How to connect the DualShock 4 gamepad to the Xiaomi smartphone: all ways + mistake-making

Gamepad DualShock 4 from Sony PlayStation 4 has long ceased to be exclusively console accessory — it is actively used for mobile gaming on Android devices, including Xiaomi smartphones. However, the connection of the controller to the brand’s phones has nuances: from firmware versions MIUI In this article, we will discuss all working methods of synchronization (including hidden ones), as well as solve typical problems, from buttons to lack of response in games.

Important: DualShock 4 is supported by most Xiaomi models (starting with the Redmi Note 5 and Mi 8), but Android 10 is required to work stable+ current MIUI. If your smartphone is released before 2019, you may need to update your firmware or use it. USB-OTG adapter.

1. Preparation of the gamepad and smartphone Xiaomi

Before connecting, make sure both devices are ready to sync, and skipping this step often leads to pairing errors or unstable buttons.

On the DualShock 4 gamepad, check out:

• 🔋 Battery Charge – Connect the controller to charge for 10-15 minutes if the indicator flashes orange.A discharged gamepad can turn off during play.
• 🎮 Connection Mode – Press and Hold Share buttons + PS It's up to the LED double blinking (white) and it activates Bluetooth mode.
• 🔄 Resetting – If the gamepad previously connected to another device, reset it by holding the Reset button (on the back) with a needle for 5 seconds.

On a Xiaomi smartphone, do:

• 📱 Update MIUI — Go to Settings. → The phone. → System update. Gamepad requires a version to work smoothly. MIUI 12+.
• 🔗 Activate Bluetooth – Enable the module in the notification panel or through Settings → Connections and sharing → Bluetooth.
• 🚫 Clean up Bluetooth cache – if you’ve had connection issues before, go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Systemic → Bluetooth and click "Clear Cache».

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If your DualShock 4 is older than 2018 CUH-ZCT1 or CUH-ZCT2), To connect to Xiaomi, you may need the Sixaxis Controller app – we will discuss it in the section on alternative methods.

2. DualShock 4 Connection to Xiaomi over Bluetooth

The main way to sync is wireless. The instructions are relevant for all Xiaomi models on Android 10-14, but may differ for devices with custom firmware.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Bluetooth on your smartphone and put the gamepad into pairing mode (as described above).
2. On your phone, click on Device Search and wait for the Wireless Controller (or DUALSHOCK®4).
3. Select a device and confirm pairing. If you have a request to enter a code, try 0000 or 1234.
4. After successful connection, the LED on the gamepad will change color to blue (for player 1) or another static hue.

If the gamepad is not displayed in the list of devices:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your smartphone (turn off/on the module).
• 📱 Check if the connection is blocking the power saving mode (Settings) → Battery → Energy saving regime).
• 🎮 Try connecting the gamepad to another device (for example, a PC) to make sure it works.

The gamepad is displayed in Settings → Connected devices|LED lights with a static color (does not flash)|Buttons PS And Share doesn't burn orange.|It is defined as DualShock 4, not Generic Gamepad.

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3. Connection through USB-OTG (For older Xiaomi models)

If your smartphone does not support Bluetooth 4.0+ (Like Redmi. 4X or Mi A1), or the wireless connection is unstable, use USB-OTG Adapter: This method is also useful for reducing input latency (latency) in shooters or fighting games.

What will be required:

• 🔌 OTG-Adapter (Type-C or Micro-USB depending on Xiaomi model).
• 🔋 USB-MicroUSB Cable (Combined with DualShock 4).
• 📱 Smartphone with support OTG (Check in the settings → The phone. → Specifications).

Instructions:

1. Connect. OTG-Adapter to the smartphone, and then connect it to the gamepad through USB-cable.
2. On DualShock 4, press the button. PS — The LED should light up white.
3. Check the definition of the gamepad in Settings → Connected devices or start the game.

Advantages USB-connection:

• ⚡ Zero Latency – Ideal for Competition in the World PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile.
• 🔋 Charging the gamepad during the game (if the smartphone supports) USB Host).
• 🛡️ No interference from other Bluetooth devices.

4.Setup DualShock 4 for games on Xiaomi

Even after a successful connection, the gamepad may not work correctly: buttons are not assigned, analog sticks float, or there is no vibration, and this is solved by setting up system parameters or third-party utilities.

Basic settings in Android:

1. Go to Settings. → System system → Gestures → Gamepad buttons (the path may differ depending on the version) MIUI).
2. Select DualShock 4 from the list of connected devices.
3. Assign buttons manually or select a pre-profile (for example, Fortnite or Genshin Impact).

