Xiaomi Joystick Connection: Full Instruction for All Devices

Xiaomi’s gamepads are not only a stylish accessory, but also a powerful tool for mobile gaming, emulating retro games or managing smart devices. However, many users face difficulties when connecting for the first time: the joystick is not determined by the system, the buttons are not working correctly, or the connection is constantly broken. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to connect Mi Controller, Black Shark Gamepad and other models to smartphones, PCs and TVs, taking into account the characteristics of each platform.

Xiaomi joysticks often require pre-configuration through proprietary software (such as Mi Game Center or Shark Space), without which some features may not be available, such as vibration, adjusting the sensitivity of analog sticks or macros, and we will explain how to avoid typical errors and make the joystick work 100%.

Important: If you use an iPhone or Mac joystick, be prepared for limitations — not all Xiaomi models are officially supported by Apple. But there are workarounds that we'll look at, too.

1. What are Xiaomi joysticks and how they differ

Xiaomi has several gamepad lines, and their capabilities vary greatly. Here are the main models that are found on the market:

• 🎮 Mi Game Controller is a basic model with a wired connection (Type-C or Micro-USB), supports Android and Windows. No battery, power from the device.
• 🔋 Black Shark Gamepad 2/3/4 — wireless gamepads with Bluetooth 5.0, battery-operated 600–800 mAh, Hall Effect (no stick drift) compatible with Black Shark phones and other devices.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi Game Controller Pro is a premium version with a 2.4 GHz adapter for PC, analog triggers and programmable buttons. Suitable for Cloud Gaming (for example, Xbox Cloud).
• 🖥️ Redmi Gamepad - budget version with wired connection, simplified ergonomics and without additional functions.

The main difference between the models is the type of connection and the level of compatibility. For example, Black Shark Gamepad 4 can be connected to an iPhone via Bluetooth, but without Hall Effect support, and Mi Game Controller does not have a wireless module at all.

Also, look at the joystick firmware version: Outdated models (such as Black Shark Gamepad 1) may not work with new smartphones due to lack of updates, and we will discuss this in the Problem Solving section.

2. Connecting Xiaomi joystick to Android smartphone

Android smartphones (including Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO) They usually support gamepads out of the box, but you may need proprietary software to work properly.

Method 1: Bluetooth connection (for wireless models)

If you have a Black Shark Gamepad or other wireless model, follow these steps:

1. Turn on the joystick by holding the Home (or X) button for 3 seconds. The indicator should flash blue and red (pairing mode).
2. On your smartphone, open Settings → Bluetooth and turn on device search.
3. In the list, find the name of your gamepad (for example, SHARK GP4 or Mi Game Controller and click on it.
4. Confirm the pairing, if required. PIN-code, try 0000 or 1234.

Once connected, check the buttons in any game. If the joystick is defined as an "unknown device", install the Mi Game Center or Shark Space app (depending on the model).

Method 2: Connecting by cable (for wired models)

Wired gamepads (Mi Game Controller, Redmi Gamepad) are connected via OTG-Adapter (if the smartphone does not have a Type-C port:

1. Connect. OTG-Adapter to the smartphone, and then insert the cable from the joystick.
2. The screen will show a notification "Game Device Connected" and if not, check the cable or adapter.
3. Run a game with support for gamepads (for example, Call of Duty Mobile, Genshin Impact).

If the buttons don’t work, try:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone with a connected joystick.
• 📱 Install the application USB/BT Joystick Center for Key Emulation.
• 🔧 Insert the "Debugging by" mode USB" In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times).

💡

If the joystick is defined as a mouse, not a gamepad, install the Octopus or GameSir World app to force the controller to emulate.

Method 3: Set up through Mi Game Center

Black Shark and some Mi Game Controller models require proprietary software. Download Mi Game Center from Google Play or App Gallery and do:

1. Open the app and go to the Devices section.
2. Click Add Gamepad and follow the instructions on the screen.
3. After connecting, adjust the sensitivity of the sticks, assign macros (if supported).

In Mi Game Center, you can also update the gamepad firmware - this will fix bugs with connection or broken buttons.

3. Connecting Xiaomi joystick to iPhone or iPad

Apple strictly controls the compatibility of accessories, so not all Xiaomi gamepads will work with iOS. Officially only models with MFi (Made for iPhone) certification are supported, but there are workarounds.

Method 1: Connect via Bluetooth (with limitations)

Wireless Gamepads (Black Shark Gamepad) 3/4) You can try to connect it manually:

1. Turn on the pairing mode on the joystick (click Home) + Share 3 seconds).
2. On iPhone, open Settings → Bluetooth and wait for the device to arrive.
3. Connect to it. If there's an error, try resetting the network settings (Settings). → Mainstream → Reset → Reset the network settings).

Important limitations:

• ❌ Will not work vibration, LED backlight, macros.
• ❌ In some games (for example, PUBG Mobile) gamepad can be defined as a keyboard.
• ✅ Basic buttons and analog sticks will work (in games with support for MFi controllers).

Method 2: Use of adapters (for wired models)

Wireless gamepads (Mi Game Controller) can be connected to the iPhone via a Lightning-OTG adapter (official from Apple or certified).

