How to connect a wireless gamepad to a Xiaomi TV: all ways + fixing

Introduction: Why connect the gamepad to the Xiaomi TV?

Modern Smart TV Xiaomi is not only a device for watching movies, but also full-fledged gaming platforms. MIUI TV Support for cloud services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming or Booster, Xiaomi TVs (Mi series) TV Q2, Redmi Smart TV X, Xiaomi TV A Pro allows you to play in AAA-But it's a pain to control games from the remote, and that's where the wireless gamepad comes in.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to connect gamepads to Xiaomi TVs based on Android TV and MIUI TV (2020–2026, including DualSense (PS5), Xbox Wireless Controller, Nintendo Switch Pro and budget models like 8BitDo Plus, we solve typical problems: input delays, shutdowns, unidentified devices.

Important: instructions are suitable for TVs on Android TV 9.0+ and MIUI TV 3.0+. If your model is older (e.g., Mi) TV 4A 2018), some features may be missing - check the version in Settings → On TV.

1. Compatibility of gamepads with Xiaomi TVs

Not all controllers work equally well with Xiaomi. TV. Here is the compatibility table of popular models:

⚠️ Warning: Gamepads with proprietary protocols (e.g. Xbox Series X)|S in Xbox Wireless mode) may not connect directly. USB-Adapter or switch the controller to Bluetooth mode (to do this, hold the synchronization button for 3-5 seconds).

If your model is not in the table, check it on the manufacturer’s website or in the official list of compatible Android devices. TV. Budget gamepads (such as EasySMX or PowerA) often require manual button tuning through apps like Octopus.

2.Preparing Xiaomi TV to Connect

Before connecting the gamepad to the TV, follow these steps:

Update the TV to the latest version

Turn on Bluetooth in the settings

Remove old paired devices (if any)

Restart the TV (optional)-->

1. Firmware Update: Go to Settings → On TV. → Update the system and install all available updates. This is critical for DualSense and Xbox Controller, as older versions are used. MIUI TV They may not recognize them.

2.Bluetooth Activation: Go to Settings → Devices and accessories → Bluetooth and turn on the module. If the option is gray, check if Bluetooth is disabled in Power Saving Mode (in some Xiaomi models) TV A2 It happens).

3. Clean the Device List: Old paired devices (such as headphones or keyboards) may conflict with the gamepad. Delete them via Settings → Bluetooth → [Name of device] → Forget it.

4.Reboot: If the TV has been running for a long time without turning it off, restart it via Settings → Reboot. That'll reset the Bluetooth cache.

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If you don’t have “Bluetooth” in your settings, your TV can use an external one. USB-Bluetooth adapter, connect it to the port. USB 2.0 (usually black) and try again.

3. Connecting the gamepad via Bluetooth (universal method)

This is the most common method that works for most controllers, and it will work for DualSense, Xbox Controller (in Bluetooth mode), 8BitDo others.

Step 1. Put the gamepad into mating mode:

• 🎮 DualSense (PS5): Hold the buttons. PS + Share 3 seconds until the indicator starts flashing blue.
• 🎮 Xbox Wireless Controller: Press the Sync button (near the USB-port by 3 seconds.
• 🎮 Nintendo Switch Pro: Press the sync button (near the sync button) USB-C) green-light.
• 🎮 8BitDo / Gamesir: Hold Start + Y (or Start) + B, see the manual).

Step 2. Find the gamepad in Xiaomi settings TV:

1. Open Settings → Devices and accessories → Bluetooth.
2. Click Add the device (or Search).
3. Select your gamepad from the list (the name can be displayed as Wireless Controller, DUALSENSE or Pro Controller).
4. Confirm the mating (if required) PIN, Try 0000 or 1234).

Step 3. Check Connection: Run any game (like Asphalt 9 from Google Play) and check the button response. If the gamepad doesn't work, go to the "Problem Solutions" section.

