A controller vibration test sends rumble commands to each motor separately and asks whether you felt them, so you can tell a dead motor from a settings problem. Most controllers have two: a heavy, low-frequency motor on the left and a light, high-frequency one on the right.
How to test controller vibration
- ConnectPlug in the controller with USB or pair it over Bluetooth.
- Press a buttonBrowsers only reveal a controller after the first button press.
- Play a testRun the guided test, or press Start and try presets such as Ramp.
- AnswerTell us which side vibrated to get a diagnosis and fixes.
Moving a slider during a manual test replays it instantly, which makes this controller rumble tester handy for spotting a motor that only fails at low power.
The two motors are meant to feel different. Microsoft’s XInput documentation puts it plainly:
“The right motor is the high-frequency motor, the left motor is the low-frequency motor. They do not always need to be set to the same amount, as they provide different effects.”
Xbox controllers
Xbox One, Series and Elite controllers work over USB, Bluetooth or the Xbox Wireless Adapter, and Chrome or Edge on Windows can also drive the impulse triggers. For connection details, trigger rumble and Xbox-specific fixes, use the Xbox vibration test.
PlayStation controllers
DualSense, DualSense Edge and DualShock 4 controllers work over USB or Bluetooth. The DualSense plays rumble on haptic actuators instead of spinning motors, so it feels different from a DualShock 4. For pairing steps and PS5-specific fixes, use the PS5 controller vibration test.
Controller not vibrating? Fixes
No vibration on either side
- Use Chrome or Edge on a computer. Firefox and most mobile browsers can’t send vibration.
- Reconnect using a different USB cable or port; charge-only cables don’t carry data.
- Make sure vibration isn’t disabled in Windows, Steam, Xbox Accessories or DS4Windows.
Left side not vibrating
- Run Left only with the left slider at 100% while holding the left grip.
- Update the firmware with Xbox Accessories or a PlayStation console, then test again.
- If it stays silent, the heavy motor is likely worn or disconnected and needs repair.
Right side not vibrating
- Run Right only; the light motor is subtle, so hold the controller loosely.
- Update the firmware and retest with a full battery.
- A right motor that never responds usually needs a replacement.
Vibration feels weak
- Run Ramp and note where each motor starts. A healthy motor spins from low settings; one that only kicks in near 100% is worn or dirty.
- Charge the battery or play on a cable. A low charge weakens rumble.
- Check the vibration intensity setting in the game, Steam Input or Xbox Accessories.
A motor keeps running
- Press Stop or switch to another tab; this page resets the motors.
- If it keeps buzzing, unplug the controller or hold the Xbox or PS button for about 10 seconds to turn it off.
- A motor that starts on its own after a restart has a hardware fault. Stop using it on battery and get it repaired.
Both work here but not in games
- Turn on vibration in the game’s settings.
- In Steam, open Settings → Controller and check rumble isn’t turned off for that controller.
- Close tools that remap controllers, which may block rumble.
FAQ
How do I test controller vibration on PC?
Plug the controller in with USB or pair it over Bluetooth, open this page in Chrome or Edge and press any button. Then run the Guided test, which checks each side and gives a diagnosis. No download or driver install is needed to test controller vibration.
Why is my controller not vibrating?
The usual causes are vibration turned off in Windows, Steam or the game, a browser without vibration support (Firefox), a weak battery, or a loose cable. If the browser works but no motor moves, see the no-vibration fixes.
Why does only one side of my controller vibrate?
Each side has its own motor. If one stays silent with its slider at 100%, that motor, its wiring or its weight is likely worn or loose. Updating the firmware rules out a software cause; otherwise the motor needs repair or replacement.
Does controller vibration work in the browser on PS5 controllers?
Mostly. Desktop Chrome and Edge can drive DualSense and DualShock 4 rumble, usually over both USB and Bluetooth. This page tests the classic left and right rumble; adaptive triggers need a dedicated tool. See the PS5 controller vibration test for details.
What is the difference between the left and right rumble motors?
The left motor spins a heavy weight for deep, low-frequency rumble such as explosions. The right motor uses a lighter weight for fast, high-frequency buzz such as engines or footsteps. Testing them separately shows which one is weak.
Can I test Xbox trigger vibration?
Yes, on Chrome or Edge with an Xbox One or Series controller. When the browser reports trigger-rumble support, two extra Trigger rumble sliders appear. They work most reliably over USB or the Xbox Wireless Adapter. See the Xbox vibration test.
Does vibration drain the controller battery?
Yes. Rumble motors are among the most power-hungry parts of a wireless controller, and long sessions with strong vibration noticeably shorten battery life. A low battery can also make rumble feel weaker, so charge before testing.
Which browsers support this gamepad vibration test?
Desktop Chrome and Edge on Windows and macOS work best. Firefox can read buttons but does not support vibration. Safari support varies by version, and iPhone and iPad browsers usually cannot vibrate a controller.