What does a stick drift reading mean?

Connect a controller, open the drift test and press a controller button to expose it.

Sample with hands off

Rotate and release each stick, then keep both released for five seconds. Movement during sampling prevents interpreting the result as a resting observation.

Understand the threshold

The selected dead zone is a comparison setting. Drivers may filter values before they reach the browser. Near-zero readings do not prove absence of physical drift; offsets do not predict every game’s behavior.

Compare before repairing

Try USB, another game’s input view and manufacturer calibration if available. Review firmware and game dead zones. Check warranty options before opening a controller. Test buttons and triggers separately in the controller workspace.