How to connect the Xbox gamepad to the Xiaomi TV: all the ways + fixing

Connecting the Xbox gamepad to the Xiaomi TV opens up new opportunities for gaming: from cloud services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce NOW But many users are facing problems โ€” the TV can't see the controller, the buttons are not working correctly, or the connection is constantly broken, USB, adapter, nuances of compatibility with different models of Xiaomi (from Mi) TV 4A before Q2 QLED) We will provide a checklist to eliminate typical errors.

Itโ€™s important to keep in mind that not all Xbox gamepads work equally well with Android. TV โ€” For example, older Xbox 360 models require a special adapter, and Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One (review 2016)+) They support direct Bluetooth connectivity, and the TV firmware version also plays a role. MIUI TV There were bugs before 2022 that had been patched in the updates, and if your TV hasn't been updated in a while, check for new versions of the software first.

1. Compatibility of Xbox gamepads with Xiaomi TVs

Not all Xbox controllers can be connected to Xiaomi TV Here's the compatibility table:

Gamepad modelBluetoothUSB (wire)Xbox Wireless AdapterNotes
Xbox Series X|S (2020)โœ… Yes.โœ… Yes.โœ… Yes.The best option for Android TV. Maintains low latency
Xbox One (2016+)โœ… Yes.โœ… Yes.โœ… Yes.Requires updates to the controller firmware
Xbox One (2013โ€“2015)โŒ No.โœ… Yes.โœ… Yes.Need an original wireless console from Microsoft
Xbox 360โŒ No.โœ… Yes (with adapter)โŒ No.Adapter to the USB oral

If your gamepad does not support Bluetooth (for example, the old Xbox One revision), you will have to use the new version. USB-cable or purchase a wireless adapter Xbox Wireless (official from Microsoft is worth the cost of the ~3 000 โ‚ฝ). Alternative - non-original adapters on AliExpress (from 800) โ‚ฝ), But they can work in an unstable way.

โš ๏ธ Attention: Xiaomi TVs based on Android TV 9 and below do not support the XInput protocol over Bluetooth, in which case even a compatible gamepad will be recognized as an "unknown device". USB-connection.

Before buying an adapter, check if your TV supports the device. OTG (On-The-Go: Most Xiaomi models (except the budget Mi) TV 4A mi TV 4S) It's available, but it can be disabled in the settings:

  1. Connect to the TV flash drive through USB.
  2. If the TV recognizes it โ€” OTG work.
  3. If not, go to the settings. โ†’ Devices โ†’ USB and enable the option Data Transfer.
๐Ÿ“Š What Xbox Gamepad Are You Using?
Xbox Series X
S
Xbox One (2016+)
Xbox One (2013โ€“2015)
Xbox 360
Other

2. Connecting Xbox gamepad over Bluetooth

This is the most convenient way, but it only works with Xbox Series X models.|S and Xbox One (review 2016)+). Instructions:

Turn on the gamepad (press the Xbox button for 3 seconds)

Make sure your TV supports Bluetooth 4.0+

Disconnect the gamepad from other devices (PC, consoles)

Charge the controller (battery level is not lower than 30%)-->

  1. Activate the pairing mode on the gamepad: Press the pairing button (a small button on top next to the USB-The display on the gamepad will flash quickly, which means that it is ready to connect.
  2. On Xiaomi TV go to: Settings โ†’ Devices โ†’ Add an accessory โ†’ Bluetooth.
  3. In the list, find a device called the Xbox Wireless Controller and select it.
  4. Confirm the pairing. The gamepad should vibrate and the indicator should go out (connection).

If the TV doesn't find the gamepad:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reboot the TVโ€™s Bluetooth module: Turn off and turn on Bluetooth in the settings.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Remove old pairings: go to Settings โ†’ Bluetooth, find the saved devices and remove them.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Check the battery of the gamepad โ€“ at low charge Bluetooth may not work.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Update the firmware of the gamepad through Xbox Accessories App on PC.

โš ๏ธ Attention: On Xiaomi TVs with Android TV 10 and later may trigger a bug when the gamepad connects, but the buttons do not work in games. โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Special facilities โ†’ Input Devices and manually select Xbox Controller as the primary device.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the gamepad connects but the buttons in the games are not working correctly (for example, A is pressed as B), try resetting the controller) + Xbox button for 10 seconds until the gamepad vibrates twice.