⚠️ Note: iOS does not support most USB-Even if the device is defined, the buttons will not work correctly. To play a full game, you will need a Jailbreak or an emulator (Delta, RetroArch).

An alternative is to use an Android smartphone as an intermediary (via Moonlight or Steam Link), but this is a separate topic.

4. Connection of Xiaomi joystick to PC (Windows, macOS, Linux)

Computers are usually best compatible with gamepads, but there are nuances here, too. Let's look at the connection for each OS.

Windows 10/11

Most Xiaomi gamepads are defined as XInput devices (similar to an Xbox controller).

1. Bluetooth: Enable pairing mode on the joystick, then in Settings → Devices → Bluetooth find it and plug it in.
2. Cable: Use Type-C or Micro-USB cable (depending on the model).

If the buttons are not working correctly:

• 🔧 Install Xiaomi Game Controller Driver from the official website.
• 🎮 Use it. DS4Windows or x360ce for emulating an Xbox controller.
• 🔄 Restart your PC with a connected joystick.

Shark Space for is also available for Black Shark models. PC, where you can adjust the lighting, sensitivity and macros.

macOS

On Mac, Xiaomi gamepads connect via Bluetooth, but there may be problems with displaying buttons.

1. Connect the joystick in pairing mode.
2. Install ControllerMate or Enjoyable to reassign buttons.
3. In games (for example, via Steam), select the Generic Gamepad template.

⚠️ Note: MacOS Ventura and later may need to disable system integrity protection (SIP) It's not safe, do it at your own risk!

Linux

On most distributions (Ubuntu, Manjaro), Xiaomi gamepads are automatically determined via udev.

sudo apt install xboxdrv # Installation of a driver to emulate Xbox controller


sudo xboxdrv --silent & # Launch in the background

Use jstest-gtk or AntimicroX to set the buttons.

5. Connecting Xiaomi joystick to TV (Android) TV, Mi TV)

Xiaomi TVs (Mi) TV, Redmi TV) android TV-The devices support gamepads, but with reservations:

• 📺 Wireless models (Black Shark) are connected via Bluetooth in the Settings menu → Remote and accessories.
• 🔌 Wired gamepads require USB-OTG Adapters (not all TVs support the same) OTG!).
• 🎮 For games from Google Play (such as Asphalt 9) you may need an app TV Gamepad Mapper.

If the joystick is not determined:

1. Update your TV firmware to the latest version.
2. Reset Bluetooth settings (Settings) → System system → Reset).
3. Connect the gamepad to another device (smartphone) and then back to the TV.

💡

Xiaomi TVs older than 2019 may not work Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), So the gamepad will shut down in 5-10 minutes, and the solution is to use a wired connection or a 2.4 GHz adapter.

6. Solving Connection Problems

If the joystick doesn’t work or connects with errors, check the following points:

Problem 1: Joystick is not turned on

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Battery discharged – connect to charging for 30 minutes (even if the indicator does not burn).
• 🔌 Faulty cable – try another Type-C cable (preferably original).
• 🔄 Firmware freeze - reset settings by clamping Home + Start + L1 + R1 10 seconds.

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

This is most often due to:

• 📱 No drivers – install Mi Game Center or DS4Windows.
• 🎮 Incompatibility with the game – check if the game supports gamepads (on Steam, turn on the General Controller).
• 🔧 Conflict with other devices – disable other Bluetooth devices (earphones, keyboards).

Problem 3: Permanent connection breaks

If the gamepad is turned off after a few minutes:

• 📶 Bluetooth Interference – Remove from routers, microwaves, other wireless devices.
• 🔋 Power Savings – Turn off Battery Mode in Android Settings for Mi Game Center app.
• 🔄 Outdated firmware - update the gamepad through official software.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi smartphones (such as the Redmi Note 10) have a Bluetooth bug that shuts down gamepads when the screen is locked.The solution is to disable Bluetooth Optimization in the background in the developer’s settings.

Problem 4: Drifting of analog sticks

Stick drift is a common problem in gamepads without Hall Effect technology (e.g. Mi Game Controller).

• 🔧 Calibrate the sticks in Mi Game Center (Settings) → Sizing).
• 🛠️ Disassemble the gamepad and clean the sticks with alcohol (only for experienced users!).
• 🔄 If the drift appeared after a fall, most likely, a replacement stick module will be required.

7. Update to Xiaomi Joystick firmware

Outdated firmware can cause compatibility issues, input delays or accidental shutdowns, and can be updated through official software:

For Black Shark models

1. Install Shark Space from Google Play or App Gallery.
2. Connect the gamepad to the smartphone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the app, go to Devices → Update of the PO.
4. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until it is completed (don’t turn off the gamepad!).

For Mi Game Controller models

These gamepads are updated through the Mi Game Center:

1. Connect the joystick to the cable.
2. Start Mi Game Center and go to My Devices.
3. If there is an update, follow the instructions on the screen.

⚠️ Warning: Don't interrupt the update process! If the gamepad turns off during firmware, it may stop turning on. In this case, you will need a hardware reset (closing contacts on the board) or contacting the service.

After the update, check all buttons and sticks. If new bugs appear (for example, triggers do not work), try to roll back to the previous firmware version via Shark Space. → Recoil).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi joysticks