Which gamepad to choose for the Xiaomi TV: compatibility, connectivity and TOP-5 model

Xiaomi TVs based on Android TV Google TV Thousands of games are available through Google Play, Xiaomi Game Center and cloud services like GeForce NOW But it's a pain to control games from the remote control: it's uncomfortable, it's slow, and in dynamic shooters or races, it's impossible. It's a gamepad that comes to the rescue, but not every controller is compatible with firmware. MIUI TV Or it works correctly via Bluetooth 5.0.

In this article, we will analyze the criteria for choosing a gamepad for Xiaomi TV (Mi TV A2 before the flagship Xiaomi TV Q2/Q3), look at 5 We will give you a step-by-step instruction on connecting and eliminating typical problems, from input delay to no response to buttons. TV Stick and hybrid consoles based on Android 12/13.

1. Criteria for choosing a gamepad for Xiaomi TV: point out

Before you buy the first controller, check it for these parameters:

• 🔌 Type of connection: Bluetooth (version no lower) 4.2) wired USB-C/USB-A. Wireless models are more convenient, but they can suffer from lags when the signal is weak. Wireless models are more stable, but they limit freedom of movement.
• 🎮 Compatibility with Android TV: The controller must support the protocol. HID (Human Interface Device and recognized by the system as a “game device” rather than a keyboard or mouse.
• 🔋 Autonomy: for wireless models, battery capacity (from 500 mAh) and operating time (at least 10 hours on a single charge) are important. Some gamepads discharge in 3-4 hours of active play.
• 🕹️ Ergonomics and buttons: the presence of analog sticks, triggers (LT/RT) And vibrations are critical for modern games. NES/SNES) That's enough for a simple D-pad.
• 💰 Price: budget models (up to 3 000) ₽) It is suitable for casual games, and for eSports or AAA-Projects will require a controller of 5,000 ₽.

Pay attention to the firmware of your Xiaomi TV. Android devices TV 9/10 (Like Mi. TV 4S) You may not be able to support new gamepads with Bluetooth protocol LE Audio, while Xiaomi TV Q2 Google TV It works with most modern controllers out of the box".

2. TOP-5 gamepads for Xiaomi TV: rating 2026 year-end

We tested dozens of models and selected the top 5 gamepads that are guaranteed to work with Xiaomi TVs without additional settings. MIUI TV.

Important: Xbox and PlayStation gamepads officially supported by Android TV, But for full operation may require updating the firmware of the TV to the version not lower MIUI TV 3.0 (Android 10).

If your budget is limited, pay attention. IPEGA PG-9087S — This is the best option for the price up to 2,500 ₽. For those who are willing to spend more, 8BitDo Pro 2 offers maximum versatility (works with PCs, smartphones and consoles), and DualSense offers a premium experience with adaptive triggers.

3. How to connect the gamepad to Xiaomi TV: step-by-step

The connection process depends on the type of gamepad (wired or wireless) and the firmware version of the TV. Below is a universal guide that will suit most Xiaomi models. TV (Mi TV 4A Xiaomi TV Q3).

Turn on Bluetooth on your TV (Settings) → Devices → Bluetooth)

Charge the gamepad (minimum 30% battery)

Make sure that the distance between the TV and the controller is not more than 3 meters.

Update the TV firmware to the latest version-->

Connection via Bluetooth

1. Activate the pairing mode on the gamepad (usually hold the Share button). + Home or Pair for 3-5 seconds until the indicator flashes).
2. On the TV, go to Settings → Devices → Add an accessory.
3. Select your gamepad from the list of found devices. If the controller is not displayed, reboot the Bluetooth module of the TV (Settings) → System system → Reboot).
4. Confirm pairing. Some gamepads (e.g. DualSense) may require input. PIN-Code - standard version: 0000.

Connection via USB

For wired gamepads:

1. Connect the controller to the port USB-A or USB-C on the TV (use an adapter if necessary).
2. Wait for automatic recognition. If the gamepad doesn't work, check if it supports X-Input mode (this may require switching the switch on the back, like the one on the back). 8BitDo).
3. Start the game and check the reaction of the buttons. In some cases, you will need to adjust the buttons in the game menu.

