Introduction: Why do you need a gamepad for a smart TV?
Xiaomi’s modern TVs are no longer just screens for watching movies. With the release of models on Android TV (for example, Mi TV Q2 or Redmi Smart Fire TV), they have become full-fledged entertainment centers — with support for streaming services, cloud games and even retro console emulators. But managing games using a standard remote is inconvenient: input delays, the lack of analog sticks and tactile feedback spoils the entire experience.
This is where the Xiaomi TV gamepad comes in, a dedicated controller that converts your TV into a game console, and you can play Google Stadia, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, run PS2 or Nintendo Switch emulators through RetroArch, and manage the Android TV interface faster than the touchpad on the remote, but how do you choose the right model, plug it in and avoid typical problems?
What is a Xiaomi TV gamepad and how does it work?
Xiaomi TV gamepad (or game controller) is a wireless input device that connects to the TV via Bluetooth or via a wireless device. USB-Unlike the traditional remotes, it's equipped with a receiver:
- 🎮 Analog Sticks (for precise control in the 3D-play-off)
- 🔘 Action buttons (A/B/X/Y, prefixed)
- 🔄 Triggers (L1/L2/R1/R2 shoot-up)
- 📶 Vibration (tactile recoil in explosions or collisions)
- 🔋 Battery (or batteries) for autonomous operation
The main difference from gamepads for PC or PlayStation is the optimization for Android TV. For example, many models have a dedicated button for calling Google Assistant or quick access to the application menu, and they also support low input latency (latency up to 8 ms), which is critical for dynamic games.
Not all gamepads are compatible with Xiaomi TV "out of the box." Some require manual binding through Settings. → Devices → Bluetooth or even installing additional drivers (for example, for models with a USB-receiver).
Types of gamepads for Xiaomi TV: comparison of types
All Xiaomi TV controllers can be divided into 3 categories by connection and functionality. Below is a table with key differences:
| Type of gamepad | Connection method | Pluses | Cons | Examples of models |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Wireless pairing through the TV menu | ✅ No wires.✅ Universal compatibility✅ Support for multiple devices | ❌ Possible delays❌ Requires periodic reconnection | Xiaomi Game Controller, 8BitDo Pro 2 |
| USB-receiver (2.4 GHz) | Through USB-port + wireless adapter | ✅ Minimum delay✅ Stable connection✅ It works without Bluetooth. | ❌ Occupying. USB-port❌ Receiver easy to lose | Gamesir T4, EasySMX ESM-9110 |
| Wire (USB-C/Type-A) | Direct cable connection | ✅ Zero delay✅ No need for batteries.✅ Suitable for old TVs. | ❌ Limited cable length❌ Uncomfortable for the sofa | Xbox Controller (wired), Logitech F310 |
Critical note: Xiaomi TVs based on PatchWall (for example, Mi) TV 4S or Redmi X50) may not support USB-Check compatibility before buying on the Xiaomi Compatibility Center website.
⚠️ If your TV is running on Fire TV OS (For example, Redmi Smart Fire TV), Many Bluetooth gamepads will be defined as a mouse, not a controller. ADB.
How to connect the gamepad to the Xiaomi TV: step-by-step instructions
The connection process depends on the type of gamepad. Consider the most common option - Bluetooth controller (on the example of Xiaomi Game Controller):
- Turn on the gamepad by holding the power button (usually signed HOME or X) until the indicator flashes.
- On the TV, go to Settings → Devices → Add Bluetooth device.
- In the list, find the name of your gamepad (for example, “Xiaomi Gamepad”) and select it.
- Confirm the pairing, if necessary. PIN-Enter 0000 or 1234.
- Check the work: Run any game (like Asphalt 9 from Google Play) and test the buttons.
For USB-receiver algorithm:
- Put the receiver in USB-television-port.
- Press the sync button on the gamepad (usually hidden under the battery compartment cover).
- Wait for the indicator to flash on the receiver - the connection is installed.
