Why the gamepad does not connect to Xiaomi TV and how to fix it
Game consoles are a thing of the past – modern Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV Q2, P1, A2 or Mi Box S/4K consoles) support connecting joysticks via Bluetooth to run emulators, cloud gaming (Xbox Cloud, GeForce NOW) or local games through Google Play Games. However, many users face problems: the TV “does not see” the gamepad, the connection breaks down, or the buttons work incorrectly.
In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you connect, from standard synchronization to bypassing restrictions through third-party apps, and why DualSense (from PS5) or Xbox Series X may not be defined on Mi TVs, and how to make them work. If your TV is on Android TV 9/10/11, the instruction will fit 100% — tested on models from 2020-2026.
What joysticks are compatible with Xiaomi TV
Xiaomi Android TVs officially support Bluetooth-based HID (Human Interface Device) gamepads, but not all models work out of the box.
- 🎮 Sony DualSense (PS5) – Partially (requires manual connection via Settings → Devices → Add accessory).
- 🎮 Xbox Wireless Controller (2020+) – natively supported, but may require a firmware update.
- 🎮 8BitDo Pro 2/SN30 is the best choice for Mi TV (connects in X-Input or D-Input mode).
- 🎮 Gamesir T4/G7 – compatible, but can stutter when the CPU TV is loaded high.
- ❌ Nintendo Switch Pro Controller – not directly connected (8BitDo 2 adapter required).
Important: Even if your gamepad is on the compatible list, Xiaomi TVs on Android TV 9 (models up to 2021 of the year) may not support DualSense due to the outdated Bluetooth 4.2 stack. In this case, only a firmware update or the use of the USB- adapter will help.
| Gamepad model | Compatibility with Mi TV | Action required |
|---|---|---|
| DualSense (PS5) | Partially. | Manual connection mode, disable Audio through the controller |
| Xbox Series X|S | Complete. | Update the firmware of the gamepad through Xbox Accessories App |
| 8BitDo Pro 2 | Complete. | Switch to X-Input Mode (Click Start + B) |
| Gamesir G7 | Partially. | Use the cable for the first synchronization |
⚠️ Warning: If your Xiaomi TV is released before 2020 (e.g., Mi TV 4S 55), it may not have the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) support needed to connect modern gamepads. Check the Bluetooth version in the Settings menu → About TV → System Information.
Step-by-step: how to connect a joystick over Bluetooth
The synchronization process depends on the gamepad model, but the overall pattern is the same.
- Activate the pairing mode on the gamepad: 🎮 DualSense: press PS + Share for 3 seconds (the indicator will start flashing white). 🎮 Xbox Controller: press the sync button (near USB-C) before the logo flashes. 🎮 8BitDo: press Start + Select (X-Input mode).
Open Bluetooth settings on your TV:
Go to Settings → Devices → Add Accessory (or Settings → Network and Access → Bluetooth on older models).
Select the gamepad from the list:
Wait for your joystick name to appear (like Wireless Controller for DualSense) and click on it. If the device doesn't show up, update the list with the Update button.
Confirm the connection:
Some Xiaomi models may require the input of a PIN- code (usually a 0000 or a 1234).
Gamepad charged (indicator lights green)
Bluetooth on the TV (icon in the upper right corner)
Distance between devices ≤ 3 metres
There's no active TV on the TV. VPN Proxies (they can block Bluetooth)-->
If the connection is successful, your gamepad will appear on the Device menu marked Connected. To check whether it works, open any game (for example, Asphalt 9 from Google Play) or emulator (RetroArch).
⚠️ Warning: Xiaomi TVs with MIUI TV firmware (not Android TV!) may not have the Add Accessory menu. In this case, use the Sixaxis Controller app (root or ADB- commands required).
Problem Solving: Joystick doesn't connect or shut down
If the TV doesn't see the gamepad or the connection breaks, the reasons can be different, from outdated firmware to conflict with other Bluetooth devices.
1. The gamepad is not displayed in the list of devices
- 🔄 Reboot the TV: press the power button on the remote for 5 seconds → select Reboot.
- 📱 Reset Bluetooth settings: go to Settings → Apps → All apps → Bluetooth → Clear the cache.
- 🔧 Update the TV firmware: Settings → On TV. → Updating the system.
