How to connect a PS4 controller
- USB: use a micro-USB cable that carries data.
- Bluetooth: hold Share and the PS button until the light bar flashes white, then pair it as "Wireless Controller".
Press any button to make the controller appear. The light bar colour cannot be set from a browser, but every input can be tested.
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.
Common DualShock 4 faults
- L2 or R2 not reaching full press: the trigger spring or sensor is worn. The value should reach 1.00.
- Buttons that need hard presses: the rubber contact pads under the buttons wear out or get dirty. Cleaning the pads with isopropyl alcohol often helps.
- Disconnects over Bluetooth: the battery may be weak. Charge it fully and test again with USB.
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.
How do I test my PS4 controller on PC?
Connect it with a micro-USB data cable or Bluetooth, open this page and press any button.
Why is my PS4 controller not detected?
Many micro-USB cables only charge. Try another cable, or pair the controller over Bluetooth by holding Share and PS until the light flashes.
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.