How to connect a joystick to a Xiaomi TV: all the ways and nuances

Gaming consoles have long ceased to be the only way to enjoy games on the big screen. -- Xiaomi's modern Android-powered TVs TV Google TV They allow you to connect your gamepads, making your TV a full-fledged gaming center, but how do you connect your joystick to your TV when you're lost or you're writing in a language you don't understand? This article will help you understand all the nuances – from choosing a compatible controller to solving typical connection problems.

We will look at three main ways of connecting: via Bluetooth. USB-We will pay special attention to adjusting buttons, checking compatibility and avoiding common errors when the TV "does not see" the joystick or refuses to work with it. And if you plan to play cloud gaming (for example, Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce) NOW), It is not possible to do without a properly configured gamepad.

1.What joysticks are compatible with Xiaomi TVs

Not every gamepad will work with Xiaomi. TV "Out of the box. Compatibility depends on the Android version. TV/Google TV, Joystick models and connection protocols. Here are the key criteria for choosing the right path:

• 🎮 Officially supported: Xiaomi Game Controller, Sony DualSense (PS5), Xbox Wireless Controller (Models 2016 and Newer), 8BitDo Pro 2.
• 🔄 With limited support: old gamepads PS3 (Require root rights or special applications), Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (may not be recognized in some games).
• ⚠️ Cheap No-Name Controllers on a Chip MTK6261 — Often drop off or display buttons incorrectly.
• 🔌 USB-Options: any gamepads with XInput or DInput support (e.g. Logitech) F310).

Before buying, check if your TV supports Bluetooth. 4.0+ (required for wireless gamepads; or OTG-port USB-Xiaomi Mi models have connectivity. TV 4S/5X (2018–2020 DualSense is often affected by outdated firmware. Update your TV to the latest version via Settings → On TV. → Updating the system.

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

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

• 🔋 Gamepad charged (at least 30%).
• 📶 The TV is within a radius of 1-2 meters from the controller (for the first synchronization).
• 🔄 The joystick activated pairing mode (usually hold the Share button). + PS DualSense or Sync for Xbox).

Follow the algorithm further:

1. Open on the TV settings → Devices → Add a Bluetooth device.
2. In the list of available devices, select the name of your gamepad (for example, "Wireless Controller" for DualSense).
3. Confirm pairing. Some Xiaomi models may require input PIN-Standard code: 0000 or 1234.
4. Wait for the message "Connected." If the indicator on the gamepad stops flashing, the connection is established.

Gamepad is displayed in the list of connected devices|

The indicator on the controller is lit with even light|

The buttons react in the TV menu (navigation, selection)|

The games display the correct keys (check in demo mode)

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If the TV doesn’t find the gamepad, try:

• 🔄 Reboot both devices.
• 📱 Remove the gamepad from the list of associated devices (if it was already there) and reconnect.
• 🔌 Connect the gamepad to USB 10 seconds, then try Bluetooth again (this resets the driver cache).

3. USB Connection: When Bluetooth is Not Working

If wireless connection is not possible (for example, due to outdated firmware or lack of Bluetooth module), use USB-This method is also useful for cable:

• 🔋 Charging the gamepad during the game.
• 🔄 Controller firmware updates (relevant for Xbox Elite 2 or 8BitDo).
• 🎮 Compatibility testing before purchasing a Bluetooth adapter.

Instructions:

1. Connect the gamepad to the TV through USB-OTG cable (if the TV does not have a full-size cable) USB-For the Xiaomi Mi Mi TV Q1/Q2 standard fit USB-A → USB-C.
2. Press any button on the gamepad – the TV should recognize it as "USB-input".
3. Check the menu or game. If the buttons don't respond, go to Settings. → Devices → Game Controller and select XInput (for Xbox) or DInput (for others).

Critical information: on Xiaomi TVs with a port USB 2.0 (models up to 2021) some gamepads may not be detected due to power shortages. USB-feed-in.

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If the TV doesn't respond to USB-Gamepad, try connecting it to a smartphone or PC, and if it works there, the problem is the TV settings or the port power shortage.

4. button setting and gamepad calibration

Even after a successful connection, buttons may not work correctly: for example, A on the gamepad presses B in the game, or analog sticks "go away" to the side, calibration will help correct this.

Methods of setting:

For DualSense and Xbox Controller, the TV menu may not have a calibration option.

1. Connect the gamepad to the PC and use the utility DS4Windows (DualSense or Xbox Accessories (for Xbox).
2. Update the controller to the latest version.
3. Reset your gamepad settings to factory settings (usually the Reset button on the back).

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If the gamepad buttons don't work in games, but the TV menu does, the problem is the settings of the game itself. Go to the control settings and select the "Gamepad" or "Controller" profile.

5.Use of Mi Game Controller: features of proprietary gamepad

Xiaomi Game Controller (model) MDZ-31-DB) Designed specifically for the Mi ecosystem TV, But it has its nuances. It has its advantages:

• 🎯 Automatic recognition in the TV menu (no manual adjustment required).
• 🔋 Built-in battery for 600 mAh (up to 10 hours of play).
• 📱 Support for connection to Xiaomi smartphones (Mi Game Turbo mode).

How to connect:

1. Hold the Mi button. + Home on the gamepad 3 seconds until the indicator flashes.
2. On the TV, go to Settings. → Bluetooth and select "Mi Game Controller".
3. Confirm the pairing. The gamepad will automatically switch to mode. TV Mode.

If the Mi Game Controller is not connected:

• 🔄 Reset it to factory settings: hold the Mi + A + B + X + Y 10 seconds.
• 📋 Check the TV firmware version – this gamepad requires Android TV 11+.
• 🔌 Put him on the hook. USB 1 minute, then try the Bluetooth pairing again.

6. Problem Solving: Joystick plugged in but not working

Common symptoms and ways to eliminate them:

Specific Mistakes for Xiaomi TV:

• 🔴 "Device not supported" - appears on Android models TV 9 when connecting DualSense. Solution: Use an adapter 8BitDo Wireless Adapter 2.
• 🟡 "The pair failed" - reset Bluetooth settings on the TV: Settings → Devices → Bluetooth → Three points. → Reset the settings.
• 🔵 Gamepad only works in menus, not games – install Google Play Games and update Google services.

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If after updating the firmware of the TV, the gamepad stopped working, reset the TV settings to factory (Settings) → On TV. → Reset. This will bring back the standard device drivers.

7. Alternative ways of connecting: adapters and cloud services

If your TV doesn’t support modern gamepads, or if you want to play PC-Playing on the big screen, consider these options:

• 🎮 Bluetooth adapters: 8BitDo Wireless Adapter 2 or Mayflash Magic-NS lets you connect DualSense, Xbox Controller and Switch Pro to even older Xiaomi models TV.
• 🖥️ Streaming from PC: Use Steam Link or Moonlight to stream games from computer to TV.
• ☁️ Cloud Gaming: Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce NOW The gamepad connects to the phone/tablet, and the picture is broadcast on TV via Miracast or Chromecast.

For adapters. 8BitDo instruction:

1. Connect the adapter to USB-television-port.
2. Press the pairing button on the adapter (the indicator blinks).
3. Activate the pairing mode on the gamepad.
4. After connecting, select the XInput profile (for Xbox) or Switch Pro (for Nintendo) in the TV settings.

Important: when using adapters, you may experience an input lag (input lag).

• Use the game mode on the TV (Settings) → Picture → Image mode → Game).
• Connect the adapter to the port USB 3.0 (usually blue).
• Turn off energy saving functions in settings HDMI (Settings → Display and sound → HDMI CEC).

8. Frequent questions and answers