How to connect a PS5 controller
- USB: use a USB-C cable that carries data. Some cheap cables only charge.
- Bluetooth: hold the PS button and the Create button together until the light bar flashes, then pair it in your Bluetooth settings as "Wireless Controller".
Press any button once it is connected. The tester shows Cross, Circle, Square and Triangle, L1, R1, L2, R2, Create, Options, L3, R3, the d-pad and the PS button. The touchpad click shows as its own button.
L2 and R2 report pressure from 0.00 to 1.00. If a trigger never reaches 1.00 at full press, or does not return to 0.00, it may be worn or dirty. The adaptive trigger resistance itself cannot be tested in a browser.
How to check for stick drift
- Connect the controller and press any button so it appears.
- Put the controller down and do not touch the sticks.
- Press Measure drift. After 3 seconds you get the largest movement each stick reported while nobody touched it.
| Resting value | What it means |
|---|---|
| Under 5% | Normal. Games ignore this with their deadzone. |
| 5% to 12% | Mild drift. You may notice it in menus or in games with a small deadzone. |
| Over 12% | Clear drift. The stick reports movement on its own. |
The dashed circle on the stick drawing shows the measured drift zone. The Circularity test checks the outer edge: rotate each stick slowly around the rim. A healthy stick traces a near perfect circle. Large gaps or bulges mean the stick cannot reach full range in some directions.
How to fix stick drift
- Recalibrate. On Windows, open Control Panel, Devices and Printers, right-click the controller, Game controller settings, Properties, Settings, Calibrate. On Steam, open Settings, Controller, and run the calibration for your controller.
- Clean the stick. Push the stick to one side and spray compressed air into the gap at the base, then rotate it in circles. Repeat on all sides. Dust inside the sensor is a common cause of drift.
- Update the firmware. Xbox controllers update through the Xbox Accessories app. PlayStation controllers update on the console or with Sony's firmware updater on PC.
- Raise the deadzone in the game settings as a workaround.
- Repair or replace. Drift that survives cleaning usually means a worn potentiometer. Check your warranty first. Replacement stick modules with Hall effect sensors do not wear the same way.
DualSense drift on warranty
Sony repairs or replaces DualSense controllers with drift inside the warranty period. Check the warranty terms for your country on Sony's PlayStation support site before you open the controller, since opening it can void the warranty.
Browser and connection support
| Browser | Buttons and sticks | Vibration |
|---|---|---|
| Chrome, Edge | Yes | Yes, for most Xbox and PlayStation controllers |
| Firefox | Yes | Limited |
| Safari (Mac, iPhone, iPad) | Yes, for MFi, Xbox and PlayStation controllers | No |
Wired USB gives the most reliable results. Over Bluetooth some controllers report fewer buttons or skip vibration, depending on the system.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions people ask most about this test.
Can I test a PS5 controller on PC?
Yes. Connect it with USB-C or Bluetooth, open this page and press a button. All buttons, triggers and sticks show up in Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari.
Why does vibration not work on my DualSense here?
Rumble works in Chrome and Edge for most connections, but some systems block it over Bluetooth. Try USB. Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers need game support and cannot be tested in a browser.
How do I fix PS5 controller drift?
Clean around the stick base with compressed air, update the firmware, and raise the deadzone in games. If it continues, contact Sony support for a warranty repair.
Why does my controller not show up?
Press any button after connecting. Browsers hide controllers until you press a button. If it still does not appear, try a different USB cable (some only carry power), another port, or pair it again over Bluetooth.
Is the controller tester free and safe?
Yes. It runs in your browser, needs no download, and does not send any data from your controller anywhere.