Connection joystick Xiaomi: full instruction for smartphones, TV and PC

Xiaomi joysticks are an affordable way to turn a smartphone, TV or computer into a full-fledged gaming platform. Whether you own the Mi Game Controller, Xiaomi Game Controller 2 or older Mi Gamepad, the connection process has nuances that are not always obvious. Unlike standard Bluetooth headsets, gamepads require the right sequence of actions and sometimes additional settings in the system.

In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios: from basic pairing with an Android smartphone to fine-tuning for Windows PCs or Mi TVs. TV. We'll focus on common errors (e.g., when a joystick is defined as an "unknown device") and how to fix them. If you've previously encountered problems like not responding to button presses after you connect or suddenly breaking a connection, here's a solution.

1. What Xiaomi joysticks models exist and how they differ

Before you start connecting, it’s important to understand what model you’re holding, which is what the devices you’re using, how you pair, and even how you play games depend on. Xiaomi has produced several generations of gamepads, and their capabilities vary greatly.

The most common models are:

• 🎮 Mi Game Controller (1st generation, 2019) – basic version with wired connection USB-C Bluetooth 4.2 is compatible with Android and Windows only (partially).

The key difference between the models is the connection protocol, for example, the first-generation Mi Game Controller does not support iPhones due to Apple's driver restrictions, and the Game Controller 2 can work with iOS 15.+, but only in games with native support for MFi controllers (for example, Call of Duty Mobile).

2. Connecting Xiaomi joystick to Android smartphone

The Android phone is the most common scenario, and it seems simple, but many users find that the joystick connects as an input device, but it doesn't work in games, so let's take a step-by-step instruction with these nuances in mind.

Step 1: Introducing a pairing mode

1. Make sure the joystick is charged (the indicator should flash when you press the Home button).

2. Press the Share button (or X) + Home for Game Controller 2) for 3 seconds, until the LED flashes blue and red quickly – this means that the gamepad is ready to connect.

Step 2: Find the device in the phone settings

1. Open Settings. → Connected devices → Add the device → Bluetooth.

2.In the list, find a device called Mi Game Controller (or Xiaomi Gamepad for new models).If it is not available, update the list or reboot the joystick (press Home for 10 seconds).

Joystick charged (indicator flashes when pressed)

Bluetooth on your phone

On the joystick activated pairing mode (fast flashing)

Distance between devices not more than 1 meter-->

Step 3: Set up for games

Even after a successful connection, the joystick may not work in games.

• 🔧 The game does not support gamepads (check the Google Play section "Management").
• 🔧 XInput emulation is required (for Windows games via Steam Link).
• 🔧 Android Settings disabled "Use as a gamepad" (see below).

To enable full support:

1. Go to Settings. → System system → Gestures → Physical keyboard (on some firmwares the path may differ).
2. Find the Mi Game Controller in the list and activate the "Use as a gamepad" option.
3. Reboot the phone.

💡

If the joystick is connected, but the buttons do not work PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact, try to enable Controller mode in the game settings (usually under Control). → Type of management").

3. iPhone connection (iOS) – possible limitations

Apple has strict controls on the compatibility of peripherals with iPhones and iPads. Most Xiaomi joysticks are not MFi (Made for iPhone) certified, so support is limited.

Officially supported models

Only Xiaomi Game Controller 2 and Mi Game Controller Pro can work with iOS, but with reservations:

• 📱 Only games with native support for gamepads (for example, Call of Duty Mobile, Asphalt 9) are supported).
• 📱 In iOS Settings, the joystick will appear as an “Uncertified Device” but will work.
• 📱 Functions such as vibration or backlighting can be turned off.

Instructions for connection

1. Activate the pairing mode on the joystick (click Share) + Home 3 seconds).

2. On iPhone go to Settings → Bluetooth and wait for the Mi Game Controller.

3. Press "Connect." If an error occurs, try:

• 🔄 Turn off/on Bluetooth on your phone.
• 🔄 Reset network settings (Settings) → Mainstream → Reset → Reset the network settings).
• 🔄 Connect via Android device and then try again on iPhone.

4. Connection to the Mi TV TV or Mi TV Stick

Xiaomi TVs based on Android TV Google TV It supports joysticks, but there are some nuances: for example, the first-generation Mi Game Controller may not be recognized due to outdated TV firmware, and Game Controller 2 requires manual button tuning.

