crwdns2933423:0crwdne2933423:0

DualSense Joystick Replacement

crwdns2942213:0crwdne2942213:0

  1. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Unclip the right end of the middle trim: crwdns2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Unclip the right end of the middle trim: crwdns2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Disconnect and power down your controller before you begin.

    • Insert an opening pick underneath the middle trim at the bottom-right corner of the controller to release the clips securing it to the case.

  2. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Unclip the lower-right edge of the middle trim: crwdns2935265:02crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Unclip the lower-right edge of the middle trim: crwdns2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Unclip the lower-right edge of the middle trim: crwdns2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Slide the opening pick along the lower-right edge of the middle trim to release the clips securing it to the case.

  3. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Unclip the left end of the middle trim: crwdns2935265:03crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Unclip the left end of the middle trim: crwdns2935265:03crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Insert an opening pick underneath the middle trim at the bottom-left corner of the controller to release the clips securing it to the case.

  4. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Unclip the lower-left edge of the middle trim: crwdns2935265:04crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Unclip the lower-left edge of the middle trim: crwdns2935265:04crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Unclip the lower-left edge of the middle trim: crwdns2935265:04crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Slide the opening pick along the lower-left edge of the middle trim to release the clips securing it to the case.

  5. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Remove the middle trim: crwdns2935265:05crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Remove the middle trim: crwdns2935265:05crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Remove the middle trim: crwdns2935265:05crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Use your fingers to lift up the bottom edge of the middle trim to release the remaining clips.

    • Lift the middle trim over the joysticks to remove it.

  6. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Remove the L1 button: crwdns2935265:06crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Remove the L1 button: crwdns2935265:06crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Remove the L1 button: crwdns2935265:06crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • With one hand, grip the controller and use your thumb to hold down the left trigger.

    • With your free hand, insert the flat end of a spudger between the L1 and L2 buttons.

    • Use the spudger to gently pry the L1 button away from the controller and remove it, holding your finger over the button so it doesn't eject.

  7. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Remove the R1 button: crwdns2935265:07crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Remove the R1 button: crwdns2935265:07crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Remove the R1 button: crwdns2935265:07crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Repeat the previous step to remove the R1 button.

  8. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Remove the rear case screws: crwdns2935265:08crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Remove the rear case screws: crwdns2935265:08crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two 6.4 mm screws securing the bottom corners of the lower case.

  9. DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:09crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:09crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two 6.4 mm screws behind the L1 and R1 buttons.

  10. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Separate the rear case: crwdns2935265:010crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Separate the rear case: crwdns2935265:010crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Separate the rear case: crwdns2935265:010crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Be gentle when releasing the rear cover clips—they're delicate and can easily break.

    • Use the point of a spudger to release the two clips on either side of the headset jack.

  11. DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:011crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:011crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:011crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Tight plastic clips secure the left and right edges of the rear case.

    • Insert the flat end of a spudger between the front and rear shells near the bottom of the left edge.

    • Slide the spudger along the left edge and gently pry the shells apart to release the clips.

  12. DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:012crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:012crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:012crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Repeat the previous step on the right edge to release its clips.

  13. DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:013crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:013crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Lay your controller upside down so the joysticks are on your work surface.

    • Hold the controller down with your fingers and use your thumbs to lift the rear case away from the controller to fully separate it.

  14. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Remove the rear case: crwdns2935265:014crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • Remove the rear case.

  15. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Disconnect the battery: crwdns2935265:015crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Disconnect the battery: crwdns2935265:015crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    crwdns2935267:0crwdne2935267:0
    Tweezers
    $4.99
    • Use a pair of tweezers or your fingers to disconnect the battery from the motherboard.

    • Grip the connector, not the wires, when disconnecting.

  16. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Remove the battery: crwdns2935265:016crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Remove the battery: crwdns2935265:016crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Lift the battery straight out of the battery bracket.

  17. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Remove the lower microphone: crwdns2935265:017crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Remove the lower microphone: crwdns2935265:017crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    crwdns2935267:0crwdne2935267:0
    Tweezers
    $4.99
    • Grab the lower microphone ribbon cable pull tab with your fingers or a pair of tweezers and disconnect it from the motherboard.

