How to connect the gamepad to the Xiaomi TV: all ways and life hacks

Modern Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV 4/5, Redmi Smart TV, A Pro, and others) support not only watching movies, but also running games through Google Play Games, NVIDIA GeForce NOW or emulators. However, it is inconvenient to control games from the remote control - a gamepad comes to the rescue. But how to connect it correctly if the instructions for TV do not say anything about it?

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to connect the gamepad to Xiaomi. TV: from standard Bluetooth connection to use USB-You will learn which gamepad models are compatible with Xiaomi TVs, how to configure them in Android. TV, What to do if the device is not identified, and also unique life hacks to reduce input lag when playing over Bluetooth.

What gamepads are compatible with Xiaomi TVs

Not all controllers can work with Xiaomi TV out of the box.

• 🎮 Bluetooth gamepads with profile support HID (Human Interface Device: Most modern models (e.g. DualSense, Xbox Wireless Controller, 8BitDo) fit.
• 🕹️ Wired connector gamepads USB Type-A/C. Demand. OTG-Adapter if the TV is not full sized USB-port.
• 🖱️ Specialized controllers for Android TV (for example, NVIDIA Shield Controller or Xiaomi Game Controller. Guaranteed to work without additional settings.

Important: Xiaomi TVs based on Android TV 9.0 and later support XInput (standard for Xbox controllers) and DirectInput (for most other gamepads).Old models (for example, Mi TV 3) may require manual driver installation.

⚠️ Warning: Gamepads with proprietary protocols (e.g. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller in mode) L/R) They may not work without additional software, and they will require root access or third-party applications like Controller Mapper.

Preparing Xiaomi TV to connect the gamepad

Before connecting the controller, several steps must be taken:

1. Update your TV firmware to the latest version via Settings → About TV → System Update.
2. Activate Developer Mode (if you need compatibility settings): Settings → About TV → Build Number (click 7 times)
3. Turn Bluetooth on in the Settings menu → Devices → Bluetooth.

For wired gamepads, check for free USB-Port (on some Xiaomi models) TV If you have a Micro-USB port, you need to have it. OTG-Adapter (e.g. Xiaomi) USB-C to USB-A).

Connecting the gamepad via Bluetooth: step-by-step instructions

This is the most versatile way, running on 90% of modern gamepads. The instructions are relevant for Xiaomi TV on Android TV 9.0-12.0:

1. Activate the pairing mode on the gamepad: 🎮 DualSense: Hold on PS + Share 3 seconds. 🖲️ Xbox Controller: Hold the sync button (near the sync button) USB-port). 🕹️ 8BitDo: Hold on to Start. + Y.

Settings → Devices → Bluetooth

Add the device

Wireless Controller

Once paired successfully, the indicator on the gamepad will stop flashing. To check the performance, open any game (for example, Asphalt 9 from Google Play) or test in the Settings → Devices → Gamepads menu.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi TVs with Android TV 9.0 may not have visual feedback when you press the gamepad buttons on the menu.This does not mean that the controller is not working – check it in the game.

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If the gamepad connects but the buttons are not working correctly, try resetting it (usually by pressing Reset for 10 seconds) and repeat pairing.

Connecting a wired gamepad via USB

Wired connection provides minimal input lag, which is critical for shooters or fighting games.

1. Connect the gamepad to USB-TV port (if necessary, use the OTG-adapter).
2. Wait for the notification to appear Connected USB-inputer.
3. If the gamepad is not automatically determined, go to Settings → Devices → Gamepads and select it manually.

Advantages of wired connection:

• ⚡ No Delay in Entry (Important for Esports).
• 🔋 No need to charge the gamepad.
• 🛡️ Stability – No risk of connection rupture.

Disadvantages:

• 🔌 Limited cable length (maximum 2-3 meters without extension cord).
• ⚠️ Risk of damage USB-port with frequent connections.

Setting up the gamepad in Android TV: calibration and assignment of buttons

Sometimes the gamepad buttons don't work as expected (e.g., A performs action B).

1. Go to Settings → Devices → Gamepads.
2. Select the connected controller and click Setup.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen to assign buttons.

For advanced users, third-party utilities are available:

• 📱 Controller Mapper – allows you to reassign buttons and create macros.
• 🎛️ Octopus – Emulates touch input for games without gamepad support.
• 🖥️ Tincore Keymapper supports complex control schemes.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party apps to reassign buttons, you may need to disable battery optimization for them in Settings → Annexes → Special access → Optimizing the battery.

Problem Solving: The gamepad is not connected or is not working correctly

If the Xiaomi TV doesn’t see the gamepad or the buttons don’t respond, try the following steps:

To diagnose, connect the gamepad to a smartphone or PC — if it works there, the problem is the settings of the TV. Otherwise, the controller itself is defective.

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If the gamepad is defined as "Unknown Device," try connecting it via USB and then switching it to Bluetooth mode. This helps "train" Android TV controller drivers.

Games and services for Xiaomi TV with support for gamepads

With a connected gamepad on Xiaomi TV available:

• 🎮 Cloud Games: NVIDIA GeForce NOW (Xbox Cloud Gaming (embedded in the Xbox app) Booster (Russian-language service).
• 📱 Local games from Google Play: Asphalt 9: Legends (racing). Call of Duty: Mobile (shooter). Minecraft (sandbox). Genshin Impact (RPG).
• 🕹️ Emulators: RetroArch (multisystem). PPSSPP (PSP). Dolphin (GameCube/Wii — It's a powerful TV).

For cloud services, internet speeds of 25 Mbps are recommended (for 1080p 60 FPS resolution). Check the latency in the Settings menu → Network → Speed test.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting gamepads to Xiaomi TV