Connecting the joystick to the Xiaomi phone through USB: complete instruction with error solutions

Game controllers have long ceased to be the privilege of only PCs and consoles. Modern Xiaomi smartphones based on Android easily turn into full-fledged gaming platforms - just connect the joystick through USB-OTG. But not everyone knows that for proper operation requires not only a physical connection, but also the correct system settings, the choice of compatible equipment and sometimes even manual installation of drivers.

In this article, we will examine the whole process from A to Z: from checking support. OTG We will focus on typical errors (for example, when a joystick is defined as an “unknown device”) and how to fix them. If you want to play Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile or console emulators with a full-fledged gamepad – this guide is for you.

What joysticks are compatible with Xiaomi USB

Not every controller will work with a smartphone USB. Basic compatibility criteria:

• 🎮 Official Android support: Joysticks with the Made for Android logo (e.g. Xbox Wireless Controller 2020)+ Razer Kishi is guaranteed to be recognized by the system.
• 🔌 Type of connection: Needs a controller with a connector USB Type-C or Micro-USB (for older models) + adapter OTG.
• 🖥️ Protocol HID: The device must emulate the standard Human Interface Device (tested in specifications).
• ⚙️ Drivers: Some Chinese gamepads (e.g. iPega or Gamesir) require manual installation APK-driver.

Among the tested models:

Critical nuance: Xiaomi smartphones on MediaTek processors (Redmi Note series) 10/11, POCO M4) Some gamepads may not recognize some of the gamepads due to the limitations of the Linux kernel in the firmware, in which case only the firmware of a custom Recovery (for example, OrangeFox) with a patch will help. USB Host Mode.

Verification of support USB-OTG on your Xiaomi

Before you buy an adapter or joystick, make sure your smartphone supports it. OTG (On-the-Go. Checking methods:

1. Through Settings: Open Settings → The phone. → All the characteristics. USB OTG — should be indicated supported.
2. Using the app: Install USB OTG Checker from Google Play.The app will show support status and current voltage on the port.
3. Physical Test: Connect through the adapter OTG anyone USB-flash drive (formatted into FAT32). If the phone offers to open files, there is support.

Xiaomi models with guaranteed support OTG (2020–2026.):

• 📱 Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra (USB 3.2 Gen1)
• 📱 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (portable USB-C)
• 📱 POCO F5/F5 Pro (full compatibility with XInput)
• 📱 Black Shark 5/5 Pro (optimized for gamepads)

⚠️ Note: Some budget models (e.g. Redmi) A1 or POCO C50) function OTG It can be turned off in the firmware, and then only the flashing on the firmware will help. MIUI EU or Pixel Experience.

Step-by-step instructions for connecting a joystick

Once you've made sure the hardware is compatible, we'll move on to the connection.

• 🔌 adapter USB-OTG (Type-C or Micro-USB, depending on the port of the phone).
• 🎮 Joystick with cable USB (or wireless adapter if used 2.4G dongle).
• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with the developer mode enabled (optional, for advanced settings).

Step 1. Turn on the mode. OTG

On most devices, the function is activated automatically when connected.

1. Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → USB.
2. Turn on the option. USB OTG (if).
3. In the menu For developers (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap it 7 times) activate the debugging USB.

Step 2. Connect the joystick.

Keep the sequence:

Put it in. OTG-port-adapter|Connect the joystick to the adapter (not vice versa!)|Wait for the audible signal connection|Check the notification "USB-plug-in"-->

Step 3: Set up a controller in the system

After connection:

1. Open the Settings. → Connected devices → Joystick.
2. Select your gamepad in the list and click Set up.
3. You can check the operation of the buttons in the Controller Test menu (if available).

Step 4: Calibration (if necessary)

If the analog sticks are not working correctly:

1. Install the Game Controller Tester app from Google Play.
2. Run the axle and button test.
3. If the values "float" - perform calibration in the application settings.

💡

If the joystick is defined as an “unknown device”, try connecting it to your PC and updating the gamepad firmware through the manufacturer’s official software (for example, 8BitDo Ultimate Software).

Solving common problems

Even with the right connection, you can have errors.

1.The joystick is not determined by the system

Causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Power shortage: Some gamepads (like DualSense) require more current than the Xiaomi port can provide. OTG-feed-in.
• 🔄 Firmware conflict: On MIUI 13/14 It can trigger blocking of uncertified devices. → Special facilities → Input devices → Blocking of unknowns USB-device.
• 🛠️ No drivers: For Gamesir or iPega, download proprietary software from the official website.

2. the buttons are not working correctly (clicking on their own)

This is a typical problem for DualShock 4 and DualSense because of protocol conflict.

