Choosing a joystick for a Xiaomi TV is not as easy as it sounds. Even if you have a modern model with Android TV or Google TV (for example, Mi TV Q2 or Xiaomi TV A Pro), not every gamepad will work correctly. Problems can arise with late input, incomplete support for buttons or no drivers. In this article, we will discuss what to look for when buying, which models are guaranteed to be compatible with MIUI TV firmware, and how to connect the joystick correctly to avoid typical errors.
Xiaomi TVs are often customized versions of Android, where standard connectivity protocols (such as Bluetooth HID) can work with limitations. For example, some budget gamepads are not recognized in games from Google Play Games, although they physically connect to TV. We tested 12 models of joysticks and selected the top 7 — from the low-cost 8BitDo to the premium Xbox Wireless Controller — that work steadily with Xiaomi TV on MIUI TV 3.0 and later.
Why not all joysticks work with Xiaomi TV
The main problem lies in the firmware of the TV. Xiaomi uses a modified version of Android TV, where:
- 🔹 There is no support for XInput out of the box, and you have to manually enable it through Settings. → Devices → gamepads.
- 🔹 Some TV models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) TV 4S 2019) do not support Bluetooth 5.0, which is why wireless joysticks can “brake".
- 🔹 Games from Mi Game Center (Xiaomi’s branded store) often require root access to adjust buttons.
Another nuance is the input lag, which is that on 60Hz TVs, wireless gamepad delays can be as high as 80 to 120 milliseconds, which is critical for dynamic games like fighting games or shooters, and wired models are more reliable, but they limit freedom of movement.
⚠️ Attention: If your Xiaomi TV released before 2020, check the Bluetooth version in specifications.Bluetooth 4.0 models (e.g. Mi) TV 4A) Not supported by modern gamepads with Bluetooth 5.2 – you will have to use it USB-adapter.
TOP-7 joysticks for Xiaomi TV: comparison-table
| Model | Type of connection | Compatible with Xiaomi TV | Price (2026) | Better for you. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8BitDo Pro 2 | Bluetooth / 2.4 GHz / Wired | ✅ Complete (including) MIUI TV 3.0+) | 4 500–5 200 ₽ | Retro games, emulators (PS2, N64) |
| Xbox Wireless Controller (2020) | Bluetooth/Wired | ✅ Partial (requires manual XInput configuration) | 5 000–6 000 ₽ | AAA-project (GTA, FIFA, Forza) |
| Gamesir T4 Kaleid | Wire (USB-C) | ✅ Full (plug-and-play) | 2 800–3 500 ₽ | Budget option for casual games |
| Sony DualSense (PS5) | Bluetooth/Wired | ⚠️ Limited (only available in DualShock 4 mode") | 6 500–7 500 ₽ | Games with support for gyroscope |
| Ipega PG-9087S | Bluetooth / Fixing for the phone | ✅ Full (supports) MIUI TV 2.0+) | 2 200–2 800 ₽ | Cloud Gaming (Xbox Cloud, GeForce NOW) |
If your budget is limited 3 000 ₽, Best choice - Gamesir T4 Kaleid. It doesn't require drivers, it has an ergonomic shape and button highlighting. 8BitDo Pro 2 mode switches (XInput/DInput/Switch). But DualSense from Sony we recommend only if you are willing to put up with the restrictions: on Xiaomi TV It works like a DualShock. 4, Losing some functions (e.g. adaptive triggers).
How to connect the joystick to Xiaomi TV: step-by-step instructions
The connection process depends on the type of joystick, and let's look at two of the most common scenarios: Bluetooth and wired connectivity.
Method 1: Connection via Bluetooth
- Turn the joystick into pairing mode (usually hold the Share + Home or Power button for 3-5 seconds until the indicator blinks).
- On the TV, go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
- Select your gamepad from the list of available devices. If you don't have one, update the list with the Update button.
- Confirm the pairing. Some Xiaomi models will need to enter PIN-code (usually 0000 or 1234).
Method 2: Wired Connection (USB)
For wired gamepads:
- Connect the joystick to a USB-A or USB-C port on your TV (use an adapter if needed).
- Wait for the automatic device detection. If the gamepad is not recognized:
Check the cable (try another one). USB-port)
Restart the TV.
Update the TV firmware to the latest version
Reset the gamepad settings (Reset button on the back panel)-->
Xbox Controller or DualSense may require additional configuration:
Settings → Devices → Gamepads → Enable XInput mode⚠️ Attention: On the TVs Xiaomi Mi TV P1 and Q1E When you connect the gamepad via Bluetooth, the sound in the games may disappear. Solution: go to Settings → Sound. → The output device and select TV-dynamics.