  18. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Remove the battery bracket: crwdns2935265:018crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Remove the battery bracket: crwdns2935265:018crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the 6.4 mm screw securing the battery bracket.

  19. DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:019crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:019crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Lift the battery bracket out of the motherboard.

  20. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Disconnect the right trigger assembly: crwdns2935265:020crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Disconnect the right trigger assembly: crwdns2935265:020crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Grip the right trigger assembly ribbon cable pull tab with a pair of tweezers or your fingers and pull up to disconnect it from the motherboard.

    • Do not completely remove the ribbon cable yet.

  21. DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:021crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:021crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Grip the right trigger assembly ribbon cable pull tab with a pair of tweezers or your fingers, and pull up to disconnect it from the trigger assembly.

    • Remove the ribbon cable.

  22. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Disconnect the left trigger assembly: crwdns2935265:022crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Disconnect the left trigger assembly: crwdns2935265:022crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Grip the left trigger assembly ribbon cable pull tab with a pair of tweezers or your fingers and pull up to disconnect it from the motherboard.

    • Do not completely remove the ribbon cable yet.

  23. DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:023crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:023crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Grip the left trigger assembly ribbon cable pull tab with a pair of tweezers or your fingers, and pull up to disconnect it from the trigger assembly.

    • Remove the ribbon cable.

  24. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Disconnect the upper microphone: crwdns2935265:024crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Disconnect the upper microphone: crwdns2935265:024crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Use a pair of tweezers or your fingers to grip the upper microphone ribbon cable pull tab, and pull up to disconnect it from the motherboard.

  25. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Disconnect the touchpad: crwdns2935265:025crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Disconnect the touchpad: crwdns2935265:025crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Use a pair of tweezers or your fingers to grip the touchpad ribbon cable pull tab, and pull it straight out of the motherboard connector.

  26. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Lift out the motherboard: crwdns2935265:026crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Lift out the motherboard: crwdns2935265:026crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Lift out the motherboard: crwdns2935265:026crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Carefully guide the joysticks through the front case and lift the motherboard out.

    • The motherboard is held down by two clips. One between the motherboard itself and the right trigger assembly, and one between the motherboard itself and the left trigger assembly. Gently push on either clip to release the motherboard from its restraints.

    • Do not completely remove the motherboard. There are four soldered wires tethering the motherboard to the vibrator motors.

  27. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Desolder the vibration motors: crwdns2935265:027crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Desolder the vibration motors: crwdns2935265:027crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Desolder the vibration motors: crwdns2935265:027crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • The next few steps require desoldering and soldering connections. To learn how to solder, check out our soldering guide—if you've already soldered, you can still find some helpful tips and tricks in this guide!

    • Flip over the controller and motherboard.

    • Use a soldering iron to desolder the vibration motor wires from the motherboard:

    • Two red wires

    • Two black wires

    • During reassembly, remember to solder the wires back into the same position. The red wires belong closest to the edge and next to the Rs on the motherboard.

  28. DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:028crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • Separate the controller from the motherboard.

  29. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Remove the joystick covers: crwdns2935265:029crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Remove the joystick covers: crwdns2935265:029crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Remove the joystick covers: crwdns2935265:029crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Pull the joystick covers straight off the joystick assemblies.

    • Only the motherboard remains.

  30. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Solder joint overview: crwdns2935265:030crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Solder joint overview: crwdns2935265:030crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Solder joint overview: crwdns2935265:030crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Your DualSense motherboard may look slightly different than the images in this guide, but you can still follow the procedure to replace it.

    • Each joystick module is secured with 14 solder joints:

    • Four anchor joints

    • Six joints connecting the two potentiometers

    • Four joystick push-button joints

    • The remaining steps will show how to replace the left joystick (with the controller facing you). You can follow the same procedure to replace the right joystick.

  31. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Prepare the potentiometers: crwdns2935265:031crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Prepare the potentiometers: crwdns2935265:031crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Prepare the potentiometers: crwdns2935265:031crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Each joystick module has two potentiometers—they're the colored square blocks along two sides of the joystick.

