Step 1: measure the PS5 controller drift
Connect the DualSense to a computer, phone or tablet by USB-C or Bluetooth and run the measurement above. Note the resting offset and the recommended deadzone. A DualSense that reads under 2% does not need anything; most drifting ones read 5 to 15%.
Step 2: set the deadzone on the PS5
Sony does not offer a system-wide deadzone for the regular DualSense, so set it per game: most PS5 titles list Deadzone or Stick sensitivity under Settings → Controls. Enter the recommended value. For the DualSense Edge, go to Settings → Accessories → DualSense Edge → Custom Profile → Stick Sensitivity and Deadzone, where each stick has its own inner deadzone slider that applies to every game.
Step 3: recalibrate the sticks permanently over USB
DualSense and DualShock 4 store a center calibration in firmware that can be rewritten, and the calibration page on this site does it in Chrome or Edge through WebHID, using the method from the open-source DualShock Tools project. Connect the DualSense with a USB data cable, release the sticks, then rotate them, and the page writes the new center and range to the controller: first as a test until the controller restarts, then permanently if you confirm, which replaces the factory calibration. After this the sticks read zero at rest on the console, on PC and everywhere else. It does not fix mechanical wear, so drift may return in months, but it is the only full fix without opening the controller. The DualSense Edge is not supported; use its per-stick deadzone instead.
Step 4: how do I calibrate a PS5 controller on PC?
If you use the DualSense on PC, Steam → Settings → Controller → Calibration & Advanced Settings lets you set the deadzone per stick for every game launched through Steam. Enable PlayStation controller support first.
Frequently asked questions
Does resetting the DualSense fix stick drift?
The reset pinhole on the back clears pairing and settings but does not touch stick calibration. It helps with ghost inputs and connection issues, not drift.
Is recalibrating a DualSense over USB safe?
It writes to the same calibration memory Sony's service tools use, and the method from the open-source DualShock Tools project has been run by thousands of players. Use a USB data cable, follow the steps and do not disconnect during the write; a permanent write replaces the factory calibration. It cannot help with a stick that has physically failed.
Is PS5 controller drift covered by the warranty?
Sony replaces drifting DualSense controllers within the one-year warranty without a threshold. Outside warranty, a stick module swap at a repair shop or a Hall effect module is the usual route.