How to make a gamepad from a Xiaomi TV phone: a complete guide with setup and tips

Playing Android games on the big screen of Xiaomi TV is a great idea, but without a gamepad, control often turns into anguish. Fortunately, your smartphone can become a full-fledged gaming controller without buying additional accessories. In this article, we will discuss all ways to turn a phone into a gamepad for Mi TV 4/5, Redmi Smart TV and other models on Android TV or Google TV.

The main advantages of this solution are zero costs (except for an existing smartphone), flexible setting of buttons for specific games and the ability to use the touch screen as a touchpad or virtual joystick. However, there are pitfalls, such as input delays when connecting over Wi-Fi or compatibility problems with some games, we will tell you how to avoid them.

The instructions are suitable for Xiaomi TVs based on Android TV 9.0+ (including Mi TV Stick and Mi Box), as well as for smartphones on Android 8.0 and later (including devices from other brands). If you have an iPhone, some methods will also work, but with restrictions - this is separately discussed in the section on cross-platform solutions.

1.What Xiaomi TVs support connecting a gamepad over the phone?

Not all Xiaomi TV models work equally well with virtual gamepads, but here are the key compatibility criteria:

• 📺 Operating System: It Must Be Android TV 9.0 or later (including Google) TV). Older versions (such as Android) TV 8.0 on the Mi TV 3S) Some connection protocols may not be supported.
• 🔄 Connection Protocol: TV must support Bluetooth 4.0+ (for minimal delays) or Wi-Fi Direct (for alternative methods). → Bluetooth.
• 🎮 Support for game controllers: In the menu Settings → Devices → The game controllers should have the option of adding a new device. If you don't have one, update the TV firmware.

Below is the table of compatibility of popular models of Xiaomi TV with virtual gamepads:

