Xiaomi's Android TVs or Google TVs offer thousands of games through Google Play, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, and retro console emulators, but it's not easy to control games from the remote control, you can't do without a gamepad, but not all controllers work properly with Mi TV firmware, and some require additional customization.
In this article, we will analyze official gamepads from Xiaomi, compatible third-party models (including Xbox, PlayStation and 8BitDo), the nuances of Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and give recommendations for choosing for specific tasks - from casual games to eSports simulators.
Official gamepads Xiaomi: pros and cons
Xiaomi has its own gamepads optimized for the Mi TV ecosystem, which have the advantage of being compatible without manual tuning, but the range is limited and some models are already out of production.
For 2026, the following are relevant:
- 🎮 Xiaomi Game Controller (wireless, Bluetooth) 5.0) — flagship model with tactile recoil, battery on 20 hours and support XInput/DInput.
- 🕹️ Xiaomi Mi Game Controller Lite – budget version without vibration, but with low response time (8 ms).
- 🖱️ Xiaomi Mi Gamepad Pro (2022) – a hybrid of the gamepad and keyboard for MMO, with a touchpad and programmable buttons.
The official controllers connect to Xiaomi TV in one click via the Settings menu → Devices → Add Accessory. However, they have drawbacks:
- ⚠️ No gyroscope support (important for games like Fortnite or Genshin Impact).
- ⚠️ The battery is not removable - when you fail you will have to buy a new gamepad.
- ⚠️ Limited ergonomics: Not for everyone in size (especially Lite version).
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi gamepads do not work with TVs on the Internet MIUI TV (outdated models until 2019.Before buying, check the firmware version in the Settings menu → On TV.
Compatibility of third-party gamepads: Xbox, PlayStation, 8BitDo and others
Xiaomi TVs support most gamepads with XInput (Xbox standard) and DInput (universal), but there are nuances:
🔹 Xbox gamepads:
- 🟢 Xbox Series X|S Controller – Connects via Bluetooth, but requires updating the TV firmware to MIUI TV 3.0+.
- 🟡 Xbox One Controller (models up to 2019) – only available USB (Bluetooth is not supported).
- ❌ Xbox Elite Series 2 – possible problems with the recognition of triggers (solved by flashing the gamepad).
🔹 PlayStation gamepads:
- 🟢 DualSense (PS5) — Compatible, but Share and Options buttons may not be recognized in some games.
- 🟡 DualShock 4 (PS4) — It works, but the touchpad and gyroscope are disabled (base buttons only).
🔹 gamepads 8BitDo:
- 🟢 8BitDo Pro 2 — Best choice for retro games thanks to switchable profiles XInput/DInput/Switch.
- 🟢 8BitDo SN30 Pro – a compact analogue of Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, ideal for platformers.
| Gamepad model | Type of connection | Compatible with Xiaomi TV | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series X Controller | Bluetooth/USB | ✅ Yes. | Requires MIUI TV 3.0+ firmware |
| DualSense (PS5) | Bluetooth/USB | ✅ Partially. | Adaptive triggers are not working |
| 8BitDo Pro 2 | Bluetooth/2.4 GHz | ✅ Yes. | Best choice for emulators |
| Steam Deck Controller | Bluetooth | ❌ No. | Root access is required to set up |
💡
If the gamepad is not detected by Bluetooth, try connecting it via USB, and then switch to wireless mode in the Settings → Devices → Accessories menu.
How to connect the gamepad to Xiaomi TV: step-by-step instructions
The connection process depends on the type of gamepad and the version of the TV firmware.
- Activate the pairing mode on the gamepad: For Xbox: press the Sync button (near the gamepad) USB-For PlayStation: press Share. + PS before the LED flashes. 8BitDo: Hold on to Start. + A 5 seconds.
Settings → Devices → Add Accessory → Bluetooth
Settings → System → Reset → Resetting network settings
For USB-connection:
- Use a USB-A → USB-C cable (or Micro-USB, depending on the gamepad model).
- Connect the gamepad to the USB 3.0 port on your TV (usually marked in blue).
- Wait for the automatic driver installation (up to 30 seconds).
To connect the keyboard/mouse:
- Activate Bluetooth on the TV.
- Put the keyboard into pairing mode (usually by the Connect button on the back).
- In the Settings menu → Devices → Keyboard / Mouse select the device.
💡
If the keyboard connects but does not type in games, check the layout in Settings → System → Language and Input → Physical keyboard.