Fix PS5 DualSense Controller Face Buttons Sticking

Don't shell out $70 for another PS5 controller

Analogue sticks or DualSense Controller Face Buttons provide vital actions. They serve a massive purpose in every game you play, giving you the ability to interact with different items and gear in-game, switch between items, change stances, jump and take impulsive charges.

At some time, however, the PS5 DualSense Controller buttons start to stick or feel squishy. This is normal to happen. In fact, many PlayStation users have had PS5 controller face buttons sticking, despite the PS console not being very old.

Therefore, in this article, we will understand why Sony’s controller trigger buttons not working and have become mushy. We’ll also learn how to clean the PlayStation controller button and fix the PS5 controller button layout.

I’m not sure if I got a bad controller, but is anyone else having issues with the face buttons feeling sticky or squishy? Compared to my PS4 controller, the buttons feel awful to use. Multiple times playing, the X button has gotten stuck for a second and skipped dialogue in the game I’m playing. The d-pad and everything else about the controller feels great though

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Why is my PS5/PS4 Controller Button Sticking?

If there are sticky X, Square, Triangle, and Circle buttons on the DualSense gamepad, here’s what you need to know to understand the cause behind this really annoying PS5 controller button not working.

  • Larger manufacturing problem
  • Debris may be responsible for snagging the button
  • Pressing the PlayStation 5 controller face buttons too hard
  • No proper cleaning of buttons on PS5 controller
  • Issue with the conductive rubber pad underneath the button
  • Oil, dirt and other containment on your thumbs lead to PS5 controller button sticking

Note: This article is also applicable to PS4 DualSense Controller Face Buttons Sticking

How do I fix a sticky button on my controller?

If you want to unjam a sticky or mushy button like PS5 controller r1, r2 or l1 button, on the DualSense controller, you need to follow some of the easy and approachable steps listed below.

Solution 1: Rub Isopropyl Around PS5 Mushy Buttons

Get a q-tip and dip it in the Isopropyl or rubbing alcohol. Workaround the PS5 mushy buttons and the gaps gently. Once you do this, gently push the button about 50 odd times to make sure the PS5 controller buttons are doing good.

Repeat the process of rubbing Alcohol if the PS5 buttons start sticking in a few hours or days. Do it around the affected area if you think the PS5 controller button’s not working.

Note 1:- This method of applying 91% Isopropyl works on four face buttons, D-pad, the Menu button, the share button, the PS button, and the microphone mute button.

Solution 2: Use WD-40 and spray it around the PS5 sticky button

WD-40 is a working lubricant and a great degreaser and a rust remover. This is a helpful method to fix the PS5 DualSense controller face button sticking. You can do this by facing the WD-40 directly around the PS5 mushy buttons.

After that, wipe the excess liquid using a soft towel. Now, swirl and press the PS5 sticky buttons to let the lubricant settle down to the bottom to make the process effective. You can also use the straw to create some gap around the button to make the lubricant work even better. This way you can get rid of sticky PS5/PS4 controller buttons.

Note: If you feel like you’re facing sticky PS5 controller buttons on dpad after the cleaning, repeat the process after every week. Also, make sure that the PS5 dual shock controller is not connected and is turned off.

Solution 3: Don’t Press Face Buttons Too Hard

Avoid pressing the PlayStation 5 controller face buttons too hard. It might sound obnoxious especially when you’re in the middle of Demon’s Souls playing really hard. These unnoticed movements cause damage to the mechanism if you do this 24/7. Therefore, we don’t want internals to wear off. So be nice to PS5 buttons on the console to fix ps5 controller buttons not working.

Solution 4: Disassemble the PS5 dual-shock controller and clean it manually

The PS5 button sticking on L1 and R1 buttons may also drive many PlayStation players to dismantle their consoles. We don’t mind doing this. If your console is within its warranty period, and you have enough expertise then go for it, otherwise, avoid disrupting your hard-earned console.

How to Fix Sticky/Stuck Buttons on PS5 Controller (credits: Gamenetics DIY)

Solution 5: Contact PlayStation Support

The sticking PS5 controller button needs to go for further assistance. Therefore, contact the PlayStation Support team if your PS5 console is under the warranty. Just seek their help and ask them to either replace or repair the DualSense controller if it is not responding.

FAQs

What is PS5 Controller Drifting? How Do I Fix PS5 DualSense Controller Drift

PS5 DualSense drift occurs when the PS5 registers movement on the screen despite the player not touching the controller. So, for example, your character might move in Fortnite, even though you’re not actually touching the DualSense.

This is because of DualSense drift. Essentially, the joystick sensors inside the pad are becoming prematurely obsolete. They wear away fast, become clogged with your thumb gunk, and can warp over time.

Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to fix DualSense drift.

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