Setup Guides

Practical controller guides

Set up your controller, read your test results, show inputs on stream, or work through a repair decision. Choose the guide that matches what you want to do next. 7 guides live, more shipping soon.

Guide
Calibration and Deadzones
Calibration and deadzones solve different problems. Calibration adjusts how a supported setup interprets stick position or range. An inner deadzone ignores a small area around the center. Start with a repeatable test, then change the setting that fits the symptom. Neither setting can mend a worn spring or a damaged sensor.
Guide
Controller Overlay in OBS
To show controller inputs in OBS, first confirm that GPADLAB's gamepad viewer responds in your browser. Copy its overlay URL into an OBS Browser Source, then check input again inside OBS. If the embedded browser cannot read your controller, capture the working browser window instead. Make a short recording before your stream.
Guide
Controller Test Results
Read controller test results as clues about a specific symptom. Start with buttons and stick movement, then compare the same test under the same settings. A small offset or an unusual timing value is not a diagnosis on its own. Check whether the result repeats and whether it affects the game you play.
Guide
Repair or Replace a Controller
Repair makes sense when you know the fault, can get the right part, and the rest of the controller is in good shape. A new pad may be better when several parts are worn. First rule out settings and cable issues. Then compare the full repair cost with a pad that meets your needs.
Guide
Testing Controllers on iOS and Android
Use Safari 16.4 or later on iPhone and iPad, or Chrome on Android - both support the Gamepad API for reading connected controllers. Bluetooth pairing works with DualSense, Xbox Wireless, and most MFi controllers on both platforms. Mobile browser testing is less reliable than desktop, but works for basic button and stick verification.
Guide
Testing Controllers on Steam Deck
Boot into Desktop Mode, open Firefox or another Chromium browser, and hold the Menu button on the Deck to swap the internal controls to gamepad emulation. External controllers connect via USB-C dock or Bluetooth as normal. Steam Input is always running on Deck and shapes what the browser sees - this guide walks you through the actual reliable path.
Guide
Testing Controllers on Windows
Use Chrome or Edge for the most reliable Gamepad API support, close Steam before testing so it doesn't intercept your controller, and press any button after the page loads because browsers hide gamepads until you interact with them. That fixes 90% of the 'controller not detected' reports we see.

Practical controller guides

Calibration and Deadzones

Controller Overlay in OBS

Controller Test Results

Repair or Replace a Controller

Testing Controllers on iOS and Android

Testing Controllers on Steam Deck

Testing Controllers on Windows