Xiaomi’s gamepads are an affordable way to turn a smartphone, computer, or TV into a full-fledged gaming platform. However, many users face difficulties when connecting for the first time: the device is not detected, the buttons are not working correctly, or the connection is constantly broken. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to pair the gamepad with different devices, including the Mi Game Controller, Xiaomi Wireless Gamepad and other models.
Feature of Xiaomi gamepads – support for several modes of connection: Bluetooth, 2.4G An adapter (for PCs) and even a wired connection via USB-Type C (in newer models), but not everyone knows that stable operation requires not only the correct pairing, but also setting up the device’s firmware, updating drivers on the PC or activating game mode on the smartphone. We will tell you how to avoid typical mistakes and make the gamepad work at 100%.
What Xiaomi gamepad models exist and how they differ
Xiaomi has released several gamepads, and their capabilities vary greatly. Here are the main models that can be found on sale:
- 🎮 Xiaomi Mi Game Controller (2018) is the brand’s first gamepad with Bluetooth 4.0 support, 600mAh battery and ergonomic design. Suitable for Android and PC, but not compatible with iOS.
- 🎮 Xiaomi Wireless Gamepad (2020) – improved version with Bluetooth 5.0, vibration, gyroscope and support 2.4G PC adapter. Works with iPhone (partially).
- 🎮 Xiaomi Game Controller Lite is a low-end, low-vibration, low-latency, low-end model optimized for cloud gaming (Xiaomi Cloud Gaming, NVIDIA GeForce NOW).
- 🎮 Black Shark GamePad 4/5 — premium gamepads from the Xiaomi subbrand with magnetic mounting for smartphones, tactile recoil and support for Xbox Cloud Gaming.
It is important to note that not all models support TV connectivity, for example, the Mi Game Controller (2018) is not compatible with the Mi. TV Android TV Because of the older Bluetooth protocol, Wireless Gamepad (2020) and Black Shark work with most Android-based smart TVs. TV 9.0+.
Also note the firmware version of the gamepad. Outdated versions (below). 1.2.5 Mi Game Controller may not work correctly with new Android smartphones 13/14. Update the firmware through the official application Mi Game Center (available only for Android).
Connecting Xiaomi gamepad to Android smartphone
Pairing with an Android device is the easiest way to start playing, but even here there are nuances, especially if you have a smartphone not from Xiaomi (such as Samsung or Realme).
- Activate the pairing mode on the gamepad: 🔋 Hold the Home button (or X) + Power for Black Shark for 3-5 seconds until the indicator flashes blue. 📱 On your smartphone, turn on Bluetooth in settings or through the Quick Access Panel.
Find the gamepad in the list of devices:
Settings menu → Connected devices → Bluetooth should come with a device called Mi Game Controller or Xiaomi Gamepad.
What if the gamepad is not listed?
Confirm the connection:
Some smartphones (such as Xiaomi Redmi Note 12) may require input PIN-The standard code for Xiaomi gamepads is 0000 or 1234.
Once you've successfully connected, check the buttons in any game. If the gamepad doesn't respond:
- 🔄 Reconnect it (forget the device in Bluetooth settings and re-spoil it).
- 📲 Install the Mi Game Center app (available on Google Play) to calibrate analog sticks.
- 🔧 Enable compatibility mode in the game settings (for example, in Call of Duty Mobile you need to select Controller in the control menu).
☑️ Preparation for connecting the gamepad to Android
iPhone (iOS) interface – possible problems and solutions
Xiaomi gamepads are not officially certified for iOS, but some models (for example, Wireless Gamepad) 2020) The main problem is the lack of support for analog triggers (LT/RT) most-game.
To connect:
- Transfer the gamepad to pairing mode (hold Home) + Y before flashing the indicator).
- On iPhone go to Settings → Bluetooth and select Xiaomi Gamepad.
- Wait for the message "Connected." If the connection breaks, turn off Low Bluetooth power in the iOS settings.
List of games that work exactly with Xiaomi gamepads on iOS:
| Game. | Support for the gamepad | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Call of Duty Mobile | Partial | The buttons work, but there is no return from the triggers |
| PUBG Mobile | Complete. | Manual control settings are required |
| Asphalt 9 | Complete. | Automatically recognizes the gamepad |
| Genshin Impact | Limited. | Basic buttons only (without analog sticks) |
⚠️ Attention: On iOS 16+ Xiaomi gamepads can shut down after 5-10 minutes due to the system’s energy-saving features. → Battery. → Optimize charging and disable optimization.
