Connecting a gaming joystick to a Xiaomi TV: all the ways and nuances

Modern Xiaomi TVs on the Android platform TV Google TV They support the connection of game controllers, turning the big screen into a full-fledged game console, but not all users know how to properly synchronize a joystick with a TV, especially if it is a model with limited support for peripherals. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of connection - from wireless Bluetooth to wired USB/OTG, and also consider the nuances of compatibility with popular gamepads such as DualSense, Xbox Wireless Controller and budget counterparts.

It is important to consider that the functionality depends on the TV firmware version and the joystick model. For example, the Xiaomi TV A2 or Mi TV Q2 may require additional settings to recognize the controller, while flagship series like the Xiaomi OLED Vision support most devices out of the box.

What joysticks are compatible with Xiaomi TVs

Not all gamepads work equally well with Xiaomi’s Smart TV, and the main criteria for compatibility are Bluetooth HID (Human Interface Device) or USB connectivity. Below is a list of proven devices that are guaranteed to be recognized by most TV models:

• 🎮 Sony DualSense (PS5) — It works via Bluetooth, but may require a controller firmware update.
• 🎮 Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller (Series X/S, Elite 2) — It is supported natively, but sometimes you need to link through USB first.
• 🎮 8BitDo Pro 2 — universal gamepad with switchable modes (Android/Windows).
• 🎮 Razer Kishi Mobile – Connecting to the Internet USB-C, but requires an adapter for the port TV.
• 🎮 Budget controllers such as GameSir T4 EasySMX – usually works without problems.

It’s worth noting that some older joysticks (like DualShock 3 for PS3) may not be recognized due to the outdated Bluetooth 2.0 protocol. Xiaomi TVs don’t support proprietary protocols like Xbox Wireless (without Bluetooth) – they will require an adapter.

Critical detail: Xiaomi TVs based on Android TV 9 and below may not support modern gamepads due to the lack of drivers.

Connecting joystick over Bluetooth: step-by-step instructions

Wireless is the most convenient way, but it requires some preparation.

• 🔋 Joystick charged (at least 30%).
• 📶 The TV is within a radius of 1-2 meters from the controller.
• 🔄 Bluetooth is enabled on TV (check Settings). → Devices → Bluetooth).

Follow the algorithm further:

1. Activate the pairing mode on the joystick: For DualSense: hold the PS + Share for 3 seconds until the indicator starts flashing. For Xbox Controller: press the sync button (near USB-C) for 2 seconds. For 8BitDo: hold Start + B until the LED blinks.

On TV:

Settings → Devices → Add Bluetooth device

Settings → System → Reboot

Xiaomi TV

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Joystick is determined in the list of devices|The indicator on the gamepad stopped blinking|Buttons react in the TV menu|Connection confirmation sound-->

If the controller is connected but not working in games, check:

• 🎯 Game compatibility with gamepads (some applications require additional settings in Settings) → Management).
• 🔄 Update the joystick firmware (for example, for DualSense via PS5 PC).

💡

If the TV can't see the joystick, try connecting it first via USB and then wirelessly, which helps train the TV to a new device.

Wired connection via USB or OTG

If Bluetooth doesn’t work or you prefer a wired connection, you can use it. USB-But there's some nuances:

• 🔌 Xiaomi TV standard USB-A, Some models (such as the Mi) TV P1) demand OTG-peripheral recognition adapter.
• 🎮 Modern gamepads (DualSense, Xbox Series X Controller) are used USB-C — will require an adapter.
• ⚡ Power: Some controllers may not charge from the USB-port of the television due to current restrictions.

Instructions for connection:

1. Connect the joystick to the TV with a cable (use an adapter if necessary).
2. The screen will show a notification of the connected device, and if it's not there, check the cable or the port.
3. Run the game or control test in Settings → Devices → Game Controller.

Note: Some Xiaomi TVs are blocked USB-If the gamepad is not identified, try it:

• Shut down. USB-Debugging in the developer settings (if enabled).
• Use the original cable (not all cables support data transmission).

