Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about what DriftNo measures, what it can fix, what it cannot, and what the paid options actually add. If something here reads as a limitation, it is because it is one.
Browser and device support
| Browser | Stick drift test | Health Score | Calibration writes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chrome (desktop) | Yes | Yes | Yes, over USB where the pad allows |
| Edge (desktop) | Yes | Yes | Yes, over USB where the pad allows |
| Opera (desktop) | Yes | Yes | Yes, over USB where the pad allows |
| Firefox | Limited | Limited | No - WebHID is not available |
| Safari | Limited | Limited | No - WebHID is not available |
| Phone browsers | No | No | No - use a computer |
Go deeper
FAQ
How do I test stick drift online?
Open DriftNo on a computer, connect the controller, take your hands off the sticks for about five seconds, then follow the short prompts. You get a resting drift reading, a circularity measurement and a 0–100 Controller Health Score.
Does DriftNo fix stick drift permanently?
It depends on the cause. If the stick rests off-centre but is otherwise stable, calibration can correct it and the correction holds. If the potentiometer is worn - scratchy, jumpy, drift that comes back within minutes - no software can repair that. DriftNo tells you which case you are in instead of guessing.
Which browsers and devices work?
Chrome, Edge or Opera on a desktop or laptop. Calibration writes use WebHID, which needs a USB connection on most controllers. Firefox and Safari do not support WebHID, and phone browsers cannot run the tool at all.
Do I need USB, or will Bluetooth work?
Bluetooth is fine for testing and for the Health Score. Calibration writes need USB on most controllers, so plug the cable in before running the parts of Quick Fix that save to the pad.
Can I calibrate without opening the controller?
Yes on DualSense and DualShock 4. Connect over USB in Chrome or Edge and DriftNo can write centre and range to the controller itself, so the correction travels with the pad to your console. No disassembly and no soldering.
Does it work with Xbox controllers in the browser?
Testing, Health Score and deadzone preview work. Deeper calibration on Xbox pads is limited in the browser because Windows does not expose the same write paths - that is what DriftNo on Steam is being built for. We mark this honestly on every controller page.
Can calibration make drift worse?
It can on a badly worn stick, because you are moving the reference point of a sensor that is no longer consistent. When the scan sees signs of wear, DriftNo recommends replacing the module first rather than calibrating over the problem.
How do I know whether to calibrate or replace the stick?
Run the scan first. Stable readings with an off-centre rest point point to calibration. Noisy, inconsistent readings, or drift that returns shortly after a fix, point to a worn module - replace it, then calibrate the new one.
I fitted Hall effect sticks. Do I still need to calibrate?
Yes, and it matters more than people expect. New modules rarely land on the exact centre and range the controller expects, so a freshly repaired pad can still read off-centre until it is calibrated. Run a scan, calibrate centre and range, then re-test to confirm the repair.
What is Controller Health Score?
A single 0–100 rating DriftNo calculates from resting drift, circularity error, jitter and trigger behaviour, with a component breakdown underneath. It exists so you can compare the same controller before and after a fix instead of relying on how it feels.
Will deadzone changes apply inside my games?
Not from the browser. On the web, deadzone adjustments are a live preview so you can see and feel the shape of the correction. Applying tuning in games on Windows is what DriftNo on Steam is for.
Is DriftNo free?
Yes for the part that matters. The stick drift test, Controller Health Score, Quick Fix, Before/After comparison and the gamepad tester are free, and so is transferring centre and range onto a DualSense or DualShock 4 over USB. Premium (£14.99 once) remembers your work in this browser with named profiles, history and Auto Optimise.
What is the difference between Premium and DriftNo on Steam?
Premium (£14.99 once) is browser memory: named profiles, history, Auto Optimise and a session report saved in this browser. DriftNo on Steam (£24.99 once, coming) is about using your tuning inside games on Windows, with per-game profiles. Both are one-off payments and neither is a subscription.
Does my controller data leave my computer?
Controller input is read and processed locally in your browser for diagnostics. There is no account to create to run a test.
Are the Before/After numbers on this site real results?
The 58 → 81 figure shown on these pages is labelled as an example session, not an average or a promise. Your own Before/After numbers are generated from your own scans in the Lab, and software-only fixes often move the score much less than a repair does.
Still unsure? Measure it
A two-minute scan answers most of these questions for your specific controller.