    • Insert the tips of a pair of angled tweezers between the top edge of a potentiometer and the joystick frame.

    • Pivot the tweezers down to bend the top edge of the potentiometer away from the joystick frame.

  32. DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:032crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:032crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:032crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Repeat the procedure on the second potentiometer.

  33. DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:033crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:033crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Use tweezers to remove the wiper mechanisms out of both potentiometers.

  34. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Secure the motherboard: crwdns2935265:034crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    crwdns2935267:0crwdne2935267:0
    Helping Hands
    $8.99
    • Secure the motherboard with helping hands or a similar tool so that the potentiometer solder joints face up.

    • Attach clips to the clear areas on the board to prevent damaging the surface-mounted components.

  35. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Desolder the potentiometers: crwdns2935265:035crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    crwdns2935267:0crwdne2935267:0
    No-Clean Flux
    $4.95
    • Apply flux to the three solder joints securing one of the potentiometers.

    • Flux improves the flow of molten solder, which makes it easier to work with. If you're having trouble with goopy or sticky solder, apply more flux.

  36. DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:036crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • Set the soldering iron to 375-400 °C (~700-750 °F).

    • The DualSense controller has lead-free solder, which requires a higher working temperature than leaded solder.

    • For full instructions on how to desolder through-hole solder joints, follow this guide.

    • Press the soldering iron tip against a joint to heat it.

    • Don't heat the joint longer than 15 seconds at a time, or you risk damaging the solder pad.

    • If you're having trouble melting the solder joint, apply some leaded solder onto the soldering iron tip and try again. The leaded solder helps with heat transfer while lowering the melting temperature of the existing lead-free solder joint.

    • Once the joint's molten, use a desoldering pump to suck away the solder.

    • Repeat the heating and sucking procedure a few times on the same joint to remove as much solder as possible.

    • Don't heat the joint continuously for longer than 15 seconds at a time to avoid damaging the pad.

  37. DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:038crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • Repeat the procedure to desolder the remaining two potentiometer pins.

  38. DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:039crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • This step shows how to remove residual solder with a solder wick. If the potentiometer feels loose, skip this step.

    • Apply flux to the solder joint.

    • Lay a piece of clean solder wick over the solder joint.

    • Press the tip of the soldering iron over the wick so that the residual solder melts and transfers onto the wick.

    • Repeat the process with the remaining two solder joints.

  39. DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:040crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:040crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • User tweezers or pliers to gently pull the potentiometer away from the board.

    • If the potentiometer feels stuck, repeat the previous three steps to try to remove the residual solder holding the potentiometer in place.

    • You can also try heating each joint as you wiggle the potentiometer out of the board. This is best accomplished with help from a friend.

  40. DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:041crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:041crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:041crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Repeat the desoldering procedure to desolder and remove the second potentiometer.

  41. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Cut apart the joystick frame: crwdns2935265:042crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Cut apart the joystick frame: crwdns2935265:042crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Cut apart the joystick frame: crwdns2935265:042crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Use flush cutters to cut the top corners of the joystick frame.

    • Be very careful not to cut yourself on the sharp edges. Bend any sharp edges down with pliers.

  42. DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:043crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • Use pliers to bend the metal frame outwards from the module.

  43. DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:044crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:044crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Remove the plastic components from the center of the joystick module.

    • Remove any loose pieces from the joystick module.

  44. DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:045crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:045crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Use flush cutters to cut apart the top sections of the remaining frame walls, separating each wall into two pieces.

  45. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Remove the push-button: crwdns2935265:046crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Remove the push-button: crwdns2935265:046crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Remove the push-button: crwdns2935265:046crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Slide the flat end of a spudger under the joystick module's plastic base.

    • Slowly pry up the base to bend and break it away from the motherboard.

    • Remove the plastic base.

  46. DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:047crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:047crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Use flush cutters and pliers to break and remove the plastic base remnants from the push-button.

    • Use flush cutters to cut the four push-button pins securing it to the motherboard.

  47. DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:048crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:048crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Remove the push-button.

    • Remove any plastic base remnants.

  48. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Desolder the cut pins: crwdns2935265:049crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Desolder the cut pins: crwdns2935265:049crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Desolder the cut pins: crwdns2935265:049crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Secure the motherboard so that the solder joints face upward.

