Cleaning Xbox Controllers To Fix Sticky Button Issues
- The first thing you should do is clean the controller.
- Apply wine and Q& A tips will come to your rescue in this case.
- First, unplug your controller, take a cotton swab/Q-tips and dip it in a small amount of rubbing alcohol.
- Next, Use a cotton swab to clean the sticky spot.. You will see the residue come out.
- Go into every nook and cranny and then check if the button is working properly now or if its still stuck.
Let’s Tear Down This Controller
Just a little disclaimer before starting: This will completely void your warranty, and, obviously, I can’t be held responsible if you break your controller while following this page’s instructions, you’re doing this at your own risk.
The tools you’ll need:
I’m personally using an iFixit screwdriver kit that contains everything you’ll ever need to repair this kind of electronic devices. If you want to know which one I used, please let me know in the comments.
What Else Can I Use Around The House To Clean My Xbox One Controller
Microsoft clearly states that the recommended cleaning tool for an Xbox One controller is 70% isopropyl alcohol or the pre-tested wipes listed above. Using alternatives could void the warranty. However, if you are in a pinch, many people have had success with hand sanitizer. Just make sure to look for products with a similar alcohol content to achieve the same effect.
Users also note that WD-40 can be an effective solution for the issue of sticky buttons. This is best used if you decide to take the controller apart as we never recommend applying anything directly to the device.
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Solution : Xbox Controller Repair
The last way to fix a completely jammed control system is by taking it to a repair specialist and getting a free diagnosis. A technician takes Xbox apart, and a controller will let you know what the issue is and whether it can be resolved.
Dos
- Use cotton swabs and rubbing alcohol to clean.
- With the device, be gentle.
- Using the correct repair tools.
Dont
- Try for DIY without knowledge.
Help Fixing Sticky Buttons Xbox One Elite Controller

truncated_pachyderm said:The face buttons on my Xbox One Elite controller have become almost unusable they are so sticky. I didnt spill anything on the controller, so I assume this is a natural degradation of the membranes or an accumulation of detritus.Ive looked at self repair but it seems like desoldering is necessary to reach the buttons, which is insane.Does anyone have any suggestions? Id be willing to ship the controller off to have it fixed if thats an option.
Smashed_Hulk said:Take it apart and clean all sides of the buttons and the membrane.if its sticking, something sticky got in there even if you dont think it. Open it up.
truncated_pachyderm said:I am pleased to report that this seems to have worked. I wouldn’t say that they have 100% of the “springiness” they had at first, or that my Elite Series 2 has, but I’m shocked at how easy and effective this was. I guess I didn’t think the IPA would get in there, but it sure did. Thanks!The reason I made the thread is because getting to the buttons and membrane requires de-soldering some connections on the controller, and then re-soldering them back to put it back together. I don’t have a soldering iron or experience using one so I didn’t want to go down that rabbit hole.
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What Is Xbox One Controller Drift
The most common situation involves drift in the left analog stick, which usually manifests in your character constantly looking up in first-person games. However, the right stick can also suffer from drift issues. You may also notice that when you move one of the analog sticks in any direction, it will continue registering that movement even after taking your thumb off the stick.
When Xbox One controller drift occurs, there are three main causes:
- Worn out thumbstick pad: Each thumbstick consists of a boxy sensor component with a moveable shaft on top and a rubber or plastic component that snaps onto the shaft. If the rubber or plastic piece becomes worn, replacing or repairing it will fix your drift issue. In some cases, a similar issue can be caused by dirty thumbstick pads.
- Worn out springs: Each thumbstick sensor component has two springs that help snap it back to the center whenever you remove your thumb. When one or both springs wear out, youll notice drift. Replacing the springs fixes that problem.
- Bad thumbstick unit: Each thumbstick consists of a boxy sensor component thats soldered to the controller circuit board. This component can fail internally, in which case the only possible fix is to replace it with a new part.
Fixing Xbox One Elite Controller Sticky Buttons
When Red Dead Redemption 2 was released, my best friend bought it and she enjoyed it so much I wanted to play with it too. But my Xbox One hadn’t been started in months, and it took a while to update the beast. After installing the game, I took my favorite controller, which is my Xbox One Elite Controller. It’s a fantastic piece of electronics, although a bit expensive if bought without a discount.
While playing, I immediately felt that something was wrong. The A, B, X and Y buttons where all a bit sticky. It felt like the buttons weren’t getting back up until all the pressure was removed . Usually, you could keep your fingers on the buttons, and just apply more pressure to activate them, but not this time. This drove me a bit crazy, because in some games you really need some reactivity, and the controller just wasn’t cutting it anymore.
