Connecting the gamepad to the Xiaomi Mi TV opens up new opportunities for gaming on the big screen – from classic emulators to cloud services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce NOW. However, many users face difficulties: the TV does not see the controller, the buttons are not working correctly, or the connection is constantly reset. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of synchronizing (by Bluetooth, USB, through adapters), and also solve typical problems – from firmware incompatibility to conflicts with remotes.
It is important to consider that the functionality depends on the TV model and the version of MIUI TV. For example, the Mi TV 4S and Mi TV Q1 support gamepads at the level of Android TV, while budget models (for example, Mi TV A Pro) may require additional settings. We tested the instructions on the firmware of MIUI TV 3.0-5.0 and collected data on compatibility with popular controllers: DualSense (PS5), Xbox Series X|S, 8BitDo and others.
If you plan to play through Google Stadia, NVIDIA Shield or local emulators (RetroArch, Dolphin), the right setting of the gamepad will be the key to comfortable gameplay.
1.What gamepads are compatible with Xiaomi Mi TV
Xiaomi’s Android TVs officially support most of today’s controllers, but there are some nuances.
- 🎮 Bluetooth gamepads: DualShock 4 (PS4), DualSense (PS5), Xbox Wireless Controller (Models 2016 and newer), 8BitDo Pro 2, Razer Kishi. Connect directly via the Bluetooth menu.
- 🔌 Wired USB- Controllers: Any gamepads that support XInput/DInput (e.g., Xbox 360 Controller via adapter) Requires a USB-OTG cable or hub.
- 📡 Wireless Adapters: 8BitDo Wireless Adapter 2 or Mayflash Magic-NS let you connect the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller or older Xbox One models (without Bluetooth).
Officially, Xiaomi only tests compatibility with certified devices, but many uncertified controllers also work in practice. For example, DualSense may require manual pairing via Settings → Devices → Add Accessory, whereas Xbox Series X connects automatically.
Below is a table of compatibility of popular gamepads with different models of Mi TV (data is relevant for firmware 2023-2026):
| Gamepad model | Mi TV 4S / 4A | Mi TV Q1 / Q2 | Mi TV P1 / A Pro | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DualShock 4 (PS4) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | Requires manual pairing via Bluetooth. |
| DualSense (PS5) | ⚠️ Partially. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | The 4S may not have a touchpad. |
| Xbox Series X|S | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | It connects automatically via Bluetooth. |
| 8BitDo Pro 2 | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | The best choice for emulators (configurable buttons). |
| Nintendo Switch Pro | ❌ No. | ⚠️ With an adapter | ⚠️ With an adapter | You need a Mayflash Magic-NS or 8BitDo Adapter. |
Important: Gamepads with proprietary protocols (like the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con) don’t connect directly, only through adapters. If your TV model doesn’t support Bluetooth 5.0 (like the Mi TV 4A 32), wireless controllers can run with delays.
2. Connecting the gamepad via Bluetooth
The most versatile way is wireless connection via Bluetooth. The instructions are suitable for most modern gamepads (PS4/PS5, Xbox Series X, 8BitDo, etc.).
Step 1. Activate the pairing mode on the gamepad:
- 🎮 DualShock 4/5: Press Share + PS for 3 seconds (the indicator will start blinking).
- 🎮 Xbox Series X|S: Press the sync button (near the USB- port) before the logo blinks.
- 🎮 8BitDo: Hold Start + B (see model instruction).
Step 2. Connect the gamepad to the TV:
- Open Settings → Devices → Add an accessory (or Settings → Bluetooth on old firmware).
- Select your gamepad from the list. If you don't have one, update your device list (Update button in the upper right corner).
- Confirm pairing (a PIN- code may be required – usually 0000 or 1234).
Once successfully connected, the indicator on the gamepad will stop flashing. To check the performance, open any game or test in Settings → Devices → Gamepads.
Gamepad in pairing mode (flashing indicator)
Bluetooth on the TV is on
Gamepad is displayed in the list of devices
No active connections to other devices (PC, smartphone)
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⚠️ Warning: If the TV can't see the gamepad, try resetting the list of conjugated devices (Settings → Bluetooth → Delete all devices). On some Mi TV models, you can only connect one controller at a time, and the second one will have to be manually disabled.
3. Connection via USB (wired)
If Bluetooth is not working or the gamepad does not support wireless connectivity (for example, the old Xbox 360 models), use the USB- cable. This method is also useful for reducing input lag, which is critical for shooters or fighting games.
What you need:
- 🔌 USB-OTG cable (if the TV does not have a standard USB-A port).
- 🎮 Gamepad with wired connection support (e.g., Xbox Controller via Micro-USB/USB-C).
- 🔄 USB-Hub (if you need to connect multiple devices at the same time)
Instructions:
- Connect the gamepad to the TV via cable (or OTG-adapter).
- Wait for the device to be identified (the notification “Gamepad is connected” may appear on the screen).
