Connecting the gamepad to the Xiaomi TV through USB: Complete guidance with error solutions

Game consoles and PCs have long lost part of the smart TV market, which are now able to run even demanding games through cloud services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce. NOW. But it's a pain to control games with a remote control, and it's a simple solution: plug in a gamepad. If you have a Xiaomi TV. TV 4/5, Redmi Smart TV or Mi TV Q1/Q2), You can do it through USB-port - without unnecessary adapters and delays on Bluetooth.

In this article, you will find not only a step-by-step instruction, but also a table of gamepad compatibility, ways to diagnose problems (for example, when a device is detected but not working), as well as hidden Android settings. TV, We tested the method on models from 2020 to 2026, from the budget Redmi A Series to the flagship Mi. TV Q2 75".

What gamepads are compatible with Xiaomi TVs USB

Not every gamepad will work with Xiaomi TV through USB. The main rule: the device must support direct connection to the USB mode HID (Human Interface Device? Most of today's controllers can do this, but there are nuances.

Here are the key compatibility criteria:

• 🎮 Official Android support: Gamepads with the Android Certified logo (for example, 8BitDo Pro 2 or Razer Kishi are guaranteed to work.
• 🔌 Connection type: USB-Type C or Micro-USB (with adapter) Wireless gamepads (for example, DualSense or Xbox Series X)|S) can also be connected via cable.
• 🛠️ Gamepad firmware: Some devices (such as Xinput controllers) require switching to Dinput or Switch Pro mode.
• ⚡ Power: Gamepads without battery (e.g. EasySMX) ESM-9110) They may not be able to decide if USB-TV port does not give enough current.

Below is a table with proven models and their connection features:

Important: Gamepads with proprietary protocols (such as Steam Controller or older Logitech models) may not be clear. USB HID specification.

Step-by-step: how to connect the gamepad through USB

The connection process takes less than a minute, but there are hidden issues that manufacturers are not aware of. For example, on some Xiaomi TVs, you need to first allow debugging. USB, Otherwise, the gamepad will not be defined as a game controller.

Follow this algorithm:

Turn on the TV and wait for the system to load fully

Connect the gamepad to USB-port on the back of the TV (do not use the ports on the sidebar - they may be limited in current)

If the gamepad is wireless, switch it to Wired Mode (usually by holding the Share button). + PS/Xbox)

Check that the cable supports data transmission (not all charging cables are suitable)

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1. Turn on the TV and wait for the Android home screen to load TV.
2. Connect the gamepad to USB-port 3.0 (usually marked with a blue color or symbol) SS). On Xiaomi models TV Q2 This is the connector on the right.
3. If the gamepad is not automatically determined, go to Settings → Devices → Controllers and press Add the device.
4. For some gamepads (for example, 8BitDo) You need to manually select an Android or Dinput profile.
5. Check the buttons in the test menu: Settings → System system → About the programme → Diagnostics → Gamepad test.

If after connecting the gamepad flashes, but does not respond to presses, try:

• 🔄 Reconnect the cable (sometimes helps hot disconnect/connection).
• 🔋 Connect the gamepad to charge for 10 minutes – a discharged battery can block data transmission.
• 📱 Update the firmware of the gamepad via PC (instructions are on the manufacturer's website).

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If the TV can't see the gamepad, try plugging it into an Android smartphone, and if it works there, the problem is the settings of the TV, if not the controller itself.

Setting up a gamepad in the Android system TV

Even if the gamepad is defined, it may not work correctly by default: for example, the A and B buttons are confused, or the analog sticks do not calibrate. TV.

Here's what we need to do:

1. Open the Settings. → Devices → Controllers and select your gamepad.
2. Press Remap buttons and assign the keys as you wish, for example, for RetroArch emulators, it is convenient to swap Select and Start.
3. If analog sticks "float", perform calibration: Settings → System system → About the programme → Diagnostics → Gamepad calibration.
4. To reduce the input delay (input lag), turn off the energy saving mode USB: Settings → Screen and sound → Energy conservation → Regime. USB (switch off).

On Xiaomi models TV firmware MIUI TV 3.0+ There's a hidden Game Mode option that reduces latency to 10 to 15 ms:

1. Press the Menu + Home button for 5 seconds.
2. In the menu that opens, select Game Mode. → Enable.
3. Reboot the TV.

Problem Solving: The gamepad is not working or is defined as an "unknown device"

If Xiaomi TV doesn’t see the gamepad or makes a mistake USB device not recognized, the causes can be both hardware and software.

Problem 1: The gamepad flashes but doesn’t connect

• ⚡ Check the cable: use the original cable from the gamepad or certified USB 2.0 Data Cable (not all cables transmit data).
• 🔄 Restart the TV: Sometimes the driver USB "hanging".
• 🛠️ Update the TV firmware: go to Settings → About the programme → Updating the system.

Problem 2: The gamepad is defined as a mouse or keyboard.

This is a typical error for XInput gamepads.

• 🎛️ Switch the gamepad to DInput mode (for 8BitDo: Hold on to Start. + A 3 seconds.).
• 🔧 Manually add the device: Settings → Devices → Add a controller → Manually.

Problem 3: Analog sticks don’t work or drift

Reasons:

• 🧹 Stick contamination (clean with alcohol).
• 🔋 Battery discharge (even when connected to the USB).
• 📉 Incorrect calibration (see section above).

⚠️ Attention: On the TVs Xiaomi Mi TV 4S (2018-2019) There is a bug with USB-ports: they shut down after 10 minutes of inactivity. To avoid this, turn off the function. USB Power Saving in the Engineering Menu (Entry Code: 1999) → USB Settings).

Gaming services that work with the gamepad on Xiaomi TV

Connecting a gamepad is half the battle. Now you have to figure out where to play it. - Xiaomi TVs on Android TV Support most gaming platforms, but there are nuances with management.

Here are the best services for games with a gamepad:

• 🎮 Xbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud): Full Xbox Gamepad support, including feedback. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription required.
• 🖥️ GeForce NOW: Works with any gamepad, but you need a mouse to navigate the menu (or remote).
• 📱 Google Play Games: Games with controller support (e.g. Call of Duty: Mobile, Genshin Impact).
• 🕹️ RetroArch: Emulator for classic games (NES, SNES, PS1). Requires manual button settings.
• 🎲 Amazon Luna: Cloud-based service with DualSense and Xbox controllers.

To start Steam Link (streaming games from PC), you will have to use a workaround:

1. Install Steam Link from APKMirror (in the official Google Play on Android) TV He's gone).
2. Connect the gamepad before the application is launched.
3. In the Steam Link settings, select Force Generic Controller.

Important: For cloud services (xCloud, GeForce) NOW) recommended Internet speeds of 25 Mbps and cable connection (Wi-Fi 5 GHz can cause delays).

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Xiaomi TVs with Amlogic chip S905 (Like Mi. TV 4A) Cloud games can be slowed down by a weak processor. For comfortable play, choose models on MediaTek 9650 or newer (Mi) TV Q1/Q2).

How to reduce the input delay (input lag) when playing

Even with a wired gamepad on Xiaomi TV There may be a delay between pressing a button and reacting on the screen:

• 📺 Mi TV 4/4S: 30–50 MS (depending on screen mode).
• 📺 Mi TV Q1/Q2: 15–25 MS (with Game Mode enabled).
• 📺 Redmi Smart TV: 40–60 ms (budget models suffer more from this).

To reduce the delay:

1. Enable Game Mode (see section above).
2. Turn off post-processing of the image: Settings → Screen. → Image mode → Game.
3. Use the cable. HDMI 2.1 (if you connect an external console).
4. For cloud games (xCloud, GeForce) NOW) Select a server with minimal ping (checked in the application settings).
5. If you play via Steam Link, in the PC settings, disable V-Sync and install FPS-limit on the screen refresh rate (e.g. 60) FPS 60 Hz).

For accurate delay check, use the RetroArch test:

1. Run any game.
2. Press Select. + R3 menu-call.
3. Choose Settings → Input → Display Input Latency.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with a matrix VA (Like Mi. TV 4S 55" may be a "ghost" afterglow that visually increases latency. To reduce the effect, reduce the brightness to 70% and turn off Local Dimming.

Alternative ways to connect the gamepad to Xiaomi TV

If you connect through USB It doesn’t work or you need freedom of movement:

1. Connection via Bluetooth

Most gamepads (DualSense, Xbox Series X, 8BitDo) They support wireless connectivity, but Xiaomi does. TV There may be problems with the drivers:

1. Transfer the gamepad to pairing mode (for example, for DualSense – hold Share). + PS 3 seconds.).
2. On TV: Settings → Devices → Bluetooth → Add the device.
3. Select a gamepad from the list.

If the gamepad connects but the buttons don’t work, install the application. USB/BT Joystick Center from Google Play for manual setup.

2. Connection through OTG-adapter

If there are no free TVs USB-port, use USB-It's also helpful if the gamepad requires more power than the TV port can provide.

3. Use of the prefix (NVIDIA Shield, Fire TV Stick)

If the game is slowed down on the built-in “iron” Xiaomi TV, plug in the external console:

• 🖥️ NVIDIA Shield TV Pro: Best Gamepad Support and Minimum Input Lag.
• 🔥 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K: budget option, but requires manual configuration of the controller.

4. Direct connection to the router (for cloud gaming)

Some services (e.g. Shadow) PC) They allow you to connect the gamepad directly to the router via Wi-Fi, and use the TV only as a screen:

1. Connect the gamepad to the router through USB-ports (if any).
2. Set up. DLNA Miracast for transferring images from PC to TV.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions