How to Use the Gamepad Tester
- Connect your controller by USB or Bluetooth.
- Press any button — the controller appears in the list and the test starts.
- Press every button once. Each tile turns blue when it has registered; the bar along the bottom shows how far analog buttons and triggers are pressed.
- Move both sticks in full circles. The dot shows the current position and the grey trail shows where the stick has been.
- Press Test vibration to check the rumble motors.
What the Results Show
- Buttons tested — how many buttons have registered at least once. A button that never turns blue isn’t being detected.
- Left / Right stick — the current X and Y values, from -1 to 1. At rest, both should be close to 0.00.
- Triggers — how far LT/RT (L2/R2) are pressed, 0–100%.
- Mapping — “Standard” means the browser recognises the layout and names each button.
Button Layout Reference
| Standard # | Xbox | PlayStation | Switch Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | A | ✕ Cross | B |
| 1 | B | ○ Circle | A |
| 2 | X | □ Square | Y |
| 3 | Y | △ Triangle | X |
| 4 / 5 | LB / RB | L1 / R1 | L / R |
| 6 / 7 | LT / RT | L2 / R2 | ZL / ZR |
| 8 / 9 | View / Menu | Create / Options | − / + |
| 10 / 11 | Stick clicks | L3 / R3 | Stick clicks |
| 12–15 | D-pad | D-pad | D-pad |
Common Controller Problems
A Button Doesn’t Register
Dirt under the button or a worn contact is the usual cause. Clean around the button with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab while pressing it repeatedly. If it still fails, the contact membrane needs replacing.
Stick Moves on Its Own
That’s stick drift, caused by wear inside the stick’s potentiometers. Measure it precisely with the stick drift test, which also suggests a deadzone to hide it.
Inputs Lag or Cut Out on Bluetooth
Move closer to the computer, remove other Bluetooth devices, and avoid USB 3 ports right next to the Bluetooth adapter — they can cause interference. A cable always gives the most reliable connection.
Controller Works in the Browser but Not in Games
Games may expect an Xbox (XInput) controller. PlayStation and generic controllers often need Steam Input or a compatibility tool to work in older PC games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Isn't My Controller Detected?
Browsers only show a controller after you press a button on it, to protect your privacy. Press any button with this page open. If it still doesn't appear, try a USB cable, another browser such as Chrome or Edge, or re-pair it over Bluetooth.
Why Do the Button Names Not Match My Controller?
If the mapping shows Standard, buttons use the common Xbox layout with PlayStation names in brackets. Non-standard controllers report raw button numbers, so the names can't be guessed — press each button to see which number it uses.
Why Doesn't Vibration Work?
Vibration support depends on the browser and controller. Chrome and Edge support rumble for Xbox and PlayStation controllers; Firefox and Safari mostly don't. Some controllers only vibrate over USB.
My Trigger Doesn't Reach 100%. Is It Broken?
Triggers that stop at 90–98% are common and usually fine in games. If a trigger stops much lower or sticks above 0% when released, it may need cleaning or calibration — or it may be worn.
Does This Work on Mobile?
Yes, in Chrome on Android with a controller connected by Bluetooth or USB-C. iPhones and iPads support controllers in Safari on recent iOS versions.
Related Tests
Last updated · Part of our controller tests.