4. Connection through USB (low-latency)

Bluetooth gives input delay (~10–30ms), which is critical for shooters or fighting games. USB-Connection solves this problem, but requires a compatible cable and port:

• ⚡ DualSense: Use the original cable USB-C (Cheap can't transmit data).
• ⚡ Xbox Controller: Anybody USB-C cable or adapter Micro-USB → USB-A (old-model).
• ⚡ 8BitDo Pro 2: Enable X-Input (hold Start) + B 3 seconds) before connection.

Instructions:

1. Insert the cable into the gamepad and USB-TV port (it is better to use the port) USB 3.0 if there is).
2. The TV should automatically recognize the device. If not, go to Settings. → Devices and accessories → USB-Devices and select the Game Controller.
3. Run the game and check the controls. In some cases, you will have to manually adjust the buttons (more on this below).

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi TVs TV P1 and Q2 USB-Ports can be turned off in power saving mode. To avoid this, go to Settings. → Energy conservation → USB-Connect and disable the option to Disable USB sleepy.

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USB-Connectivity is minimal, but it limits movement, optimal for eSports games or streaming via Moonlight.

5. button setting and gamepad calibration

If the buttons are not working properly (e.g., A performs action B), manual adjustment will be required. MIUI TV Android TV There are built-in tools, but they're limited. Use third-party apps to fine-tune you:

How to set buttons in Octopus:

1. Install the app via Google Play (if not, download it). APK APKPure).
2. Connect the gamepad (by Bluetooth or USB).
3. Launch Octopus and select Create a new profile.
4. Click on the button on the screen, then press the corresponding button on the gamepad.
5. Save your profile and apply it to the game.

To calibrate analog sticks, use the Gamepad Tester:

• Open the app and select Analog Sticks.
• Move the sticks in all directions - the screen should display smooth movements of the cursor.
• If the sticks "stick" or trigger spontaneously, perform calibration through Settings. → Calibration in the annex.

6. Solving typical problems

Even after a successful connection, errors can occur, and here are the most common ways to correct them:

🔴 Problem 1: The gamepad is connected but not working in games

• 🛠️ Check if the game supports gamepads (some mobile ports only work with touch control).
• 🛠️ In the game settings, select the Gamepad or Controller control scheme.
• 🛠️ Install Octopus and emulate keyboard/mouse if native support is not available.

🔴 Problem 2: Constant shutdowns of the gamepad

• 🔋 Charge the controller (the indicator should be green/blue).
• 📶 Reduce the distance between the gamepad and the TV (maximum 3 meters for Bluetooth).
• 🔄 Reconnect the device by first removing it from the paired list.
• 📱 Check if the gamepad is connected to another device (for example, a smartphone).

🔴 Issue 3: Delayed input (lag)

• ⚡ Go to the USB-connection.
• 📵 Disable other Bluetooth devices (earphones, keyboards).
• 🔄 In the settings of the TV (Settings) → Networking: Enable Game Mode (if any).
• 📡 If you play on the cloud (GeForce) NOW), Check the Internet speed (minimum 25 Mbit / s).

🔴 Problem 4: TV doesn't see the gamepad

• 🔄 Restart the TV and controller.
• 🔧 Update the firmware of the gamepad (for DualSense, use the official software from Sony).
• 🔌 Try connecting through USB, Then translate to Bluetooth.
• 📱 Check the gamepad on another device (smartphone/PC) to rule out its breakdown.

7. Alternative ways of connecting

If standard methods don’t work, try these options:

🔹 Connection via USB-Bluetooth adapter

Some Xiaomi TVs (especially older models) have a weak built-in Bluetooth module, in which case an external adapter, such as an external adapter, will help, ASUS USB-BT400 or TP-Link UB400:

1. Connect the adapter to USB-television-port.
2. Reboot the TV.
3. Repeat the gamepad mating procedure (see Section 3).

🔹 Using the Steam Link app to stream games

If you play on Steam on PC, you can stream the image to the TV and use a gamepad connected to the computer:

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

🔹 Emulation of keyboard/mouse

For games that do not support gamepads (for example, some of the MMORPG), keyboard emulate:

• Install Octopus or Mantis Gamepad.
• Create a profile where the gamepad buttons are tied to the keys (e.g., A) → The gap, Left Stick → WASD).
• Activate your profile before starting the game.

FAQ: Frequent questions