Skip to main content
New Participant
September 6, 2025
Question

Headset is registering stick movement that isn't there

This is tricky to explain, but here it goes. 

my left quest 3 controller was registering movement up and to the left. No matter what i did, any game i played would move me forward and left (NNW) at full speed. So, I figured the controller had broke. No biggie, I'll order a new one.

As soon as I place the order, I remember I can switch my movement to the right stick so at least I can play certain games with little to no issue! So I do that. Now my right controller controller movement.

Aaaand my right controller says forward movement to the left. My controllers are apparently fine? And its my headset that's bugging and registering movement from the controllers that isn't there.

Because when I switch movement from one stick to another, the other controller stops registering any input when not used.

Hope this makes sense, also help? Can I just do something internally to my quest or is it broke.

9 replies

Honored Contributor
September 6, 2025

Definitely not looking like your controllers have a problem. Seems like a broken headset sensor or a software bug. Have you tried the old reliable of factory resetting ? It's a pain in the axx I know, but backup your apps and games and give it a try if you haven't already. Good luck !

Maccyb
New Participant
September 6, 2025

I will try cleaning my sensors first, and yeah I really didn't want to factory reset my Oculus because of how tedious it is, was definitely hoping for some other solution! But the more I think about it, it's probably the only solution

Honored Contributor
September 6, 2025

Also make sure your sensors on the headset aren't dirty.

Maccyb
MetaStoreHelp
Community Manager
September 6, 2025

Hey there, we hear that you're having some troubles with your controllers. We'd be happy to help, so please send us a private message to start a support process or click this link: https://www.meta.com/help/support/

 

We will be looking forward to see your message on our inbox!

If you're the author of a thread, remember to mark a reply as the Accepted Solution to help others find answers!
September 6, 2025

Have you tried unpairing and re-pairing the controllers in the mobile app?

New Participant
September 7, 2025

I did try, no dice! Such a bizarre issue.

September 7, 2025

Hmmm, the fact that both controllers care affected by the same issue might mean that the problem could be with the headset. Perhaps a factory reset will put a working OS on the headset.

MetaStoreHelp
Community Manager
September 8, 2025

Hi PewPewLazrs  and thanks for the update.

 

We appreciate the steps you've already taken by unpairing/repairing the Controllers and cleaning your sensors.

 

We would also recommend checking the following:

 

- Ensure that your area is well lit, with enough light to clearly see, but not direct sunlight.
- Ensure that your area is free of any reflective surfaces such as mirrors, glass or polished marble.
- Ensure that the tracking cameras on your headset are clean following our recommended maintenance and care guidelines.
- Ensure that your environment is free of any obstructions between the tracking cameras and the controllers.

 

If your controllers have removable batteries, try removing the batteries from your controllers for at least 30 seconds before reinstalling.
 

The next thing you want to do is update your device using our Software Update Tool. This tool lets you update your device's software, even when the device itself is unresponsive.

 

If the issue persists after this, please try a factory reset. Please be advised that performing a factory reset is irreversible and will remove all account information, downloaded games and content from your Meta Quest.


Before you proceed, you can turn on cloud backup to save your device's app data and settings.


Please ensure that your headset has at least 50% battery life and follow the steps below:


- Turn off your headset.
- Hold the power and volume (-) buttons on your headset down simultaneously until the boot screen has loaded on your headset.
- Use the volume buttons on your headset to highlight Factory Reset and press the power button.
- Use the volume buttons on your headset to highlight Yes and press the power button.

 

Please keep us updated, we would love to look into other options if you're still experiencing this issue after trying the above troubleshooting steps.

 

 

If you're the author of a thread, remember to mark a reply as the Accepted Solution to help others find answers!
steve40
Honored Contributor
September 9, 2025

You probably need to recalibrate your controllers. In your headset Settings->Devices->Controllers, there are options to set:

  • Thumbstick angle
  • Thumbstick range and deadzone