Xbox controller is drifting at random time

oli jolicoeur · Mar 7, 2025 at 8:12 AM

Hi,

I have bought a controller on December 31st 2024,

and it’s started to drift at random intensity and random times.

The controller is the Ghost Cipher with S/N : 09TY0066115437

It has started doing this after I change the AA batteries with new ones. I used the Duracell battery , as I always did and then the last time I changed them, it started doing so.

I have followed the update instructions, recalibrations instructions and the cleaning instructions and it keeps doing it at random moment.

How can we fix this issue and if it’s not working what is next step?

Thank you

:)

Alvaro A-

Hi Oli,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Xbox Community. I'm sorry to hear that you are having issues with your controller where the sticks are drifting.

As part of our initial troubleshooting, please power cycle your controller: Press and hold the Xbox button for 5-10 seconds until the controller turns off. Wait a few seconds, and then press and hold the Xbox button again to turn the controller back on.

You shared that you followed the update instructions, were you able to update it successfully? If not, kindly visit this article:

https://support.xbox.com/help/hardware-network/...

Another tip is to clean your controller

Dust and debris can build up inside the controller and affect the electrical components. You can try cleaning the controller with isopropyl alcohol, cotton buds, and a hair dryer.

If you've updated the firmware of the controller, restored it to factory settings but you're still having issues, we can conclude that you're experiencing hardware issues. To set up a replacement order or check your controller's warranty status, please go to:

https://support.xbox.com/help/hardware-network/...

Regards,

Alvaro

Ash of Snow

Iv'e bought multiple controllers over the years and iv'e only had a stick drift issue with one of my controllers and it was on it's last legs to be honest (after serving me well over the years) it was time to retire the controller and get a new one, witch
i just bought a random controller that was brand new, and i haven't had problems with stick drift in many years.

Shaggy2000

recently bought 2 xbox controller to play on pc.

Both have the same right stick drift from beginning... what a waste of time...thinking about to buy another brand

All manufacturers controllers can suffer from drift, Nintendo is possibly the worst with the infamous Switch drift

Hiesta

Unfortunatley ‘Stick drift’ is common in all xbox one controllers after some time and is inevitble.

Stephanie Graham3

I just got a Xbox controller for Christmas. And as soon as I connected it to my Xbox it had drift on the right joystick. I opened the controller right from the box and didn’t get any dust of anything like that near it but still it drifts. I wanted a new Xbox controller because my old controller had drift. Crazy how out of the box it already has drift.

Xbox controller is drifting at random time