Choosing a gamepad for Xiaomi TV is more difficult than it seems at first glance. Modern TVs of the brand (Mi TV A Pro, Xiaomi TV Q2, Redmi Smart TV) support gaming functions through Google Play Games, Xiaomi Game Center or cloud services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW, but not every controller is able to unlock their potential. The problem is that the manufacturer does not always indicate official compatibility, and users face input delays, broken buttons or a complete lack of system response.
In this article, we will discuss critical choices, from the type of connection (Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, 2.4G adapter) to support specific features of the TV (e.g. Game Mode or Auto Low Latency Mode). We will focus on the hidden limitations of MIUI TV – why some gamepads from Sony or Microsoft are not working properly, and which alternatives from 8BitDo, Gamesir or Flydigi are performing better. If you are planning to play Call of Duty Mobile, Genshin Impact or RetroArch emulators, this guide will help you avoid typical mistakes.
1. Compatibility of the gamepad with Xiaomi TV: what you need to know
The first thing that Xiaomi TV owners face is the lack of universal support for gamepads. Unlike Sony Bravia or LG OLED, where there are often built-in drivers for DualSense and Xbox Controller, MIUI TV works by different rules.
- 🔹 Official support: Xiaomi only guarantees Android-certified gamepads TV (the list is extremely limited).
- 🔹 Bluetooth restrictions: TVs on MIUI TV often ignore the HID (Human Interface Device) protocol on third-party gamepads, requiring manual connectivity via Settings → Devices → Add accessory.
- 🔹 Problems with USB: Even when connected via cable, some models (such as the Xbox Series X Controller) are defined as "unknown device" due to the lack of drivers.
Before buying, check the Android TV version on your device:
- 📺 Android TV 9.0 and below: Gamepad support is minimal, often requiring a OTG- adapter for a USB- connection.
- 📺 Android TV 10/11: Added Bluetooth Low Energy support, but there were problems with analog triggers.
- 📺 Google TV (Android 12+): Better compatibility, but only with gamepads that support Google Play Games.
⚠️ Warning: Gamepads with proprietary wireless (branded wireless protocols like the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller) will not work with Xiaomi TV No additional adapters, except for the mode models. X-Input/D-Input.
Types of connection: Bluetooth, USB or 2.4G – which is better?
The choice of connection protocol directly affects input lag, connection stability and compatibility. Consider the pros and cons of each option:
| Type of connection | Delay (MS) | Compatible with Xiaomi TV | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth 5.0 | 8-15 ms. | Partial (requires manual binding) | No wires, support for multiple devices | There may be connection breaks, not all buttons are working. |
| USB-C/USB-A | 3-8 ms. | High (if OTG is present) | Minimum lag, stability | Occupies a port, limited cable length |
| 2.4G adapter | 5-12 ms. | Depends on the model (often requires root) | Low lag, no driver problems | Occupies USB-port, possible interference from other devices |
For most users of Xiaomi TV, the best solution is a Bluetooth gamepad with support for X-Input (for example, 8BitDo Pro 2 or Gamesir T4 Kaleid). If you are critically latency (for example, for FPS-G or fighting games), it is better to choose a model with a USB-C connection and OTG- adapter.
With 2.4G adapters, the situation is more complicated: some Xiaomi TVs block uncertified USB- devices. This can be avoided through the Developer Settings (activated by pressing 7 once on the Build Number in Settings → About TV), but this requires technical skills.
3. Top-5 gamepads for Xiaomi TV in 2026 year
Based on compatibility tests, user reviews and technical specifications, we have compiled a rating of the best gamepads for Xiaomi TV. All models are tested on TVs with MIUI TV 4.0+ and Android TV 11/12:
- 🥇 8BitDo Ultimate 2.4G: Universal controller with support for X-Input/D-Input, Hall Effect joysticks (without drift) and 2.4G adapter. Works with Xiaomi TV without lags, there is a Turbo mode for autopresses. Price: ~6 500 ₽.
If your budget is tight, look for EasySMX 910 or PowerA Enhanced – they’re cheaper (from 2,500 ₽) but may require additional customizations (like flashing to make the buttons work properly).
Why not buy an Xbox or DualSense for Xiaomi TV?
