How to connect the Xiaomi gamepad to the PC: all ways + mistake-making

Xiaomi gamepads are a popular accessory among gamers that combines affordable price, high-quality build and wide functionality. However, many users face difficulties when trying to connect the controller to the computer: Windows does not recognize the device, buttons work incorrectly, drivers refuse to install. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to connect the Xiaomi gamepad to the PC – from a standard Bluetooth connection to the use of specialized utilities, and also give a checklist to diagnose common problems.

We will pay special attention to the Xiaomi Game Controller models (2021/2023), Mi Game Controller 2 Black Shark Gamepad 4.0, Because their firmware and connection methods may differ, if you use a gamepad from another manufacturer (e.g., a gamepad from another manufacturer, 8BitDo Or Flydigi, some of the instructions will also be useful, but it is better to clarify the compatibility in advance. USB-C You may need to install the driver manually, even if Windows 11 The device is “ready to work».

1. Preparation of the gamepad and PC before connection

Before you connect the gamepad to your computer, follow a few mandatory steps, which will save time and eliminate the typical errors:

• 🔋 Charge the gamepad to at least 30%. The discharged device may interrupt the connection or not be recognized by the PC. Connect it to charge for 10-15 minutes if the indicator flashes red.
• 🖥️ Update Windows to the latest version.Outdated builds (especially Windows 10 1909 and later) may not support Bluetooth 5.0 protocols+, Which use the new Xiaomi gamepads.
• 🔄 Disable other Bluetooth devices (earphones, keyboards, mice) that can interfere with pairing.
• 🛠️ Check the ports. USB. If you plan to connect via cable, use the port. USB 3.0 (usually blue) – This will provide a stable connection.

Also make sure that the PC has the latest Bluetooth adapter drivers installed.

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Turn the Bluetooth branch around.
3. Right-click on the adapter (e.g. Qualcomm) QCA61x4A Intel Wireless-AC and select Update Driver.

💡

If your Bluetooth adapter is older than 2018, consider buying an external module (e.g. TP-Link). UB500) — This will solve problems with input delays and communication interruptions.

2. Connecting Xiaomi gamepad over Bluetooth

The most versatile way is wireless. Most Xiaomi models (including the Mi Game Controller) 2 Black Shark Gamepad 4.0) Support Bluetooth protocol support 5.0, This is a very low-latency instruction, and it's very good for Windows. 10/11 and macOS (with nuances).

Step 1. Activate the pairing mode on the gamepad:

• Press the Home button (with the Xiaomi logo) + Share (or Y, depending on the model) for 3-5 seconds.
• The indicator should start flashing blue and red (search mode). On some models, the LED lights up white.

Step 2. Connect the gamepad to Windows:

1. Open Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and other devices.
2. Click Add Bluetooth or another device → Bluetooth.
3. In the list, find a device called Mi Game Controller or Xiaomi Wireless Controller and select it.
4. Wait until the pairing is completed (it can take up to 30 seconds).

Gamepad is displayed in the list of Bluetooth devices

The indicator on the controller is lit in blue/white

The buttons react in the test menu (see next section)

Device Manager has no exclamation points next to the gamepad-->

If Windows does not find the device:

• 🔄 Reboot the Bluetooth adapter in Device Manager (right click) → Disable the device → Power the device on).
• 📱 Try connecting the gamepad to a smartphone (for example, Redmi Note 12) – if it is detected there, the problem is on the PC side.
• 🔧 Install the driver manually (see section 4).

Bluetooth

USB-cable

Wireless adapter (2.4 GHz)

I don't know what to choose.-->

3. Check the operation of the gamepad and adjust the buttons

Once connected, you need to make sure that all the controls are working correctly.

1. Open the Control Panel → Equipment and Sound → Devices and Printers.
2. Find your gamepad in the list, right-click and select Game Controller Settings.
3. In the window that opens, select the device and click Properties. → Test.
4. Turning to press all buttons and joysticks – the corresponding indicators should light up on the screen.

