Test Each Motor in Your Browser
Browsers drive controller vibration as two rumble motors: a strong, low-frequency one and a weak, high-frequency one. A web page can run each one separately.
- Connect the controller with a USB cable if you can, and press any button so the browser shows it.
- Open the controller test in Chrome, Edge, or Safari.
- Press Weak Motor and hold the controller loosely. You should feel a light, buzzing vibration.
- Press Strong Motor. You should feel a deeper, heavier rumble.
- Press Both Motors. Both should run together for the same 0.7 seconds.
If the test says vibration isn't supported in this browser, switch browsers. Firefox doesn't support controller vibration.
Read the Result
- Both motors run: the vibration hardware works. If a game still doesn't rumble, the problem is the game's or the system's vibration setting.
- One motor runs and the other doesn't: that motor has most likely failed. Contact the maker about a repair or replacement.
- Neither motor runs: check the connection and the settings below before deciding the controller is faulty.
Nintendo says vibration strength can vary from one game to another and from one controller to another, and that this is normal. A small difference between two controllers is not a fault.
Xbox Controller on PC
Xbox Support says rumble doesn't work when playing games on a PC while the controller is connected through Bluetooth. Use a USB cable or the Xbox Wireless Adapter instead.
- On PC, use the Xbox Accessories app from the Microsoft Store. Plug in the controller, select Configure, and pick a profile. Then select Turn on vibration.
- On an Elite Series 2, the same app has sliders under Edit, then Vibration.
- On an Xbox console, open Profile & system, then Settings, Accessibility, Controller, and Vibration settings.
- Xbox notes that rumble turns off by itself when the controller's battery is low, so charge it or swap the batteries.
PS5 DualSense on PC
PlayStation Support says haptic feedback in PC games needs a USB connection, and isn't available on Mac computers or mobile devices. Connect the DualSense with a USB-C data cable when you test it.
- On PC, the PlayStation Accessories app lets you set the vibration intensity.
- On a PS5, open Settings, then Accessories, then Controller (General), and set the vibration intensity.
A web page can run the DualSense's rumble, but it can't drive the adaptive triggers.
Switch Pro Controller
Nintendo's steps for vibration that doesn't work, on a Switch console:
- Install the latest system update and update the controller.
- Charge the controller.
- Press the SYNC button once to reset it, then press any other button to turn it back on.
- Check that Controller Vibration is on in System Settings, under Controllers and Sensors.
If the controller still doesn't vibrate with the setting on, Nintendo says it needs service.
Test Buttons and Sticks Too
While the controller is connected, press every button on the controller test. Then run the stick drift test. That way a new or repaired controller is fully checked while you can still return it.