Meta / Oculus Quest 2 Controllers Spinning / Drifting: Advanced Instructions

I have seen many people have problems with Oculus Quest 2 controllers spinning in circles to the right or left. Google has been used many times by them for help with their headset controllers spinning or drifting. 

Actually, you will find a lot of methods or tricks there. Many people might suggest you try many tips and tricks. Taking out the battery, rebooting the headset, exchanging the room, etc. And you have tried several attempts to fix your VR headset’s controllers issue. But no worked. 

The Oculus Quest 2 controllers spinning or drifting is not a software issue, but a hardware one. Most users are not aware of this. 

As Oculus headset owners, we don’t have much to do with that question. The most effective way to solve the spinning or drifting of your VR headset is to contact the Oculus Community.

Your controller issue will be resolved by them. They are very helpful. If they can not fix your controller issue, they will give you a replacement warranty.  

Don’t worry about it. We have another technical solution for you. It is a little bit risky. Let’s talk about the technical terms.      

Are there any possible other reasons besides hardware?

Yes, there is. Your Oculus Quest 2 joysticks are likely stuck due to dirt under your controller remote. When it gets stuck during VR gaming, you experience spinning in a circle without moving the controllers.

Tools and Components 

The following tools are essential for fixing your VR controllers. 

1. WD-40: Specialist Contact Cleaner 
2. Q-tips 
3. Air blower/ compressed air
4. Standing knife/ spudger/ screwdriver
5. Microfibre cloth

How to fix your Oculus Quest 2 controllers spinning / drifting

If you are not that skilled, I wouldn’t recommend practicing this method. I repeat again that this technical term is risky. It could damage your controller. But it works. 

If you want to take a risk, you can follow the advance instructions      

Step 1: Take out the battery from your Oculus battery compartment. 

Step 2: Spray the contact cleaner around the side of the joystick. Do not forget to shake (20 to 30 seconds) the contact cleaner before using it. Wait about 10 to 15 minutes.

You could also do this on some of the buttons if you have a sticky button.  

Step 3: Use the air blower to get all the dust accumulated inside the controller thumbstick or joysticks. You can also use Q-tips if necessary and for better results as well.

If your Oculus headset is still in the same state, you should go to the next step.

Step 4: Gently remove the black disk or cover plate to have better access to the thumbsticks using a screwdriver or spudger tool. 

You will notice there is a cap on the transducer. Take it off carefully. 

Note: If you make a mistake in this step, you can never see any video anyway. So be very very careful here. 

Step 5: Use the contact cleaner and compressed air again for deep cleaning just like you did before. You can use a soft clean brush here. 

Clean the cap of the transducer with a microfibre cloth.  

Replace the cap and the cover plate in the right place carefully. 

Summary

Oculus Quest 2 controller drift is a common issue. This problem of spinning or drifting may begin after six months of purchasing. So far, you know what to do. You can replace the left or right controller that is not working. I hope this article is helpful to you.