How to Fix Xbox One Left Controller Not Working? (7 Quick Ways)

There is a loot box to your left, but your Xbox controller will not move. You need to duck, but your Xbox one left controller will not budge. Or you need to make a right turn but your Xbox controller keeps moving to the left.

Nothing is more aggravating than a controller that refuses to cooperate when you’re gaming. What’s the deal with your Xbox controller not moving?

Because the sensors under your thumbstick guide are damaged, there is a sticking issue (spilled beverages), or you are experiencing stick drift, your Xbox controller will not move. To fix it, perform a hard reset and clean your controller with a microfiber cloth or a toothpick dipped in isopropyl.

This article will give you some basic troubleshooting tips for your Xbox controller. It will teach you some simple ways to troubleshoot common controller issues. If you want to get back into gaming while saving time and money, this article will get you there in no time!

WHY IS MY LEFT STICK NOT WORKING ON MY XBOX ONE?

This is because the analog stick on that controller has become misaligned. Check that your controller has fresh batteries and that it has been updated. For 10 seconds, press and hold the power button on your Xbox One console. Unplug the power cord once your console has been turned off.

MY XBOX CONTROLLER WON’T LET ME MOVE

If your Xbox controller isn’t moving your character but other functions are working, try the following:

1. TRY PLAYING SOMETHING DIFFERENT

If your controller works in the new game, you’re most likely experiencing a game glitch. Heavy traffic can also cause choppy or lagging responses.

2. DO A HARD RESET

A hard reset will usually get your controller working again. Press and hold the Xbox button for about six seconds to reset your Xbox controller. Wait a few moments before turning your controller back on.

3. CHECK YOUR XBOX CONTROLLER’S FIRMWARE

Use a Micro USB cable if you can’t connect wirelessly.

• Navigate to the Settings menu on your Xbox.
• Navigate to Devices and Streaming, and then to Accessories.
• Locate your controller.
• Select Device Info/Firmware.

If your firmware is up to date and operational, you will see the message “No Update Available.” If it’s out of date or corrupted, you’ll see a “Update Required” message and be able to download the correct firmware.

4. CHECK YOUR BATTERIES

Before low batteries completely shut down your Xbox controller, it may begin to act erratically. Replace the batteries and see if that helps.

Alternative Video: How To Fix Stick Broken Analog Sticks

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5. PLAY WITH A WIRED CONTROLLER

Don’t give up if you’ve run out of batteries! You can convert your wireless Xbox One controller to a wired controller by using a Micro USB cable. That will get you back into the game until you can get new batteries. If you have the Play and Charge Kit, you can charge the battery while you play!

6. USE YOUR SPARE CONTROLLERS

Try swapping out another controller for your unresponsive Xbox controller if you have one. If that resolves your problem, the issue is with the original controller. If you are still unable to move, you should check your Xbox, as there could be a problem with the Network Interface Controller (NIC) card.

If the problem is with your Xbox, you can try a hard console reset to see if it solves the problem.

1. Press the button repeatedly until the console shuts down.
2. Remove the power cable.
3. Wait at least ten seconds before proceeding.
4. Press the button 4-5 times while the power cable is still disconnected to drain the console’s battery.
5. Reattach the power cable.
6. Restart the Xbox when the power brick light changes from white to orange.

If the issue persists and your console is still under warranty, contact Xbox, your distributor, or the retailer to have it repaired or replaced.

MY XBOX CONTROLLER WON’T MOVE LEFT

Except for one direction, your Xbox One controller works properly. The left stick does not move forward or does not respond when moved to the right.

1. Your Thumbstick Guide’s Sensors Could Be Damaged

A horizontal sensor and a vertical sensor monitor the movement of your joystick. Turning may be difficult if the horizontal sensor is faulty.

If the vertical sensor is damaged, you may have difficulty sprinting or your caps lock key may become stuck. The inside of the controller’s thumbstick guides may be broken. Broken thumbstick guides are the most likely cause if the problem disappears when you pull the stick up.

2. You May Have a Sticking Issue

Spilled drinks, smudged fingers, and dust can all clog your controller. Cleaning your Xbox controller with gentle strokes of a soft microfiber cloth on a regular basis will help you avoid sticking issues. Pay close attention to the “grip zone” where you rest your computer.

