Xbox One Wireless Controller Has Malfunctioning Thumbsticks

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Introduction

Picture this—it's video game night and you're in the middle of tense match. You're ready to make your move, but your controls keep eking to the left, even when you aren't touching anything. You intended to sit put, but your in game avatar veered into your enemy's sight and BOOM. Game over. Your friends will never believe your cries that your controller did you wrong, but trust us—it's not just you.

Whether you're experiencing a sticky joystick, or one that's drifting in a specific direction the fixes will be largely the same. Chances are it's easier than you think.

If your Xbox One Wireless Controller has sticky or broken buttons, see the Xbox One Wireless Controller Has Sticky or Broken Buttons problem page instead.

The Basics

Before undertaking any of the more time-consuming solutions below, here are a few fundamentals to start with.

Restart your console. Turning off your Xbox, or computer (if you're using the controller with your PC) would accomplish the same thing. This resets any running processes and could clear a minor software fluke.
Clean the controller. Start with a damp cloth to remove external grime on the controller. Use 90% isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab to clean around the dome of the thumb stick. This should remove surface crumbs preventing full joystick motion.
Confirm your specific problem. Connect your controller to a computer and use a tester to verify the inputs your controller is receiving. It gives a visual representation of exactly what your controller thinks is going on. If your joystick is drifting, you'll know. This is also handy as a post repair step to verify your fix!

Causes

1

Outdated Software or Firmware

As Microsoft discovers bugs or inefficiencies in your Xbox's operation, they roll out fixes via updates. Updates can address numerous issues, including controller performance.

Start by updating your controller's firmware. This is the most likely update to address a controller specific issue.
1. Open the Settings app on your Xbox.
2. Go to Devices & connections > Controllers & headsets.
3. Within the next menu select the ... button beneath the controller and select more options.
4. If there is an update available, you will be prompted to do so. Accept the update and retest once it has completed.

If your issue continues, update the system software for your Xbox One. This controls the overall function of the console, not just your controller. In some instances, a newer update might fix an issue with how the console perceives inputs.
1. Open Settings and select System
2. Select the Update button to check for updates
3. If an update is available choose Update System Software, and choose Update Using Internet.
Finally, update any games where drifting is noticeable. Many games also have settings that control input sensitivity or other controller configurations.
1. Navigate to the game you want to update.
2. Once it is selected, press the Menu button on your controller (the one with three parallel lines).
3. Select Manage game and add-ons in the pop-up menu.
4. An update option will be available on the following screen

2

Residue Build-Up

If you have configured your Xbox One Wireless Controller and the thumbsticks are still not functioning properly, it may be due to residue build-up. Use the Xbox One Wireless Controller Thumbstick Replacement Guide to access the controller’s thumbsticks. Use a damp cotton swab to clean out the thumbsticks’ crevices of any dirt or sugar.

3

Worn-Out Thumbsticks

If your Xbox One Wireless Controller’s thumbsticks are still sticking or not rotating properly, the thumbsticks’ mechanisms may be faulty. To fix faulty thumbsticks, see the Xbox One Wireless Controller Secondary Board Replacement Guide. This guide shows how to replace the secondary board, which will fix your thumbstick issue without having to solder. If you have the means to solder, see the Xbox One Wireless Controller Analog Stick Replacement Guide to replace only the controller’s thumbsticks, rather than the entire secondary board.