    • Use the soldering iron to heat a solder joint securing one of the frame anchors.

    • Once the solder is molten, use pliers to grab and pull the frame anchor out of its through-hole.

    • If you're having trouble melting the solder joint, apply some leaded solder onto the soldering iron tip and try again.

    • Repeat the procedure to remove all four anchor joints.

  49. DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:050crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:050crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Use the soldering iron to heat a solder joint securing one of the push-button pins.

    • Once the solder is molten, use tweezers to grab the pin and pull it out of its through-hole.

    • Repeat the procedure to remove all four push-button pins.

  50. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Clean up the through-holes: crwdns2935265:051crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Clean up the through-holes: crwdns2935265:051crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Secure the motherboard so you can access both sides of it.

    • Use the soldering iron to heat one side of a through-hole.

    • Use a desoldering pump on the opposite side of the through-hole to suck up any remaining solder.

    • Don't heat the through-hole continuously for longer than 15 seconds at a time to avoid damaging the pad.

    • If needed, use solder wick to remove any residual solder.

    • Repeat this for all through-holes and both sides of the motherboard.

  51. DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:052crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • Visually inspect each through-hole and make sure they're not blocked by residual solder. If some holes look blocked, repeat the previous step to clear the blockage.

  52. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Clean the surface of the motherboard: crwdns2935265:053crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Clean the surface of the motherboard: crwdns2935265:053crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Apply a few drops of high concentration (>90%) isopropyl alcohol to the top side of the motherboard, where the new joystick module will sit.

    • Use a cotton swab or a soft brush and cloth to wipe away the flux residue.

  53. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Solder the replacement joystick: crwdns2935265:054crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 DualSense Joystick Replacement, Solder the replacement joystick: crwdns2935265:054crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Place the replacement joystick module onto the motherboard so that all the pins thread through the through-holes.

    • Gently press the joystick onto the board so that the joystick sits flush with the board surface.

  54. DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:055crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • Flip the motherboard over and secure it so that you can solder the joystick module pins.

    • Apply flux to one of the frame anchors to prep it for soldering.

    • For full instructions on how to solder through-hole solder joints, follow this guide.

    • Solder one of the frame anchors to the motherboard.

  55. DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:057crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • Make sure the joystick module hasn't moved away from the motherboard during the soldering process. Reheat the soldered pin and reposition the module as needed.

  56. DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:058crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • Solder the remaining joystick module pins (14 total) to the motherboard. Apply flux as you solder to help create good bonds.

  57. DualSense Joystick Replacement, Inspect and clean your work: crwdns2935265:059crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • Visually inspect your work:

    • Make sure each solder joint looks well-formed.

    • Make sure no solder joints are shorting each other.

  58. DualSense Joystick Replacement: crwdns2935265:060crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • Apply a few drops of high concentration (>90%) isopropyl alcohol to the motherboard wherever you can see flux residue.

    • Use a cotton swab or a soft brush and cloth to wipe away the flux residue.

crwdns2915888:0crwdne2915888:0

Congratulations! You've replaced the controller's joystick and, in the process, leveled up your soldering skills.

To reassemble the controller, go to this step and follow the instructions in reverse order.

You'll need to run the calibration tool to calibrate the new joystick.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers community for help.

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Arthur Shi

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iFixit crwdns2935289:0iFixitcrwdne2935289:0

Staff

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can I use Dualshock 4 joystick in the Dualsense ?

Kia - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

Yes, the joysticks are the same in both controllers.

Wes -

How do you differentiate a real joystick part from fake ones? Since in my situation i can't order straight from sony.

TryJak - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

I would suggest getting a PS4 Dualshock controller from the classifieds since there's a pile of them available for cheap and take the analogue stick from there.

Philip Sedlmair -

Thanks for the tutorial! I wonder if anyone has a problem after replacing the joystick? The controller simply won't turn on. If I connect the controller to either ps5 or my pc via usb, it will blink 3 times in orange and turn off. If I press the PS button when connected with usb, it will also blink orange 3 times and nothing happens. I've tried hard reset by using the hole on the back but it didn't help. Any advice??

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