Test your controller and detect stick drift
Plug in your controller over USB or Bluetooth and press any button: buttons, triggers and joysticks show up live, and resting drift is measured in %. Nothing to install.
- PS5, PS4, Xbox, Switch
- Stick drift check
- Recommended deadzone
- No install
100% private — Everything is processed directly in your browser: your files, voice, and image are never sent to Chatzam's servers.
How do you test a controller on PC?
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Connect the controller
Plug it in over USB or pair it over Bluetooth, then press any button: browsers only reveal a controller after the first button press.
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Test buttons and triggers
Each button lights up when you press it, and the L2/R2 or LT/RT triggers show how far they travel in %.
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Measure stick drift
Let go of the joysticks: the tool reads their resting position, gives a verdict (OK, slight or drift) and the deadzone to set in your games.
A complete checkup for your controller
Live joysticks
Each stick is drawn in a circle with its exact X and Y position and a trail, so you can spot unwanted movement or a direction that doesn't respond.
Drift and deadzone
Resting position in %, an OK, slight or drift verdict, and the recommended deadzone to enter in your games' settings.
Circularity test
Rotate the stick against its edge: the tool measures in % how far it is from a perfect circle, to catch a stick that doesn't reach the end of its range.
Vibration and multiple controllers
Test vibration when the controller and browser support it, especially in Chrome and Edge, and pick which controller to test if several are connected.
Controller stick drift: what causes it?
Stick drift is when your character keeps walking or the camera keeps turning even though you're no longer touching the joystick. On most controllers, including the PS5 DualSense, the DualShock 4, Xbox controllers and Nintendo Switch Joy-Con, each stick relies on potentiometers: a small wiper slides along a track to measure the position. Over time that track wears out, and dust getting in under the cap throws off the reading. Once released, the stick no longer reports a perfect center. The problem usually creeps in: first a slight offset that only some games reveal, then obvious movement. Joy-Con are especially notorious for it, hence the term “Joy-Con drift”.
How do you know if your controller has stick drift?
Lay the controller flat and let go of both sticks: the tool shows their resting position in %. A healthy stick returns very close to 0%; the further the value is from zero, the worse the drift, and the verdict moves from “OK” to “slight” to “drift”. Then run the circularity test by slowly rotating each stick against its edge: a big error in one direction points to a stick that doesn't reach the end of its range. Also check that the triggers go all the way to 100% smoothly and that every button lights up on every press. Repeat the test at different times, because the offset can vary from one session to the next.
How to fix stick drift
Start with the simplest fix: blow compressed air around the base of the stick while rotating it, then test again. Update the controller from the console or the manufacturer's app; on Switch, stick calibration is available in the console's System Settings. In the meantime, raise the deadzone in your game's settings, as in Fortnite or Call of Duty: small movements around the center are then ignored, at the cost of a little precision. If the controller is still under warranty, get it repaired or replaced. Otherwise, the stick module can be swapped out, usually with some soldering. The lasting hardware fix: Hall effect sticks, which measure position with a magnet, with no parts rubbing against each other.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my controller has stick drift?
Let go of the joysticks and check their resting position: a healthy stick returns very close to 0%. If it stays off-center, the tool shows a “slight” or “drift” verdict along with the deadzone to set in your games.
How do I test a PS5 or Xbox controller on PC?
Plug it in with a USB cable, or pair it over Bluetooth in your Windows or macOS settings, then press a button on this page. To pair a DualSense, hold the PS and Create buttons until the light bar flashes; for a Bluetooth-capable Xbox controller, hold the small pair button next to the USB port.
Why isn't my controller detected?
Press a button first: browsers only show a controller after the first button press. If nothing appears, try another cable (some USB-C cables are charge-only), another port or another browser, such as Chrome or Edge.
How do I fix controller stick drift?
Clean the base of the stick with compressed air, update the controller and raise the deadzone in your games. If the drift persists, use your warranty or have the stick module replaced; Hall effect sticks are the most durable hardware fix.
Can this test recalibrate my controller?
No: the tool diagnoses, it doesn't change anything on the controller. Recalibration, where available, depends on the manufacturer; here you measure the problem and get the deadzone to set in your games.