How to connect the gamepad to the TV Xiaomi Mi TV: all the ways of 2026

Connecting a gamepad to a Xiaomi Mi TV opens up new possibilities for gamers, from cloud services like Xbox Cloud Gaming to retro gaming emulators. However, many users face compatibility issues or do not know what protocols their model supports. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of connecting, from standard Bluetooth to specialized applications, and also explain how to avoid typical errors.

It's important to understand that the functionality depends on the version of the MIUI TV and the TV model. For example, the Mi TV Q2 2023 supports Bluetooth 5.2 and can work with DualSense gamepads without adapters, whereas older models like the Mi TV 4S require additional manipulations. We tested all methods on current firmware and collected data into convenient instructions with visual cues.

Compatibility of gamepads with Xiaomi Mi TV: which models are supported

Not all gamepads work equally well with Xiaomi TVs, and the main criteria are Bluetooth HID (for wireless connectivity) or USB OTG (for wired), and here is the current list of compatible devices for 2026:

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Sony DualSense (PS5) โ€” It works via Bluetooth, but without tactile feedback.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Xbox Wireless Controller (Series X/S, Elite 2) โ€” Supported officially including the Share button
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Nintendo Switch Pro Controller โ€“ Requires manual tethering in the Bluetooth menu
  • ๐ŸŽฎ 8BitDo Pro 2 โ€“ universal gamepad with X-Input and D-Input mode
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Steam Controller โ€“ Works only through USB-adapter

Xiaomi TVs based on Google TV (for example, Mi TV Q2Q 2026) have extended support thanks to the built-in Android 12+. whereas models on PatchWall (for example, Mi TV 5X) can require a firmware update to the version of MIUI TV 3.0+ to work correctly with the latest generation of gamepads.

๐Ÿ“Š What gamepad do you plan to connect?
DualSense (PS5)
Xbox Series X
Nintendo Switch Pro
8BitDo
Other

Gamepads with proprietary protocols (such as the Nintendo Joy-Con) will not work directly โ€“ you will need an adapter like the Mayflash Magic-NS. Some models (such as the Steam Deck Controller) also require the inclusion of Bluetooth LE mode in the settings of the gamepad itself.

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

Wireless is the most convenient way, but it requires pre-setting. Make sure your Xiaomi TV is updated to the latest firmware version (check in Settings โ†’ About TV โ†’ System Update).

Charge the gamepad to 50%+

Update the TV firmware

Remove old paired devices in Bluetooth

Enable search mode on the gamepad

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Follow the instructions:

  1. Open the Settings menu โ†’ Devices and accessories โ†’ Bluetooth.
  2. Activate the search mode by clicking Add Device.
  3. On the gamepad, press the pairing button: DualSense: hold PS + Share 3 seconds Xbox Controller: Press the Sync button (near the USB-port) 8BitDo: clamp Start + Y before flashing the indicator

Select a gamepad from the list of found devices. If the name appears as Unknown Device, try rebooting the Bluetooth module of the TV (turn it off / turn it on in the settings).

Once you've successfully connected, check the buttons in test mode.

  1. Open any app that supports a gamepad (for example, Moonlight for streaming PC games).
  2. Click Menu โ†’ Settings โ†’ Input Devices (the path may vary depending on the application).
  3. Check the response of all buttons and sticks.

Instructions:

  1. Connect the gamepad to the TV with a cable. USB-plug-in.
  2. If the gamepad is not automatically determined, go to Settings โ†’ Devices and accessories โ†’ USB-Devices and select Game Controller mode.
  3. For Xbox Controller, you may need to enable Wired Mode (press the Xbox button for 10 seconds).

โš ๏ธ Note: Some Xiaomi TVs restrict power USB-If the gamepad is disconnected through the port. 5-10 For a minute, use the passive. USB-feed-in.

Gamepad modelType of cableNeed an OTG?Vibration support
DualSense (PS5)USB-CNo.Yes.
Xbox Series XUSB-C / Micro-USBYeah (for Mi TV Stick)Yes.
8BitDo Pro 2USB-CNo.Yes (X-Input mode)
Nintendo Switch ProUSB-CYes.No.

4.Use of specialized applications for gamepads

If standard methods didnโ€™t work, try apps from the Google Play Store available on Xiaomi TVs with Google TVs.These utilities allow you to emulate support for gamepads that are officially not compatible with Android TV.

Top.-3 plug-in:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ GameSir World - GameSir Supports, 8BitDo, And even Joy-Con, through an adapter, allows you to adjust macros and stick sensitivity.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Octopus โ€“ emulates a keyboard/mouse for gamepads, useful for games without native controller support (e.g. Minecraft).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Controller Mapper โ€“ allows you to reassign buttons for non-standard gamepads (for example, Steam Controller).

Instructions for setting up GameSir World:

  1. Install the app from Google Play.
  2. Connect the gamepad via Bluetooth or USB.
  3. Open GameSir World and select Add Device.
  4. Follow the customization wizard by selecting your gamepad model from the list.
  5. In the Profiles section, adjust the sensitivity of sticks and triggers.
How to get around the Google Play restriction on TVs without Google TV?
On PatchWall models (e.g. Mi) TV 5 Pro may be installed APK-Application files manually: 1. Download APK from the APKMirror site (e.g. GameSir World). 2. Transfer the file to a flash drive and connect it to the TV. 3. Use a file manager (e.g. X-Plore) to install. 4. In the security settings, allow installation from unknown sources (Settings) โ†’ Security โ†’ Unknown sources).