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi TVs with PatchWall (branded shell) may block some applications for virtual gamepads. If the buttons do not work after connecting, try turning off Power Optimization in the settings of the TV for the gamepad application. 📊 What is your Xiaomi TV? TV 5/5 ProMi TV 4S/4XRedmi Smart TVMi TV Stick/BoxOther 2. Top.-5 The choice of the application depends on what games you plan to run, for example, for emulators (for example, RetroArch or the other game). PPSSPP) So, for Android games like Call of Duty Mobile or Genshin Impact, touchpad and gyroscope, we tested dozens of apps and selected the best ones based on the criteria of minimal latency, connectivity stability and flexibility. All of them are free (with an optional paid version for advanced features). 🎮 Octopus Gamepad is the best choice for emulators and games with support for controllers. Supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, there are pre-configured profiles for the game. PS1/PS2, Nintendo Switch and other consoles. ✅ Pros: Minimum delays, support XInput/DInput. ❌ Cons: Advertising in the free version. 🕹️ GameSir is the official app from the gamepad manufacturer and works as a virtual controller for games with GameSir support (for example, for example, the gameplay controller, PUBG Mobile, Free Fire). ✅ Pros: optimized for shooters, there is a gyroscope. ❌ Cons: Not all games are supported. 🖱️ Monect PC Remote is a versatile solution with touchpad, keyboard and gamepad support. Suitable for Xiaomi TV via Wi-Fi. ✅ Pros: you can configure gestures, support for several devices. ❌ Cons: a difficult setup for beginners. 📱 DroidMote is a powerful tool for creating custom layouts. It supports Bluetooth and USB-OTG (Connecting your phone to your TV with a cable). ✅ Pros: maximum flexibility, support for multi-touch. ❌ Cons: the paid version is needed for full functionality. 🕹️ Tincore Keymapper for advanced users, allows you to emulate the gamepad presses at the system level (required) ROOT TV-wise). ✅ Pros: Works with any game, even without the support of controllers. ❌ Cons: difficult installation, risk of TV locking.Important: For Xiaomi TVs on Google TV (Like Mi. TV 5 Pro 2023) Octopus Gamepad or GameSir are best suited – they are optimized for the new shell and less likely to cause connection errors. Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your phone and TV |Install one of the apps from the list above | Disable power saving modes for the gamepad application | Check the compatibility of the game with controllers (in Google Play) | Update the TV firmware to the latest version---> 3. Step-by-step: how to connect the phone as a gamepad to Xiaomi TV Consider the universal method of connecting via Bluetooth on the example of the Octopus Gamepad application (similar to other applications). This method is suitable for most games, including emulators and shooters. Step 1. Game Installation and setting up the game game mode on the main application, select the game mode of the gamerator from the game game game mode (s of the game, select the game mode of the gamerrrator from the game). Click Scan Devices and wait until the phone finds your Xiaomi TV. Step 2. Connect TV On TV Go to Settings → Devices → Game controllers → Add a controller. Select Bluetooth and activate search mode. On your Octopus phone, tap your TV name in the list of devices found. Confirm pairing on both devices (you may need to enter 0000 or 1234). Step 3. In-game control settings Run the game on your TV (e.g. RetroArch or Asphalt 9). In the Octopus app, select a preloaded profile for your game (e.g., RetroArch or Asphalt 9, PS4 Controller or Xbox Layout. If you don't have a profile, create yours by manually assigning buttons (Edit button in upper right corner). Test the controls: buttons must be recalled without delay (tolerable delay up to 50 ms). ⚠️ Note: If the gamepad buttons are not working correctly (for example, the wrong button is pressed), check the emulation settings in the application. Octopus has a Controller Type option for this - try changing it from XInput to DInput or vice versa. 💡If the game does not recognize the gamepad, try connecting the phone to the TV on the USB-cable (via cable) OTG-Some applications, such as DroidMote, support this mode with minimal delays. 4. How to reduce delays (lag) when playing from a gamepad phone The main problem of virtual gamepads is input delays that can spoil gameplay, especially in dynamic shooters or racing simulators. The causes of lags vary from a weak TV processor to interference in the Wi-Fi network. Here are proven ways to reduce delays: 📶 Use Bluetooth. 5.0+: If your phone and TV support Bluetooth 5.0 or later, the delays will be minimal. 20-30 Check the version in the phone settings: Settings → The phone. → Bluetooth version. 🔌 Connect to the USB-OTG: If the TV is supported USB-OTG (Like Mi. TV 5 Pro, connect the phone with a cable. That'll give you a delay. 5-10 MS - almost like a wired gamepad. 📡 Optimize Wi-Fi: If you use Wi-Fi Direct, switch your TV and phone to range 5 GHz (less loaded) Also disconnect other devices from the network. ⚡ Close background apps: Turn off all programs on your phone except the gamepad (especially instant messengers and social networks. Lag comparison by connection type: Connection type Delay (ms) Stability Bluetooth Requirements 4.0 50-100 Average Any Bluetooth Phone and TV 5.0+ 20-30 High-Scale Telephone and TV with Support BT 5.0 Wi-Fi Direct (5 GHz) 30-50 Low (possible cliffs) Stable router USB-OTG 5-10 High Cable. OTG, port USB TV ⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with an Amlogic processor S905 (For example, Mi Box S delays over Bluetooth can reach 100-150 Because of the chipset's weakness, the only solution is to connect to the chipset. USB-OTG or purchase of an external Bluetooth adapter (for example, 8BitDo Wireless USB How to check for a gamepad delay? Download the Game Controller Tester app (available on Google Play for Android) to your TV TV). It shows the response time of each button in milliseconds. 