2.The connection breaks down after a few seconds
- 🔋 Power problem: Connect the gamepad to charging while in use (especially relevant for DualSense).
- 📶 Interference from other devices: Turn off unnecessary Bluetooth headsets, smartwatches, or speakers.
- 🖥️ Conflict with USB- devices: If a flash drive or hard drive is connected to the TV, temporarily disconnect them.
3. buttons are not working correctly (for example, sticks are inverted)
This problem is typical for gamepads 8BitDo and Gamesir.
- 🎛️ Switch the gamepad mode (for example, for 8BitDo Pro 2, press Start + Y to go to D-Input).
- 🖱️ Use the Gamepad Tester app from Google Play to reassign buttons.
What do you do if nothing helps?
How to connect DualSense (PS5) to Xiaomi TV
PlayStation 5's DualSense is one of the most problematic games to connect to Android TV, because it uses Bluetooth 5.0 with extensions that not all Xiaomi TVs support correctly.
- Turn off audio via controller: By default, DualSense transmits sound to the built-in speaker, which can cause delays. To disable: Settings → Sound → Output → Select Television
- Use Compatibility Mode: DualSense is defined as Wireless Controller on some firmware, but it doesn't work.The solution is to plug it into PS4 mode (clamp PS + Share to double blink blue).
- Update your gamepad firmware: Connect DualSense to your PS5 or PC with Sony’s Firmware Updater and install the latest version of the software.
On Xiaomi TVs with the Amlogic S905 chipset (models 2019-2020), DualSense can connect, but there will be lags in games due to a weak Bluetooth module. In this case, only the external 8BitDo 2 adapter will help.
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If DualSense connects but doesn’t work in games, try installing the Octopus app from Google Play.It emulates a virtual gamepad and allows you to reassign buttons.
Alternative ways to connect: USB and adapters
If Bluetooth refuses to work, there are two ways around it:
1. Wired connection via USB
Many gamepads (Xbox, 8BitDo, Gamesir) support cable connectivity.
- 🔌 USB-OTG adapter (if the TV only has USB-C).
- 🔗 Cable USB-A → USB-C (for DualSense) or Micro-USB (for older Xbox models).
Just connect the gamepad to the USB port on the TV - the drivers will be installed automatically. Minus: the cable length is limited (maximum 2-3 meters).
2. Bluetooth adapter for older Xiaomi TV models
If your TV doesn’t support Bluetooth 4.2+ (such as Mi TV 3S), buy an external adapter:
- 📡 8BitDo Wireless Adapter 2 — connects to the USB port, supports DualSense, Xbox, Switch Pro.
- 📡 Mayflash Magic-NS is a universal adapter for Nintendo controllers.
The price of the question is ~1,500–2,500 ₽, but you will get a stable connection without lags.
| Connection method | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth (native) | No wires, simplicity. | Lags, not all gamepads are supported |
| USB-cable | Low input lag, no batteries needed | Limited cable length |
| External adapter | Support for any gamepads, stability | Additional expenditure |
Setting up a gamepad for games and emulators
Once the joystick is successfully connected, it needs to be customized for specific applications.
1. Games from Google Play (Asphalt, Call of Duty Mobile)
Most games automatically detect the gamepad, but sometimes manual adjustment is required:
- Open the game and go to Settings → Management.
- Choose Gamepad instead of Touch Control.
- If the buttons don’t work, use the Gamepad Tester app to check your input.
2 Emulators (RetroArch, PPSSPP)
For emulators, you will have to adjust the buttons manually:
- 🎮 In RetroArch: Settings → Input → Setup of input devices → Select your gamepad.
- 📱 In PPSSPP: Settings → Control → Control settings → External gamepad.
Tip: Keep your management profile so you don’t configure the buttons every time.
3. Cloud Gaming (Xbox Cloud, GeForce NOW)
Services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or NVIDIA GeForce NOW officially support gamepads, but there may be problems:
- ⚙️ In GeForce NOW, select Settings → Enter → Use a gamepad.
- 🔄 If the joystick is not detected, reconnect it after the game is started.
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For cloud gaming, it is better to use the Xbox gamepad – it is optimized for Microsoft and NVIDIA services, while DualSense may require additional settings.