Mouse Drift Test
Place your mouse still to detect cursor drift and sensor issues
Idle — Click to StartWhat is Mouse Drift?
Mouse drift occurs when your cursor moves on its own without physical mouse movement. This is usually caused by a dirty or faulty sensor, a poor surface, electromagnetic interference, or a hardware defect. This test helps you detect and quantify the extent of drift.
Common Causes of Drift
• Dirty Sensor: Dust, hair or debris partially blocking the optical sensor
• Poor Mouse Pad Surface: Reflective, glass, or inconsistent surfaces confuse optical sensors
• Electromagnetic Interference: Wireless mice near other 2.4GHz devices
• Hardware Failure: Aging sensors, especially in budget mice
• Low Battery: Wireless mice drifting when battery voltage drops
How to Fix Mouse Drift
1. Clean the Sensor: Use a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol
2. Change Mouse Surface: Use a quality cloth mouse pad — avoid glass
3. Update Drivers: Install the latest firmware for your mouse
4. Change USB Port: Try different ports to rule out USB interference
5. Replace Battery: For wireless mice, try fresh batteries
6. Contact Support: If drift persists, the sensor may need replacement