How to Fix Joy-Con Drift Without Disassembly

Introduction

This guide shows how to fix Joy-Con drift for the Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons.

Joy-Con drift is when the Nintendo Switch thinks that the analog stick (also known as the joystick, controller stick, or thumbstick) of the Joy-Con is moving, but it isn't.

Joy-Con drift may occur as you use the Joy-Cons over time from dust and debris building up. You do not need to disassemble the Joy-Con for this repair. In addition, this guide will not corrode any parts of your Joy-Con controller.

Please note this repair is temporary and will last only a certain amount of time.

What you need

Step 1 How to Fix Joy-Con Drift Without Disassembly

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Press and hold the black round button on the back of the Joy-Con, then slide it forward to remove.

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Step 2

Open the 404B contact cleaner and insert the tube into the nozzle.

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Step 3

Push the Joy Stick to the side and hold.

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Step 4

Use tweezers to lift the rubber ring under the Joy Stick, and hold.

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Step 5

Aim the contact cleaner's nozzle at the gap and spray 404B contact cleaner once or twice.

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Step 6

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Rotate the Joy Stick for 30 seconds to allow full penetration of the liquid inside.

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Step 7

Wait 10 minutes for the liquid to dry completely.

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Step 8

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Insert the Joy-Con back into the Switch to test the Joy-Con.
Navigate to System Settings > Controllers and Sensors > Calibrate Control Sticks.
Follow the on-screen prompts on your Switch.