Connecting the Defender gamepad to the Xiaomi TV: all ways + mistake-making

Defender gamepads are popular controllers for gamers, but their connection to Xiaomi TVs is often questionable. Unlike PCs or consoles, smart TVs have limited support for peripherals, and the pairing algorithm may vary depending on the TV model and firmware version. This article will help you figure out how to properly connect the Defender GameSir gamepad. T4, Defender Bumblebee or other models for the Xiaomi Mi TV TV 4/5, Redmi Smart TV Xiaomi TV A Pro – both wirelessly and via cable.

We will look at all the current ways of connecting (Bluetooth, USB-OTG, Adapters, we will analyze typical errors (for example, when the TV does not see the gamepad or buttons do not work) and give recommendations for setting up games through Google Play Games, NVIDIA GeForce NOW Or emulators, and we'll focus on the nuances of firmware compatibility. MIUI TV and limitations of specific gamepad models.

What Defender gamepads are compatible with Xiaomi TVs

Not all Defender controllers work equally well with Xiaomi TVs.

• 🎮 Support for Bluetooth 4.0+ — Older models (e.g. 2018 Defender GamePad) may not be recognized.
• 🔌 Presence USB-port for wired connection through OTG-cable (relevant to Xiaomi Mi) TV Stick or models without Bluetooth).
• 🖱️ Regime "X-Input/D-Input" — some Android games TV require Xbox controller emulation (e.g. Defender Bumblebee supports both modes).

The table below shows the proven gamepad models and their compatibility with popular Xiaomi TVs:

If your model is not in the table, check its characteristics on the official Defender website or in the instructions. Pay special attention to the connection protocol: gamepads with proprietary protocols (for example, for PlayStation) will not work with Xiaomi. TV without additional adapters.

Preparing Xiaomi TV to connect the gamepad

Before pairing, you need to make sure that the TV is ready to work with external input devices.

Update the firmware to the latest version

Turn on Bluetooth in the settings

Connect. USB-hub (if you use it) OTG)

Install a gamepad testing app (e.g. Game Controller Tester)

Disable other Bluetooth devices (earphones, keyboards)-->

The most reliable way to check the relevance of firmware is to go to Settings → On TV. → Update the system. MIUI TV Over 2022, update it online or manually (instructions below).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with firmware below MIUI TV 2.5 may not be supported HID-Devices (gamepads, keyboards) In this case, you will need to manually update through the USB-accumulator.

For wireless connection:

1. Open Settings → Devices and accessories → Bluetooth.
2. Activate the Bluetooth slider (if it’s gray, check if Wi-Fi is on, as some Bluetooth models rely on wireless networking).
3. Click Add Device and select the Game Controller (if there is no such option, select Other Device).

For wired connection through USB:

• 🔌 Use it. OTG-cable (ordinary) USB-USB won't fit!).
• 🎯 Connect the gamepad to the port USB 2.0 (usually marked in blue) - ports USB 3.0 may not recognize the input devices.
• ⚡ If the TV doesn’t respond, try turning off the TV for 30 seconds).

Step-by-step: connect the Defender gamepad over Bluetooth

Wireless is the most convenient way, but it requires the right sequence of actions. Let's take Defender GameSir for example. T4:

1. Activate the pairing mode on the gamepad: Press the Home button (or Share). + Start on Bumblebee for 3 seconds until the light flashes. On some models, you need to hold the Mode button until the blue LED lights up.

Add the device to the TV:

Settings → Devices and accessories → Bluetooth → Add device → GameSir T4 (or your model)

If the gamepad is not displayed, update the list of devices (Update button in the upper right corner).

Confirm the conjugation:

You'll see a connection request on the TV screen, select Connect. PIN-code, try 0000 or 1234.

After a successful connection, check the gamepad in a test application (for example, the Game Controller Tester from Google Play).

• 🔄 Reboot the gamepad (click Home) + Start for 10 seconds).
• 📱 Remove the device from the list of conjugates and reconnect.
• 🔧 Check if Android mode is enabled in the gamepad settings (on some models it switches with the Mode button).

Wired connection through USB-OTG: nuances and limitations

If your Xiaomi TV doesn’t support Bluetooth (e.g. Mi). TV 4A 32" without module) or the gamepad is not recognized wirelessly, use USB-That's gonna take a cable:

• 🔌 OTG-cable (Micro-USB or USB-C depending on the port on TV).
• 🎮 Gamepad with support for wired mode (most Defender models work on the same USB).
• ⚡ Power supply OTG (If the TV does not provide enough electricity).

