Guides
How to set controller deadzone
Deadzone determines how an application ignores stick input near the center. There is no single percentage to recommend for every controller and game. The aim is to stop unwanted movement when you release the stick while keeping small intentional movements usable.
Short video: how to set your deadzone
Loading the player connects to YouTube and shares connection information with YouTube.
Save your current setting
Take a screenshot of the game's control settings. If left and right sticks have separate values, record which one you are changing. This guide focuses on inner deadzone, near the center; outer deadzone, sensitivity and response curve are different controls. Steam Input also documents deadzone and response curve separately. Valve documentation
Change one setting at a time
- Observe near-center stick input in the deadzone test. A browser reading is not a recommended in-game deadzone percentage.
- In a safe area of your game, release the stick. Does the camera or character move on its own?
- If unwanted movement occurs, increase that stick's inner deadzone by a small step available in the game. Keep other settings fixed.
- Repeat in the same place. Then move the stick slightly to check whether small intentional inputs remain usable.
- If starting a small movement becomes difficult, compare the previous setting again. Once you find a usable value, restart the game and check that the setting was saved.
Record both sides of the tradeoff
| Attempt | Setting | Movement with stick released | Response to small intentional movement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting point | Enter your value | Yes / no | Usable / difficult |
| After one change | Enter new value | Yes / no | Usable / difficult |
This table does not prescribe a threshold. It helps you compare two observations in your own game. Even when menus show percentages, do not assume that values in different games are equivalent.
Does deadzone repair stick drift?
A deadzone setting can reduce the effect of unwanted input in a game; it does not repair physical wear. If no setting feels usable or behavior changes rapidly, repeat the stick drift test under consistent conditions and consult the manufacturer's support instructions for your model.
GamepadHealth shows inputs observed in the browser. It does not change game settings, firmware or hardware calibration. Read the measurement limits.