If your controller is particularly filthy, spray a small amount of isopropyl alcohol mixed 50:50 with water on a clean cloth. Dust, fibers, pet hair, and other unwanted grime can be removed with short bursts of compressed air.

Clean all buttons, thumbstick, D-pads, and triggers with a cotton swab dampened with isopropyl alcohol. If the problem persists, you can open the Xbox controller and clean the insides. Please be aware that doing so will void the warranty and may result in additional damage.

HOW TO FIX XBOX ONE CONTROLLER DRIFT?

Before you start looking up how to disassemble an Xbox One controller, try these simple game console repair steps to fix joystick drift.

Reset Your Xbox One Controller

This is more of a restart than a complete reset, but it may still resolve your problem. Hold down the Xbox button on the controller for 5–10 seconds to turn it off. Wait a few seconds, then press and hold the Xbox button once more to restart it.

Replace The Batteries

Remove the controller’s back cover and replace the AA batteries with two new ones. Charge your controller until it is fully charged if you have a reusable battery pack.

Clean Your Xbox One Controller

To begin, press the Xbox button for 5–10 seconds to disconnect and turn off your controller. Then, using a cotton swab or soft cloth, wipe the analog stick, paying special attention to the base.

As you clean, move the stick around to cover a larger area. Rep this procedure with the other analog stick. Wait for the alcohol to completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

To clean your Xbox controller using canned air: Compressed air should aid in the removal of any debris that is causing controller drift.

One important tip: When spraying the joysticks, always keep the can level, as turning it sideways could send moisture into your controller and cause further damage. What else should you do to clean it safely?

1. With the controller turned off, press one analog stick as far as it will go in one direction, then spray compressed air into the opposite side’s stick base.
2. Roll the stick around slowly while spraying the base with air.
3. While spraying, try gently pulling the analog stick up or down while pushing it all the way to one side. This can aid in the creation of space for the air to enter.
4. Repeat with the other analog stick.
5. Even if your controller is in good working order, spraying it with compressed air once a month will keep it clean and extend its life.

How to Fix Controller Drift on Xbox One and Series X/S Without Opening Them?

To repair Xbox One and Series X/S controller drift without opening them, rub isopropyl alcohol on the rounded surface of the left or right analog stick with cotton swabs.

Then set it aside for 30 seconds, repeat the process 3-4 times, and your Xbox controller will no longer drift. This method will help nearly 85-90 percent of all users who are experiencing this problem. If you want to know exactly how to do this, here’s how:

First, you need the following items:

• 70% Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol
• 3-4 Cotton Swabs

1. Take the batteries out of your Xbox controller.
2. If you’re using an Xbox Elite controller, make sure it’s turned off.
3. Apply isopropyl alcohol to the tip of a cotton swab.
4. Make sure to use a generous amount and soak the cotton completely.
5. With the drift issue, move the left or right analog stick back.
6. Apply isopropyl alcohol to the rounded surface with a cotton tip.
7. Ensure that the entire base edge of the analog stick receives an adequate amount of isopropyl alcohol.
8. Set the controller aside for 30-40 seconds.
9. Repeat the procedure with a new cotton swab.
10. To avoid reintroducing minute dust particles, avoid using the old one.
11. Continue with 3-4 cotton swaps, allowing the controller to rest for 30-40 seconds between each.
12. After that, replace your batteries and test your drift status in any of your games.
13. The Xbox One and Series X/S controller drift should be resolved now.
14. If the problem persists, or if it reappears in the future, repeat the procedure.

CONCLUSION

Since the year 2018. Users have complained about Xbox controllers jumping around the screen and scrolling too quickly through menus. Users have proposed several solutions to the “Fast Scroll” problem.

Some people claim that pressing RB + a face button fixed the Fast Scroll bug, while others claim it didn’t. Some people have solved the problem by updating the controller’s firmware. According to reports, disconnecting and reconnecting the controller can help in some cases.

Others claim that a console reset disabled Fast Scroll. Scrolling problems can be caused by issues with the right analog stick. Examine the joystick for worn pads and sensors, and replace it if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions