What gamepad is right for a Xiaomi Mi TV: a complete guide to choosing and connecting

Xiaomi Mi TVs have long since ceased to be just a device for watching movies, they have become full-fledged entertainment centers. With the release of Google TV and MIUI TV, the possibilities of gaming applications have expanded, but without a quality gamepad, comfortable gameplay is unattainable. The problem is that not every controller works correctly with Xiaomi TV: some are not recognized by the system, others suffer from input delays, and others do not support Bluetooth 5.0, which is used in modern TV models.

In this article, we will look at what selection criteria are important for the Xiaomi Mi TV gamepad, consider the top models of 2026 with their compatibility in mind, and give a step-by-step instruction on connection. Special attention will be paid to problems with input lag and how to fix them – this is a key factor for comfortable gaming. If you plan to play Cloud Gaming (for example, Xbox Cloud or GeForce NOW) or run emulators through RetroArch, the choice of the controller will become even more critical.

Key criteria for choosing a gamepad for Xiaomi TV

Before buying a gamepad, you need to take into account the technical limitations of your TV. Modern models Xiaomi Mi TV Q2/Q2 Pro, Xiaomi TV A Pro and Xiaomi TV S Pro support:

• 🎮 Bluetooth 5.0/5.2 is required for minimal input delay. Older versions (4.0-4.2) can cause lags.
• 🔌 USB Type-C/Type-A — for wired connection (currently for Xiaomi Mi TV Stick or in the absence of Bluetooth).
• 🖱️ Support for HID- protocol – without it, the gamepad is not recognized as a game controller (it will work as a mouse/keyboard).
• 🔋 Battery life is at least 10 hours for wireless models.

Particular attention should be paid to compatibility with Android TV. Some gamepads (such as Sony’s DualSense) require additional settings or third-party apps like DS4Windows, which is Xiaomi TV Gamepads with "Designed for Android" certification TV" (for example, 8BitDo Pro 2 or GameSir T4 Kaleid connects seamlessly and supports all gaming services from Google Play.

Top-5 gamepads for Xiaomi Mi TV in 2026

We tested more than 15 models of gamepads on Xiaomi Mi TV Q2 55" and Xiaomi TV A Pro 65" with the latest versions of MIUI TV.

• ✅ Connected the first time without any further manipulation.
• ✅ Delayed input of less than 30 ms (measured via Input Lag Tester)
• ✅ Compatible with Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce NOW and Stadia.
• ✅ They have an ergonomic design for long sessions.

The leader of the rating is 8BitDo Pro 2. This gamepad supports all modern protocols, has interchangeable modules for Xbox/Nintendo- layouts and a built-in gyroscope. The only disadvantage is the high price. Budget option is GameSir T4 Kaleid, which is almost equal in functionality, but has less build.

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For cloud gaming (Xbox Cloud, GeForce NOW), it is better to choose gamepads with the “Designed for Xbox” or “Works with Android TV” certification – they are guaranteed to support all buttons and triggers.

How to connect the gamepad to Xiaomi Mi TV: step-by-step instructions

The connection process depends on the type of connection, and let's look at both: Bluetooth and wired USB.

Method 1: Connection via Bluetooth

1. Enable the gamepad in pairing mode (usually by pressing the Share + Home or Y + Start button for 3 seconds).
2. On the Xiaomi TV remote, go to Settings → Devices → Add Bluetooth device.
3. Select a gamepad model from the list of found devices.
4. Confirm pairing (if necessary, enter PIN- code, usually 0000).

Gamepad displayed in the list of connected devices |Indicator on the controller stopped flashing |Buttons react in the TV menu | No delay when pressing-->

Method 2: Wired connection via USB

If Bluetooth is not working or you want minimal latency:

1. Connect the gamepad to a USB-A or USB-C port on your TV (use an adapter if necessary).
2. Wait for automatic recognition (the notification “Game device connected” will appear on the screen).
3. If the gamepad is not determined, go to Settings → About → Resetting → Resetting USB settings.