Which joystick to choose for specific games
The type of game directly affects the choice of gamepad, for example, for racing, analog triggers are important (like the Xbox Controller), and for fighting games, low input latency (hardwired Gamesir T4) is better.
- 🏎️ Asphalt, Need for Speed: Xbox Wireless Controller or Logitech F310 (owing to sensitive triggers).
- 🎮 Emulators (PS1, N64): 8BitDo SN30 Pro (with DInput support).
- 🔫 Shooters (Call of Duty, PUBG): Razer Kishi Mobile (if you play with a smartphone connected to TV).
- ⚔️ Mortal Kombat (Street Fighter): Wireless Hori Fighting Edge (minimum input lag).
For cloud gaming (Xbox Cloud, GeForce NOW), it is better to choose gamepads with support for XInput - this is Xbox Controller or 8BitDo Pro 2 in X-Mode mode. If you play through Steam Link, check compatibility on the Valve website: some models (for example, Nacon Revolution) require manual configuration in the Big Picture Mode.
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If the game doesn’t recognize the gamepad, try installing the USB/BT Joystick Center app from Google Play, which emulates a virtual controller and works even on outdated Xiaomi firmware.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even with compatible models, errors can occur, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
- 🔌 Joystick connects but doesn't work in games: Check if Game Controller mode is enabled in TV settings (Settings) → Annexes → Update the game via Google Play – some titles (e.g. Genshin Impact) require the latest version to support gamepads.
- 🔄 Permanent Bluetooth connection breaks: Reduce the distance between the joystick and the TV (maximum 3 meters). Disable other Bluetooth devices (earphones, keyboards). Reset the Bluetooth cache to TV: Settings → Annexes → System applications → Bluetooth → Clear the cache.
- ⚡ Gamepad discharges quickly: Turn off button lights (if any). Use a charging cable while playing (even for wireless models).
If the problem is not solved, check the error log in Settings. → On TV. → System Event Log. Look for coded records. BT_HID_ERROR — This indicates that protocols are incompatible, and in this case, only replacing the gamepad or firmware through the TV will help. ADB (guideline).
How to Update Xiaomi TV Firmware Through ADB
Alternatives: can you use joysticks from consoles
Many users are trying to connect gamepads from PlayStation or Nintendo Switch to Xiaomi TV.
- 🎮 DualShock 4 (PS4): It works via Bluetooth, but without the support of a gyroscope and touchpad. In games, it can be defined as an "unknown device".
- 🏆 Joy-Con (Nintendo Switch): Connect only via adapter 8BitDo Wireless Adapter 2 (Standing) ~2 500 ₽). Delay in input high (~100 ms).
- 🖱️ Steam Controller: Not compatible with MIUI TV — requires root access to set up.
Important: Xbox Series X|S (2020+ models) gamepads connect to Xiaomi TV only through the official Xbox Wireless Adapter, but even then they may not work in games that only support DInput (for example, old emulators).
If you want to use Joy-Con or Pro Controller from Switch, note that they don’t support XInput, so most Android games will have incorrect buttons assigned. OTG-cable, but it's paid (~500 ₽/month) and may conflict with MIUI TV.
Where to buy and what to pay attention when buying
When choosing a joystick for Xiaomi TV, pay attention to:
- 📋 Bluetooth Version: For Bluetooth 4.0 TV (e.g. Mi) TV 4A) Only gamepads with Bluetooth 4.2 or lower will work.
- 🔋 Type of power: Joysticks with battery (8BitDo Pro 2 is more convenient than the Xbox Controller).
- 🎛️ Availability of analog sticks: Hall Effect sticks are required for racing and shooters (do not wear out as in DualSense).
- 🔄 Firmware support: Check if the manufacturer’s website has an update for Android TV.
Buy gamepads better in official stores:
- 🛒 Mi Store - for models 8BitDo Gamesir (12-month warranty).
- 🛒 Microsoft Store – for original Xbox Controller (24 month warranty).
- 🛒 Amazon – for imported models (for example, Razer Kishi).
The cost of joysticks varies from 1,500 ₽ (Budget Ipega up to 8,000 ₽ (Xbox Elite 2 Premium, Optimal Price/Quality Balance — 8BitDo Pro 2 (~4 500 ₽) or gamesir T4 Kaleid (~3 000 ₽).
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Before buying, check the compatibility reviews specifically for your Xiaomi TV model – even within the same lineup (e.g., the Mi TV Q2 55" and Q2 65") there may be differences in gamepad support.