Gamepad Vibration Test: How to Check Gamepad is Working or Not on PC

I own a gamepad. It’s a cheap one bought for nearly $5 through Amazon. It says it supports vibration on its description. I connected it to the computer and tried playing FIFA 14. The vibration should work when the ball hit the crossbar/Post. But it does not vibrate. So it comes to my understanding that the game doesn't have this feature. Some people say it works and sometimes not.
Well, I still want to check the gamepad is working or not. I searched the web. There are many answers to the same question. So I decided to write a guide since I didn’t find any written guide about this gamepad vibration.
So how to check the gamepad and vibration are working or not?
I’m currently using Windows 7 – 32 bit. The steps are same for Windows 8. But the interface looks different on different OS.

1. First, connect your USB gamepad into your computer
2. In the ‘Start” menu  search “Set up USB game controllers” or “USB game.”
I included images below

Next step is to select the “Set up USB game controllers.”
Gamapad menu in windows 7 start

Then a window will open like this

Game control panel in windows 7

You can see the type of controller listed in there. In my case, it’s “USB Vibration Joystick”. Next select the Properties button
Then a new window will open like this

Usb vibration Joystick properties

Here you can see the function test, calibration function, and vibration Test.
Function Test
Now move the analog sticks and press every button on the gamepad. You can see the colors of the corresponding button flashes if it works
Calibration Function
Gamepad calibration

The instruction on how to calibrate is already there. So don't need explanation
Vibration Test
Gamepad vibration test

First we need to set the vibration strength. I set it to 80% since that’s convenient for me. You can set it to any other value you prefer. Next, move the analog stick on your gamepad. You can feel the vibration on hands if it works properly.
To check vibration is working precisely, first select “Left force” then “Right force” finally “both force.” You can feel the vibration if the motor inside joystick is working. If the vibration is not working, then there is something wrong with your gamepad or motor/circuit inside.
During gaming
Some games do not support gamepad vibration. It depends on the game. So if the gamepad vibration is not working during gaming, then it does not mean the gamepad is faulty. Check the game description to see it supports vibration or not


Update 5/21/2016

It seems a lot of people having issues with gamepad vibration and right analog stick is not working issue. If it's not working, it's either due to software (driver) issues or hardware issues.

Steps to solve this issues

1. Uninstall the current driver software. Download the latest and new driver from the official site.
2. Try running the clear calibration utility (can be used for all gamepads) which can be downloaded from here - Click Here
3. Check gamepad is working properly
4. If not then calibrate again. the option to calibrate is under 'settings' tab.

If the problem is still not resolved and persists, it might be due to faulty hardware. Then contact official support for warranty.

Update 11/5/2016

If you're using quantum QHM7468-2VA controller or any quantum QH... controller, I see a lot people having issues with it where it works in test but not in games.I think this issue is generally plagued to that particular brand. the driver is not updated in ages as well which shows poor support and no words from their sides either.

Update 6/24/2017

I found this new soln on another site (Link external and use it at your own risk) and i didn't tested it. According to it, this problem appears when you have the joy.cpl files from the twin usb installer but some of the files are not placed during installation because windows reject them somehow so you need to delete and replace these files MANUAL for the vibrations to work on all EA Games.
See this tutorial Fix Windows Shell Common Dll Has Stopped Working


54 comments:

  1. The vibration test option is not available in Windows 8. Any other way?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. sry for late reply. I'm just upgraded to windows 7 64bit today and it seems that setting are different for different OS.I'll look into these later

      Delete
    2. I have the same problem. Vibration option is not there

      Delete
  2. Windows 7Ent does not have vibration test. It only shows a settings tab and a test tab. Neither say anything about vibrtion.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The windows 7 64bit version has this same options. You need to select "Test" options to test gamepad and to calibrate it you need to select ' setting tab '. And calibrate option is there'. I'ma add this later into guide.

      Delete
  3. download the driver form the qhmpl site.. vibration works fine then

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. direct link for functional driver would be more helpful , your words of advice amount to nothing more than hot air (in my opinion!) so please solve question with a definitive answer

      Delete
    2. QHMPL drivers can be downloaded from here

      http://www.qhmpl.com/support.html#horizontalTab1

      Delete
    3. Select category : IT/ computer accessories
      sub Category : Usb Game pads

      Delete
    4. hey...thank you on this info...very helpful ...my controller works now as it should

      Delete
    5. will this driver work for all gamepads?? i have a redgear highline gamepad for pc

      Delete
  4. My gamepad vibrates but in a OPPOSITE. I mean the vibration force is opposite e.g. if i play nfs mw black edition it vibrates very hard when i drive offroad but doesnt vibrate when I heat a car or wall, sometimes vibrates but not effective strength. So I need help in this case. Please help me. If you're gonna help me i may give some more instances of my problem so as to explain you what the real problem is.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What's your gamepad? Did you tried it on other games?