- If the buttons do not work, check the gamepad mode (for example, on 8BitDo you need to switch to XInput or DInput mode).
The Xbox 360 Controller may require a special adapter (such as the Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows) because it uses a proprietary Xbox Wireless protocol that is not directly compatible with Android TV.
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If the gamepad is not detected by USB, try another cable - some charging cables do not transmit data, and check if your TV supports USB-host mode (on budget models it can be turned off).
4.Use of adapters for incompatible gamepads
Some controllers (such as the Nintendo Switch Pro or Xbox One (pre-2016 models)) don’t have a built-in Bluetooth module or use custom protocols.
- 🔄 8BitDo Wireless Adapter 2: Supports Switch Pro, PS3/PS4, Xbox One (older models) and connects to a TV via Bluetooth or USB.
- 🔌 Mayflash Magic-NS: Specialized for Nintendo Switch controllers. Operates as a USB- receiver.
- 📡 Xbox Wireless Adapter: To connect Xbox One/Xbox Series gamepads over a proprietary protocol (not Bluetooth!).
How to connect via adapter:
- Connect the adapter to the USB- TV port (or via the OTG).
- Activate the pairing mode on the gamepad (for example, for Switch Pro – press Sync on the adapter and the Capture + Home button on the controller).
- Wait for synchronization (the indicator on the adapter will stop flashing).
Adapters often require additional customization, such as the 8BitDo Wireless Adapter 2, which has a mode switch (XInput/Switch/Mac) that you need to set to the Android position to work correctly with the Mi TV.
Why is the adapter not defined by the TV?
5. Gamepad settings in games and emulators
Even after a successful connection, the gamepad may not work in specific games or emulators, which is because Android TV uses the standard Input Framework, but some apps require additional customization.
General recommendations:
- 🎮 In RetroArch: Go to Settings → Enter → Controller ports and assign the gamepad as Port 1.
- 🎮 In Dolphin Emulator: Enable Emulate the Wii's Bluetooth in the controller settings.
- 🎮 Xbox Cloud Gaming: The gamepad should be automatically determined, but if the buttons don’t work, reset the input settings in the app.
To customize buttons (for example, on 8BitDo), use proprietary software:
- Connect the gamepad to the PC via USB.
- Open the utility 8BitDo Ultimate Software (download from the official website).
- Assign buttons according to your preferences and save your profile.
If you don’t have gamepad support, try emulating the keyboard with apps like Octopus (requires ADB access), but this method can cause a ban in online games (for example, in Call of Duty Mobile).
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For cloud services (Xbox Cloud, GeForce NOW), use officially supported gamepads (Xbox, DualShock). Uncertified controllers may not work or cause connection errors.
6. Solving typical problems
Even after the right connection, users encounter errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The gamepad is connected, but the buttons are not working. | Incorrect input mode (XInput/DInput) | Switch mode on the gamepad (for example, on 8BitDo – Start + A for XInput) |
| Permanent breaks of Bluetooth connection | Interference from other devices (Wi-Fi, microwave) | Reconnect the gamepad or use USB |
| TV doesn't see gamepad on Bluetooth list | Outdated firmware or conflict with the remote | Update MIUI TV or reset your Bluetooth settings |
| Delayed input (input lag) | Weak Bluetooth module or USB overload | Use a wired connection or low latency adapter |
| The gamepad works, but not all buttons | Incompatible protocol (e.g. DualSense on old firmware) | Update your TV or use an adapter |
Additional advice:
- 🔄 If the gamepad is “hanging” – reset its settings (for example, for DualShock 4, press Share + PS for 10 seconds).
- 📡 For the Xbox Series X controller, disable PC/console connection via Xbox Accessories App.
- 🔧 On Mi TV P1 and later, check the settings Allow login from the gamepad to Settings → System → Special features.
⚠️ Warning: TVs with firmware older than MIUI TV 3.0 (e.g., Mi TV 3) may not support modern gamepads, in which case only software updates or the use of USB- adapters will help.
7. Alternative management practices
If you can not connect the gamepad, consider alternative options:
- 📱 Using a smartphone as a gamepad: Apps like Monect or Octopus convert a phone into a controller, requiring a single Wi-Fi connection.
- 🖱️ Keyboard and mouse: via USB or Bluetooth (suitable for strategies or MMO). Mi TV supports most USB- keyboards.
- 🎮 Cloud gamepads: Services like Xbox Cloud Gaming allow you to stream games using a virtual controller (control from a remote or touchpad).
For emulators (RetroArch, PPSSPP) you can configure control from the Xiaomi Mi Remote remote, but this is inconvenient for dynamic games. It is better to use specialized gamepad emulator applications (for example, Gamepad Emulator), which convert the clicks on the remote into controller signals.
If you play through Steam Link, the gamepad can be connected to a PC and streamed to a TV, which will solve compatibility issues, but will require a powerful router to minimize delays.