How to connect a wireless joystick to a Xiaomi TV: all ways and solutions to problems

Wireless joysticks open up new opportunities for gaming on Xiaomi Mi TV or Redmi Smart TV, But it's a very common question to connect to them, and unlike computers or consoles, Android TVs are very much a question. TV They have limited peripheral support, and the settings interface is not always intuitive. This article will help you understand how to sync gamepads from Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox, 8BitDo and other manufacturers, both via Bluetooth and USB-adapter.

We're going to look at not only standard connectivity, but also workarounds for joystick models that aren't officially supported by the system, and we're going to focus on common bugs (like when the gamepad connects but isn't recognized in games) and how to fix them, and if you're faced with a situation where the TV doesn't see the joystick or buttons aren't working properly, you'll find solutions here.

Note: instructions are relevant for Xiaomi Android-based TVs TV 9.0–12.0 (model 2019–2026 years, including the Mi series TV 4S/5/5X, Redmi Smart TV X and Mi TV Q1/Q2. For older versions of the software (before) 2018 year) may require additional manipulation.

1. Which joysticks are compatible with Xiaomi TV

Not all wireless gamepads will work correctly with Xiaomi TVs. Android system TV It officially supports a limited list of devices, but there are ways to connect non-certified models:

• 🎮 Official support: Xbox One S (Bluetooth) gamepads), PS4 DualShock 4, Xbox Series X|S and licensed controllers 8BitDo Pro 2 and Razer Kishi (Android mode).
• 🔄 Partial compatibility: joysticks PS5 DualSense (requires manual binding), Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (requires X-Input mode), Steam Controller (via USB-dongle).
• ❌ Incompatible models: old gamepads PS3 (without adapters, Xbox 360 (cable only, most Chinese no-name controllers without firmware X-Input/D-Input.
• 🔧 Require additional settings: joysticks with custom firmware (for example, 8BitDo Ultimate in Switch mode) or those that connect via USB-Bluetooth adapter.

Important: Even if the gamepad connects to the TV, some games (especially emulators) may not have a gyroscope or tactile recoil, PS5 DualSense on Xiaomi TV often recognized as PS4 DualShock 4, losing some of its features.

2. Preparing the TV to connect the joystick

Before you connect the gamepad, make sure your Xiaomi is ready. TV Ready to work with peripherals. Here are the key steps:

1. Update the firmware: go to Settings → On TV. → Update the system and install the latest version of the software. In old firmware (until 2021) may not support Bluetooth 5.0, necessary to connect modern gamepads.
2. Activate Bluetooth: Go to Settings → Devices and accessories → Bluetooth and turn on the module. If the option is gray, check if Bluetooth is disabled in Developer Mode.
3. Reset the Bluetooth cache (if you have previously had problems): in Settings → Annexes → System applications → Bluetooth select Clear cache and Stop.
4. Make sure there is no interference: other 2.4GHz devices (Wi-Fi routers, wireless headphones) may interfere with the stable connection. Try to turn them off while you sync.

If you are planning to use USB-Adapter (for example, for Xbox 360 or 8BitDo), plug him in. USB-Port 3.0 (usually marked in blue) Ports USB 2.0 may not provide enough power to some devices.

Update the firmware to the latest version

Enable Bluetooth in the settings

Clear the Bluetooth module cache (if there were errors)

Connect USB-port 3.0 adapter (if necessary)

Disable other devices at 2.4 GHz-->

3. Connecting the joystick over Bluetooth: step-by-step instructions

The most universal way is wireless synchronization via Bluetooth, and let's look at the popular gamepads.

3.1 DualShock 4 connection (PS4)

Sony DualShock 4 gamepad is supported by Android TV"Out of the box, but the following steps are required to successfully connect to the following steps:

1. Press and hold the buttons. PS (Logo) + Share on the gamepad until the indicator starts to flash quickly white (pair mode).
2. On the TV, go to Settings. → Devices and accessories → Add an accessory.
3. In the list, find the Wireless Controller and select it, and in 5-10 seconds, a notification will appear about the successful connection.

3.2. Xbox One Connection S/Series X|S

Microsoft controllers require a slightly different procedure:

1. Press and hold the Sync button (located next to the port) USB-C) Until the Xbox logo flashes quickly.
2. On the TV in the Add Accessory menu, select the Xbox Wireless Controller.
3. If the connection does not occur, try to reset the gamepad: press the Sync button for 10 seconds, then try again.

3.3 Connection 8BitDo Pro 2

Universal gamepads 8BitDo It supports multiple modes of operation. TV needle:

1. Switch the gamepad to Android mode: pinch Start + B for 3 seconds until the indicator is blue.
2. Activate the pairing: pinch Start + Y before flashing the indicator.
3. On the TV, select from the list of devices 8BitDo Pro 2.

If the gamepad is not determined, check the firmware version through the official application. 8BitDo Ultimate Software (available for the Windows/macOS).