      Delete
    2. Am so so sorry for late reply.... BTW, my gamepad is quantum QHM7468-2VA. And yes, I have tried in other games also, i.e. gta sa, gta vc, gta 4, nfs ug2, spec ops the line, and many more. But same problem with other games, even on other PCs. Many many, thanx for your quick response and many many apologies for my late response. Now I hope that I will overcome this problem with you internet guys, as no one in my locality can help me.

      Delete
    3. Is this problem started recently or it was like this when you started using it for the first time? And what's your OS and version?

      Delete
    4. Added a quick fix you can try

      Delete
    5. I think this problem is since it was new..... Okay, let me try your updated method. I will post soon the consequences . Thank you for your help and efforts.....

      Delete
    6. MY OS is win 7 x86 ultimate. I have also tried this on other PCs having win 10 ent x86 and win 7 ulti x86 . Same Problem.

      Delete
    7. Tried. No luck. :-( . Anyways, thank you.

      Delete
    8. It could be the issue with hardware

      Delete
  5. my right force is not working but my force when done manually

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Is this stopped working recently? did you tried calibration?

      Delete
    2. Added a quick fix you can try

      Delete
  6. I just bought this xbox controller wireless for pc and idk its working fine bt the vibration wont come.plz help

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Can you be more specific?
      1. The gamepad buttons is working or not?
      2. did you tried calibrating it as i explained in my tutorial?
      3. problem is only with vibration?
      4. Did you setup the controller properly?
      5. Which OS are you using?
      6. is this happening with specific games?

      Quick fix to try
      1. the controller is detected by pc
      2. if batteries in the controller start to weaken it disables rumble. charge it to test
      3. check vibration is enabled in settings ( for some games it is disabled by default). Use mouse/keyboard to disable/enable it.Don't touch anything on the controller till then
      4.

      Delete
  7. hello.. When I use the analog option on my Quantum USB gamepad both the left and right joysticks automatically starts working in a different way..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. did you tried the given fix in the guide?

      Delete
  8. it vibrates in the setting but not in fifa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Can you be more specific.
      Gamepad model?
      Fifa version?
      OS version?

      Delete
  9. quantum QHM7468-2VA vibration doesn't work in fifa 14. It works in settings. I haven't tried in other games. My OS is windows 10.

    ReplyDelete
  10. its properly work in settings but vibration are not working in games many games have vibration but controller is not giving vibration.....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maybe you can borrow a friend's controller and test it works?
      and here's another step you can try, i don't know this works or not but after running the game do not use the keyboard or mouse, the second you move the mouse even a little the controller will stop working correctly.

      Delete
  11. Hi I know you probably won't see this but i need help I just set up the driver for my controller and I tested the vibration and works great on the test but I tried many games and it doesn't vibrate on any of them can you help pls. Thanx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I read all comments here and reply asap possible. Are you using quantum QHM7468-2VA controller? or any quantum QH... controller?. i see a lot people having issues with it where it works in test but not in games.I think this issue is generally plagued to that particular brand. the driver is not updated in ages as well which shows poor support and no words from their sides either.

      Delete
  12. When i am installing joystick drivers and enabling vibrating mode than my right joy stick anolog is not working the camera button..i am using the same game pad if QHM768-2VA

    ReplyDelete
  13. heyy... i am using windows 10 and i have redgear wireless gamepad... and vibrations are not working... van anyone please tell me any solution..

    ReplyDelete
  14. hi... my joystick works fine and ive tested everything as shown above but, while im playing my game , vibrations dnt happen

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Guys, Can You Please Give Me Vibration Drivers For A USB Wireless Gamepad Controller I've Only For The USB Generic Gamepad But CAn Seem To Find For USB Wireless.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We don't have it pal.look up the model number of the gamepad and do a web search. Often those things are not easy to track down

      Delete
  16. Windows 10 x64 doesn't have vibration test. It just doesn't work I have Trust G11 Gamepad and Windows detects the buttons and analog sticks but not the vibrations. ='(

    ReplyDelete
  17. just bought dual shock wireless gamepads i install the drivers and all shows well but there is no vibration when i shake the analogs.... i use (win 10 x64) pls help

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. did you tried playing any games support vibration feedback?

      Delete
  18. Yes i have played pro evolution soccer 2017 it should vibrat when ball hit the crossbar

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Windows 10 is missing the vibration test tab.There may be third-party software to check vibration feedback.Might need a deep google look :(

      Delete
    2. Hey, check this Youtube tutorial(Link)
      to bring back missing vibration tab. May work

      Delete
  19. how i will install it in window 10 and how it will work

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Windows 10 is missing the vibration test tab. You have to try it with games

      Delete
  20. thanks.. work for me, (installed driver)

    ReplyDelete
  21. hi
    it's work fine for me :)
    tank's a lot

    ReplyDelete

Hi there superstar! We actively moderate the comments section to make it relevant and helpful for our readers, and to stay up to date.