Compatibility of Joysticks with Mi TV

Step-by-step instructions for Mi TV

1. Enable the joystick in pairing mode (click Share) + Home).

2. On the Mi remote. TV press Settings. → Devices → Add a Bluetooth device.

3. Select Mi Game Controller from the list. If the device does not show:

• 🔌 Put the joystick on. USB-C (Interim solution for the 1st generation).
• 🔄 Update the TV firmware to the latest version.
• 🔄 Restart the TV (Settings) → On TV. → Reboot).

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On Mi. TV Stick joystick Xiaomi Game Controller 2 works only in games from Google Play. Emulators (for example, RetroArch) will require manual button binding in the application settings.

5. Connecting to a Windows PC 10/11

On Windows, Xiaomi joysticks are defined as standard XInput devices, but sometimes you need to install drivers or set up on Steam.

Method 1: Connection via Bluetooth

1. Activate the pairing mode on the joystick.

2. On PC, open the settings → Devices → Adding a Bluetooth device.

3. Select Mi Game Controller if the device is not found:

• 🖥️ Make sure Bluetooth is enabled in Device Manager.
• 🖥️ Update Bluetooth drivers via Windows Update.
• 🖥️ Try connecting through USB-C (if maintained).

Method 2: Setup for Steam and Emulators

If the joystick is connected but does not work in games:

1. Open Steam and go to Settings → Controller setup → General settings of the controller.
2. Select the Xbox Template for your joystick.
3. For not.-Steam Activate the Big Picture Mode option and enable Generic Gamepad Configuration.

For emulators (RetroArch, PPSSPP):

1. Open the control settings in the emulator.
2. Choose XInput as the controller type.
3. Tie the buttons manually (for example, Cross). → WASD, A/B/X/Y → Buttons 1-4).

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If Windows defines a joystick as "Unknown Device," download Microsoft's Xbox Wireless Adapter driver. It often solves compatibility issues.

6. Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even with the right connection, users are plagued by bugs ranging from random disconnects to broken triggers, and here's a list of the most common problems and ways to fix them.

Problem 1: Joystick is connected, but buttons are not working

Causes and solutions:

• 🔹 Incompatible game: Check if the game supports gamepads (for example, Among Us does not support gamepads).
• 🔹 Driver conflict: On Windows, delete the device in Device Manager and connect again.
• 🔹 Reset Joystick settings: Squeeze Home + A + B + X for 10 seconds to reset.

Problem 2: Permanent Bluetooth communication breaks

What to do:

• 📶 Reduce the distance between the joystick and the device (maximum 3 meters).
• 📶 Disable other Bluetooth devices (earphones, keyboards).
• 📶 In Android settings, enable Bluetooth High Performance Mode (Settings) → System system → Developer → Bluetooth audio codec).

Problem 3: Vibration or triggers are not working

This is typical of old joysticks or old firmware.

• 🔄 Update the joystick firmware through the official Mi Game Center software (available for Android).
• 🔄 On Windows, install XInput Plus or DS4Windows for emulation of Xbox Controller.

7. Alternative ways of connecting (USB, OTG, emulators)

If Bluetooth is not working or you need minimal latency, you can use a wired connection. USB-C-cable (for newer models) or micro USB (for older models).

Connection to USB (for Android and Windows)

1. Connect the joystick and the device with a cable.

2. On Android, in the window that appears, select "Connect as a gamepad".

3. On Windows, wait for the driver installation (if necessary, download them from the official website).

Use of the OTG- smartphone adapter

If your phone doesn't USB-C, But there is a micro USB, use it. OTG-adapter:

1. Connect the adapter to the phone.
2. Connect the joystick to the adapter through USB-C.
3. In Android settings, allow access to USB-device.

Emulation through apps (for incompatible games)

If the game does not support gamepads, you can use click emulators:

• 🎮 Octopus (for Android) – allows you to link the joystick buttons to touch controls.
• 🎮 RearMouse (for Windows) – emulates keyboard and mouse.
• 🎮 Steam Input is a universal configurator for all games.

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Wired connection to USB-C Reduces input latency to 5 ms (vs. 20-30 ms over Bluetooth), which is critical for shooters like Call of Duty or PUBG.

8.Comparing Xiaomi joysticks with analogues (what to choose in 2026)

If you haven’t bought a joystick yet and are choosing between Xiaomi models and competitors, here’s a quick comparison of the key parameters:

The choice depends on the budget and objectives:

• 💰 Budget up to 4,000 ₽: Xiaomi Game Controller 2 or Redmi Gamepad is the best option for casual games.
• 🎮 For professional gaming: 8BitDo Pro 2 or Mi Game Controller Pro (if you need compatibility with Mi) TV).
• 🍎 For iPhone and Mac: Sony DualSense or Xbox Controller (full MFi support).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi joysticks