Important: Apps like Octopus require special permissions to work with accessibility (Settings โ†’ Special Features โ†’ Accessibility Services) without which the gamepad will not be recognized in games.

5. Problem Solving: The gamepad is not connected or not working

If the gamepad is not defined or is not working correctly, check the following points:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The gamepad is not on the Bluetooth list.The old firmware of the TVUpdate MIUI TV to the latest version
Buttons don't respond.Conflict with another connected deviceTurn off all other gamepads/keyboards
Persistent communication breaksInterference from other Bluetooth devicesMove your router away from the TV
Vibration's not working.Nutrition restriction USB-portUse a hub with external power supply

To diagnose the connection:

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ Devices and accessories โ†’ Diagnostics.
  2. Select your gamepad and check the connection status.
  3. If Status Restricted functionality, try resetting your Bluetooth TV settings (Settings โ†’ System โ†’ Reset โ†’ Reset Bluetooth settings).

โš ๏ธ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with Amlogic chipset S905 (Like Mi. TV 4S 55โ€ฒโ€ฒ may experience a delay of up to 80 ms when Bluetooth is connected. USB-connection.

6. Optimization of the gamepad for cloud gaming (Xbox Cloud, GeForce NOW)

Xiaomi TVs are great for cloud gaming thanks to support for 4K@60FPS and low input lag in Game Mode. However, for a comfortable game you need to set up the gamepad correctly.

Instructions for Xbox Cloud Gaming:

  1. Connect the gamepad via Bluetooth or USB.
  2. Install the Xbox Game Pass app from Google Play.
  3. In the application settings, select the Controller โ†’ Set up.
  4. Activate Xbox Controller Emulation (Xbox Controller Emulation) mode.
  5. Turn on Game Mode on your TV (Settings โ†’ Picture โ†’ Image Modes โ†’ Game).

For GeForce NOW:

  • ๐Ÿ”น Use the gamepad in X-Input mode (for the 8BitDo switch the switch on the back panel).
  • ๐Ÿ”น In GeForce settings NOW select Controller โ†’ Custom Mapping and customize the buttons for your gamepad.
  • ๐Ÿ”น Turn off the delay to reduce the delay VSYNC game-setting.

๐Ÿ’ก

For minimal input lag in cloud services, use a wired gamepad + Ethernet connection for your TV (via USBโ†’RJ45 adapter).

7. Alternative methods: connection via PC or console

If your Xiaomi TV doesnโ€™t support gamepads directly, you can use an intermediate device:

  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ PC/laptop: Connect the gamepad to your computer. Use Moonlight or Steam Link to stream the game to your TV. ~10-30 MS when connecting over a local network.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Prefix (NVIDIA Shield, Fire TV Stick: Connect the gamepad to the console. Use HDMI-TV input to display images, suitable for emulators and local games.

For PC streaming:

  1. Install Moonlight on your TV (Google Play or APK).
  2. On PC, install Sunshine (an alternative to NVIDIA GameStream for any graphics card).
  3. In Sunshine settings, add games to the library.
  4. On the TV, connect to your PC via Moonlight and select the game.

Advantages of this method:

  • ๐Ÿ”น Support for any gamepads, even those that are incompatible with Android TV.
  • ๐Ÿ”น Playing PC exclusives (such as Cyberpunk 2077).
  • ๐Ÿ”น Minimum latency when using 5 GHz Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting gamepads to Xiaomi Mi TV

My gamepad is plugged in, but it doesn't work in games.
The problem may be that there is no support for X-Input/D-Input in the game. Try: Use the Octopus app to emulate the keyboard. Update the gamepad firmware (e.g., for 8BitDo via Ultimate Software). Check the game settings - some titles (e.g., Fortnite) require manual input device selection.
How to connect a Nintendo Switch gamepad to Xiaomi Mi TV?
Joy-Con and Switch Pro Controller require a Mayflash Magic-NS adapter or special software: Connect the adapter to the device. USB-Sync the gamepad with the adapter (press Sync on the adapter and sync button on the gamepad). USB-device โ†’ Game Controller: Bluetooth can be used for the Switch Pro Controller, but without support HD Rumble.
Why does the gamepad shut down after 5 minutes?
It's about saving the TV. Solutions: Turn off Power Saving mode in Bluetooth settings. Use USB-Connect instead of Bluetooth. Update the firmware of the gamepad (relevant for DualSense and Xbox Series X).
Can I connect the PS3 gamepad?
DualShock 3 gamepads aren't natively supported, but there are workarounds: Use the 8BitDo Wireless Adapter 2 (PS3 mode). Install the Sixaxis Controller (requires root rights on the TV, which is not recommended). Connect the gamepad to your PC and stream the game to your TV via Moonlight. Note: DualShock 3 won't work via a standard Bluetooth TV.
How to check the delay of input (input lag) of the gamepad?
To test, use: Game Controller Tester (available on Google Play) - shows the response time of buttons. TestUFO site - visual latency test (open in the TV browser). Game Mode - reduces image processing to 10-15 ms. Normal values for Bluetooth: 30-50 ms. USB: 10-20 ms.