Connecting PS4 joystick to Xiaomi Mi TV: 3 proven ways + error solving

Gaming consoles and smart TVs are no longer incompatible devices. If you own Xiaomi Mi TV (any model from Mi TV 4A to Mi TV Q2) and want to play comfortably using the PlayStation 4 joystick, this guide will help you understand all the nuances. Connecting DualShock 4 to a Xiaomi TV opens up opportunities for comfortable gaming through Google Play Games, emulators or cloud services like GeForce NOW.

The main problem that users face is the lack of direct support for Sony gamepads in firmware. MIUI TV. However, this limitation can be circumvented in several ways: via Bluetooth, USB-In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, including hidden developer settings that allow you to make the joystick work without lags even on older Xiaomi models.

It is important to note that the functionality may vary depending on the version of Android TV on your TV. For example, on Mi TV Stick or Mi Box S, the connection algorithm will be identical, but on PatchWall TVs, you may need additional manipulation. If you have previously tried to connect a gamepad and encountered an error "Device is not supported" - do not despair: in 90% of cases, the problem is solved by setting up access rights.

1.Preparing the Xiaomi Mi TV to connect the joystick

Before you start pairing, you need to make sure your TV is ready to work with external input devices, starting with basic checks:

• 🔄 Update your firmware. Go to Settings. → On TV. → Update the system and install the latest version of the software. At the time of 2026, the minimum required version for stable operation of gamepads — MIUI TV 3.0+ (Android-based 9+).
• 🔌 Check the ports if you plan to connect the joystick to the USB, Make sure the port is USB 2.0/3.0 on the TV is good (try to connect the flash drive for the test).
• 📱 Activate Bluetooth. Go to Settings. → Devices → Bluetooth and turn on the module. On some models (e.g. Mi). TV A2 43) Bluetooth can be disabled by default.
• 🎮 Install gaming apps. Without them, it will be difficult to test the connection. We recommend downloading GameSir or Steam Link from Google Play (if supported).

Pay special attention to the developer mode, so you can activate it:

1. Go to Settings. → On TV.
2. Find the line "Build number" and click on it 7 times in a row (the notification "You became a developer!" should appear).
3. Go back to the main settings menu and open a new section for developers.
4. Enable options: Debug over USB (if you plan to use a cable) Allow location simulation (sometimes required for Bluetooth to work correctly)

⚠️ Attention: On the TVs Xiaomi Mi TV P1 And newer, when you turn on the developer mode, you may see a warning about an "uncertified device." It's not a mistake -- just confirm the action with a button. OK.

2. Connecting the PS4 joystick over Bluetooth: a step-by-step algorithm

The most popular method is wireless pairing via Bluetooth, but here's the caveat: DualShock 4 is not recognized by the TV as a gamepad by default, so you'll have to use a workaround.

Instructions:

1. Turn on the joystick by holding the PS button (Playstation logo) for 3 seconds. the indicator should start flashing white (search mode).
2. On the TV, go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and click "Add Device".
3. In the list, find a device called the "Wireless Controller" (sometimes displayed as "DUALSHOCK®4") and select it.
4. Confirm the pairing if you have a request for input. PIN-If you want to try 0000 or 1234.

Once you've successfully connected, the indicator on the joystick should turn blue, but here's a typical problem: the TV recognizes the gamepad as a keyboard or a mouse, not as a game controller.

Install the Sixaxis Controller app (if supported)

Enable "Gampad Imitation" in the developer settings

Reboot the TV after pairing

Check the work in the game application (for example, RetroArch)

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If the joystick is connected but the buttons are not working correctly (for example, the cross controls the cursor instead of moving in the game), additional calibration through third-party utilities will be required. On Xiaomi TVs with Android TV 11+, this problem is solved automatically after updating the firmware to MIUI TV 4.0.23+.

3. Connection through USB-cable: when Bluetooth is not working

If the wireless pairing ends in an error (e.g., “Unable to connect”), an alternative is to use the USB-This method is more reliable, but requires original or high-quality cable with data transmission support (not all charging cables will work!).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the joystick to the TV via a USB-A port (some Xiaomi models may require a USB-C → USB-A adapter).
2. A notification will appear on the screen "Connected". USB-Select "Use as a gamepad" (if you don't have one, go to Settings). → Devices → USB).
3. Wait for the drivers to install (it can take up to 30 seconds). The indicator on the joystick should light up in orange.
4. Open any gaming app and check the button response.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi Mi models TV 4S mi TV 4X upon USB-In order to avoid this, turn off the remote for the duration of the game or use a Bluetooth mouse to navigate the menu.