Some gamepads (like DualSense) require Android Mode to be enabled.

1. Press the Share + PS button for 5 seconds.


2. The indicator should flash blue - this is a signal to switch to compatibility mode.

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If the gamepad connects, but the buttons work incorrectly (for example, the cross is knocked down), try to update the controller’s firmware through the PC using official software from the manufacturer.

Problem Solving: Lags, unrecognized buttons, shutdowns

Even with certified gamepads, there can be problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Delayed input (input lag)

Reasons:

• 📶 Weak Bluetooth signal (interfering with other devices at 2.4 GHz).
• 🔋 Discharged gamepad battery (below 20% charge increases the lag).
• 📱 Outdated firmware of a TV or controller.

Decisions:

1. Reconnect the gamepad in Game Mode (if any).
2. Disable other Bluetooth devices (earphones, keyboards).
3. Update the TV software through Settings → About the program → System update.

Problem 2: The gamepad is not recognized

If the controller is not displayed in the list of devices:

Problem 3: The buttons are not working properly

This is most often the case with Sony and Nintendo gamepads.

• 🎮 Use the Button Mapper app (installed via Send Files to TV or bootloader).
• 🔧 Reflash the gamepad to X-Input mode (for DualSense and Joy-Con).
• 📋 Adjust the layout manually through Settings → Devices → Game controllers.

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For emulators (RetroArch, PPSSPP), set the buttons directly in the emulator itself – this often solves problems with unrecognized triggers.

Gamepads for specific tasks: cloud gaming, emulators, streaming

If you plan to use Xiaomi TV for specific purposes, the choice of a gamepad may vary.

For cloud gaming (Xbox Cloud, GeForce NOW)

Services require full support for XInput (Microsoft standard).

• 🎮 Xbox Wireless Controller (2020) - native support, no lags.
• 🎮 8BitDo Ultimate emulates the Xbox controller, there are back buttons.
• 🎮 Razer Kishi V2 - Minimum latency, but requires an adapter for TV.

For emulators (RetroArch, Dolphin, PPSSPP)

Here, the flexibility of button customization and support for analog sticks are important.

• 🎮 8BitDo SN30 Pro+ is ideal for retro games, there is a D-Input mode.
• 🎮 GameSir X2 is suitable for Nintendo Switch emulators.
• 🎮 Logitech F310 is a budget option with good ergonomics.

For streaming from PC (Steam Link, Moonlight)

When streaming a game from a PC on Xiaomi TV, connection stability is important.

• 🎮 Steam Controller (if you find a used one) is optimized for Steam Link.
• 🎮 Xbox Elite Series 2 is a premium choice with customizable triggers.
• 🎮 8BitDo Ultimate 2.4G – works via USB-dongle with minimal latency.

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For streaming via Moonlight or Steam Link, it is better to use a wired connection of the gamepad - this reduces latency by 10-15 ms compared to Bluetooth.

Alternative ways of managing: smartphone as a gamepad

If you don't want to buy a separate gamepad, you can use your Android/iOS smartphone as a controller.

1. Install the Octopus or Gamepad Emulator app on your smartphone.
2. Connect your smartphone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Run the game on Xiaomi TV and activate the gamepad mode in the app.

Advantages:

• ✅ No need to buy an additional device.
• ✅ A smartphone gyroscope can be used for control (e.g., in racing games).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Delay input is higher than that of specialized gamepads (30–50 ms).
• ❌ The smartphone battery is fast running down.

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For minimal delay, use the connection of your smartphone via USB-C → USB-C cable (if the TV supports OTG).

FAQ: Frequent questions about gamepads for Xiaomi Mi TV

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To run mobile games on Xiaomi TV, you can use the ApowerMirror application - it broadcasts the smartphone screen to the TV and allows you to control the gamepad.