Game consoles and PCs have long lost part of the market to smart TVs, which are now able to run even demanding games through cloud services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW or Xbox Cloud Gaming. But without a gamepad, comfortable gameplay is impossible - especially if we are talking about racing simulators, fighting games or RPG. Owners of Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV series, Redmi Smart TV, Xiaomi A TV Pro and others) often face the question: how to connect a wired gamepad if the ports are only a couple, and the instructions from the manufacturer are vague?
In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of connecting - from the classical to the most popular. USB-Connecting to Bluetooth adapters and adapters, and focusing on compatibility: why the same Sony DualShock 4 gamepad can work on Mi TV 4S No problem, but on the Redmi Smart. TV X50 — You'll also learn how to check for support. HID-What to do if the TV “can’t see” joystick despite the correct connection.
What gamepads are compatible with Xiaomi TVs
Xiaomi TVs based on Android TV or Google TV (Models 2020 and later) officially support most wired gamepads with USB Type-A/C or Bluetooth interface, but there are important limitations:
- 🎮 Officially certified: Xbox Wireless Controller (wired mode), Sony DualSense (via Wireless Controller) USB), 8BitDo Pro 2, Razer Kishi (for mobile games, but also for TV).
- ⚠️ Partially compatible: Older PlayStation 3 (DualShock 3) gamepads may require manual driver installation via ADB.
- 🔌 Problem models: cheap Chinese gamepads without certification HID (For example, some Xbox 360 Controller clones are often unrecognized.
- 🖱️ Alternative: If the gamepad does not connect, try USB-Keyboard or mouse – they work on all Xiaomi models TV.
It is important to consider the Android version. TV For example, TVs on Android 9 (for example, Mi). TV 4A 2019 may not support DualSense due to outdated Bluetooth stack, whereas on Android 11+ (Xiaomi TV Q2) No problem. You can check the OS version in the Settings menu. → On TV.
⚠️ Warning: Gamepads with proprietary protocols (e.g., Nintendo Switch Pro Controller in wired mode) require special adapters, as Xiaomi TV They don't support them out of the box".
Method 1: Connecting the gamepad through USB-port
The most reliable and versatile method is to use a wired USB connection, suitable for most gamepads with a Micro-USB, USB-C or USB-A connector (for example, the Xbox Series X Controller in wired mode).
Instructions:
- Insert the gamepad cable into USB-TV port (usually side or back) If there are multiple ports, choose the port USB 3.0 (blue) – it provides a more stable power supply.
- Turn on the gamepad (if required) and wait for vibration or connection indication.
- Open any game (such as Asphalt 9 from Google Play) – the gamepad must be determined automatically.
If the connection fails:
- 🔄 Reboot the TV with a connected gamepad.
- 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable (sometimes the problem is a damaged cord).
- ⚙️ Check the settings in Settings → Devices → Gamepads (on some firmware this item is hidden).
Gamepad on and charged.
The original cable is used.
USB-TV port is working (check the flash drive)
The game includes support for gamepads-->
On Xiaomi models TV P1 newer USB-Ports can shut down when inactive to save energy. To avoid this, go to Settings → Power supply → Regime. USB and select Always On.
Xbox Series X/S Controller
DualSense (PS5) or DualShock 4 (PS4)
8BitDo or other retro gamepad
Chinese no-name gamepad
Another option-->
Method 2: Connect via Bluetooth (if the gamepad is wireless)
Many wired gamepads (like DualShock 4 or Xbox Elite Series 2) support dual mode, which can be used over both wire and Bluetooth. If your Xiaomi TV is equipped with a Bluetooth 4.2+ module (most models after 2018), you can connect wirelessly.
Step-by-step:
- Activate the pairing mode on the gamepad: For DualShock 4: press Share + PS for 3 seconds. For Xbox Controller: press the sync button (near USB-C).
Settings → Devices → Bluetooth
Select the gamepad from the list of available devices and confirm pairing.
| Gamepad model | Supported protocol | Compatible with Xiaomi TV | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DualShock 4 | Bluetooth 4.0 / USB | Yes (Android 9+) | May require manual profile selection in games |
| Xbox Series X Controller | Bluetooth 5.0 / USB-C | Yeah (all models) | In wired mode it works more stable. |
| 8BitDo SN30 Pro | Bluetooth 4.0 / USB-C | Yes (after firmware update) | Supports X-Input and D-Input mode |
| Steam Controller | Bluetooth/USB (proprietary) | Partially (requires ADB) | Use the 8BitDo Wireless USB Adapter 2 Adapter |
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with Android 8.1 and below (Mi) TV 3S, Mi TV 4 2018: Bluetooth Low Energy Support May Not Be Available (BLE), So DualSense and the new Xbox Controller won't connect, so the solution is to upgrade or use the firmware. USB.
Method 3: Use a USB-Bluetooth adapter (for older models)
If your Xiaomi TV is not equipped with Bluetooth (for example, Mi TV 2 or budget models Redmi Smart TV), but you have a wirelessly supported gamepad, you can use an external Bluetooth adapter. Any adapter on a CSR 4.0 chip or later (for example, TP-Link UB400 or Asus USB-BT400) will do.
How to connect:
- Insert the Bluetooth adapter into USB-television-port.
- Restart the TV (required!) so that the system recognizes the new device.
- Activate the pairing mode on the gamepad and connect it through Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
💡
If the gamepad works in games but does not control the Android TV interface, install the Gamepad Tester app from Google Play, which will show which buttons are recognized by the system, and help you set up the mapping.
Setting up a gamepad for cloud games (GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud)
Cloud gaming services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW or Xbox Cloud Gaming require a special configuration of the gamepad, because they use their own input protocols. On Xiaomi TVs, this can cause conflicts.
Instructions for GeForce NOW:
- Connect the gamepad to the TV (any of the methods described above).
- Launch GeForce NOW and wait for the game to load.
- In the game menu, select Controller Settings and specify the type of gamepad (XInput for Xbox, DInput for others).
For Xbox Cloud Gaming:
- Use only Xbox Wireless Controller – other gamepads may not be supported.
- In the Xbox app settings, enable the Use this controller for menus option.
⚠️ Note: In Stadia (before the service was closed), gamepads connected directly to the cloud, not to the TV.
Alternative methods: adapters and emulation
If your gamepad is not compatible with Xiaomi TV directly, you can use adapters or software solutions:
- 🔄 8BitDo Wireless USB Adapter 2: Allows you to connect gamepads from Nintendo Switch, PS3/PS4, Xbox through USB. Cost ~2000₽, but it guarantees compatibility.
The only gamepad that is guaranteed to work on all Xiaomi TVs without additional settings is the Xbox Wireless Controller (Models 2020 and newer) wired via USB-C. This is due to the fact that the XInput protocol is supported at the core level of Android TV.
💡
If you want the most versatile gamepad for Xiaomi TV, choose 8BitDo Pro 2 – it supports X-Input, D-Input, Switch Pro modes and has a built-in profile switch.