
If you are using a wired controller, disconnect the wire.

Step 2

Repair step

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TOOL USED ON THIS STEP Isopropyl Alcohol (90% or Greater) Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Pour 90% isopropyl alcohol on the tip of a cotton ball.
Keep the item away from children and avoid touching your face and open wounds while using it.

Step 3

Repair step

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Rub the cotton ball all along the edges of the thumbstick.

Step 4

Repair step

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Let the controller dry for 40-60 seconds.
Repeat Steps 2-4 two more times or until the thumbstick no longer drifts.

Step 5

Repair step

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Connect your controller and see if there are any drift stick problems in any game. If the issue continues, then the next best option is to replace the joystick, and if that doesn't work, it's time to buy a new controller.