4. Connection through USB: When Bluetooth is not working

If wireless connectivity is not possible (for example, you have an Xbox 360 Controller or a Chinese gamepad without Bluetooth), you can use it. USB-Adapter or cable. Here's how to do it:

4.1. Cable connection (USB-A/USB-C)

Most modern gamepads (PS4, Xbox Series X, 8BitDo) Supports wired connection:

1. Connect the gamepad to the TV through USB-C/USB-A cable (included in the package).
2. The screen will display a notification Connected input device. If it is not, check the cable (you need a data cable, not just for charging).
3. In some games, you may need to select a gamepad manually in the control settings.

4.2.Use of Bluetooth adapter (for incompatible gamepads)

For older controllers (e.g, PS3 Xbox 360 will require an adapter such as 8BitDo Wireless Adapter 2 or Mayflash Magic-NS:

1. Connect the adapter to USB-television-port.
2. Put the adapter in mode Android/Switch (lip-button).
3. Synchronize the gamepad with the adapter (for the PS3 — press PS, Xbox 360 – the Sync button on the adapter).
4. In the settings of the TV, the gamepad will appear as the Wireless Controller.

💡

If the gamepad is connected but not working in the game, try restarting the app or installing a button emulator, such as Octopus (available on Google Play for Android). TV).

5. Joystick setting in games and emulators

Even if the gamepad is successfully connected to the TV, it may not be on the list of available devices in games.

5.1. Customization in standard games (Google Play Games)

For games from Google Play (e.g. Asphalt 9, Call of Duty Mobile):

1. Start the game and go to Settings → Management.
2. Choose the Controller or Gamepad.
3. If the gamepad is not displayed, go back to the main menu and reconnect it (turn off/on Bluetooth).

5.2. Setup in emulators (RetroArch, PPSSPP)

Emulators require manual button binding:

1. In RetroArch, go to Settings → Entering → Configuring input devices.
2. Select User 1 Binds and follow the instructions on the screen by pressing the gamepad buttons.
3. For PPSSPP Go to Settings. → Management → Setting up the management and select External Gamepad.

In some emulators (for example, Dolphin for the GameCube/Wii) You might need to calibrate the analog sticks:

1. Go to the Controller Settings → Advanced.
2. Choose Calibrate and follow the hints, moving the sticks in all directions.

💡

In the RetroArch emulator, for the gamepad to work correctly, you need to enable the Menu Toggle Gamepad Combo option in the input settings, PS DualShock will not work.

6. Solving common problems

When connecting joysticks to Xiaomi TV Users often encounter common errors. Here's how to fix them:

6.1 Gamepad connects but does not work in games

Causes and solutions:

• 🔌 Lack of rights: Some games require permission to access USB/Bluetooth-Go to the settings. → Annexes → Special access → Access to USB and turn it on for play.
• 🎮 Incompatible mode: if you use 8BitDo Xbox Controller, switch it to X-Input mode (Plug Start). + A for 3 seconds).
• 🔄 Remote conflict: disconnect the original Xiaomi remote from the TV – sometimes the system prioritizes it as an input device.

6.2. The gamepad shuts down in a few minutes.

This problem is characteristic of PS4/PS5 DualShock due to energy saving settings:

• 🔋 Turn off automatic shutdown: on the gamepad PS4 Go to the settings through PS + Share → Settings of the device → Turn off the controller and select Never.
• 📶 Bluetooth interference: Move the TV away from the Wi-Fi router or microwave oven.
• ⚡ Low battery power: recharge the gamepad to 50% - at a level below 20%, spontaneous shutdowns are possible.

6.3. the buttons are not working correctly (the wrong key is pressed)

This is a problem for uncertified gamepads.

• 🔧 Reassign buttons in the game settings or through the Gamepad Tester app (available on Google Play for Android) TV).
• 📱 Update the firmware of the gamepad: for 8BitDo Use the official software for Xbox - Xbox Accessories App.
• 🖥️ Reset the controller settings: for PS4 DualShock press Reset (hole on the back) with a paper clip.

💡

If the game doesn’t have vibration on Xbox Controller, try connecting it through the Xbox Controller. USB-cable - some versions of Android TV Block tactile recoil over Bluetooth.

7. Alternative ways of connecting (for experienced users)

If standard methods don't work, you can use workarounds, which require more knowledge, but allow you to connect almost any gamepad.

7.1 Use of the Sixaxis Controller application

This app allows you to connect PS3/PS4 Controllers without official support:

1. Download Sixaxis Controller from APKMirror (not available in Google Play for Android) TV).
2. Install. APK via Send Files to TV File Commander.
3. Connect the gamepad to USB, Then, in the application, select Change Input Method.
4. Turn off the cable and connect via Bluetooth.

⚠️ Note: The Sixaxis Controller requires root rights or activated Developer Mode (included in Settings) → On TV. → Assembly number - press 7 times).

7.2 Connection via Steam Link

If you use Steam on PC, you can stream games on your TV with gamepad support:

1. Install Steam Link from Google Play on your TV.
2. Connect the gamepad to the computer (by Bluetooth or USB).
3. Run the game stream via Steam Link - control will be transferred from the PC.

Emulation of keyboard and mouse

For games that do not support gamepads, you can emulate the keyboard:

1. Install Octopus or Tincore Keymapper (Developer Mode required).
2. Create a profile for your gamepad by tying buttons to the keys WASD, Space, etc.
3. Start the game and activate the mapping.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)