Xiaomi Mi Box (including Mi Box S, Mi Box 4, Mi Box) 4S Mi Box 5 and Mi Box 5 are often used not only to watch videos, but also to run emulators or cloud games through Google Play Games, NVIDIA GeForce NOW But without a gamepad, you can't play comfortably. In this article, we'll look at all the current ways to connect joysticks, from standard Bluetooth controllers to wired ones. USB-and solve common compatibility problems.
It is important to understand that Xiaomi TV Box works on Android based platform TV, It supports most Android-certified gamepads, but there are some nuances: some models require manual adjustment, and older consoles (such as the Mi Box 3) may not recognize modern controllers. MIUI TV 3.0+) And we put together working solutions.
What joysticks are compatible with Xiaomi TV Box?
Not all gamepads work equally well with the Xiaomi Mi Box, but here are the key compatibility criteria:
- 🎮 Official Google Certification: Controllers with the Designed for Android logo (e.g. Xbox Wireless Controller, Sony DualSense, 8BitDo Pro 2 connect without problems.
- 🔄 Connection Modes: Joystick must support Bluetooth 4.0+ have USB Type-C/Micro-USB wired.
- 🖱️ Input protocol: The prefix recognizes HID-If a gamepad is defined as a mouse or a keyboard, it is not suitable for gaming.
- 🔋 Autonomy: High-consumption wireless controllers (such as Steam Deck Controller) can quickly drain when connected to a console.
Below is the table of compatibility of popular models with Xiaomi Mi Box S/4/5 (firmware-tested MIUI TV 3.2.1):
| Model joystick | Bluetooth | USB (wire) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series X|S Controller | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | Requires the controller firmware update to 5.12+ |
| Sony DualSense (PS5) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | Some games don’t have triggers. L2/R2 |
| 8BitDo Pro 2 | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | Best choice for retro games (supports) X-Input/D-Input) |
| GameSir T4 | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | Only wired connection. |
| Nintendo Switch Pro Controller | ⚠️ Partially. | ❌ No. | It only works after manual binding via Bluetooth menu |
If your model is not listed, check it on the manufacturer's website or in the Google Play Console (Coverler Compatibility section). USB/BT Joystick Center from Google Play to test compatibility.
Connecting joystick over Bluetooth: step-by-step instructions
Wireless is the most convenient way, but it requires pre-configuration.
- 🔋 Joystick charged (at least 30%).
- 📶 Xiaomi Mi Box is within 3 meters of the controller.
- 🔄 Bluetooth is enabled on the console (Settings) → Devices → Bluetooth).
Follow the instructions:
- Activate the pairing mode on the joystick: For Xbox Controller: press the Sync button (near the button). USB-3 seconds until the light flashes. For DualSense, press it. PS + Share to double-blinking LED. 8BitDo: Hold on to Start. + Y 5 seconds.
Xiaomi Mi Box
Settings → Devices → Add Bluetooth device
Update
Nintendo Switch Pro
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Once you have successfully connected, check the joystick in any game or through the Game Controller Tester app (available on Google Play).If the buttons don't respond, restart the console and re-pair the pairing.
Joystick is displayed in Settings → Devices → Bluetooth|The indicator on the gamepad is lit with even light (does not flash)|Buttons react in the test application|The device does not give an error "The device is not supported"-->
Wired connection through USB: When Bluetooth is not working
If your Xiaomi Mi Box doesn’t see the Bluetooth joystick (for example, due to outdated firmware or hardware limitations), use a wired device. USB-This method is also relevant for gamepads without a Bluetooth module (e.g. GameSir). T4 The old Xbox 360 Controller).
You'll need:
- 🔌 OTG-cable (if the console only has a cable) USB Type-C, and the joystick Micro-USB).
- 🎮 Compatible gamepad with support USB HID.
Instructions:
- Connect the joystick to the Xiaomi Mi Box USB-port OTG-adapter).
- Wait for the notification "Connected" USB-Input device." If the message does not appear, check: Cable (try another). USB on the console (plug the flash drive for the test) Gamepad mode (some models require switching to X-Input via the Mode button).
USB/BT Joystick Center
Note that when wired, some gamepads (such as DualSense) can discharge faster, as the console does not always correctly determine the charging current. USB-feed-in.
What to do if the console does not see USB-joystick?
Problem Solving: The joystick is connected but not working
Frequently, the gamepad successfully mates with the console, but the buttons do not react in games.
