DeviceJig

Controller Test

Find out whether your controller has stick drift, as a number.

Not detected? Press any button on the controller.

Browsers hide controllers until you press something. Plug it in or pair it, keep this tab in front and press a button. Still nothing? Try another USB cable, since some only charge, and then Chrome or Edge on a computer. Close apps that take over the controller.

Limits of a browser: what this can't tell you
  • This uses the browser's Gamepad API only. It reads what the browser reports after its own processing, and may apply a small deadzone of its own, which can hide tiny drift.
  • Update rate here is what the page sees, not the hardware polling rate. Don't compare it with a maker's spec.
  • Button names assume the browser's standard layout. Other layouts show numbers, and some controllers aren't seen properly.
  • Vibration needs browser support. If unavailable, that says nothing about your motors.
  • Adaptive triggers, gyro, touchpad and audio can't be tested by this API.
  • Drift bands (5% and 10%) are our rule of thumb, not a maker's spec. Some drift only appears after moving the stick, so flick it and run the check again.

Connect it, leave the sticks alone for five seconds, and get a plain result with a suggested deadzone. Works with controllers your browser can see, including many Xbox and PlayStation pads.

How to run a stick drift test

  1. Connect the controller and press a button so the browser sees it.
  2. Put it on a table. Press Run and don't touch the sticks for 5 seconds.
  3. Read the drift number for each stick and the suggested deadzone.
  4. Flick each stick and release, then run it again, because wear often shows only after movement.

What the numbers mean

  • Drift: the furthest either stick wandered from centre with your hands off, as a percentage of full travel. Under 5% counts as clean, 5 to 10% as slight, and over 10% as likely drift.
  • Suggested deadzone: the smallest deadzone that would have hidden the drift in this reading, plus 1%. Set it in games that allow it.
  • Circularity: how round the stick's outer range is. Lower error is rounder, and small errors are normal.
  • Saved readings: kept in this browser so you can see drift grow over months.

Common questions

How do I test my controller for stick drift?

Connect it, press a button, run the 5-second drift check above and leave the sticks alone. Over 10% at rest suggests drift. Repeat after flicking the sticks.

Why isn't my controller detected?

Browsers hide controllers until a button is pressed in a tab that's in front. If that fails, check the cable, re-pair it, close software that takes over the controller, and try Chrome or Edge.

What deadzone should I use for stick drift?

Use the smallest one that stops movement at rest, so you keep as much fine control as possible. The page suggests one from your reading, but drift can change, so leave a little margin.

Can stick drift be fixed?

Sometimes. Cleaning around the stick base, updating firmware or recalibrating can help, but worn sensors may need a repair or replacement. A larger deadzone only hides it. We don't promise a fix.

Related tests

Privacy

Any page counting is cookie-free; see the privacy page. Results stay in this browser and join your device report.

Technical reference, read 2026-11-01: MDN: Gamepad.timestamp, MDN: Gamepad.vibrationActuator.

Xbox is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. PlayStation is a trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. Chrome is a trademark of Google LLC, and Edge of Microsoft Corporation. DeviceJig is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by these companies.

All 11 tests, by device

Find your device, pick the numbered part you want to check.

Screen

Mouse

Keyboard

Controller

Speakers

Headphones