Turning a modern Smart TV into a full-fledged gaming station is one of the most popular features available to owners of Xiaomi Mi TV and Redmi TV. Thanks to the Android TV operating system, these devices allow you to run thousands of games from the Google Play Store, retro console emulators and cloud services like GeForce Now. However, a standard remote control is categorically not suitable for comfortable passage of action projects or racing simulators.
That’s why connecting an external game controller is a must for enthusiasts. The setup process can vary depending on your gamepad model (whether it’s DualShock 4, Xbox Wireless Controller or universal Bluetooth joysticks) and the version of the installed firmware. In this article, we’ll take a look at all the stages of pairing, from hardware preparation to fine sensitivity calibration.
Choosing a Compatible Controller for Android TV
Before you go into technical manipulation, you need to make sure that your game manipulator is supported by the Android TV platform. Not all Bluetooth devices work correctly with a TV operating system sharpened to control from the remote. The most stable work demonstrates controllers certified by Google Certified for Android.
Bluetooth versions are particularly worth paying attention to. For minimal input lag, which is critical in shooters and fighting games, it is recommended to use devices with Bluetooth 4.0 and higher. USB-whistles (dongles), may not be determined by the system without third-party software.
- 🎮 Sony DualSense and DualShock 4 gamepads (require Android 12)+ fully compatible).
- 🕹️ Microsoft Xbox Series Controllers X/S and Xbox One (with Bluetooth).
- 🔌 Universal wired USB-gamepad HID-protocol.
- 📱 Specialized Bluetooth joysticks for Android TV (For example, SteelSeries Nimbus).
⚠️ Caution: Cheap Chinese-copies of popular controllers often don’t have the necessary profiles HID, The TV sees them as an unknown audio device or ignores them.
If you plan to use a wired connection, make sure your Xiaomi TV is equipped with a USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port capable of delivering enough voltage (usually 500 mA).Some powerful vibrating gamepads may require more power than a single port can provide.
Preparing Xiaomi TV for pairing
Before you start the connection procedure, make sure your Smart TV is fully ready to work with new peripherals. First of all, check for the latest system updates. Manufacturers often release patches that improve the stability of Bluetooth connections and expand the list of supported devices.
To check for updates, go to the settings menu. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of the PatchWall shell or pure Android TV. It usually looks like: Settings → Device → System → System Update. If new versions of the software are available, be sure to install them and restart the TV.
☑️ Checking system readiness
The remote control is serviceable and has a battery charge
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Also, clear the list of previously connected devices if too many have accumulated. Excess profiles in the Bluetooth memory can lead to addressing conflicts. Go to Settings → Remote and Accessories and remove unnecessary devices to free up resources for a new connection.
Instructions: Connecting Bluetooth gamepad
The most common and convenient way is to use wireless connectivity, which eliminates unnecessary wires and allows you to sit at a comfortable distance from the screen, and the pairing process is standardized, but has its own nuances for different controller manufacturers.
First, activate the pairing mode on the joystick itself. DualShock 4 requires you to press the Share and PS buttons simultaneously until the indicator flashes quickly. Xbox controllers need to press and hold the pairing button on the end of the device next to the USB port. Universal gamepads often require you to pinch the X + Home combination or a special Pairing button.
Now we move on to the settings of the Xiaomi TV:
- Open the main menu and select the Settings section (cog icon).
- Go to the Remote and Accessories (or Bluetooth) subsection.
- Click Add Accessory or Search Devices button.
- Wait for your controller name to appear on the list of available devices.
- Choose it and confirm the pairing.
⚠️ Warning: If the TV found the device but writes “Connection Error” or “Unable to Hide”, try restarting the TV’s Bluetooth module by temporarily turning it off and turning it on in the settings menu.
After successful connection, the screen should appear notification, and the joystick will stop flashing quickly LED, going to constant glow or changing color. Now Android TV recognizes the manipulator as an input device.
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If the joystick is not visible in the list, try bringing it as close to the TV as possible (up to 30 cm) for the duration of pairing to eliminate interference from the Wi-Fi router or microwave oven.
Configuring a wired connection via USB
For users, prioritizing the minimum signal delay, wired connectivity is a no-choice option. Xiaomi TVs are usually equipped with several different types of devices. USB-It is recommended to use a port with a marking. USB 3.0 (often blue) as it provides better bandwidth, although it is sufficient for a gamepad and is not a big deal. USB 2.0.
The setup process is as simple as possible. You just need to insert the cable. USB (Micro-USB, USB-C standard USB-A depending on the gamepad model, the corresponding TV connector automatically recognizes the device as HID-keyboard.
| Type of connection | Delay (Input Lag) | Whether a battery is required | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Medium (10-50 ms) | Yes. | Depends on the interference. |
| USB-cable | Minimum (<5 ms) | No (TV power) | Tall. |
| USB-adapter | Low (5-15 ms) | Yes/No | Medium |
In some rare cases, the TV may not see the wired gamepad immediately. USB-externally powered hub, especially if you connect multiple devices at the same time. Also make sure the cable is serviceable and supports data transfer, not just charging.
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A wired USB connection always provides a more stable response compared to Bluetooth, which is critical for competitive online gaming.
Solving problems with recognition and drivers
Despite the standardization, sometimes there is a situation where the joystick is connected but doesn't work in games, often because Android TV doesn't correctly define the layout of the buttons, and in such cases, specialized mapper applications come to the rescue.
One of the most effective solutions is to install the Gamepad Companion or Button Mapper app from the Google Play store, which allows you to reassign button functions, calibrate analog sticks and create profiles for specific games, without which some buttons may remain inactive.
If the problem is systemic, try the following:
- 🔄 Turn off the TV from the outlet completely. 1-2 minutes to discharge static electricity.
- 📡 Turn off Wi-Fi during play to free up the 2.4GHz frequency range.
- 🔋 Replace the batteries in the joystick or charge it to 100%.
- 🗑️ Remove the device from the Bluetooth list and pair again.
⚠️ Note: When using emulators (RetroArch, PPSSPP) The control settings are often inside the emulator itself, rather than Android. Check the input settings in a particular application.
Calibration and testing of the controller
Once you've set up successfully, it's important to check that all the controls are working correctly. Analog stick drift (when a cursor or character moves by itself) is a common problem that can be diagnosed in advance.
The Gamepad Tester app is recommended, and it displays all the buttons, stick angles and trigger pressure on the screen, and it allows you to identify dead zones or sticky buttons before you start playing. If you notice significant drift, some games have a dead zone calibration feature in their settings.
Secrets of Advanced Customization
Remember that different games can interpret signals from the same controller differently. While everything can work perfectly in Asphalt 9, certain combinations may not be pressed in Minecraft. Android’s flexibility allows you to customize profiles for each project separately.