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If the gamepad connects but the buttons are not working properly (for example, a cross replaces the sticks), try resetting the controller to the factory settings. This usually requires holding the Reset button (located on the back) for 10 seconds.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even with compatible gamepads, users are faced with bugs, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

🔴 Problem 1: The gamepad is connected but not working in games

Reasons:

• The game does not support gamepads (check the description in Google Play).
• The controller is defined as a keyboard/mouse (typical for cheap models).
• Conflict with other connected devices (for example, remote control).

Decision:

1. Reconnect the gamepad in X-Input mode (if there is a switch).
2. Turn off other Bluetooth devices.
3. Update the firmware of the TV and gamepad (for example, for 8BitDo Use Ultimate Software on your PC).

🔴 Problem 2: Delayed input (lag)

Lags are more likely to occur with wireless gamepads due to:

• Weak Bluetooth signal (walls, interference from other devices)
• Low level of charge of the controller battery.
• CPU overload of the TV (for example, while streaming) 4K-content).

Decision:

• 📶 Move closer to the TV (optimally 1-2 meters).
• 🔋 Charge the gamepad to 100%.
• 🖥️ Close the background apps on the TV (Settings) → Annexes → Launched).
• 🔄 Switch to a wired connection (if possible).

🔴 Problem 3: The gamepad shuts down during the game

This is a problem for cheap controllers with a weak battery or unstable Bluetooth module.

Decision:

• 🔋 Replace batteries (if the gamepad works from the AAA).
• 🔄 Turn off the power saving function on the TV (Settings) → Energy conservation → Turn it off).
• 📱 Reset Bluetooth settings on your TV (Settings) → Devices → Bluetooth → Forget the device, then connect again).

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If the gamepad is turned off precisely when high load (for example, in shooters), the problem may be in the overheating of the Bluetooth module of the TV. In this case, only a wired connection or an external Bluetooth adapter (via an external Bluetooth adapter) will help. USB).

5. Compatible with Xiaomi TV Stick and Hybrid Confidences

Xiaomi TV Stick and consoles like the Mi Box S have the same compatibility limitations as TVs, but with a number of nuances:

• 🖥️ RAM: U TV Stick is only 2GB of RAM, so complex games (like Genshin Impact) can slow down even with a gamepad.
• 🔌 Ports: The Mi Box S has only one USB-A, So you'll need a hub for a wired gamepad.
• 🔄 Updates: Consoles often don’t get the latest Android versions TV, This may cause new gamepads (such as the Xbox Series X Controller) to be unsupported.

For Xiaomi. TV Stick we recommend:

• 🎮 8BitDo SN30 — compact and lightweight, perfect for retro games.
• 🎮 GameSir T4 (wired) – minimal lags, does not require a battery.

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If you're Xiaomi. TV Stick doesn't see the gamepad, try connecting the controller through OTG-adapter (USB-C → USB-A). This often solves problems with device recognition.

6. Alternative ways to manage games on Xiaomi TV

If the gamepad is not suitable for some reason, consider these options:

• 📱 Smartphone as a gamepad: Apps like Octopus or Gamepad Emulator convert touchscreen into a virtual controller.
• 🖱️ Mouse. + Keyboard: Suitable for strategies or simulators (e.g. Minecraft) Connected via Bluetooth or USB.
• 🎮 Cloud-based gamepads: Services like GeForce NOW Xbox Cloud Gaming supports its own controllers (e.g. Xbox Controller) that can be connected directly to the cloud without any restrictions. TV.

For retro game emulators (for example, RetroArch) arcade sticks (for example, arcade sticks) are also suitable, 8BitDo Arcade Stick), but they take up a lot of space and require tuning up the mapping buttons.

7 How to Choose a Gamepad for Specific Games

Not all games work equally well with gamepads. Here are the recommendations for genres:

For cloud services (GeForce) NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming is better to use official controllers from Xbox or PlayStation – they are optimized for streaming and have minimal lags.

FAQ: Frequent questions about gamepads for Xiaomi TV