Gamepad is displayed in the Bluetooth TV menu |
The buttons react in the test menu (Settings → Devices → Gamepad Test)|
Vibration works when you press triggers |
The device does not shut down after 5 minutes of inactivity-->
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi TVs with firmware older than 2022 may not support Bluetooth 5.0 protocol. In this case, gamepads with energy-saving mode (for example, DualSense) will turn off after 10 minutes of inactivity.
Top.-5 gamepads for Xiaomi TV into 2026 Year: Comparison and recommendations
The gamepad selection depends on the budget, game types and latency requirements, and we tested 12 models and selected the best options for different scenarios:
| Model | Type of connection | Price (≈) | Better for you. | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Game Controller | Bluetooth 5.0 | 2 500 ₽ | Cloud games, emulators | ✅ Original support for the Mi TV✅ 40 hours of autonomy❌ No Hall Effect sticks. |
| 8BitDo Pro 2 | Bluetooth / 2.4 GHz / Wired | 5 000 ₽ | Professional gaming | ✅ Customizable back buttons✅ Support XInput/DInput❌ Dearest. |
| Gamesir T4 | 2.4 GHz (USB-receiver) | 3 200 ₽ | Local Games (Google Play) | ✅ Low latency (5 ms)✅ Ergonomic design❌ No Bluetooth. |
| EasySMX ESM-9110 | Bluetooth +2.4 GHz | 2 800 ₽ | Budgetary option | ✅ Double vibration.✅ 30 hours of work❌ Plastic case |
| Sony DualSense (PS5) | Bluetooth 5.1 | 6 500 ₽ | Premium Games (GeForce NOW) | ✅ Adaptive triggers✅ gyroscope❌ Requires manual adjustment |
How to connect DualSense to Xiaomi TV?
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For retro game emulators (like PPSSPP or Dolphin), set up button mapping via the Settings menu → Control in the emulator itself. The standard Android TV layout may not be suitable for games on the GameCube or PSP.
Typical problems and their solutions
Even with the original Xiaomi gamepads, users are faced with bugs, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:
- 🔌 Gamepad not connected: Check if Bluetooth is on TV (Settings) → Network and devices. Reset your gamepad settings (usually the Reset button on the back). Update your TV firmware (Settings) → On TV. → Updating the system).
- 🕹️ Buttons are not working correctly: In the game menu, select the control profile "Gamepad" (not "Touch" or "Mouse"). For emulators, use RetroArch with the controller's autosetting.
- 🔋 Battery goes down fast: Turn off vibration in the gamepad settings. Use the cable USB-C wire-play.
- 📶 Delayed input (lag): Switch from Bluetooth to 2.4 GHz (if you have a receiver). Close background apps on TV (Settings) → Annexes → Stop it).
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If the gamepad is connected but not working in games, check XInput (the standard for Windows games). Many cloud services (e.g. Xbox Cloud Gaming) require this protocol. To emulate it, install the Octopus app from Google Play.
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with Amlogic chipset S905 (For example, Mi Box S, you can have a driver conflict when you connect to gamepads from Sony or Microsoft. 8BitDo Wireless Adapter 2, which converts the signal to a compatible format.
Gamepad alternatives: when is it not needed?
The gamepad is not the only way to manage games on Xiaomi TV. In some cases, you can do without it:
- 🖱️ Mouse. + Keyboard: Suitable for strategies (Civilization) VI) or simulators (Cities: Skylines) connected via Bluetooth or USB-hub.
- 📱 Smartphone as controller: Apps like Moonlight or Steam Link let you use your phone as a gamepad with touch buttons.
- 🎮 Built-in remote: Some games (such as Minecraft) have a Touch mode optimized for control from the Xiaomi remote.
However, for dynamic games (racing, shooters, fighting games), alternatives lose to the gamepad in accuracy and convenience, for example, in Call of Duty: Mobile or Genshin Impact without analog sticks, it is almost impossible to play.
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If you use the Xiaomi Mi Box instead of a TV, connect the gamepad to the console so you can play on any HDMI screen, even if the TV itself does not support Bluetooth.