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The Cause For Sticky Buttons
It is not an ideal situation. Over time and with frequent use, dead skin cells, dirt, dust, oils and food debris accumulate within the crevices of most electronics, particularly with gaming controllers. This can lead to the inconvenience of sticky buttons, drifting sticks and jammed triggers. Thus, regular cleanings are imperative in order to prevent these types of malfunctions.
How To Fix Sticky Buttons On Xbox 360 Controller
Answer
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Repairing An Xbox Controller
The final option is to bring the controller to a repair shop for a free diagnosis. To figure out what is wrong with your Xbox One controller, a specialist will disassemble the device and let you know what the problem is. Its time to get your uBreakiFix game controller fixed if youre at your wits end.
How To Fix Worn Out Thumbstick Pads
If you notice that your Xbox One controller is suffering from thumbstick drift, youll want to start with the easiest fixes and continue from there. While dirty or worn out thumbstick pads dont represent the most common source of this problem, this is the best place to start since its the easiest and fastest thing to try out.
To perform this fix, youll need:
- Isopropyl alcohol
Reassemble the controller and test operation.
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Pro Tips: How To Fix Sticky Buttons On Xbox One Controller
When it comes to repairing Xbox One controllers, one of the most common methods is to use alcohol. However, excessive use of alcohol might damage the controller.
It would be beneficial if you avoid exposing the item to any liquids. Wipes can be used in a cotton bud or Disinfectant while cleaning.
Never wipe the controller with your bare hands, especially if youre using alcohol or other liquid that can harm your skin.
You should not scrub the Xbox One controller with soap and water. Damage to the outer layer is always possible. Using a sufficient amount of cleaning and a few swipes will suffice.
What Causes Sticky Buttons On Your Xbox Controller

The most common cause of sticky buttons is that delicious combination of dirt and dust, mixed with the natural oil produced by your hands.
If you routinely have marathon gaming sessions, the sweat and oil on your hands will inevitably transfer onto your controller. Other common causes are crumbs from snacks, or drinks being spilt accidentally onto your controller.
So just what can you do, in order to fix this problem, should it afflict you?
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Dont Throw Your Controller Away It May Be Salvageable
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When an Xbox One controller starts suffering from drift, youll typically notice unwanted movement while playing games. Its called controller drift, or analog stick drift, because one or both thumbsticks will drift, or move, in an undesired direction even when you arent touching them.
To fix Xbox One controller drift, you need to take the controller apart and repair or replace one or more components related to the analog sticks.
Solution : Taking Apart The Xbox One Controller Cleaning
This method is recommended only if youre experienced in tearing electronic products. As far as I know, the above solution should solve your problem.
You need to part away from all the parts of the Xbox One Controller and try cleaning them, and if the issues persist, you should visit a professional.
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Another Way: Take The Xbox Controller Apart And Clean
The second alternative to removing the sticky buttons on Gang Beasts Controls is to take the controller apart. This method is dangerous since you risk damaging the controller rather than repairing it. As a result, this approach should be attempted only if you have prior knowledge of opening up electronics because its the removal of a consoles motherboard, which necessitates meticulous attention and excellent eyesight. Youll need several screwdrivers in various sizes as well as some other basic equipment that you may already have in your tool kit to do so.
Take Aside The Xbox Controller
If rubbing alcohol hasnt resolved the problem, and youre feeling courageous, youll be able to take aside the controller, and provides it an intensive clear from the within out.
This can be a far more subtle job, and can virtually actually void any guarantee you may need, so do bear that in thoughts. In fact, if the controller is out of guarantee, or so caught its unusable, then you could really feel you dont have anything to lose by making an attempt this methodology.
- Read more:
There are many tutorials on-line, equivalent to this or this. This isnt for the faint-hearted, and also you wish to be sure to have all the correct gear earlier than getting began.
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Take Into Account A Alternative Xbox Controller
If these choices have not helped, or your controller is below guarantee, youll be able to all the time exchange your controller.
Underneath guarantee, in case youve registered your gadget, then you can begin a Service Order, to get additional help from Microsoft. In case you are out of guarantee, then youll be able to both attempt taking it to an area restore service supplier or chunk the bullet and get a brand new controller.
New Xbox One Controller Has Sticky Button
I just bought a new Xbox One X and the controller it came with has a sticky “X” button right out of the box. Normally I wouldn’t complain but it’s a frustrating little annoyance to have after just spending $500 to upgrade my Xbox One console. Is there any way to exchange it for a new one? I bought the console roughly a week ago from a Gamestop and haven’t found anything on this issue online which is why I am posting here.
