How to connect a gaming joystick to a Xiaomi Mi TV: all ways + fixing

Connecting the gaming joystick to the Xiaomi Mi TV opens up new possibilities for big-screen gaming, from cloud services like Xbox Cloud Gaming to retro console emulators. The TV doesn't see the gamepad, the buttons aren't working right, or the connection is constantly breaking. In this article, we'll look at all the current ways to connect, USB, adapters for Mi models TV 4S/5/5X/Q1/Q2/A Pro, and give recommendations for configuring compatibility and eliminating typical errors.

Feature of Xiaomi TVs – the use of the Android operating system TV (or MIUI TV In newer models, which supports most modern gamepads, but often requires manual adjustments, such as the DualShock 4 and Xbox Series X joysticks, which are connected differently, and older models may need to be tuned. OTG-Adapter or special software: We tested all methods on TVs in 2020-2026 and collected working solutions, from basic to advanced.

1. Which joysticks are compatible with Xiaomi Mi TV

Xiaomi Mi TVs based on Android TV 9.0 and later officially support gamepads with protocol HID (This means that most modern controllers don’t require drivers, but there are nuances:

• 🎮 Sony DualShock 4/5 — Connect via Bluetooth, but may require button settings in games.
• 🖲️ Xbox Wireless Controller (Series X/S, Elite 2) — They only work via Bluetooth (not to be confused with the proprietary Xbox Wireless protocol).
• 🕹️ Nintendo Switch Pro Controller – Compatible but may not be recognized in some emulators.
• 🎛️ 8BitDo, Gamesir, Flydigi - universal gamepads with a mode switch (Android/Windows).
• ⚠️ Old joysticks (PS3, Xbox 360 - demand OTG-Adapter or special software like Sixaxis Controller.

Important: Even if your gamepad is on the compatible list, Xiaomi Mi TVs are on the list. MIUI TV (Models 2023-2026 may block Bluetooth connectivity due to energy-saving settings, as we’ll discuss in the problem solving section.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi Mi TV is released before 2019 (e.g. Mi) TV 4A), It may not support Bluetooth 5.0, which will limit compatibility with new gamepads. Check the Bluetooth version in settings: Settings → The device → Bluetooth.

2. Connecting the joystick over Bluetooth: step-by-step instructions

The most versatile way is wireless connectivity, and the instructions are suitable for most modern gamepads, but there are differences for different models.

Common algorithm:

1. Turn the joystick into pairing mode (usually hold the Share button). + PS DualShock or the Xbox Sync button).
2. On the TV, go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
3. Select your gamepad from the list of available devices.
4. Confirm the connection (if you need to enter the code, use 0000).

For specific models, there are nuances:

• 🎮 DualShock 4: Hold Share + PS 3 seconds until the indicator flashes white. Select the Wireless Controller in your TV settings.
• 🖲️ Xbox Series X: Press the sync button (near the USB-The TV can display as Xbox Wireless Controller.
• 🕹️ 8BitDo: Switch the gamepad to Android mode (double tap Start) + B), then hold Start to pair.

Charge the joystick to 100%

Disconnect it from other devices (PC, smartphone)

Make sure the TV is within 1 meter radius of the gamepad

Check that Bluetooth is on on the TV (Settings) → Devices)

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If the TV can't see the joystick:

1. Restart the TV (Settings → Device → Reboot).
2. Reset your Bluetooth settings on the gamepad (for DualShock 4, hold Share for 10 seconds).
3. Try connecting the joystick to your smartphone – if it doesn’t work, the problem is with the gamepad itself.

💡

If the joystick buttons aren’t working properly after you connect (e.g., A performs action B), install the Gamepad Tester app from Google Play on your TV and reassign the buttons.

3. USB Connection: When Bluetooth is Not Working

If your Xiaomi Mi TV doesn’t support Bluetooth (e.g. Mi). TV 4A 32"), or the connection is permanently broken, use USB-This method is also useful for reducing input lag in competitive games.

What you need:

• 🔌 USB-cable (for DualShock 4 – any microUSB, for Xbox Series X — USB-C).
• 🔄 OTG-Adapter (if the TV is not full sized) USB-port).

Instructions:

1. Connect. OTG-TV adapter (if required).
2. Connect the joystick to the TV cable.
3. Wait for the device to be identified (the screen may display a notification "Input device connected").
4. Check out the work in any game or test application.

Advantages USB-connection:

• ⚡ Minimum input delay (important for shooters and fighting games).
• 🔋 Joystick charges during game.
• 🛡️ No problem with the connection break.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi Mi TVs (especially 2020 models) may not be powered enough USB-If the joystick is not identified, try using the port. USB-feed-in.

4.Use of wireless adapters for Xbox and PlayStation

If you want to connect the Xbox joystick One/Xbox Series X on the original protocol (not Bluetooth), or your DualShock 3 It's not natively supported, it's going to require a special adapter:

1. Xbox Wireless Adapter (for Xbox controllers)

Official adapter from Microsoft allows you to connect Xbox One and Series gamepads X/S Bluetooth-free, which reduces latency and adds vibration support.

• 🔌 Connect the adapter to USB-TV port (via the TV port) OTG, if necessary).
• 🖲️ Press the synchronization button on the adapter.
• 🎮 Press the sync button on the gamepad (near the battery compartment).
• 🔄 Wait until the indicator on the adapter stops flashing.

2. Adapter 8BitDo Wireless Adapter 2 (Universal)

This adapter supports gamepads PS3/PS4/PS5, Xbox One, Switch Pro, and even older controllers like DualShock 2. Connect via Bluetooth or via USB-receiver.

Instructions:

1. Switch the adapter to Android mode (hold the Pair button for 3 seconds).
2. Connect the receiver to USB-television-port.
3. Pair the joystick with an adapter (for DualShock 4, hold the Share). + PS).
4. Select the device profile on the adapter (mode button).

Xbox Wireless Adapter (Xbox only)

8BitDo Wireless Adapter 2 (Universal)

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5. Joystick setting in games and emulators

Even if the gamepad successfully connected to the Xiaomi Mi TV, it still needs to be properly configured in games.

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

Services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or NVIDIA GeForce NOW Automatically recognize most gamepads, but may require additional action:

• 🎮 In Xbox Cloud Gaming, the DualShock 4 joystick will emulate the Xbox controller (the Touchpad button will become the View button).
• 🖲️ In GeForce. NOW When you first connect, you may need to select the layout of the buttons in the game settings.

2. Local Games (from Google Play)

Many Android games TV (Asphalt 9, Minecraft, for example, support gamepads but require manual adjustments:

1. Start the game and go to Settings → Management.
2. Choose the Controller or Gamepad.
3. If the buttons are not assigned correctly, use the option to Reassign buttons.

3. Emulators (RetroArch, PPSSPP)

For retro games, additional adjustments will be required:

• 🎮 In RetroArch, go to Settings → Entering → Port 1 → Tune buttons.
• 🖲️ V PPSSPP Select Settings → Management → Controller setup.
• ⚙️ For emulators. N64 (for example, M64Plus) You may need to use the input.conf configuration file.

💡

In RetroArch and Dolphin emulators, the joystick can be defined as "Unknown Pad." In this case, download the control profile for your gamepad model from the GitHub site and upload it to the folder. /Android/data/com.retroarch/files/config/remaps/ TV-wise.

6. Solving typical problems

If the joystick doesn’t connect or doesn’t work properly, check these points:

Problem 1: TV doesn’t see the gamepad on Bluetooth

• ✅ Make sure the joystick is in pairing mode (blinking indicator).
• ✅ Reboot Bluetooth on your TV: Settings → Devices → Bluetooth → Turn off/Enable.
• ✅ Update the TV firmware: Settings → On TV. → Updating the system.
• ✅ If you MIUI TV, Turn off power saving for Bluetooth: Settings → Special facilities → Optimizing the battery → Turn off for Bluetooth.

Problem 2: Joystick is connected, but buttons are not working

• ✅ Check the gamepad in a test app (e.g. Gamepad Tester).
• ✅ Reassign buttons in the game or emulator settings.
• ✅ DualShock 4 needs to be enabled in some games "PS4 Controller in the input settings.

Problem 3: Permanent connection breaks

• ✅ Reduce the distance between the TV and the gamepad (maximum 3 meters).
• ✅ Disable other Bluetooth devices (earphones, keyboard).
• ✅ If you use MIUI TV, Turn off the “Adaptive Bluetooth” function in the developer settings.

⚠️ Attention: On the TVs Xiaomi Mi TV Q1/Q2 2023 There is a bug that caused the DualSense gamepads (PS5) They're connected, but they don't transmit input in games. USB, Then switch to Bluetooth, and it will work properly.

7. Alternative methods: connection via PC or smartphone

If your Xiaomi Mi TV doesn’t support the gamepad directly, you can use an intermediate device:

Method 1: Connect via PC (Parsec, Moonlight)

If you have a powerful PC, you can stream the game to your TV using:

• 🖥️ Parsec – low latency, support for any gamepads.
• 🌙 Moonlight (for) NVIDIA GPU) — PC-streaming.

Instructions:

1. Install Parsec on your PC and TV (via Google Play).
2. Connect the gamepad to the PC.
3. Run the broadcast on the TV - control will be transmitted from the PC.

Method 2: Connect via smartphone (Remote Play)

For PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X owners:

• 📱 Install. PS Remote Play or Xbox App on your smartphone.
• 🔗 Connect your smartphone to the TV on HDMI (via adapter or Miracast.
• 🎮 Connect the gamepad to your smartphone and start Remote Play.

The advantage of this method is minimal delay and support for all gamepad functions (including touchpad and gyroscope).

8 Frequently Asked Questions