Instructions:

1. Connect. OTG-cable USB-TV port (preferably) USB 2.0).
2. Connect the gamepad to the cable (use the original cord from Defender, if you have one).
3. Wait for automatic recognition (on the screen may appear notification Connected USB-inputer).
4. Check the work in the game or test application.

Important: on Xiaomi Mi TVs TV 4C Redmi Smart TV X USB-The port may not supply enough power for the gamepad. USB-External powered hub or connect charging to OTG-cable through the Y-splitter.

💡

If the gamepad is defined as an “unknown device”, try connecting it to the TV via a computer. USB-This often solves the problem of power shortages, especially on budget models Xiaomi.

Setting up a gamepad for games on Android TV

Even after a successful connection, the gamepad may not work in games. TV It has limited controller support compared to regular Android on smartphones. Here's how to set up compatibility:

1. Check in-game controller support: Not all games on Google Play are optimized for gamepads. Check the game description for support for gamepads or Controller Support before installing.
2. Set up button emulation: If the game doesn't recognize the gamepad, use apps like Octopus or Tincore Keymapper to emulate touches. TV These applications may require ADB-access.
3. Update the firmware of the gamepad: Some Defender models (e.g. GameSir) T4) Require firmware updates to work properly with Android TV. Download the GameSir App utility to your smartphone, connect the gamepad and check for updates.

For cloud services (NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming):

• 🎮 In the settings of the service, select Controller: Gamepad.
• 🔄 If the gamepad is not recognized, switch it to X-Input mode (to emulate the Xbox controller).
• 📱 In GeForce. NOW You may need to manually pair your gamepad through the Settings menu → Controller.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with firmware MIUI TV 3.0+ Some cloud services (e.g. Stadia) block the use of uncertified gamepads, in which case only the official Stadia or Xbox controller will help.

Solving common problems

Even with the right connection, there can be errors, and let's look at the typical cases and how to fix them:

1.The TV doesn't see the gamepad in the list of Bluetooth devices

• 🔋 Check the gamepad charge (plug in to charge for 10 minutes).
• 🔄 Reset Bluetooth settings to TV: Settings → Devices → Bluetooth → Three dots (menu) → Reset the settings.
• 📱 Make sure the gamepad is not connected to another device (turn it off in the smartphone/PC settings).

2. the gamepad is connected, but the buttons are not working

• 🎯 Check the gamepad mode: on Defender Bumblebee, hold the Mode 3 seconds to switch between X-Input and D-Input.
• 🔧 Update the TV firmware (in older versions) MIUI TV lack of support HID-device).
• 🖥️ Install the app USB/BT Joystick Center for Diagnostics (will show if the gamepad is recognized by the system).

3 Delayed input (lag) during play

• 📶 For Bluetooth: reduce the distance between the gamepad and the TV (maximum 3 meters).
• 🔌 For USB: Use a short cable (up to 1 meter) and connect to the port USB 2.0.
• 🔄 In TV settings, turn off Energy Saving (may limit Bluetooth performance).

💡

If the Defender gamepad is defined as a "mouse" or "keyboard," it means it's running in the wrong mode. switch it to Gamepad Mode (usually by Mode button or Select combination). + Start).

Alternative ways of connecting

If the standard methods don’t work, try alternatives:

1. Connection via Bluetooth 4.0 adapter

If the built-in Bluetooth TV module does not support the gamepad, use an external adapter (for example, TP-Link). UB400):

1. Connect the adapter to USB-television-port.
2. Activate the pairing mode on the gamepad.
3. In Bluetooth TV settings, select Add Device – the adapter must define the gamepad as USB HID Device.

2. Use of Android consoles (e.g, NVIDIA Shield)

If your Xiaomi TV does not support system-level gamepads, plug in the external console:

• 🎮 Connect the gamepad to the console (for example, via Bluetooth).
• 🔌 Connect the set-top box to the TV on HDMI.
• 🖥️ Run the games through the console – it will provide full compatibility.

3. emulation via PC (for cloud gaming)

If you play through GeForce NOW or Xbox Cloud Gaming, you can connect the gamepad to the PC, and then broadcast the image to the TV:

1. Connect the gamepad to the PC via Bluetooth or USB.
2. Run the game on your PC and stream the screen to your TV via Miracast or Steam Link.
3. Use the gamepad on your PC – input will be transmitted to the TV without delay.

This method is relevant for Xiaomi models TV, where it is impossible to update the firmware or enable support for gamepads at the system level.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting the Defender gamepad to Xiaomi TV