Is your PS5 controller drifting or no longer responding like before? Calibration is a simple solution that can fix these issues, and we will show you exactly how to do it step by step.
Steps to Calibrate a PS5 Controller
For any owner of a PS5 controller, calibration is a simple procedure that only takes a few minutes. You will need to access your console’s settings and follow a few precise steps. Here is how to get your controller feeling as responsive as it did on day one.
Access Console Settings
To calibrate your PS5 controller, you first need to access the correct menus. Here’s what to do:
- On your PS5 home screen, go to “Settings” (the gear icon)
- Select “Accessibility”
- Click on “Controls”
- Choose “Adjust Controller Settings”
Once in this menu, you will have access to all calibration options for your DualSense. This is where you can precisely adjust joystick sensitivity and other calibration-specific settings.
Note: If you don’t see the “Adjust Controller Settings” option directly, make sure your console is up to date. Menus may vary slightly depending on your system version.
Start the Calibration
The calibration is done through a free online tool accessible from any web browser. First, connect your PS5 controller to your computer using a USB cable. Then visit the site dualshock-tools.github.io and click “Start.” The interface will guide you to select your controller model.
Once connected, choose the “Calibrate Stick Center” option. The process is quite simple: you will be asked to move the sticks to different positions, then release them. Take your time to perform these movements precisely. At the end, gently rotate the joysticks to confirm everything is working properly.
Important: once the calibration starts, you cannot cancel it. But don’t worry, this process effectively fixes mini-drift issues and restores perfectly centered sticks.
Drift Issues and the Importance of Calibration
Drift is a common problem where your characters or cursor move without you touching the sticks. This can be caused by dust accumulation or natural wear of your controller’s components. Fortunately, regular calibration often corrects these minor annoyances before they become more serious.
Cleaning the Joysticks
Joystick drift is often caused by dust and residue buildup, which is why preventive maintenance is essential. Regularly cleaning your joysticks can make all the difference. For effective cleaning, start by using compressed air around the sticks — this will dislodge accumulated dust. Then take a cotton swab lightly soaked in isopropyl alcohol and gently clean with circular motions around each stick.
Be sure to use a new cotton swab for each stick to avoid transferring dirt from one place to another. After cleaning, move the sticks firmly in all directions for a few seconds. This helps distribute the cleaning solution and realign internal components.
Allow to dry thoroughly before using your controller. Monthly cleaning is usually sufficient, but feel free to do it more often if you play a lot.
Using Calibration to Fix Drift
The PS5 offers a built-in calibration function to correct drift. To perform this calibration, refer to the “Start the Calibration” section which details the complete step-by-step procedure.
If that fails, a full reset of the controller may help. Use a paperclip to press the small button on the back for 5 seconds. Then reconnect the controller via USB and repeat the calibration.
Resetting a PS5 Controller
Resetting a PS5 controller can solve many connectivity or functionality issues. It is a simple solution that only takes a few minutes.
To perform a hardware reset:
- Turn off your PS5
- Locate the small hole on the back of the controller near the L2 button
- Use a straightened paperclip and press into the hole
- Hold the button for 5 seconds
- Connect the controller to the console with a USB-C cable
- Press the PS button to reconnect it
This process restores the controller to its original state. If you still experience issues after resetting, check that your USB-C cable is working properly and that no objects are interfering with the console’s Bluetooth signal.
