Left stick+0.00 +0.00—
Right stick+0.00 +0.00—
L2 / LT0%
R2 / RT0%
No buttons pressed
0/17
Testing a different controller? Use the main gamepad tester.
Key facts
- DualSense works over USB-C and Bluetooth on Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS and Android.
- Pair it by holding PS + Create for about 3 seconds until the light bar flashes.
- L2 and R2 are analog: they should climb smoothly from 0% to 100%.
- Browsers can't control adaptive trigger resistance; you can test trigger travel and rumble.
How to connect a PS5 controller to your PC or Mac
With a USB-C cable (best for testing)
- Plug a USB-C cable into the top of the DualSense and into your computer.
- Wait two seconds. The light bar turns on.
- Press any button on this page.
Use a cable that carries data. Many cheap USB-C cables only charge. If nothing shows up, try another cable before anything else.
With Bluetooth
- Make sure the controller is off, or not connected to your PS5.
- Hold the PS button and the Create button (top left of the touchpad) together for about 3 seconds.
- When the light bar starts flashing quickly, open your computer's Bluetooth settings.
- Choose DualSense Wireless Controller (on Windows it may show as "Wireless Controller").
- Come back to this page and press a button.
After pairing with a computer, you need to plug the controller into your PS5 with a cable once to use it there again.
What you can test on a DualSense
| Part | Can you test it here? | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Cross, Circle, Square, Triangle | Yes | Each lights once per press, no double clicks |
| D-pad | Yes | Each direction lights alone |
| L1 and R1 | Yes | Clean on and off |
| L2 and R2 triggers | Yes | Smooth bar from 0% to 100% and back to 0% |
| Left and right sticks | Yes | Smooth circles, back to center when released |
| L3 and R3 (stick clicks) | Yes | Light when you press the stick down |
| Create and Options | Yes | Light when pressed |
| PS button | Usually | On some computers, the system grabs it first |
| Touchpad click | Usually | Often shows as an extra button |
| Vibration (haptics) | Yes, in Chrome and Edge | Both sides buzz |
| Adaptive trigger resistance | No | Needs a PS5 game |
| Microphone, speaker, light bar colour | No | Needs a PS5 or special software |
| Motion (gyro), touchpad position, battery | Yes, in Chrome and Edge | Use the advanced mode above, or our gyro test |
Common PS5 controller problems (and what the test shows)
Stick drift on the DualSense
Drift is the most common DualSense fault. If the dot moves when you let go of a stick, run our PS5 stick drift test for a clear verdict and fixes. Drift on a DualSense often starts on the left stick, because most games use it the most.
L2 or R2 doesn't reach 100%
Pull each trigger slowly all the way down. The bar should reach 100%. If it stops at 90% or so, the sensor may be worn or dirty, or the trigger's spring is weak. Some games won't register a full press. If the bar jumps instead of climbing smoothly, the sensor needs cleaning or repair.
A button only works sometimes
Press the button 20 times quickly. If it misses some presses, dirt under the rubber pad is the usual cause. Sticky drinks are a classic. The fix is cleaning, which means opening the controller. The button test counts every press for you.
Touchpad click not working
Press the center of the touchpad firmly. If nothing lights, test on your PS5 as well. Browsers don't always report the touchpad, so a missing touchpad click here isn't proof of a fault.
Controller keeps disconnecting
Test over USB first. If it stays connected on a cable but drops on Bluetooth, the cause is usually low battery, distance, or interference from Wi-Fi routers and other wireless devices.
Rumble feels weak or one side is silent? Run the DualSense vibration test.
Testing a DualSense Edge
The DualSense Edge adds two back buttons and two Fn buttons. On a computer, the back buttons often show up as extra buttons in the tester, but only if they're set to their own function in a profile. If they copy another button (like Cross), they will light that button instead.
The Edge also has swappable stick modules. If you replace a stick because of drift, test the new one here right after, so you know the swap worked.
How to keep your PS5 controller healthy
- Update its firmware. On a PS5, it updates automatically when connected. On Windows, use the PlayStation Accessories app.
- Keep it clean. Wipe it often and keep food and drinks away. Dirt causes many button and stick problems.
- Don't let the battery sit at zero for months. Charge it every few weeks if you don't use it.
- Test it every few months. Catching light drift early gives you time to use the warranty.
PS5 controller tester FAQ
Can I test a PS5 controller without a PS5?
Yes. Connect it to any PC, Mac, Chromebook or Android phone and use this page.
Can I test a PS5 controller on PC with Bluetooth?
Yes. Hold PS + Create until the light bar flashes, then pair it in your Bluetooth settings.
Why does my DualSense show up as "Wireless Controller"?
That's the name Sony's hardware gives itself on many computers. It's normal, and the test works the same.
Can this test the adaptive triggers?
No. A browser can read how far you pull the triggers, but it can't control the resistance. Test that in a PS5 game, like Astro's Playroom, which comes free on every PS5.
How do I check for stick drift on a PS5 controller?
Let go of both sticks and watch the dot. If it moves away from the center, use our stick drift test to measure it.
Is the PS5 controller under warranty for drift?
Sony's standard warranty covers hardware faults in the first year in most countries. Check Sony's warranty page for your region, and contact PlayStation Support.
My DualSense works here but not in a PC game. Why?
Many PC games expect an Xbox-style controller. Steam's controller settings can translate the DualSense for those games. Turn on PlayStation configuration support in Steam.