How to connect a DualSense to the tester
Over USB, use a USB-C data cable; some charging-only cables will light the controller but not transfer input. Over Bluetooth, hold Create and the PS button together until the light bar pulses, then pair it from your system settings. On Windows the pad appears as Wireless Controller; on macOS and Linux as DualSense Wireless Controller. Press any button once to activate it.
The DualSense reports both triggers as smooth analog values, so pull L2 and R2 slowly and watch for a jump or a plateau in the bar, which indicates a worn trigger sensor.
Checking PS5 stick drift
Stick drift is the most common DualSense complaint. At rest a healthy stick shows X and Y between -0.02 and 0.02. Values that sit at 0.05 or higher without touching the stick are drift. The dedicated drift test below the tester measures it over ten seconds and recommends a deadzone. A deadzone of up to 10% can be set per game in most PS5 titles, and on PC through Steam Input, so minor drift does not require a repair.
What cannot be tested in a browser
The Gamepad API does not expose the DualSense touchpad gestures, gyroscope, accelerometer, adaptive trigger resistance, the built-in speaker or microphone. Standard rumble works in Chrome and Edge over USB and Bluetooth. For the extra features use a native tool such as DualSenseX on Windows, or test them directly on the console.
Frequently asked questions
Can I test a PS5 controller on the console itself?
The PS5 has no built-in test screen, but the browser in PS5 is not exposed to users. Connect the DualSense to a PC, Mac, phone or tablet and open this page instead.
Does PS5 stick drift get fixed by a firmware update?
No. Drift is mechanical wear of the potentiometer. Firmware updates improve connectivity and feature support but cannot recenter a worn stick. Sony replaces drifting DualSense controllers under the one-year warranty.
The DualSense Edge sticks show different values. Is that normal?
The Edge uses replaceable stick modules and a slightly different center reporting. Small differences between the two sticks are normal; anything above 5% at rest is drift.