⚠️ Note: If you are using emulators (e.g. RetroArch or RetroArch) PPSSPP), First, set up control in the emulator itself. Many programs ignore Android system settings. TV.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Buttons don't respond. | Incorrect protocol (e.g. D-Input instead of X-Input) | Switch mode on the gamepad (mode or home button) + A) |
| Only a fraction of the buttons work. | Conflict with other connected devices | Disable all other gamepads/keyboards in Settings → Devices |
| Delays in entry (lag) | Weak Bluetooth signal or congested Wi-Fi network | Put the joystick on. USB or reboot the router |
| The console "forgets" the gamepad after the reboot | Resetting Bluetooth settings | Re-couple the device and turn off power saving for Bluetooth in Settings → Battery |
If the problem is not solved, try resetting the gamepad settings:
- For Xbox Controller: Press Sync for 10 seconds before turning it off.
- For DualSense: Use a clip to press the Reset button (near the USB-port).
- For 8BitDo: clamp Start + B for 5 seconds.
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If the game doesn’t support a gamepad, try emulating the keyboard using the Octopus app (available on Google Play), which allows you to assign joystick buttons to virtual keys.
Customization of the gamepad for specific games and emulators
There is no universal setting for all games, each emulator or cloud service requires a custom configuration.
1. Cloud Games (Xbox Cloud, GeForce) NOW)
Services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or NVIDIA GeForce NOW They automatically recognize most certified gamepads, but they do it properly:
- 🎮 Use Xbox Controller or DualSense – they are officially supported.
- 🔄 In the game settings, select "Use the gamepad" (usually in the control menu).
- 📱 If the game is running through the browser, turn on the "Desktop Mode" mode in Google Chrome (Settings) → Request the full version of the site).
2. Emulators (RetroArch, PPSSPP, Dolphin)
Emulators have to manually assign buttons, like RetroArch.
- Start the game and open the menu (Menu on the gamepad).
- Go to the Settings → Input → Port 1 Controls.
- Press Bind All and press the buttons on the joystick sequentially.
- Save the configuration (Save Controller Profile).
For PPSSPP (emulator PSP) The way will be different: Settings → Controls → Control mapping. You can assign buttons manually or download a ready profile for your gamepad model.
3. Local Android Games
Many games from Google Play (such as Asphalt 9, Call of Duty Mobile) support gamepads, but require the option to be enabled in the settings.
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For Nintendo 64 emulators (e.g, Mupen64Plus) It is recommended to use gamepads with analog sticks (for example, Xbox Controller or Xbox Controller). 8BitDo SN30 Pro, as many games require precise control.
Update of the firmware of the gamepad and Xiaomi TV Box
If the joystick is unstable, it could be an outdated firmware, both the controller and the console, and here's how to update both parts of the system:
1. Update of the gamepad firmware
Manufacturers regularly release updates to fix compatibility bugs.
- Xbox Controller: Use the Xbox Accessories app on PC or Android.
- DualSense: Connect to PlayStation 5 Use Firmware Updater for DualSense on Windows.
- 8BitDo: Download the firmware from the official website and update through 8BitDo Ultimate Software.
2. Update firmware Xiaomi Mi Box
An outdated version MIUI TV It might not support new gamepads:
- Go to Settings → About the console → System update.
- Click Check for updates.
- If a new version is available, confirm installation. OTA (over the air) do not turn off the power - this can lead to a "brick" of the device.
If the automatic update does not work, download the firmware manually from the official Xiaomi website and install through Local Update in the console menu.
Alternative ways to connect: if nothing helps
If your gamepad is stubbornly reluctant to work with the Xiaomi Mi Box, try alternative methods:
1. Use of adapters
Some old gamepads (for example, PS3 Controller or Xbox 360 require special adapters:
- 🔌 Bluetooth adapter PS3 (for example, 8BitDo Wireless Adapter 2).
- 🖥️ USB-Xbox 360 adapter (official from Microsoft).
Connect the adapter to the console, and then synchronize with it the gamepad according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Applications for gamepad emulation
If hardware compatibility is absent, you can emulate the gamepad through a smartphone:
- Install Octopus or Gamepad Companion on your phone.
- Connect the gamepad to the smartphone via Bluetooth.
- Set up Wi-Fi commands on Xiaomi Mi Box (both devices must be on the same network).
The disadvantage of the method is a noticeable delay in input (up to the 100-200 MS), which is critical for dynamic games.
3. Connection via PC (remote access)
If the console does not recognize the gamepad, but it works on a computer, use remote access:
- 💻 Connect the gamepad to the PC.
- 🖥️ Install the Moonlight app on PC and Xiaomi Mi Box (for PC) NVIDIA GameStream or Steam Link.
- 🎮 Run the game on PC and broadcast it to the console, controlling from the gamepad.
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To minimize the lag when streaming the game from a PC, connect the Xiaomi Mi Box to the router via an Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi.