Connecting a wired joystick to a Xiaomi TV: all the ways and instructions

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 support peripheral devices, including wired gamepads, but not everyone knows how to connect a joystick to a TV, especially when it comes to models with limited ports or outdated software.

In this article, we will analyze all current methods of connection: from direct connection through USB Before you use adapters and adapters, you'll learn which joysticks are compatible with Mi. TV, Mi TV Stick and other ecosystem devices, and how to set up control in games and emulators, and we'll focus on the common bugs that make the TV "can't see" the gamepad, and how to fix them.

If you plan to play Cloud Gaming (for example, via Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce) NOW), Connect the joystick to emulators (RetroArch, PPSSPP) Or you just want to be more comfortable with your smart. TV — This guide will help you avoid common problems and save time.

What wired joysticks are compatible with Xiaomi TV

Not all gamepads work equally well with Xiaomi TVs, and compatibility depends on three factors:

• 🔌 Connection type: USB-Type C, USB-A, or an adapter requirement (for example, for Xbox or PlayStation controllers).
• 🤖 Support for protocols: HID (Human Interface Device, XInput (Xbox), DirectInput.
• 📱 Android version TV: Older firmware (below Android 9) may not have drivers for some models.

Here’s a list of proven gamepads that are guaranteed to work with most Xiaomi TVs (including Mi). TV 4S, Mi TV Q1, Mi TV A Pro):

⚠️ Note: Nintendo Switch controllers (such as Joy-Con or Pro Controller) are not supported directly via wire, and will require a Bluetooth adapter or special software (such as Switch Controller Support on Android) to connect them. TV).

If your gamepad is not listed in the table, check its compatibility through the official manufacturer’s website or forums (for example, the official website of the manufacturer, XDA Developers: Most devices supported HID It should be automatically determined, but XInput may require manual adjustment.

How to connect a wired joystick to Xiaomi TV

There are three main methods of connecting the gamepad with the TV:

1. Direct connection via USB — The easiest and most reliable way, but requires a free port.
2. Use of the OTG-Adapters are relevant to models with USB-C (Like Mi. TV Q2).
3. Connect via Bluetooth adapter – if the joystick does not have a wire or the TV does not recognize it.

Let us consider each option in detail.

1. Direct connection via USB

This is the most versatile method that works on 90% of Xiaomi TVs.

• 🔌 Cable USB-A → USB-A (for older gamepads) or USB-A → USB-C (modern).
• 📺 Free USB-port on the TV (usually located on the side or back).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on the TV and wait for Android to load fully TV.
2. Connect the cable to the gamepad and insert the second end into the USB-television-port.
3. Wait for the device’s connection notification (usually appearing in the top right corner of the screen).
4. Check the joystick in any game or menu (e.g. Google Play Games).

The gamepad is defined in settings (Settings) → Devices → Input devices)

Buttons and sticks react in the test menu

No connection errors in notifications

The cable is securely fixed in the port.-->

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi) TV 4A) USB-The ports may not provide enough power for backlit or vibrating gamepads. USB-feed-in.

2. Connection through OTG-adapter

If your TV is equipped with only a port USB-C (like Mi. TV Q2 75") and the gamepad has a connector USB-A, need OTG-You can buy it for 100-300 rubles in any electronics store.

How to connect:

1. Connect. OTG-adapter USB-C television-port.
2. Insert the gamepad cable into USB-A adaptor.
3. Wait for automatic recognition (can take up to 30 seconds).

💡 Useful tip: If the TV doesn't respond to the connection, try rebooting it with the gamepad connected. TV Definition of devices only after restart.

3. Connect via Bluetooth adapter (if the joystick is wireless)

If your gamepad is originally wireless (like DualSense or Xbox Wireless Controller), but you want to use it in wired mode, or your TV doesn’t support Bluetooth, you can use a Bluetooth adapter with output to your Bluetooth. USB.

It is necessary:

• 🔗 Bluetooth transmitter (e.g., Bluetooth transmitter, 8BitDo Wireless Adapter 2).
• 🔌 Cable to power the adapter (usually Micro-USB or USB-C).

Instructions:

1. Connect the Bluetooth adapter to USB-television-port.
2. Activate the pairing mode on the adapter (usually the button is held for 3-5 seconds).
3. On the gamepad, press the sync button (for example, Share). + PS DualSense).
4. Wait for the indicator to flash on the adapter - this is a signal of successful connection.

⚠️ Note: Some adapters (e.g. Xbox) require pre-configuration via PC!

💡

Straight. USB-Connection is more reliable than Bluetooth, as it eliminates input delays (lags) critical for dynamic games.

Setting up the joystick in Android TV plug-in

Even if the TV recognizes the gamepad, it may need to be adjusted to work properly in games or menus.

1. Verification of device recognition

To make sure that Android TV «sees:

1. Go to Settings. → Devices → Input devices.
2. Your gamepad should be displayed on the list (such as Xbox Controller or Gamepad).
3. Click on the device to check the button response (some firmware has a test menu).

If the device is not displayed:

• 🔄 Try another one. USB-port.
• 🔋 Reboot the TV with a connected gamepad.
• 📱 Update the TV firmware (in Settings) → On TV. → Updating the system).

2. Customizing buttons in games

Many Android games TV It automatically detects the gamepad, but sometimes you need to manually link buttons, such as in emulators (RetroArch, Dolphin) or some projects from Google Play.

How to set up:

1. Start a game that supports gamepads.
2. Go to the Settings section → Management (or similar).
3. Select the option to Set up a gamepad and follow the instructions on the screen.
4. Press the buttons on the joystick according to the prompts.

💡 Useful tip: In RetroArch, you can save the button configuration in profile and apply it to all emulators. → Entering → Save the input configuration.

3. Use of the gamepad in the Android menu TV

Android is the default TV does not allow you to manage system menus through the gamepad, but this can be fixed with third-party software:

1. Install the Gamepad Companion or Button Mapper app from Google Play.
2. Launch the application and grant it Special Opportunities.
3. Create a new profile for your gamepad.
4. Attach the joystick buttons to virtual keys (e.g., D-Pad) → Arrows, Button A → Enter).

⚠️ Note: Some system features (such as Back or Home) may not work due to Android limitations TV. In this case, use the original Xiaomi remote for navigation.

Solving problems with connecting the joystick

If the gamepad does not work or is not correctly defined, use this troubleshooting instruction.

1.The joystick is not determined by the TV

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔌 Problem with cable or port: Try another cable or port USB-Check the port for damage.
• 📱 Outdated firmware: Update Android TV Up to the latest version in Settings → On TV. → Updating the system.
• 🔋 Insufficient power: Connect the TV to the outlet (do not use power from the power supply) USB) Or use a hub with an external power supply.
• 🤖 No drivers: Some gamepads (such as Steam Controller) require manual driver installation via ADB.

2. Joystick is defined, but buttons do not work

If the gamepad is recognized but does not respond to pressing:

• 🎮 Check the gamepad mode (for example, Logitech) F310 switched XInput/DInput).
• 🔄 Reconnect the device or restart the TV.
• 📋 Update the firmware of the gamepad (relevant to 8BitDo Razer).
• 🛠️ Reset the gamepad settings to factory (usually by clamping Share) + Options for 10 seconds).

3 Delays in input (lag) during play

Lags can occur due to:

• 📶 Bluetooth Connections: Go to a wired connection.
• 📉 Resource shortages: Close background apps in Settings → Annexes → Launched.
• 🔌 Nutrition problems: Use USB-feed-in.
• 🎮 Unoptimized Game: Check the graphics settings (reduce resolution or turn off anti-aliasing).

💡 Use the Gamepad Tester app from Google Play to test input delay. It shows the button response time in milliseconds.

Use of joystick in cloud gaming (Xbox Cloud, GeForce) NOW)

Cloud gaming services such as Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly xCloud) or NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Officially support gamepads on Android TV. However, for the correct work, several steps must be taken.

1.Setting up Xbox Cloud Gaming

To play through Xbox Cloud Gaming:

1. Install the Xbox Game Pass app from Google Play.
2. Log in to your Microsoft account.
3. Connect the gamepad (best Xbox Series X)|S Controller for full compatibility).
4. Run any game from the catalog and check the controls.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models TV (Like Mi. TV Stick) Xbox Cloud Gaming may not start due to performance limitations.In this case, use GeForce NOW orbosterroid.

2. GeForce setup NOW

GeForce NOW It supports most gamepads, but for optimal performance:

• 🎮 Use XInput-compatible controllers (Xbox or X-Box) 8BitDo).
• 📶 Connect your TV to the network via Ethernet (or 5GHz Wi-Fi) to minimize lags.
• 🔧 In GeForce settings NOW Select Balance or Performance (depending on internet speed).

💡 Useful advice: If in GeForce NOW It doesn't work through sound. HDMI, Go to Settings. → Sound. → Exit through HDMI and choose PCM auto.

3. Alternative services: Boosterroid and Shadow

If Xbox Cloud or GeForce NOW Not suitable, consider:

• 🎮 Boosterroid – a cloud service with support for Android TV Low requirements for the Internet.
• 🖥️ Shadow – a virtual PC with the ability to install any game (requires a powerful Internet).

Connecting a joystick to Xiaomi TV Stick

Xiaomi TV Stick (or Mi Stick) – a compact device for converting a regular TV to a Smart TV. Due to limited ports, connecting the gamepad has nuances.

1. Features of Xiaomi TV Stick

• 🔌 The only port is Micro-USB (for power) so you can connect. USB-device OTG-adapter.
• 📶 There is no built-in Bluetooth in the first versions (only in Mi). TV Stick 4K).
• 📱 Performance is weaker than full-fledged Xiaomi TV, Therefore, lags are possible in demanding games.

2. Step-by-step connection instruction

You'll need:

• 🔌 OTG-Micro-USB adapter (female) → USB-A (male).
• 🔋 USB-power hub (optional if the gamepad requires a lot of energy).

How to connect:

1. Connect. OTG-Micro-USB adapter for Mi Stick port.
2. If you use the hub, connect it to OTG, And then you put the gamepad in. USB-hub-port.
3. Connect the power to the hub (if required).
4. Wait for the device to be recognized (may take up to a minute).

⚠️ Attention: On Mi TV Stick (not) 4K) Only one can be connected at the same time. USB-If you use a keyboard or mouse, turn them off before you plug in the gamepad.

3. Solving problems at Mi TV Stick

Common mistakes and ways to eliminate them:

• 🔌 Device not defined: Try another OTG-Adapter (some cheap models are not compatible).
• 📵 Lack of power: Use a hub with an external power supply or connect the Mi Stick to USB-TV port (if supported).
• 🎮 Lags in Games: Reduce resolution in game settings or close background apps.

💡

For Mi. TV Stick is better to use low-power gamepads (for example, 8BitDo SN30), to avoid nutritional problems.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting the joystick to Xiaomi TV