Guide · Controller Test
How to test a game controller and check stick drift
Updated · 7 min read
Stick drift, a button that sometimes does not register and a controller that the computer cannot see are the three most common gamepad problems. A browser test shows exactly what the controller is sending, so you can tell a hardware fault from a game setting. This guide explains how to test a controller and what to do with the result.
Try the controller test nowFree, runs in your browser, nothing uploaded.Connect the controller and run the test
The controller test reads your gamepad through the browser Gamepad API.
- Connect the controller by USB cable or Bluetooth.
- Open the controller test and press any button, because browsers hide a gamepad until it is used.
- Press every button and trigger and watch each one respond on screen.
- Move both sticks through their full range, including the corners.
What the readings mean
Buttons are on or off, but triggers and sticks are analogue and report a value. A stick sits at 0 in the middle and moves toward -1 or 1 along each axis. A healthy stick returns to values very close to zero when you let go, and a trigger reads 0 at rest and 1 when fully pressed.
Look for a button that flickers, a trigger that never reaches full value and a stick that does not reach the edge of its range. Each points to a specific part of the controller.
Check for stick drift
Drift is when the game sees movement even though you are not touching the stick. Let go of both sticks, then run the drift check in the test. Values that stay a few percent away from zero indicate drift. Small drift is common on worn sticks, and many games hide it with a deadzone setting.
If the drift is bigger than the game deadzone can hide, you can try blowing compressed air around the base of the stick, which removes dust that holds the potentiometer off centre. For lasting repair, the stick module can be replaced, and some manufacturers cover drift under warranty.
Fix a controller that is not detected
Detection problems are almost always connection or permission related.
- Try a different USB cable. Charging-only cables carry no data.
- Unpair and re-pair a Bluetooth controller, and keep it close to the computer.
- Press a button after the page loads, since browsers expose gamepads only after input.
- Close other apps or launchers that capture the controller, such as a game client or remapping software.
- Update the controller firmware using the manufacturer’s tool.
Test the rumble motors
The test can trigger the vibration motors so you can feel whether both the strong and weak motors work. A controller that sends input but never vibrates may have vibration turned off in the system or the game, or a failed motor. For phone haptics, see the vibration test guide.
Latency and wireless problems
Input lag on a wireless controller usually comes from interference or a weak signal. Move closer to the receiver, remove other Bluetooth devices from the area, and try a wired connection to see whether the lag disappears. If it does, the radio link was the cause.
FAQ
Common questions
How do I test my controller on PC?
Connect it, open the controller test and press a button. Every button, trigger and stick appears live on screen.
What is stick drift?
Stick drift is when the controller reports movement without any touch. It is caused by wear in the analogue stick module.
Why does my browser not see my gamepad?
Browsers only show a gamepad after you press a button. If that does not help, try another cable, reconnect Bluetooth or close apps that capture the controller.
Can I fix stick drift at home?
Sometimes. Cleaning around the stick can help mild drift, and replacing the stick module fixes worn ones. Check whether your warranty covers it first.