• 🎛️ Switch the gamepad to X-Input mode (if there is a switch like the one you have). 8BitDo).
• 📱 Install the Sixaxis Controller app (requires root or patched firmware).
• 🔧 Manually reassign buttons in the game settings (for example, in the game). PPSSPP Or Dolphin Emulator).

Delays in entry (lag)

Lag at USB-Connections are less common than Bluetooth, but are possible because of the:

• 📶 Background Activity: Close all applications through Settings → Annexes → Launched.
• 🔋 Energy savings: Turn off battery optimization to play Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.
• 🔌 Cable Quality: Use a Certified Cable USB 3.0 not exceeding 1 meter in length.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global Stable may trigger background activity restriction USB-To avoid this, add the game to the list No limits in battery settings.

Joystick settings in games and emulators

Connecting a gamepad is half the battle. Now you have to configure it in specific applications.

1 Native support in mobile games

Most modern games (for example, Call of Duty: Mobile, PUBG New State, Genshin Impact, automatically recognizes the connected controller:

1. Start the game and go to Settings → Management.
2. Select Gamepad or Controller mode.
3. Follow the tips on the screen for calibrating sticks.

Games with full support for gamepads on Xiaomi:

2.Consoles emulators

For emulators (PPSSPP, Dolphin, RetroArch setup is more difficult:

1. V PPSSPP: Settings → Management → Set up the controller → Attach buttons Assign each joystick button to virtual emulator keys.
2. In Dolphin Emulator: Settings → Controllers → GameCube Configuration Select Standard Controller and execute binding.
3. In RetroArch: Settings → Entering → Input device binding Use Autoconfig if your gamepad is in the database.

3. Applications for emulation of the keyboard

If the game does not support gamepads, but there is control from the keyboard (for example, in Roblox or Among Us), use:

• 🎯 Octopus – emulates touches across the screen via a gamepad (requires root or ADB).
• 🖥️ Tincore Keymapper – allows you to assign joystick buttons to virtual keys (WASD, Space, etc.).
• 🕹️ GameKeyboard - a simplified version for non-root devices.

💡

For Octopus to work properly, it is necessary to disable MIUI Optimization in the Developer Settings (Settings) → For developers → Turn off optimization MIUI).

Alternative ways of connecting

If the USB connection doesn’t work or isn’t comfortable, consider alternatives:

1. Wireless Bluetooth connection

Most modern gamepads (Xbox Series X, DualSense, 8BitDo) Bluetooth support:

• 🔗 No wire binding (convenient for long gaming sessions).
• 🔋 Less load on the port USB-C (It is important for Xiaomi budget models).

How to connect:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and put the gamepad into pairing mode (click the Share button). + PS DualSense or the Xbox Sync button).
2. In the Bluetooth menu on your phone, select your controller.
3. Confirm the pairing (you may need to enter the code 0000).

2. Connection through 2.4G adapter

Some gamepads (e.g. Gamesir) T4 or iPega PG-9087) supplied USB-I'm a dongle for wireless connectivity:

• 🎛️ Delay input is less than Bluetooth (relevant for competitions).
• 🔋 Required. OTG-adapter for connecting the dongle to the phone.
• ⚠️ Nana MIUI can be blocked as an "unknown device" - you will need to disable the verification of the driver signature through ADB:

adb shell settings put global package_verifier_user_consent 1

3. Cloud gaming services

If you play through Xbox Cloud Gaming, NVIDIA GeForce NOW or Booster, the gamepad can be connected directly to the service:

• 🌐 In the browser (Chrome or Kiwi Browser) open the web version of the service.
• 🎮 Connect the joystick through USB Bluetooth.
• 🔄 In the service settings, select Use the local controller.

💡

For Xbox Cloud Gaming on Xiaomi, it is recommended to use the Edge browser with the #enable-gamepad-extensions flag enabled (enter in the address bar). edge://flags).

Optimizing performance for gamepad games

The joystick that's connected can put extra strain on the system, so you can avoid lags.

1. Performance settings

Activate the performance mode in MIUI:

1. Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Game mode.
2. Turn on Improved Performance and Turn off Automatic Brightness.
3. Add the game to the list of games with high FPS (if maintained).

Refrigeration of the device

Long-term gaming sessions with a connected gamepad increase the heating.

• 🌡️ Use a cooling case (e.g. Black Shark FunCooler).
• 🔋 Close the background applications through Settings → Annexes → Clean up.
• 📉 Set a limit FPS at level 60 (in game settings or through Game Turbo).

3. Battery setup

USB-OTG It can drain the battery quickly, to extend the game time:

• 🔌 Connect your phone to charge (preferably with Quick Charge 3.0 support)+).
• 🔋 Enable Battery Savings mode, but add the game to exceptions.
• 📴 Turn it off. 5G/LTE Use Wi-Fi (if you play online).

adb shell settings put system thermal_engine_disabled 1

Attention:

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting joysticks to Xiaomi