Xiaomi TVs (Mi series) TV, Redmi Smart TV, Xiaomi TV A Pros are no longer just a movie-watching device. TV Android TV On board, they have turned into full-fledged gaming platforms capable of running emulators, cloud services (NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming and even Xbox Cloud Gaming AAA-projects via Steam Link. But for a comfortable game, the standard remote control is clearly not suitable - here you can not do without a full-fledged gamepad.
In this article, we’ll look at all of the 2026 Xiaomi TV-compatible models, from budget solutions to premium haptic-return devices. You’ll learn which controllers are supported out of the box and which will require manual adjustment via ADB or third-party apps. We’ll focus on the nuances of Bluetooth, USB and 2.4GHz connectivity with step-by-step instructions and problem-solving (e.g., when the gamepad is defined as an “unknown device”).
1. Officially supported gamepads: what is guaranteed to work
Xiaomi’s Android TV 9.0+ (which is almost all of the 2019 models) has built-in support for standard input protocols, including HID (Human Interface Device) and XInput, which means that most modern gamepads will be recognized automatically without additional drivers.
- 🎮 Sony DualSense (PS5) — It works on Bluetooth, but without tactile returns (on Xiaomi). TV It doesn't support any application).
- 🎮 Microsoft Xbox Series X|S Controller – the best choice for cloud gaming (full compatibility with Xbox Cloud Gaming).
- 🎮 Xiaomi Game Controller – the official gamepad from Xiaomi, optimized for MIUI TV (but sold separately).
- 🎮 8BitDo Pro 2 — universal controller with switchable modes (XInput/DInput/Switch).
Important: Even if the gamepad is supported, some features may be limited. e.g. DualSense on Xiaomi TV It won't vibrate in games, and the Xbox Controller may not display the charge indicator correctly. TV, not the devices themselves.
2. Wireless gamepads: Bluetooth vs. 2.4 GHz
Bluetooth connectivity is the most versatile way, but not always the most stable.The fact is that many Xiaomi TVs use Bluetooth 4.2, which can give input lag delays up to 30-50 ms. For most games, this is not critical, but in shooters or fighting games, the difference is noticeable.
The alternative is gamepads with 2.4 GHz adapter (e.g, 8BitDo Ultimate or Razer Kishi. They're connected by USB-port and provide a delay at the level 5-10 And that's the equivalent of wired devices. USB-Port (relevant to Xiaomi) TV s 1-2 plug-in).
| Type of connection | Delay (MS) | Compatibility | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth 4.2 | 30-50 | All models of Xiaomi TV | Possible lags, discharges the gamepad battery faster |
| Bluetooth 5.0 | 15-25 | Xiaomi TV A2/A Pro, Redmi Smart TV X2022+ | Firmware update required |
| 2.4 GHz adapter | 5-10 | Anybody. USB-port | It takes up port, adapter is easy to lose |
| Wire (USB) | 1-5 | All models. | Limited cable length, inconvenient for the sofa |
⚠️ Attention: If your Xiaomi TV The gamepad doesn't see Bluetooth, check the firmware version. On models up to 2020 (e.g. Mi). TV 4S 55") may require manual updates through Settings → On TV. → Updating the system.
3. Wired gamepads: cheap and angry
Wired controllers are ideal for those who don’t want to mess with settings or are afraid of delays.The main advantage is: plagi-n-play (plug and play). Most budget models on AliExpress or Amazon (for example, EasySMX Wired or PowerA Enhanced Wired).>) Xiaomi will be recognized TV standard HID-device.
However, there are pitfalls:
- 🔌 Cable length: optimal 2-3 Longer cables can cause interference.
- 🔌 Compatibility with USB-Ports: Some cheap gamepads require USB 2.0, and Xiaomi TV often equipped only USB 3.0 (blue connectors).
- 🔌 Power: if the gamepad does not turn on, try to connect it through USB-feed-in.
Does Xiaomi support the TV USB OTG (If so, any gamepad will work)|
Cable length of at least 2 meters |
Home button (to access the Android TV menu) |
Compatible with XInput (for cloud gaming)-->
For maximum compatibility, choose XInput-based gamepads (like the Xbox 360 Controller) that are guaranteed to work with Steam Link, Moonlight and other streaming services.
4.Setting up the gamepad via ADB: for advanced users
If your gamepad is defined as an “unknown device” or buttons are not working properly, you may need to manually adjust via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method suitable for power users, as it requires connecting the TV to a PC.
Here are the basic commands for diagnosis:
Adb devices # Checking the connection to TV
adb shell dumpsys input # List of connected input devices
adb shell getevent -l # Monitor button presses (for debugging)Frequent problem: the gamepad connects, but buttons LB/RB or LT/RT It's treated by editing the file. /system/usr/keylayout/Vendor_XXXX_Product_XXXX.kl (where XXXX — ID But on Xiaomi, on your device. TV With blocked root access, this is impossible to do - you will have to use third-party applications like USB/BT Joystick Center.
⚠️ Attention: Wrong commands ADB You can reset your TV settings. Before experimenting, back up through Settings. → Accounts and backups → Backup and restoration.
How to find out your gamepad ID?
5.The best gamepads for specific tasks
The choice of a gamepad depends on what games you plan to use it for, and here are the best options for different scenarios:
| Script | Recommended gamepad | Reason. | Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud Games (Xbox Cloud, GeForce NOW) | Microsoft Xbox Series X Controller | Native support for XInput, low input lag | 5 000 — 6 500 ₽ |
| Emulators (PS2, Nintendo 64) | 8BitDo Pro 2 | Switching modes (DInput/XInput), analog triggers | 4 500 — 5 500 ₽ |
| Local Games (Asphalt 9, Minecraft) | Xiaomi Game Controller | Optimized for MIUI TV, compact | 2 500 — 3 000 ₽ |
| Professional gaming streaming | Razer Kishi Mobile + USB-C hub | Minimum input lag, ergonomics | 9 000 — 11 000 ₽ |
For children or casual games suitable budget options like GameSir T4 Kaleid (around 2,000) ₽), For eSports, it is better to invest in Razer Wolverine. V2 mechanically-buttoned.
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If you play through Steam Link, in the application settings, enable the option “Forced use of XInput” – this will solve problems with the incorrect operation of the buttons on some gamepads.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even with compatible gamepads, Xiaomi TV users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
- 🔄 Gamepad connects, but shuts down after 5 minutes Problem in power saving Bluetooth.Solution: go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and disable the "Auto-disconnect devices" option".
- 🎯 The buttons are not working properly (e.g., "A" works as "B") This is typical for gamepads with non-standard layout. USB/BT Joystick Center from Google Play and reassign buttons manually.
- 🔋 The gamepad is not charged from USB-port of television Ports USB Xiaomi TV They often have a current limit (500 mA). USB-Powered hub or charge the gamepad separately.
- 🔊 The sound from the gamepad does not go to the Xiaomi TV TV It does not support audio output to Bluetooth devices (except headphones). HDMI ARC effluent.
⚠️ Warning: If after connecting the gamepad TV began to brake, check the load on the CPU. Some cheap Bluetooth gamepads create background processes that load the processor, so the solution is to reboot the TV or turn off unnecessary input devices.
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Before buying a gamepad, check its compatibility with Android TV on the manufacturer’s website. Even if the device works with Android smartphones, this does not guarantee support on the TV.