How to connect the joystick to Xiaomi Mi Box S: all ways + error solving

Xiaomi Mi Box S – popular Android TV-It's a boxing that's often used not only for watching movies, but also for games. But the standard remote control is not always convenient for controlling games. In this article, we'll discuss how to connect a joystick to the Mi Box S via Bluetooth, USB or third-party applications, as well as which gamepad models are supported.

The connection process depends on the type of joystick and the firmware version of the Mi Box S. We will look at all the current methods, including hidden Android TV settings that allow you to expand compatibility. If you encounter problems, there is a section at the end of the article with solutions to typical errors.

What joysticks are compatible with Xiaomi Mi Box S

Not all gamepads work with the Mi Box S out of the box, and the official HID (Human Interface Device) and Bluetooth Low Energy controllers are supported.

• 🎮 Xbox Wireless Controller (Models 2016)+ Bluetooth)
• 🎮 DualShock 4 from PlayStation 4)
• 🎮 8BitDo Pro 2 (in Android mode)
• 🎮 GameSir T4 (wired/wireless)
• 🎮 Steam Controller (requires settings)

Problems often arise with cheap Chinese gamepads without certification, and the Mi Box S does not support Xbox Series X/S controllers directly, but requires an adapter.

If your joystick is not on the list, check its compatibility through the Gamepad Tester app (available on Google Play for Android TV) to show if the buttons are recognized by the system.

Connecting a joystick via Bluetooth

The most universal way is wireless, and the instructions are relevant for most compatible gamepads:

1. Turn the joystick into pairing mode (usually pressing the Share + PS button for DualShock 4 or the Sync button for Xbox).
2. On the Mi Box S, go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
3. Select Add Device and wait for the gamepad name to appear in the list.
4. Click on the name of the joystick and confirm the pairing.

If the device is not displayed, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the Mi Box S and the gamepad.
• 🔋 Check the battery charge of the joystick.
• 📱 Remove old paired devices in Bluetooth settings.

Gamepad charged

Bluetooth on the Mi Box S is enabled

No interference from other devices (Wi-Fi, microwaves)

Updated firmware Mi Box S-->

Important: Some gamepads (e.g. 8BitDo) require switching to Android mode via the Start + B combination. Without this, they can be defined as a keyboard.

Connecting a wired joystick via USB

If your gamepad supports wired connectivity (via USB Type-C or Micro-USB), the process is even simpler:

1. Connect the joystick to the Mi Box S via OTG-cable (if the connector does not match).
2. Wait for the notification "Input device connected".
3. Check the buttons in any game or through the Gamepad Tester.

Problems with USB-Connection is usually associated with:

• 🔌 faulty cable or OTG-adapter.
• 🖥️ Lack of power (try connecting via the USB-powerhouse).
• 🔄 Outdated firmware Mi Box S (update to Settings) → About the device → Updating the system).

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If the Mi Box S doesn't recognize USB-Gamepad, try plugging it into your smartphone. If it works there, the problem is the boxing firmware.

Setting up joystick buttons in Android TV

By default, the Mi Box S recognizes the standard gamepad buttons, but some games may have conflicts.

1. Install the Tincore Keymapper app (available via bootloader or Send Files to TV).
2. Open it and select Create New Profile.
3. Click on the gamepad button you want to reassign and select a new action.
4. Save the profile and activate it.

Example of reassignment for emulators:

If the Tincore Keymapper doesn’t work, try Octopus (requires root, but you can’t get it on the Mi Box S without the risk of “bricking”).

Solving problems with connecting the joystick

If the gamepad is connected but does not work or does not work correctly, check:

Common mistakes and their solutions:

⚠️ Warning: If the Mi Box S starts to brake after connecting the gamepad, check the boot CPU In Settings → Annexes → Some cheap gamepads create background processes that load the system.

Games and emulators optimized for gamepads on the Mi Box S

Not all Google Play games support joystick control, but here are the proven options:

• 🎮 Emulators: RetroArch, PPSSPP (PSP), Dolphin (GameCube/Wii), ePSXe (PS1).
• 🎮 Racing: Asphalt 9, Beach Buggy Racing, Riptide GP: Renegade.
• 🎮 Modern Combat 5, Dead Trigger 2.
• 🎮 Platforms: Minecraft, Leo's Fortune.

For emulators, it is recommended to use RetroArch - it supports automatic gamepad settings and has Input Remapping built in. To enable joystick support:

1. Launch RetroArch.
2. Go to the Settings → Input → Port 1 Controls.
3. Select Bind All and press the gamepad buttons according to the prompts.

If the game does not recognize the gamepad, try to enable Controller Support or Gamepad Mode in its settings.

Alternative ways to connect the gamepad

If standard methods do not work, you can use:

• 📱 Application-server: USB/BT Joystick Center (allows you to emulate the keyboard through the gamepad).
• 🖥️ ADB-Commands: Forcing the inclusion of support HID-adb shell setprop persist.sy.input.enable 1
• 🔌 Adapters: 8BitDo Wireless Adapter 2 (to connect Xbox or Switch Pro controllers).

ADB-method requires the inclusion of debugging USB on the Mi Box S:

1. Go to Settings → About Device → Build Number and press 7 times to activate Developer Mode.
2. Go back to Settings → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect the Mi Box S to your PC and execute ADB-team (see above).

⚠️ Attention: misuse ADB Do not change other settings through setprop unless you are sure of their purpose.

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For most users, Bluetooth connectivity is enough. ADB and adapters are only needed for non-standard gamepads.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting a joystick to the Mi Box S