4. How to connect the gamepad to Xiaomi TV: step-by-step instructions
Even with a compatible gamepad, users often face connection problems. Follow this guide to avoid errors:
- Activate the pairing mode on the gamepad (usually hold the Share + Home or Start + A button for 3-5 seconds until the indicator flashes).
- On the TV, go to Settings → Devices → Add Accessory → Bluetooth.
- Choose your gamepad from the list. If you don't have one, try adding manually (some models require input of PIN- code, usually 0000 or 1234).
- After connecting, check the buttons in Settings → Devices → Game Controller Settings.
If the gamepad is not defined:
- 🔌 Try the USB-OTG adapter (even Bluetooth models sometimes require an initial cable connection).
- 🔄 Reboot the TV and gamepad.
- 📱 Install the Game Controller Tester app from Google Play for diagnostics.
☑️ Checking the performance of the gamepad
⚠️ Warning: Xiaomi TVs with Android TV 9.0 may not have the Game Controller Settings menu. In this case, set the buttons via the Octopus or Mantis Gamepad Pro app (you need to install APK manually).
5. Customize the gamepad for games: optimization of the lag and buttons
Even after a successful connection, the gamepad may not work perfectly: for example, in Call of Duty Mobile, triggers do not respond, or in Genshin Impact, there is a delay.
Reducing delay (input lag):
- 🎮 Turn on Game Mode on your TV: Settings → Picture → Image Mode → Game.
- 📶 For Bluetooth gamepads, turn off other wireless devices (earphones, keyboards) to reduce interference.
- 🔌 Use the USB-C externally powered hub if you connect the gamepad over cable (some Xiaomi TV ports don't provide enough current).
Reassignment of buttons:
If the gamepad buttons do not match the game (for example, A and B are switched), use:
- 📱 Mantis Gamepad Pro (allows you to create profiles for different games)
- 🖥️ Octopus (emulates touch input, useful for mobile gaming)
- 🔧 Built-in gamepad settings (e.g., 8BitDo has a Android/Switch mode switched by the Fn + Start button).
💡
If the game does not support a gamepad, try to enable debugging over USB in the developer settings and connect the gamepad through the Tincore Keymapper app. This will allow you to emulate the keyboard or touchscreen.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even with the right gamepad, Xiaomi TV users face common errors.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The gamepad is connected, but the buttons are not working. | Incompatible protocol (e.g. DirectInput instead of XInput) | Switch to the gamepad mode (usually Fn + A/B) or use the Mantis Gamepad Pro |
| Delayed input more than 30 ms | Bluetooth interference or Post-Processing enabled in image settings | Switch to USB or turn off Dynamic Contrast in Settings → Picture |
| Gamepad shuts down in 5-10 minutes | Energy-saving Bluetooth mode | Turn off Auto-Disable Devices in Settings → Bluetooth |
| Analog triggers (LT/RT) are not working. | MIUI TV does not support Z-axis for uncertified gamepads | Use the USB- connection or gamepad with X-Input firmware |
If none of the solutions worked, check the TV firmware version. Some models (e.g. 2020 Mi TV 4S 55) have a bug with a Bluetooth stack that can only be fixed by upgrading to MIUI TV 4.1+.
💡
Before buying a gamepad, check its compatibility on the 4PDA or Reddit forums (search by TV model + gamepad name). Often users share non-obvious solutions, such as firmware for specific controllers.
7.Alternatives: Keyboard, mouse or smartphone as a gamepad
If you can not find a suitable gamepad, consider alternative ways to control:
- 🖱️ Keyboard + mouse: Connect via Bluetooth or USB Suitable for strategy (Civilization VI) or shooter (Fortnite) Minus inconvenient for gamepad-controlled games.
- 📱 Smartphone as a gamepad: Apps like Monect or Octopus convert a phone into a virtual controller. Requires a stable Wi-Fi connection.
- 🎮 Cloud Gamepads: The NVIDIA GeForce NOW or Xbox Cloud Gaming services offer built-in virtual controllers, but with a 20-50 ms delay.
To connect the keyboard/mouse to Xiaomi TV:
- Use Bluetooth (in the Settings menu → Devices).
- For USB- devices, a OTG- adapter may be required (especially on older models).
- In games, turn on the keyboard / mouse mode in the control settings.
⚠️ Warning: Some games (such as PUBG Mobile or Free Fire) lock the keyboard/mouse as a cheating device, in which case only a gamepad or touchscreen emulation via Octopus will help.