Connection to PC (Windows) 10/11) — Bluetooth and 2.4G adapter
To connect to your computer, you have two options: via Bluetooth or via 2.4G USB-Adapter (company with Wireless Gamepad) The first method is versatile, but can cause input delays, and the second provides a stable connection with minimal lag.
Method 1: Connection via Bluetooth
- Turn on Bluetooth on your PC (via Taskbar or Settings) → Devices).
- Activate the pairing mode on the gamepad (hold Home) + B before blinking).
- In the list of devices, select Xiaomi Game Controller and wait for the driver installation.
Method 2: Connecting through 2.4G adapter
- 🖥️ Connect the adapter to USB-PC port (preferably) USB 2.0 for stability).
- 🔄 Press the pairing button on the adapter (small button on the side).
- 🎮 On the gamepad, hold on Home. + X before flashing the green indicator.
If the gamepad is connected but does not work in games:
- 🔧 Install the XInput driver (download from the official Microsoft website).
- 🎮 Use an emulator. DS4Windows DualShock 4 controller emulation (works with most Steam games).
- 🔄 Restart your PC – sometimes the system won’t recognize a new input device without restarting.
💡
If the game does not have analog sticks, try to enable DInput mode instead of XInput in the control settings.
Connection to the TV (Mi) TV, Android TV, Smart TV)
Xiaomi gamepads can be connected to Android-based TVs TV (Like Mi. TV 4S/5, Redmi Smart TV), But there are a few nuances:
- 📺 The TV should support Bluetooth 4.0+ (Check the settings on the TV).
- 🎮 Not all Google Play games are optimized for gamepads (e.g. Netflix or YouTube do not support controller control).
- 🔋 Delayed input via Bluetooth on TVs can reach 50-100 ms, which is critical for shooters.
Step-by-step:
- Open the settings of the TV: Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
- Activate the search mode for new devices.
- Transfer the gamepad to pairing mode (hold Home) + A before blinking).
- Select Xiaomi Gamepad from the list and confirm the connection.
To check the operation of the gamepad:
- Start a game from Google Play Games (like Asphalt 8 or Modern Combat 5).
- Use emulators (RetroArch, PPSSPP) — They are best optimized for gamepads.
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with firmware below MIUI TV 3.0 may not work the gamepad vibration. Update the TV software via Settings → Updating the system.
Customization of buttons and calibration of the gamepad
Even after successful connection, the gamepad buttons may not work correctly: for example, A performs action B, or analog sticks drift.
Method 1: Mi Game Center (Android only)
- 📱 Install the Mi Game Center app from Google Play.
- 🔧 Connect the gamepad and go to the Controller Settings section.
- 🎛️ Select the Calibration of Sticks and follow the instructions on the screen (you will be asked to tilt the sticks to extreme positions).
- 🔄 Save your settings profile (you can create multiple profiles for different games).
Method 2: Manual setting in Windows
- Open the control panel. → Devices and printers.
- Find Xiaomi Game Controller, right-click and select Game Device Settings.
- Tab Setting will allow you to reassign the buttons, and Calibration - eliminate the drift of sticks.
If calibration does not help, try resetting the gamepad settings to factory:
1. Turn off the gamepad.
2 Hold the L1 + R1 + Home + Power buttons for 10 seconds.
3. The indicator flashes red - settings reset.💡
Calibration of sticks should be carried out on a flat surface - even a small slope can lead to incorrect results.
Solving common problems with Xiaomi gamepad
If the gamepad does not connect or is working with failures, use this table for diagnosis:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Gamepad is offline | Battery discharged | Charge 30.+ minutes via USB Type C |
| Not defined by Bluetooth. | Outdated firmware | Update via Mi Game Center or manually (see instructions below) |
| The buttons are pressed on their own. | Contamination of contacts or drift of sticks | Blow the buttons with compressed air or perform a calibration |
| Delayed entry in games | Poor Bluetooth connection | Use it. 2.4G Adapter or bring the gamepad closer to the device |
| Vibration's not working. | Disabled in game settings | Include Controller Vibration in the game menu |
Update the firmware manually (if Mi Game Center doesn't help):
- Download the latest firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website.
- Connect the gamepad to the PC through USB (Wireless Gamepad 2020+).
- Run a firmware file (.exe or.bin) and follow the update wizard's instructions.
Important: Do not interrupt the firmware update process - this can lead to "bricking" of the gamepad (loss of performance). If the indicator flashes red for more than 5 minutes, contact Xiaomi support.