Connecting the gamepad to the Xiaomi Mi TV TV Opens up new opportunities for gamers: from cloud gaming (NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming) before emulating retro consoles. However, many users face problems - the TV can not see the controller, there are input delays or buttons are not working correctly, USB, adapters for Mi models TV 4S/5/5X/Q1/Q2/P1, We also solve common mistakes.
It is important to consider that Xiaomi uses its own PatchWall shell based on Android. TV, So the standard instructions for other TVs might not work (PS5), DualShock 4 (PS4), Xbox Series X|S and budget models of type 8BitDo. If your controller is not connected, check its compatibility mode (often you need to switch to X-Input or D-Input).
Before you start, make sure your TV is updated to the latest firmware version. TV (2023–2026) support Bluetooth 5.0+, This is critical for stable connection, if you have an old model (e.g. Mi). TV (3) — may be required USB-adapter.
1. Connecting the gamepad via Bluetooth: step-by-step instructions
The most versatile way is wireless Bluetooth connectivity, which works for most modern gamepads, but requires the right sequence of actions.
- Enable the gamepad in pairing mode: 🎮 DualSense (PS5): pinch PS + Share on 3 seconds until the indicator starts flashing blue. 🎮 DualShock 4 (PS4): pinch PS + Share until the LED flashes white. 🎮 Xbox Series X|S: Press the sync button (near the USB-port) before the logo flashes. 🎮 8BitDo/Other: usually the Start button + Select or a separate Pair key.
Activate Bluetooth on your TV
- Go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
- Turn on the Bluetooth slider (if switched off).
- Click Add Device and select your gamepad from the list.
After successful connection, the gamepad should be defined as Wireless Controller or Gamepad. If the device does not appear, check:
- 🔋 Charging the gamepad battery (minimum 20%).
- 📶 Distance to TV (no more than 3 meters without obstacles).
- 🔄 Reboot the TV's Bluetooth module: Settings → System system → Reboot.
☑️ Checking before Bluetooth connection
⚠️ Attention: On Mi TV Q1/Q2 firmware MIUI TV 3.0.24 DualSense may not be supported. Update the software via Settings → On TV. → Updating the system.
2. Connection through USB: When Bluetooth is not working
If the wireless connection is unstable or the gamepad does not support Bluetooth (for example, the older Xbox 360 models), use a wired connection.
You'll need:
- 🔌 Cable USB-A → USB-C (for PS5/DualSense) or USB-A → Micro-USB (for micro-USB) PS4/Xbox).
- 🖥️ Port port USB 2.0/3.0 on the TV (usually side or back).
Instructions:
- Connect the gamepad to the TV with a cable.
- A notification will appear on the screen Connected USB-input.
- Go to Settings. → Devices → Input devices and select your gamepad.
If the TV doesn't respond:
- Try another cable (not everyone supports data transfer).
- Connect the gamepad to another USB-port (on some models of the Mi) TV Only one port supports input devices).
- Update the TV firmware – older versions do not support XInput.
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If the gamepad is defined as an “unknown device”, try connecting it to your PC and updating the controller’s firmware through official software (DS4Windows for PS4, Xbox Accessories for Xbox).
3.Use of adapters for Xbox and other gamepads
Some gamepads (e.g. Xbox Series X)|S or Nintendo Switch Pro not connected to Xiaomi Mi TV In this case, a Bluetooth adapter or a specialized signal converter will help.
| Adapter type | Supported gamepads | Price (2026) | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8BitDo Wireless USB Adapter 2 | PS4/PS5, Xbox, Switch Pro, DualShock 3 | ~2 500 ₽ | Low latency, support for multiple gamepads | Requires power from USB |
| Mayflash Magic-NS | Xbox, Switch, PS4/PS3 | ~3 000 ₽ | Works with XInput/DInput | Does not support DualSense |
| Brook Wingman XE | Any gamepads (including arcade sticks) | ~5 000 ₽ | Minimum latency, open source firmware | Dear, complicated setup |
How to connect via adapter:
- Connect the adapter to USB-television-port.
- Transfer the gamepad to pairing mode (see Section 1).
- Press the Pair button on the adapter (if any).
- Wait for synchronization (the indicator on the adapter will stop flashing).
⚠️ Attention: On Mi TV P1 adapter-wise 8BitDo There may be a double input problem (buttons fire twice). Solution: Turn off the improved keyboard input option in the TV settings (Settings → Special facilities).
4. Gamepad settings in games and emulators
Even after a successful connection, the gamepad may not work in games. TV Xiaomi doesn't always recognize input devices correctly:
4.1. Cloud Gaming (GeForce) NOW, Xbox Cloud)
Services of the type NVIDIA GeForce NOW or Xbox Cloud Gaming requires that the gamepad be defined as XInput (Xbox standard).If your controller does not support this protocol (for example, DualSense), use the:
- 🔄 adapter 8BitDo XInput mode (switched by a long push of a button on the adapter).
- 🖥️ Octopus app (available on Google Play for Android) TV), emulated.
Emulators (RetroArch, PPSSPP)
In emulators such as RetroArch or Dolphin, the gamepad is manually configured:
- Open the emulator and go to Settings → Management.
- Select Configure the controller and follow the instructions on the screen (click the gamepad buttons on request).
- Keep a management profile.
If the buttons are not working properly (for example, A and B are switched), check:
- 🎛️ Gamepad mode (DualShock 4 in mode) PS4 It may conflict with emulators).
- 📋 The mapping settings in the emulator itself (sometimes you need to select Generic Gamepad instead of XInput).
How to check the type of connected gamepad?
5. Solving delays and shutdowns
Input lags of more than 50 milliseconds make games uncompetitive, and frequent connection breaks spoil the impression.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Delay 100+ miss | Bluetooth interference | Turn off other Bluetooth devices, switch the TV to a 5GHz Wi-Fi channel |
| Gamepad shuts down in 5-10 minutes | Energy saving Bluetooth | Turn off Settings. → Bluetooth → Energy conservation |
| Buttons are triggered with a delay | Low-charge gamepad battery | Charge the controller to 100% or connect to the USB |
| The shaking of analog sticks | Interference from USB 3.0 | Connect the gamepad to the port USB 2.0 (usually black) |
For accurate diagnosis of delay:
- Install the Input Lag Test app from Google Play.
- Follow the instructions on the screen (usually you need to press the gamepad button when a visual signal appears).
- If the delay is more than 30 ms, try a wired connection or change your Bluetooth adapter.
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For minimal delay, use the gamepad in XInput mode via the adapter 8BitDo or plug in USB. Bluetooth always adds ~10–20 m delay.
6. Compatibility of gamepads with different models Xiaomi Mi TV
Not all gamepads work equally well on Xiaomi Mi. TV. We tested the compatibility of popular models with different TV series:
| Gamepad model | Mi TV 4S (2018–2020) | Mi TV 5/5X (2020–2022) | Mi TV Q1/Q2/P1 (2022–2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DualSense (PS5) | ❌ No support. | ⚠️ Only in the end. USB | ✅ Bluetooth + USB | It requires firmware. MIUI TV 3.0+ |
| DualShock 4 (PS4) | ✅ Bluetooth/USB | ✅ Bluetooth/USB | ✅ Bluetooth/USB | It works better in mode. PS4, not PC |
| Xbox Series X|S | ❌ No support. | ⚠️ Only with an adapter. | ✅ Bluetooth (with adapter) | Required. 8BitDo Mayflash |
| 8BitDo Pro 2 | ✅ Bluetooth/USB | ✅ Bluetooth/USB | ✅ Bluetooth/USB | Best choice for retro games |
| Xbox 360 (wired) | ✅ USB | ✅ USB | ✅ USB | Original cable required |
If your gamepad model is not specified:
- Check if it supports protocols. HID XInput.
- Find information about compatibility with Android TV 9.0+ (PatchWall).
- Use it. USB-OTG Adapter if the TV ports do not recognize the device.
7. Alternative ways of connecting (HDMI, Steam Link)
If you can not connect the gamepad directly, consider alternative options:
7.1 Connection via Steam Link or Moonlight
These apps allow you to stream games from PC to TV using a gamepad connected to a computer:
- Install Steam Link from Google Play on your TV.
- Connect the gamepad to the PC (by Bluetooth or USB).
- Run streaming the game via Steam - control will be transferred from the PC.
7.2. use of Raspberry Pi or NVIDIA Shield as a mediator
If the TV does not support your gamepad, connect an external device to it:
- 🖥️ Raspberry Pi 4/5 with RetroPie or Lakka.
- 🎮 NVIDIA Shield TV (It has the best support for gamepads).
Connect the gamepad to the intermediary, and it to the TV through HDMI.
7.3 Wireless receivers (for Xbox)
For Xbox Series X gamepads|You can use the official Xbox Wireless Adapter:
- Connect the adapter to USB-television-port.
- Press the sync button on the adapter and gamepad.
- Wait for the connection (the Xbox logo on the gamepad will stop flashing).
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If you use Steam Link, turn on Performance Priority in your settings – this will reduce latency to ~10-15 ms even over Wi-Fi.
8. Frequent errors and their correction
Let’s discuss the typical problems and specific solutions for Xiaomi Mi TV:
- 🔴 Gamepad connects, but buttons don't work: Check the gamepad mode (for example, 8BitDo It should be Android mode. Install the application USB/BT Joystick Center for Calibration.
- 🔴 TV doesn't see gamepad in Bluetooth list: Reset Bluetooth settings on TV: Settings → Devices → Bluetooth → Try connecting the gamepad to another device (phone) to check its performance.
- 🔴 Delay in games (even by the way) USB): Turn off the game mode in the settings of the TV (Settings) → Picture → Game mode, if enabled. Install Game Mode in the emulator app (e.g. RetroArch).
- 🔴 Gamepad shuts down during game: Turn off energy saving USB: Settings → System system → Energy conservation → Shut down. USB-Use the ports. USB-externally powered hub if the TV port does not produce enough current.
⚠️ Attention: On Mi TV 4S firmware MIUI TV 2.0.40 may not be supported HID-Bluetooth devices, the only way out is to update or use the software. USB-adapter.