How to test your controller
- Connect your controller. Use a USB cable or Bluetooth.
- Press any button. For privacy reasons, browsers only show a controller after a button is pressed.
- Press every button and pull both triggers. Each button lights up while pressed and turns green once tested.
- Move both joysticks. Move them in full circles, then let go and check the drift test.
How to check for stick drift
Stick drift happens when a joystick reports movement while nobody is touching it. In games, your character walks or the camera turns on its own. It’s a common problem in PS5 DualSense, PS4, Xbox and Nintendo Switch controllers.
| Value at rest | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 0.000–0.050 | Normal. The stick is centered. |
| 0.050–0.150 | Slight offset. Most games ignore it thanks to their “dead zone”. |
| Above 0.150 | Noticeable drift if you aren’t touching the stick. |
How to fix stick drift
- Clean it: with the controller off, spray short bursts of compressed air around the base of the stick while rotating it. Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) on a cotton swab around the base can also help.
- Recalibrate: on Windows, search for “Set up USB game controllers”, then Properties › Settings › Calibrate. Steam also has calibration in its controller settings.
- Increase the dead zone in your game’s settings as a temporary fix.
- Check the warranty: drift is a known hardware issue, and manufacturers often repair or replace affected controllers.
Supported controllers and browsers
This tester works with any controller your computer or phone recognizes: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5 DualSense, PS4 DualShock 4, Nintendo Switch Pro, 8BitDo, Logitech and generic USB gamepads. It works best in Chrome and Edge, which support vibration. Firefox and Safari also work.
Controller not detected?
- Press a button. Browsers only show a controller after it has been used on the page.
- Close Steam, DS4Windows or other controller software that can capture the controller.
- Generic controllers often have an X-input / D-input mode switch. X-input works best.
- For Bluetooth, put the controller in pairing mode and pair it from your system settings. On PS5 and PS4 controllers, hold Create/Share + PS. On Xbox controllers, hold the pair button.
The tester reads your controller through the browser’s Gamepad API. Nothing is installed and no data leaves your device.
Frequently asked questions
How do I test my PS5 controller on PC?
Connect the DualSense with a USB-C cable, or pair it over Bluetooth by holding Create + PS until the light flashes. Then open this page and press any button.
Why doesn’t my controller appear?
Browsers only show a controller after you press a button while this page is open. If it still doesn’t appear, close Steam or DS4Windows, reconnect the controller and try Chrome or Edge.
What is a normal joystick value at rest?
Anything below 0.05 is normal. Up to about 0.15 is usually hidden by the game’s dead zone. Higher values at rest indicate drift.
Why doesn’t vibration work?
Chrome and Edge support vibration for most Xbox and PlayStation controllers. Firefox and Safari don’t support it yet, and some generic controllers don’t report vibration at all.
Can I test a controller on my phone?
Yes. Connect the controller to your Android phone or iPhone via Bluetooth, open this page and press a button.