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If the TV doesn’t recognize the joystick via USB, try connecting it to another port (such as USB 3.0 if you have one), and check if the USB Power Saving feature is blocking access in the power settings.

4.Using Bluetooth adapters: a solution for older models

If your XiaomiReleased TV is up to 2019 (e.g. Mi) TV 3 or Mi TV 4A), The built-in Bluetooth module may not support the DualShock 4 protocol. In this case, an external Bluetooth adapter with support will help HID-profile.

Recommended adapters:

How to connect via adapter:

1. Insert the adapter into the USB port of the TV.
2. Turn on the joystick in pairing mode (press Share + PS for 5 seconds until the indicator starts to flash quickly).
3. On the adapter, press the sync button (usually labeled Pair or Sync).
4. Wait until the indicator on the joystick lights up pink (the color depends on the adapter model).

Once connected, the adapter will emulate XInput (Xbox standard), which will ensure compatibility with most games. However, some applications (such as NVIDIA Shield) may require additional manual adjustments.

5. Solving typical connection problems

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, users often encounter errors, and let's look at the most common ways to eliminate them:

Problem 1: Joystick is connected, but buttons are not working

• 🔧 Check if the developer settings include the item "Gympad Imitation".
• 🎯 Install the app USB/BT Joystick Center from Google Play (if available) and calibrate the buttons.
• 🔄 Reboot the TV with a connected joystick.

Problem 2: Permanent breaks of Bluetooth connection

• 📶 Make sure there are no interference sources nearby (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves).
• 🔋 Replace the battery in the joystick (a discharged battery leads to an unstable connection).
• 🔄 Update the TV to the latest version (in the MIUI TV 4.0+ Corrected Bluetooth stack errors).

Problem 3: The TV can't see the joystick through USB

• 🔌 Try another cable (original from the original cable) PS4 certified USB 2.0).
• 🖥️ Include in the developer settings the option "Debugging by" USB" and “Allow installation from unknown sources".
• 🔧 Connect the joystick to your computer and check if it is defined as HID-device (if not, the problem is in the gamepad itself).

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If neither method worked, check if your Xiaomi TV model supports firmware-level gamepad connectivity. For example, on the Mi TV A Pro and Mi TV Q1 (2023), DualShock 4 support is out of the box, and older models may require manual changes to system files (which requires root access).

6. Optimization of settings for comfortable gaming

Once the joystick is successfully connected, it remains to be configured for maximum convenience.

Setting the sensitivity of the sticks:

• 🎮 Most games (like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile) have separate settings for the gamepad. Find the Controller section and calibrate the Dead Zone).
• 🔧 For emulators (RetroArch, PPSSPP) Use autoconfiguration: when the joystick is first connected, the system will offer to assign buttons.

Reducing input delay:

• 📶 If you play Bluetooth, place the TV and joystick at a distance of no more than 3 meters from each other.
• 🔌 For lag-critical games (such as Street Fighter) use USB-connection.
• 🛠️ In the developer settings, disable Windows Animation and Transitions – this will reduce system delays.

Hot key assignment:

• 🔄 The Share button on DualShock 4 can be reassigned to a menu call or screenshot (via Button Mapper).
• 🎵 Button PS convenient to use to return to the main menu (setting in Settings) → Devices → gamepad).

For owners of Xiaomi Mi TV with Google Assistant, there is a bonus: voice commands can be combined with the control of the joystick, for example, say "OK Google, launch GeForce NOW", and then play with the gamepad.

7. Alternative ways of connecting: for experienced users

If standard methods don't work, you can try advanced solutions, they take longer, but they give you better compatibility.

Method 1: Using ADB to force pairing

This method is suitable for TVs on Android TV 9+ with unlocked debugging over USB.

adb shell am start -a android.settings.BLUETOOTH_SETTINGS


adb shell input keyevent 20 Press down (Device selection)




adb shell input keyevent 23 # Confirmation of pairing

Before executing commands, connect the TV to the PC via USB and allow debugging in the developer settings.

Method 2: Firmwareing the custom core

On the Xiaomi Mi TV 4 and Mi TV 4S, you can install a modified kernel with DualShock 4 support at the driver level.

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Install TWRP for your model.
3. Sweep through the kernel with the HID-Sony patch (like LineageOS for Android TV).

⚠️ Warning: Custom firmware voids warranty and may cause a device to "brick" before you start backing up through adb backup or TWRP.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting the PS4 joystick to the Xiaomi Mi TV