Setting up a joystick for games and emulators

Once the controller is connected, it needs to be configured for specific tasks, depending on the type of content (native games, emulators, cloud services), the process is different:

1.Native Games from Google Play

Most games automatically recognize the connected gamepad, but sometimes manual adjustment is required:

• 🎮 In the game menu, find Controls or Input Settings.
• 🔄 Select a control profile for a gamepad (e.g. XInput for Xbox Controller or DInput for others).
• 🎯 Calibrate the buttons if the game offers this option.

2. Emulators (RetroArch, PPSSPP, Dolphin)

Emulators require a separate controller configuration:

1. Start the emulator and go to Settings → Input.
2. Choose the Bind All or Load Controller Profile.
3. Press the buttons on the joystick according to the prompts on the screen.
4. Save your profile (like Xiaomi TV Config).

Example of settings for RetroArch:

1. Go to "Settings → Input → Port 1 Controls."


2. Select "User 1 Bind All."




3. Press the buttons on the gamepad in order: D-pad, A/B/X/Y, L/R, Start/Select.




4. Save configuration.

3. Cloud services (Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce NOW)

Services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce NOW typically automatically detect the gamepad, but there may be problems with:

• 🔄 Delayed input – use a wired connection to minimize lag.
• 🎯 Incorrect button layout – in the service settings, select the appropriate profile (for example, Xbox Controller for DualSense).

💡

For cloud games, Internet speed is critical: the minimum requirements are 10 Mbit / s for 720p and 25 Mbit / s for 1080p. Use a wired router connection to TV.

Solving common problems

Even with the right connection, there can be failures, and let's look at typical scenarios and how to fix them:

1.The TV doesn't see the joystick

Causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Discharged gamepad - charge it or connect it to USB.
• 📶 Bluetooth is disabled – check settings or reboot the module (Settings) → System system → Rebooting Bluetooth).
• 🔄 Outdated TV firmware - update the system in Settings → On TV. → Update of the PO.
• 🎮 Incompatible protocol – some gamepads (e.g. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller) require manual pairing via Settings → Additionally. → Developer mode.

2.The joystick is connected but doesn't work in games

Possible causes:

• 🎯 The game does not support gamepads – check the description in Google Play.
• 🔄 The controller is defined as a keyboard – reset its settings (press Reset for 10 seconds).
• 📱 Conflict with other devices – disable other Bluetooth devices (earphones, keyboards).

Delayed entry (lag)

Ways to reduce delay:

• 🔌 Use a wired connection instead of Bluetooth.
• 📶 Switch the TV to Game Mode (Settings) → Picture → Image mode → Game).
• 🔄 Turn off energy saving functions for Bluetooth (Settings) → Devices → Bluetooth → Advanced settings).

💡

If the lag persists, try to reduce the distance between the joystick and the TV or remove sources of interference (microwaves, other Bluetooth devices).

Connecting the joystick to Xiaomi TV via the Android TV Box

If your TV doesn’t support gamepads directly (like older Mi TV 4 models), you can use an external set-top box on an Android TV (like Xiaomi Mi Box S or NVIDIA Shield).

1. Connect the set-top box to the TV via HDMI.
2. Activate the pairing mode on the joystick.
3. On the console go to Settings → Devices → Add Bluetooth-device.
4. Select the gamepad from the list and confirm the connection.

Advantages of this method:

• 🎮 Support for a wider range of controllers (including Nintendo Switch Pro).
• 🔄 The ability to use emulators and games from Google Play without TV restrictions.
• 📦 Access to branded services (for example, Stadia on the NVIDIA Shield).

Attention: when connected via a console, the input delay may increase due to dual signal processing (joystick → console → TV).

Update the TV firmware for better compatibility

If your Xiaomi TV doesn't recognize modern gamepads, the problem may be the outdated firmware.

1. Go to Settings → About TV → Software Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If a new version is available, confirm installation. Don't turn off the TV during the process!

For manual updates (if automatic does not work):

1. Download the latest firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website.
2. Copy the file to a flash drive in FAT32 format.
3. Connect the flash drive to the TV and select Settings → About TV → Local Update.

Important: After updating your firmware, reset your Bluetooth settings (Settings → Devices → Bluetooth → Reset) to avoid conflicts with previously connected devices.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting joysticks to Xiaomi TV