30 MS - perfect (not visible to the eye). - 30-50 MS is acceptable for most games. 50 MS – there will be problems in shooters and fighting games. 5. Problem Solving: Gamepad is not connected or not working If the phone is not defined as a gamepad or buttons do not respond, the reasons can be both software (application incompatibility) and hardware (problems with Bluetooth). 1: TV doesn't see phone in device list 🔹 Make sure your phone has Detection Mode enabled (in Bluetooth settings). 🔹 Reboot Bluetooth on both devices: Disable and turn on the module in the settings. 🔹 Update the TV firmware: Go to Settings → On TV. → Updating the system. 🔹 If you use Octopus or DroidMote, try changing the protocol from Bluetooth to Wi-Fi Direct. Problem 2: The buttons are pressed incorrectly (for example, the cross works as buttons) 🔹 In the gamepad application settings, change Controller Type (for example, from XInput to DInput). 🔹 Reset the in-game control settings (usually in the Controls menu) → Reset to Default). 🔹 If the game does not support gamepads, use Tincore Keymapper to emulate keys. Problem 3: Permanent connection breaks 🔹 Reduce the distance between your phone and TV (maximum 3 meters for Bluetooth). 🔹 Disable other Bluetooth devices (earphones, fitness bracelets). 🔹 In the settings of the TV, turn off Adaptive Bluetooth (if there is such an option). 🔹 Switch to Wi-Fi Direct (if the TV supports). ⚠️ Note: Xiaomi TVs with PatchWall firmware may block virtual gamepads due to optimizing power consumption. To fix this, go to Settings. → Annexes → Special access → Battery Optimization and Turn Off Optimization for Gamepad App. 💡If nothing works, try using your phone as a gamepad via Steam Link (if the game is supported on Steam). TV, 6. Alternative ways: How to play without a gamepad If you can connect your phone as a gamepad or the delays are too great, there are alternative methods of management: 🖱️ Bluetooth mouse and keyboard: Connect your wireless mouse and keyboard to your TV. RPG (For example, Civilization VI This War of Mine). 📱 Remote Desktop: Use TeamViewer or AnyDesk to control your TV from your phone. 🎮 Cloud Games: Services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce NOW They have built-in touch control, so you just open your browser on your TV and go to the service website. 🕹️ Key emulation: Applications of type R-E-D Virtual Input allows you to assign areas of the TV screen as virtual buttons (works through the use of a virtual button). ADB). To connect the mouse/keyboard to Xiaomi TV: Go to Settings. → Devices → Keyboard and mouse. Press Add device and select Bluetooth. Enable mouse/keyboard pairing (usually the button on the bottom panel). Confirm the connection on the TV. ⚠️ Note: Some games (such as Fortnite or Genshin Impact) block mouse/keyboard input on Android TV, It's a cheating game, and it's a gamepad or a cloud gaming game that's going to help. 7. The Best Games for Xiaomi TV With control from a gamepad phone Not all games on Android TV Gamepads support, but there are proven hits that work great with virtual controllers: Game Genre Game Requirements for gamepad Compatibility with Xiaomi TV Call of Duty: Mobile Full support, triggers needed (L2/R2) ✅ Mi TV 5, Redmi Smart TV Asphalt Racing 9: Legends Gamepad support, but better with a gyroscope ✅ All models of the RetroArch Emulator + PPSSPP Any layout (PS/Xbox) ✅ All models (requires a file) BIOS) RPG Genshin Impact Partial Support (Movement only) ❌ Mi TV 4S (Tekken Mobile fighting game Full support, you need 6 button ✅ Mi TV 5 For emulators (RetroArch, Dolphin, ePSXe) it is recommended to use gamepad profiles for PlayStation or Xbox, as they are best optimized for games on Android. TV. In Octopus Gamepad, these profiles are available in the Presets section. ⚠️ Note: Games with cheating protection (for example, PUBG Mobile or Free Fire can block virtual gamepads, recognizing them as bots, in which case use official controllers (for example, GameSir). T4) Or play through cloud services. FAQ: Frequent questions about the gamepad from the phone for Xiaomi TV Can I use the iPhone as a gamepad for Xiaomi? TV? Yes, but with limitations. Apps like Octopus Gamepad or GameSir are available for iOS, but: Connection is only possible over Wi-Fi (no Bluetooth gamepad support due to Apple restrictions), delays will be higher (from 80 ms). Not all games recognize the iPhone as a controller. It is better to use an Android phone or a purchased gamepad (for example, Xbox Controller). PUBG from a gamepad phone to Xiaomi TV? These games block virtual gamepads, as they are considered cheating devices. Alternatives: Use the official gamepad (e.g. GameSir) T4 Play through Xbox Cloud Gaming (available in your TV browser). Connect your mouse and keyboard (but you risk being banned). TV 4S Phone gamepad works with lags? Causes: Weak Amlogic processor S905X (No Bluetooth input processing. Outdated firmware (update to Settings) → System updates. Interference from other Bluetooth devices. Solutions: Connect your phone over USB-OTG. Use Wi-Fi Direct instead of Bluetooth. Close all background apps on your TV. Can two phones be connected as multiplayer gamepads? Yes, but with the caveat: The TV must support multiple controllers at once (e.g. Redmi Smart) TV Use different apps on your phones (e.g. Octopus on one and GameSir on the other). The game must have multiplayer support (e.g. Minecraft, Brawlhalla). To connect the second gamepad, repeat the pairing process in the TV settings. How to set up a gyroscope in games (e.g., to control the camera)? The gyroscope works only in some applications: In GameSir or Octopus, enable Gyroscope Control. In the game settings, assign the gyroscope axis to turn the camera (for example, in Call of Duty Mobile, this is done in Settings). → Management → Calibrate the gyroscope in your phone: Settings → System system → Sensors. → If the gyroscope is not working, check if the game supports this function (for example, in Genshin Impact, the gyroscope is disabled on Android). TV).