Popular problems and solutions:

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Recommended applications for customization:

• 🎮 Octopus – Emulation of touches, support for DualShock 4 in games without native support for gamepads.

5. Solving common mistakes

Even with the right connection, Xiaomi users face specific optimization issues. MIUI Or hardware constraints. Let's look at the most common ones.

Error 1: The gamepad is connected but not working in games

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 13+ By default, the Game Mode function is enabled, which can block input from the gamepad. Turn it off in Settings. → Special facilities → Play mode or add the game to exceptions.

Error 2: DualShock 4 shuts down after 5-10 minutes

The culprit is Xiaomi's aggressive energy saving.

1. Go to Settings → Battery → Energy Saving Mode.
2. Select “No Limits” for the application you are using.
3. Add Bluetooth to exceptions: Settings → Battery → Exclusions of energy saving.

Error 3: The gamepad is defined as Unknown Device

This is due to outdated firmware DualShock 4 or conflict with the MIUI. Update the gamepad:

1. Connect it to PlayStation 4 or PC with DS4Windows.
2. Run the update through Sony's official software.
3. Reset your gamepad settings (reset button for 5 seconds).

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If your Xiaomi is on Android 9 or below, for stable operation of DualShock 4 You may need to add a manual addition. MAC-gamepad addresses in file /system/build.prop (Root rights are required).

Alternative methods of connection

If the standard methods didn’t work, try workarounds, which are relevant for older Xiaomi models or unofficial firmware.

Method 1: Annex Sixaxis Controller

This software allows you to connect DualShock 4 even to devices without official support.

1. Download Sixaxis Controller from Google Play.
2. Connect the gamepad to the PC and record it MAC-address (through DS4Windows or Bluetooth devices in Windows).
3. Enter. MAC in the application on the smartphone and perform pairing.

Method 2: Mode PS Remote Play

If you are using DualShock 4 streaming games from PlayStation 4/5, install the official annex PS Remote Play:

• 🎮 Gamepad will connect automatically when you start streaming.
• 📱 Xiaomi may need to be disconnected MIUI Optimization (requires unlocking the bootloader).

Method 3: Use DS4Windows PC-only

For games through emulators (for example, PPSSPP ordolphin):

1. Connect the gamepad to the PC through DS4Windows.
2. Set up a virtual controller in the emulator.
3. Run PC screen streaming on Xiaomi via Steam Link or Moonlight.

7. Optimizing the gamepad for specific games

Different Android games work differently with DualShock 4. Below are the customization recommendations for popular projects.

Call of Duty: Mobile

• 🎯 In the control settings, select Controller: Full Support.
• 🔄 Assign. L2/R2 shooting and shooting for convenience.
• 🛡️ Turn off the auto-selection - with a gamepad it interferes.

Genshin Impact

• 🗺️ In the settings menu, activate Gamepad Support.
• 🎮 Use Octopus to emulate touches (for example, to quickly switch characters).
• ⚡ Reduce camera sensitivity to 30-40% for accurate control.

PUBG Mobile

• 🔫 In the settings, select Control Type: Gamepad.
• 🎯 Set up. ADC (automatic aiming) under the sticks.
• 🔋 Turn off the vibration of the gamepad - it interferes in battle.

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For first-person shooters (Fortnite, Apex Legends Mobile), it is recommended to increase the sensitivity of sticks to 70-80% and disable the Invert Y axis in the game settings.

8. care for DualShock 4 when used with Xiaomi

Frequently connecting the gamepad to the smartphone can reduce its life. Follow the recommendations to avoid breakdowns:

Cleaning and storage:

• 🧹 Clean analog sticks and buttons every 2-3 months with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
• 🔋 Store your gamepad in a dry place, avoiding direct sunlight (they spoil the plastic).
• 🎮 Do not drop the controller – even from a height of 50 cm, the microphone or triggers can break.

Charging:

• ⚡ Use only original cable or certified accessories (cheap cables spoil the Micro-USB port).
• 🔋 Do not leave the gamepad on charging for more than 4 hours – this reduces the battery life.
• 📱 Use it to charge via Xiaomi OTG-adapter with Quick Charge support.

Software:

• 🔄 Update your gamepad firmware regularly through PlayStation 4 or DS4Windows.
• 📱 Before connecting to a new Xiaomi device, reset (Reset).
• 🛡️ Install only verified customization apps (avoid hacked versions).

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If the DualShock 4 buttons start to stick, try blowing the gamepad with compressed air (a canister for cleaning equipment).

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting DualShock 4 to Xiaomi