3. Connection through USB-cable

If Bluetooth doesn't work, or you have an old gamepad, you can use a wired connection.

  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Cable USB-A โ†’ USB-C (Xbox Series X|S) or USB-A โ†’ Micro-USB (for Xbox One).
  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ USB-Ports on TV (it is better to use the port) USB 3.0 if there is).

Step-by-step:

  1. Connect the gamepad to the TV with a cable. The notification on the screen should appear.
  2. If the notification doesn't show up, check: Cable for integrity (try another). port USB on the TV (try another port). USB-debugging in Settings โ†’ Devices โ†’ Developer (turn on if turned off).

Game Controller Tester

Google Play

Advantages USB-connection:

  • โšก No input delay (important for shooters and fighting games).
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ The gamepad charges during the game.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ It works even on older TVs without Bluetooth 4.0.+.

Disadvantages:

  • ๐Ÿšซ Limited cable length (maximum 2-3 meters without extension cord).
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Occupying. USB-port that could be used for a flash drive or sound card.
What to do if the TV does not recognize the gamepad USB?
If the TV does not respond to the connection of the gamepad, the problem may be: 1. Power shortage - try to connect the gamepad through USB-External powered hub. 2. Incompatible protocol โ€“ old Xbox 360 gamepads require a special driver that is not sewn into Android TV. The solution is to use the Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver for Windows (but it doesnโ€™t guarantee youโ€™ll be able to run on your TV). 3. Check for damaged port. USB-TV port with another device (for example, keyboard).

4. Connect via Xbox Wireless adapter

If you have an Xbox One (2013โ€“2015) or Xbox Series X|S, but Bluetooth does not work, you can use the official Xbox Wireless adapter (article: X9F-00001). He's plugging in to USB-port of the TV and allows you to connect gamepads without wire, as on the console.

Instructions:

  1. Connect the adapter to USB-television-port.
  2. Press the button on the adapter (white indicator will light up).
  3. On the gamepad, press the pairing button (as when connecting to the console).
  4. Wait until the indicator on the adapter stops flashing (it will burn smoothly).

Advantages of the adapter:

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Full compatibility with all Xbox gamepads (including old ones).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Low latency (better than Bluetooth).
  • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ Support for up to 8 gamepads at the same time.

Disadvantages:

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Expensive (official adapter is expensive) ~3 000 โ‚ฝ).
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Occupying. USB-port (as with wired connection).
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ It works only within a radius of 3-5 meters from the TV.

โš ๏ธ Note: Non-original adapters (e.g., AliExpress) may not work with Android TV Read reviews with Xiaomi mention before buying TV.

5. Gamepad settings in games and emulators

Even if the gamepad is connected to the TV, it may not work in games.

5.1. Checking the recognition of the gamepad

Download the Game Controller Tester (or similar) from Google Play and check:

  • All buttons and axles are working.
  • Whether the clicks are displayed correctly (e.g., A is not registered as B).
  • Is there a delay between tapping and reaction on the screen?

5.2. Configuring in cloud services

For Xbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud):

  1. Open the Xbox Game Pass app on your TV.
  2. Go to Settings โ†’ Input devices.
  3. Choose the Xbox Wireless Controller.
  4. If the gamepad is not displayed, reconnect it.

For GeForce NOW:

  • Start the game.
  • In the game settings menu, select Controller Settings.
  • Set the controller type as XInput (not DirectInput).

Set-up in emulators

In emulators (RetroArch, PPSSPP, Dolphin: You need to manually tie the buttons:

  1. Open the control settings in the emulator.
  2. Select Configure Input or similar.
  3. Press the button on the gamepad you want to link (e.g., A).
  4. Confirm the binding in the emulator.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the game or emulator defines the gamepad as "Generic Controller", try changing the mode of operation of the gamepad. + Xbox for 5 seconds until the light flashes. This switches the protocol from XInput to DirectInput and back again.

