Turning a TV into a gaming console is one of the most enjoyable bonuses of the Android TV platform, which is equipped with consoles and smart TVs from Xiaomi. Owners of Mi Box S or TVs with PatchWall often wonder about expanding the functionality of the device beyond watching streaming services. Connecting a game controller gives access to thousands of applications from the Google Play Store, retro games and even cloud gaming.
The pairing process may seem complicated at first glance, but in fact, Android TV has great native peripheral support. You don't have to be a technical specialist to set up control. You just need to follow the logical sequence of actions described in this guide to make your gamepad work without unnecessary drivers.
In this article, we will explore all possible ways of connecting, from classic Bluetooth to wired USB connection. We will also touch on the compatibility of various joysticks models, including the original Xbox and PlayStation controllers, as well as universal Chinese counterparts. You will learn how to set up emulators and which applications are best for gaming.
Choosing a compatible gaming controller for Xiaomi TV
Before you start setting up, you need to make sure your gamepad is technically capable of running Android. Most of today's wireless controllers released after 2015 support the HID (Human Interface Device) protocol, making them compatible with Android TV by default.
The optimal choice for owners of the Xiaomi ecosystem are controllers from Microsoft Xbox One S/X and Xbox Series X/S. They have native support, and the Android TV system recognizes them instantly, correctly determining the layout of the buttons. Sony DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers also work perfectly, but sometimes may require third-party applications for the full functionality of analog sticks in some games.
- 🎮 Original gamepads: Xbox Wireless Controller, Sony DualSense, Nintendo Switch Pro Controller – maximum compatibility.
- 📱 Universal Bluetooth gamepads: Ipega, GameSir, MOGA — Often require manual calibration, but cheaper than the originals.
- 🔌 Wired USB-Controllers: Any wired gamepads with connector USB-A — work immediately after connection, but are limited by the length of the cable.
⚠️ Note: Cheap Chinese gamepads without branding can be defined as "Generic Gamepad." In this case, the layout of the buttons in the games can be confused, and you will have to manually reassign actions in the settings of each application.
When choosing a device, pay attention to the availability of Android support TV Some manufacturers are making versions of gamepads specifically for mobile devices (iOS/Android), The physical Home or Guide button on the controller makes it much easier to navigate the console menu.
Connection via Bluetooth: step-by-step instructions
Wireless is the most popular method, as it allows you to sit on the couch at a comfortable distance from the TV. To get started, make sure your gamepad is charged and in pairing mode. On Xiaomi Mi Box consoles and Android TVs, the synchronization process is unified.
First, you need to activate the search mode on the controller itself. Xbox gamepads need to press the pairing button on the end of the device until the logo flashes quickly. DualShock 4 and DualSense should simultaneously press the Share (or Create) and PS buttons. After that, we move to the settings of the TV.
☑️ Checklist of Bluetooth connection
Using the TV remote, go to Settings, then select Devices and Accessories (or Bluetooth). Click Add Accessory. The system will start scanning available devices. Once your gamepad name appears on the list (such as "Xbox Wireless Controller" or "Wireless Controller"), select it to pair.
Once you've successfully connected, the display on the gamepad will stop flashing and light up straight. The list of devices on the TV screen will have "Connected." Now you can check the buttons by running any application or game. If the cursor on the screen moves when you press the sticks, it went well.
What to do if the gamepad is not located?
Wired connection through USB-port
If your gamepad supports a wired connection or is exclusively wired, you can use it. USB-Mi Box or TV port: This method provides minimal input lag, which is critical for dynamic shooters and fighting games.
Just insert it to connect. USB-gamepad cable USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 on the back or side of the device. Android system TV automatically recognizes the device as input HID. No additional drivers are required to be installed.
| Type of connection | Delay (Input Lag) | Nutrition | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Low (noticeable in rare cases) | Autonomous (battery) | High (no wires) |
| USB-cable | Minimum (near zero) | From the USB port | Medium (limited by cable length) |
| USB-adapter (Dongle) | Low. | Autonomous. | High. |
It is worth considering that some old or specific gamepad models may require external power if the port is not available. USB The TV doesn't give enough current. USB-It's also a cable length that limits mobility, but for stationary play, it's often the best choice.
Use of the USB-Adapters for wireless gamepads
There is a third, hybrid way of connecting that is often overlooked. Many of the branded wireless gamepads (especially from the Xbox 360 and some Logitech models) come with their own devices. USB-Adapter (whistling). Android TV Often able to recognize this adapter as a standard wired input device.
To implement this method, simply insert USB-Adapter to the console port. The advantage of this approach is that you get a wireless connection with a delay close to the wired one, and you don't take up the Bluetooth channel that you might need for headphones or keyboards. This is especially true for older but robust Xbox 360 controllers that don’t have Bluetooth built-in.
However, not all adapters are compatible. Adapters that require proprietary Windows drivers are likely not going to work on Android. Only those that emulate a standard USB HID work. If nothing happens after connecting the adapter within 10 seconds and no new devices appear on the Bluetooth menu, it is likely that this method is not supported for your model.
⚠️ Attention: When in use USB-Hubs to connect multiple gamepads make sure the hub is actively powered by the network.The TV ports may not be able to withstand the current consumed by multiple wireless adapters at the same time.
Setup of emulators and retro games
After successfully connecting the gamepad, the main interest is the launch of emulators. Android TV is ideal for retro gaming. The most popular applications are RetroArch, Lemuroid and PPSSPP (for PSP), which allow you to turn your console into a universal console.
In most cases, the setup is automatic. For example, in RetroArch, you need to go to Settings → Input and press Set All Controls to Defaults if the buttons are not working correctly. For the PPSSPP emulator, it is enough to simply start the game, and it will match the gamepad buttons with the buttons of the virtual PSP controller.
- 🕹️ RetroArch: Powerful all-in-one combine harvester requires initial setup but supports all known consoles up to PSP and Dreamcast.
- 🎮 Lemuroid: Simple, lightweight emulator with automatic downloading of game covers, ideal for beginners.
- 📀 Dolphin / PPSSPP: Specialized emulators for GameCube/Wii and PSP This ensures better performance on weak devices.
An important aspect is button mapping. If the character jumps instead of sitting down in the game, you need to go to the control settings inside the emulator (usually called by a combination of buttons or through a menu) and reassign functions. In Android TV, this is done by selecting an action on the screen and pressing the desired button on the gamepad.
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For emulation of consoles PlayStation 1 and above, it is recommended to use Bluetooth connection of the original Xbox or DualShock controllers, as they have a sufficient number of buttons and analog sticks for a comfortable game.
Solution: If the gamepad doesn't work
Even with all the instructions, there can be technical difficulties. Often the problem lies not in the gamepad itself, but in the cache of the Bluetooth system or application conflict. If the device connects but does not respond to pressing, try rebooting the Xiaomi console completely, disconnecting it from the network for a minute.
Another common problem is typing, which happens when multiple apps try to take control, close all background apps through the task menu, and check if the mouse mode is activated in the settings of the gamepad itself (often enabled by a combination of buttons, such as Home + X), which can interfere with normal gaming performance.
⚠️ Note: If you use emulators, make sure they have permission to access external drives and microphone (sometimes this affects the operation of input drivers in Android). TV Core Services in Application Settings.
If the buttons are pressed late, check the distance to the receiver. For Bluetooth connections, obstacles in the form of walls or metal structures can degrade the signal. USB-extension for Bluetooth adapter (if external) to bring it closer to the game area.
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The main reason for problems with gamepads on Android TV is the incompatibility of input protocols in cheap models or battery discharge, so always start your diagnosis with a replacement of batteries.