Why you need a Xiaomi gamepad and what models exist
Xiaomi’s gamepads are an affordable alternative to expensive controllers from Sony or Microsoft, suitable for mobile games, PCs or even some consoles, and the main advantage of such devices is versatility: they can be used with Android smartphones, Windows, and in some cases even iOS (provided that they are supported by the manufacturer).
Among the popular models stand out:
- 🎮 Xiaomi Game Controller – basic version with classic button layout and Bluetooth 5.0 support;
- 🎮 Xiaomi Game Controller Pro – improved model with tactile return, additional buttons and ergonomic design;
- 🎮 Black Shark GamePad 4/5 — premium gamepads from the Xiaomi sub-brand, aimed at professional gamers.
It is important to understand that even budget models support most modern games thanks to the XInput standard (emotion of the Xbox 360 controller). However, to fully work on a PC, you may need to install drivers or use special utilities like XInput. DS4Windows.
Connecting Xiaomi gamepad to Android smartphone
The process of pairing with the phone takes no more than a minute, but there are nuances that depend on the model of the device. First, make sure that your smartphone supports Bluetooth 4.0 or newer – without this connection will not be possible.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on the gamepad by pressing the Home (or Xiaomi) button for 3-5 seconds until the indicator blinks.
- On your smartphone, open Settings → Bluetooth and activate device search.
- In the list, find the name of your gamepad (for example, Mi Game Controller) and tap on it.
- Confirm the pairing if you need input PIN-code (usually 0000 or 1234).
Gamepad is displayed in the list of connected devices|
The indicator on the controller is lit with even light (does not flash)|
Gamepad buttons react in the test menu (for example, in the game Call of Duty Mobile)|
Sound or vibration confirms the connection (if supported)
-->
If the gamepad is not defined, try:
- 🔄 Reboot both the controller and the smartphone;
- 📱 Update the phone’s firmware (older versions of Android may have Bluetooth issues) LE);
- 🔧 Reset network settings on your smartphone (Settings) → System system → Reset → Resetting network settings).
💡
If the gamepad connects but the buttons are not working correctly, check the settings in the game itself. Many mobile projects (for example, Genshin Impact or Genshin Impact). PUBG Mobile) require manual button binding in the control menu.
Setup Xiaomi gamepad on Windows PC
On a computer, the process is more complicated than on a smartphone, due to the need to emulate the XInput standard or DirectInput. Most modern games (for example, Cyberpunk 2077 or Forza Horizon 5) automatically recognize the Xiaomi gamepad as an Xbox controller, but this requires:
- Connect the gamepad via Bluetooth or USB (if maintained).
- Install drivers: 🖥️ For Bluetooth Connection: Windows typically installs the driver automatically through Windows Update. 🔌 For USB-Connections: You may need to manually install the XInput driver (download from Microsoft website).
Control panel → Equipment and sound → Devices and printers
Xbox 360 Controller
If the game does not recognize the controller, use the utility DS4Windows:
- 📥 Download the program from the official website ds4-windows.com;
- 🔧 Install and run the utility, following the instructions of the wizard;
- 🎯 In the settings, select the XInput profile and attach the gamepad.
What to do if the gamepad is turned off during the game?
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The gamepad does not connect via Bluetooth | Outdated adapter driver | Update the driver through Device Manager or laptop manufacturer website |
| The buttons are not working properly. | Conflict with another controller | Disable the rest of the gamepads and restart. DS4Windows |
| Delayed entry (lag) | Bluetooth Interference or a Weak Adapter | Use it. USB-Connect or buy an external Bluetooth 5.0 adapter |
Compatibility with consoles: can you connect to PS4/PS5 Xbox
Xiaomi gamepads aren't officially supported by Sony or Microsoft consoles, but there are workarounds. 4/5 You will need an adapter like Brook Wingman. 8BitDo Wireless Adapter 2, It emulates the original DualSense controller.
For the Xbox Series X/S or Xbox One is easier situation, just connect the gamepad USB But some functions (such as tactile recoil or adaptive triggers) won't work.
Algorithm of connection to PS4 adapter:
- 🔌 Connect the adapter to the console through USB;
- 🎮 Turn on Xiaomi gamepad and press the pairing button;
- 🔄 On the adapter, press the sync button (usually marked as Pair);
- ✅ Wait until the indicator on the adapter lights up with even light.
PlayStation 4/5|
Xbox Series X/S|
Nintendo Switch|
PC|
Smartphone|
Other-->
⚠️ Note: Using non-original controllers on consoles can lead to a ban in online games (for example, in Call of Duty: Warzone or Fortnite.
Sensitivity setting and button mapping
By default, the button distribution on the Xiaomi gamepad is Xbox standard, but it can be reassigned.
- 📱 Android apps like Octopus or Mantis Gamepad Pro;
- 🖥️ On PC: DS4Windows, reWASD or AntiMicroX;
- 🎮 On consoles: only through customization-enabled adapters (e.g, 8BitDo Ultimate).
Example of settings in DS4Windows:
- Open the program and select your gamepad in the list;
- Go to Profiles tab and create a new profile.
- In the Button Mapping section, reassign the buttons by dragging them with your mouse.
- In the Sensitivity tab, adjust the dead-point zone (Deadzone) for sticks.
- Save the profile and activate it.
For mobile games (such as Genshin Impact or Diablo Immortal) you often need additional customization in the app itself. → Control and select Gamepad mode, then follow the instructions on the screen.
💡
Button reassignment may be required for games where the standard Xbox layout is uncomfortable (e.g. in racing simulators or fighting games).
Update of the firmware of the Xiaomi gamepad
The manufacturer periodically releases updates to fix bugs and add new features, and you can check the relevance of the firmware through the official Mi Game Center app (available for Android and Windows).
Instructions for updating:
- Download Mi Game Center from Google Play or Microsoft Store
- Connect the gamepad to the device;
- Open the application and go to the Devices section;
- If an update is available, click Update and wait for the process to complete (don’t turn off the gamepad!).
⚠️ Warning: Interrupting the firmware update process can lead to loss of functionality of the gamepad. If the indicator flashes red and the controller does not respond to the buttons, try resetting it to factory settings by clamping Home + A + B for 10 seconds.
After the update, it is recommended that:
- 🔄 Reconnect the gamepad to the device;
- 🎮 Check the operation of all buttons and sticks;
- 📋 Reset the mapping settings (if custom profiles were used).
Solving common problems
Even after you set it up properly, you can have problems, and let's look at the typical scenarios and how to fix them:
| Symptoms. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Gamepad is offline | Battery discharged | Connect to charging for 30 to 60 minutes (use the original cable) USB-C) |
| Sticks drift (moving independently) | Pollution or wear of potentiometers | Blow the sticks with compressed air or replace the module (at the service center) |
| Vibration's not working. | Disabled in the settings of the game or OS | Check the vibration settings in the Control Panel → Sound. → The Reproduction tab (Windows) |
| Gamepad shuts down in 5-10 minutes | Energy saving regime | Turn off automatic shutdown in Bluetooth settings or use USB-connection |
If the gamepad stopped working after falling or getting liquid:
- 🚫 Turn it off the power immediately;
- 💧 Dry vertically for at least 24 hours (do not use a hair dryer!);
- 🔧 Contact Xiaomi Service Center – Self-repairing can exacerbate the problem.
💡
To check the performance of buttons without games, use online testers, for example, gamepad-tester.com. the service shows clicks in real time and helps diagnose malfunctions.