6. Solving typical problems

Letโ€™s look at the most common mistakes and ways to correct them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
TV doesn't see gamepad on BluetoothOutdated firmware of a TV or gamepadUpdate your TV and gamepad firmware through Xbox Accessories App
The gamepad is connected, but the buttons are not working.Conflict of protocols (XInput/DirectInput)Switch the gamepad mode (click Share). + Xbox 5sec)
Permanent breaks of Bluetooth connectionInterference from other devices (Wi-Fi, microwave)Reconnect the gamepad or use it USB/adapter
In games, the gamepad works, but with a large delay.Weak Bluetooth TV ModuleUse it. USB-Xbox Wireless Connection or Adapter

If nothing helps, try resetting your TV settings (not to be confused with a full reset!):

  1. Go to Settings. โ†’ Devices โ†’ Accessories.
  2. Find your gamepad in the list and select Forget the device.
  3. Restart the TV (Settings โ†’ About TV โ†’ Reboot).
  4. Repeat the connection procedure.
How to update the firmware of the Xbox gamepad?
1. Connect the gamepad to the PC via USB. 2. Download Xbox Accessories App from Microsoft Store. 3. Open the app and select your gamepad. 4. If there is an update, click Update and wait until it is completed (don't turn off the gamepad!).

7. Alternative ways of connecting

If the standard methods do not work, you can try workarounds:

7.1 Connection via smartphone or PC

If the TV doesnโ€™t support a gamepad, but you have an Android or iOS smartphone:

  1. Connect the gamepad to the smartphone via Bluetooth.
  2. Install a streaming app on your smartphone (Steam Link, Moonlight, Rainway).
  3. Connect your smartphone to the TV on HDMI (adapter USB-C โ†’ HDMI) through Miracast/AirPlay.
  4. Run the game on your PC and broadcast it to the TV screen.

Use of adapters

For older gamepads (Xbox 360) you can use:

  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Xbox 360 adapter โ†’ USB (For example, Mayflash Magic-NS).
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Xbox 360 wireless receiver (requires) OTG-powerhouse).

Important: Adapters often require additional drivers that cannot be installed on Android TV. Before buying, check compatibility with Xiaomi TVs.

Emulation of the keyboard

Some apps (such as Octopus) allow you to emulate a keyboard using a gamepad, which can help with games that do not support controllers:

  1. Install Octopus from Google Play.
  2. Connect the gamepad to the TV.
  3. Set up the binding of the gamepad buttons to the keyboard.
  4. Start the game and activate the emulation in Octopus.

FAQ: Frequent questions

My Xiaomi TV doesn't see the Xbox gamepad over Bluetooth.
Check this: Update your TV firmware to the latest version. Make sure the gamepad supports Bluetooth (pre-2016 models don't). Reboot your TV's Bluetooth module (turn off/turn on Bluetooth in the settings). Try connecting via USB adapter.
The gamepad is plugged in, but in games the buttons are not working correctly (A instead of B, etc.).
Solution: Switch the gamepad mode: pinch Share. + Xbox for 5 seconds. In the game settings, select the XInput controller type. USB-Connection instead of Bluetooth.
Can I connect the Xbox 360 gamepad to Xiaomi? TV?
Yes, but with limitations: On the wire - through the Xbox 360 adapter โ†’ USB (Not everyone works on Android TV). Wireless โ€“ only through the original Xbox 360 Wireless Receiver + OTG-No guarantee of work - it is better to use a gamepad from Xbox One or Series X|S.
How to reduce the input delay when connecting via Bluetooth?
Lag (lag) occurs due to the features of the Bluetooth stack in Android TV. Ways to reduce it: Use it USB-Connect the TV and gamepad to a single 5GHz Wi-Fi network (some TVs optimize Bluetooth connection in this case). Disable other Bluetooth devices (earphones, keyboard). In the settings of the TV developer, turn on Bluetooth A2DP Hardware Offload (if available).
Do I need to update the gamepad firmware before connecting?
Yes, especially if the gamepad is older than 2018. Firmware update: Fixes Bluetooth connection bugs. Adds support for new protocols (e.g. Bluetooth Low Energy). Improves Android compatibility TV. Update the firmware through Xbox Accessories App on PC or Xbox console.