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Don’t Let A Glitched Controller Mean Game Over
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Should I Continue Playing With Xbox One Controller Sticky Button

I would strongly oppose playing with the sticky buttons of the Xbox One Controller. You might avoid this issue initially, but after some usage with a sticky button, the Xbox One Controller will stop working.
While playing games, the critical control buttons will become less responsive.
It can spoil the fun of gaming if your controller buttons feel sticky, stiff, and are late responsive.
The stickiness can damage the Xbox One Controller internally in the long term if you continue to use it with the issue, and you might have to buy a new one for yourself.
Regular cleaning of the Xbox One Controller can avoid the issue of a sticky button, and cleaning will also increase its life, and you can save some extra bucks.
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How Do I Fix A Mushy A Button On An Xbox One Controller
On 8/12/2016 at 2:57 AM, Cyracus said:
could be the rubber, like if it got torn somehow, but you should be able to tell once you get to it, clean the button and the controller slot it slides in with isopropyl alcohol and make sure nothing’s sticky then put it back together enough to test it a little
as seen in the picture the rubber contact pad was torn for the A button so I replaced it and I decided to black out the ABXY and home button
Things To Remember While Cleaning Your Xbox One Controller Button
The first and foremost method I mentioned above is using alcohol the right proportion of alcohol is necessary excessive usage can damage the Xbox One Controller.
NEVER apply liquids directly to the device. Instead of using a cotton bud or Disinfectant, wipes are some of the reasonable alternatives.
NEVER clean the controller with bare hands, while using alcohol or any other liquid handling them without any precaution can be dangerous to your bare skin.
Do not Scrub the Xbox One Controller. There is always a risk of damaging the outer covering/layer. No need to scrub simple swipes and buds with an appropriate quantity of cleaner will do it.
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How To Replace An Xbox One Controller Analog Stick
In some cases, youll find that one or both of your analog sticks are just worn out and need to be replaced. This is an even more complicated repair, and you shouldnt attempt it if you arent comfortable with desoldering and soldering.
Don’t attempt this fix if you don’t have experience desoldering components from a circuit board. Any mistakes with the desoldering tool or soldering iron could easily ruin your controller.
If you want to attempt this fix, youll need:
- Prying tool
Xbox One Wireless Controller Has Sticky Or Broken Buttons
Wondering what to do when your Xbox One Wireless Controller’s buttons become sticky or take longer than usual to pop back up? Try these fixes to get back to gaming!
Does your Xbox One Wireless Controller have sticky buttons that take longer than usual to pop back up? Xbox One Wireless Controllers are susceptible to a range of problems that could cause their buttons to become sticky or stuck. Check the following possible causes to identify and solve the problem.
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Solution : Rubbing Alcohol & Cotton Buds Around The Buttons
This combo is a basic, non-invasive strategy that can be useful if you are starting to detect any stickiness. Simple cleaning will most likely solve your problem.
Note: Make sure your Xbox One Controller is unplugged.
- First of all, dip a cotton bud into running alcohol, and remove any excess of it. You dont want to apply much.
- Now rub the cotton bud around the sticking button, and clean it as far as you dont see any dirt and dust. The alcohol will aid in the breakdown of any muck that has accumulated.
- After following this process multiple times, you need to press the button repeatedly, which will allow the alcohol to work its way with the controller. These steps should help you to loosen any residual dirt around the buttons of the Xbox One Controller.
How To Fix A Sticky Button On Xbox One Controller
If you are thinking of how to fix sticky buttons of the controller, then here are some tried and tested true-ways that can help you a lot. Among them, which one to use is depends on how much the Controller buttons are jammed and also whats your comfort level.
Clean around buttons with alcohol and Q-Tips
If you have spilled anything on your controller, then your controller needs a mirror cleaning around buttons. To do that, grab some Q-tips and some rubbing alcohol and follow this procedure.
- Firstly, unplug the controller from a console or disconnect it.
- Then, dip the Q-tip into rubbing alcohol carefully.
- Then take that Q-tip and rub that around the control buttons that are sticking. Try to get as far and deep down the button as you get.
- Once you have cleaned the button as much as you can, now its time to check. Press the sticky buttons a few times so that the alcohol goes down into the surface of the buttons and loosen any type of debris that is stuck in it.
- If you are still facing the same issue, then do repeat the process several times or you can also try another method which is written below in this article.
The alcohol evaporates quickly and it is advised that you shouldnt use much alcohol as it might damage the circuitry damage to the controller.
Note: Never clean your controller buttons with water, because when the water gets inside it causes circuitry and corrosion damage to the controller.
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