Xiaomi Mi Box consoles (including Mi Box S, Mi Box 4K and Mi Box Pro) have long ceased to be just media players — with support for Android TV, they have become full-fledged gaming consoles. However, it is inconvenient, if not impossible, to control games through a standard remote, gamepads come to the rescue, but their connection often raises questions among users.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to connect joysticks to the Xiaomi Mi Box, including Bluetooth connection, wired connection via USB-OTG, as well as solving typical problems (for example, when the console does not see the gamepad or the buttons are working incorrectly).
If you want to turn your console into a gaming center but don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place.We’ve put together proven instructions that work on all current versions of the Mi Box firmware (including Android TV 9/10/11).
What joysticks are compatible with Xiaomi Mi Box?
Not all gamepads work equally well with Xiaomi consoles, and the main criterion for compatibility is support for the HID (Human Interface Device) protocol, which is used to connect peripherals.
- 🎮 Official gamepads: Xbox One S (Bluetooth), DualShock 4 (PS4), Xbox Series X|S. These models are guaranteed to work without additional settings.
- 🕹️ Budgetary analogues: 8BitDo Pro 2, Gamesir T4, Ipega PG-9087. Requires pre-configuration (sometimes firmware).
- 🖱️ Universal. USB-Gamepads: Any devices with support XInput/DInput, plug-in USB-OTG adapter.
- ⚠️ Incompatible models: Old gamepads for PS3 (Bluetooth 4.0-free, some Chinese clones without certification.
It is important to consider the Android version. TV For example, DualShock 3 (from the PS3) It is not supported on the Mi Box S with the latest firmware Android 9, whereas DualShock 4 works without problems. ADB (We'll talk about that below).
| Gamepad model | Type of connection | Compatibility with Mi Box | Additional settings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox One S (2016+) | Bluetooth / USB | ✅ Complete. | Not required |
| DualShock 4 (PS4) | Bluetooth / USB | ✅ Complete. | Include in Settings → Devices → Gamepads |
| 8BitDo Pro 2 | Bluetooth / 2.4G | ✅ Partial | Update the firmware of the gamepad |
| Gamesir T4 | USB / Bluetooth | ✅ Complete. | Switch mode to Android |
| Ipega PG-9087 | Bluetooth | ⚠️ Limited. | Install Sixaxis Controller with ADB |
⚠️ Note: XInput-only gamepads (such as some cheap Chinese models) may not be recognized in DInput-optimized games. Check if the game supports the right protocol before buying.
Connecting joystick over Bluetooth: step-by-step instructions
Most modern gamepads connect to the Xiaomi Mi Box over Bluetooth, which is convenient without wires, but requires proper pairing. Consider the process with the example of DualShock 4 and Xbox One S:
- Turn the gamepad into pairing mode: 🎮 For DualShock 4: Press the Share buttons + PS 3 seconds until the indicator starts to blink quickly. 🎮 For Xbox One S: Press the sync button (near the USB-port by 3 seconds.
On the Xiaomi Mi Box, go to Settings → Devices → Add Bluetooth device.
Select your gamepad from the list of found devices. If the device does not appear, reboot Bluetooth on the console (Settings → Network and Connections → Bluetooth → Off / On).
Confirm pairing. DualShock 4 may require input of 0000 code.
After successful connection, the gamepad should be defined as the Wireless Controller in the device menu. You can check the health in any game or through the test in Settings → Devices → Gamepads → Button settings.
Gamepad in pairing mode (flashing indicator)
Bluetooth on Mi Box is enabled and visible for other devices
The list of devices appeared the name of the gamepad
Confirmed pairing (if necessary, entered code 0000)
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⚠️ Warning: If the gamepad buttons are not working correctly after connecting (for example, A performs action B), try resetting the gamepad to factory settings. For DualShock 4, this is done by holding the Reset button (on the back) for 5 seconds.
Connection through USB-OTG: When Bluetooth is not working
If your gamepad doesn't support Bluetooth or the console doesn't see it wirelessly, you can use a wired connection via a USB-OTG adapter. This method is also useful for diagnosing problems with the gamepad.
You'll need:
- 🔌 USB-OTG adapter (with Micro-USB or USB-C, Depending on the Mi Box model).
- 🎮 Gamepad with support for connection USB (Most of the modern models support).
Instructions for connection:
- Connect the USB-OTG adapter to the Xiaomi Mi Box.
- Connect the gamepad to the adapter via USB-cable (usually included in the package).
- Wait for the device to be automatically detected. If the gamepad is not recognized, check if XInput/DInput mode is enabled (for some models, the Mode button switches).
Important: The Mi Box S and Mi Box 4K do not support power to peripherals via USB-OTG. If the gamepad does not work, try using an externally powered passive hub.
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If the console does not respond to USB-Gamepad, try to connect it to another device (PC or smartphone) – this will help determine if the problem is in the gamepad or in the settings of the Mi Box.
Setting up the gamepad for games: calibration and matching of buttons
Even after a successful connection, the gamepad may not work correctly: buttons do not correspond to the actions in the game, joysticks “go away” or do not respond to clicks, this is solved through calibration and matching of buttons.
Methods of setting:
- 🎯 Android's built-in settings TV: Go to Settings. → Devices → Gamepads. Select the connected gamepad and click the button settings. Follow the instructions on the screen to match the buttons.
- 🖥️ Third-party applications: Install USB/BT Joystick Center or Game Controller Tester from Google Play (requires a mouse or second gamepad connection to navigate).
- 🔧 Manual calibration: For some gamepads (e.g, 8BitDo) requires special software on the PC to update the firmware and adjust sensitivity.