If any buttons do not respond:

• 🎮 Check the firmware of the gamepad (relevant for models) 2023 Update may be required if the buttons LT/RT Or the D-pad is not working properly.
• 🖱️ Install XInput Plus or DS4Windows (See Section 5 for emulation of the Xbox controller.
• 🔧 Reconnect the gamepad in another mode (for example, switch from XInput to DInput – see the instruction for the model).

For fine-tuning buttons, we recommend:

4. Connecting the Xiaomi gamepad by USB: nuances and drivers

If Bluetooth is unstable or you prefer a wired connection, you can connect the gamepad via USB-C. But there are pitfalls:

• 🔌 Not all cables fit! Use original cable from the kit or certified USB-C → USB-A Data transfer support (not just charging).
• 🖥️ Windows. 10/11 The gamepad can be defined as HID-Compatible controller, but the buttons will not work properly, which means that you need to manually install the driver.
• 🔄 Some models (such as Black Shark Gamepad 4.0) USB-You need to hold the Home button. + A when connecting the cable.

How to install the driver manually:

1. Download the driver from the official Xiaomi website (the support section of your model) or use the universal ViGEmBus package (to emulate the Xbox controller).
2. Connect the gamepad to USB.
3. Open Device Manager, find a device with an exclamation point (e.g., Unknown). USB Device).
4. Right-click → Update the driver → Search for drivers on this computer.
5. Specify the path to the downloaded file and wait for the installation.

💡

If Windows persistently does not recognize the gamepad USB, Try to connect it to another port or use it. USB-It's an externally powered hub, and sometimes the problem is that the port is not strong enough.

For Mi Game Controller 2 and later models, you may need to switch mode:

⚠️ Note: If the gamepad is defined as DirectInput but does not work in games (e.g., in the game). GTA V or Forza Horizon, switch it to XInput mode. + B for 5 seconds - the indicator should flash green.

5. Use of specialized utilities (DS4Windows, XInput Plus)

Standard Windows drivers do not always correctly process signals from Xiaomi gamepads. For full-fledged work in games (especially those that require XInput, like most projects on Unreal Engine), we recommend using third-party utilities.

DS4Windows — The most popular program for emulating the DualShock 4 or Xbox controller:

1. Download the latest version from the official website (avoid repak!).
2. Unpack the archive and launch it. DS4Windows.exe.
3. Connect the gamepad via Bluetooth or USB.
4. In the main program window, select your controller and press Start.

For Black Shark models, XInput Plus is better suited:

• 📥 Download the utility from GitHub.
• Run XInputPlus.exe on behalf of the administrator.
• In the settings, select XInput mode and apply the profile.
• 🎛️ To fine-tune the sensitivity of joysticks, go to the Advanced tab.

If the games still don't see the gamepad:

• 🔄 Restart the game after launch DS4Windows/XInput Plus.
• 📋 Check the control settings in the game itself (sometimes you need to manually select a controller).
• 🛠️ Update.NET Framework (required for work) DS4Windows).

6. Solving common problems

Even after a successful connection, users encounter common errors, and here's how to fix them:

If the gamepad is not defined at all:

⚠️ Note: Some motherboards (especially chipsets) AMD B450/B550) built-in Bluetooth conflicts with Xiaomi gamepads.Solution: disable the built-in module in the BIOS and use the external USB-adapter.

For diagnosis, it is useful to check the Windows Event log:

1. Press Win. + X → Viewing events.
2. Go to Windows Journals → System system.
3. Filter events by Bluetooth keyword or USB.

7. Alternative ways of connecting (2.4 GHz adapter, Steam)

If Bluetooth and USB Not suitable, consider other options:

• 📡 2.4 GHz adapter: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Black Shark Gamepad 4.0) support USB-dongle connectivity, with minimal delays (1-3 ms), but you need to buy the adapter separately.
• 🎮 Steam Input: If you play on Steam, activate General Configuration in the controller settings. This will allow you to emulate an Xbox gamepad even without the need for a new system. DS4Windows.
• 🖥️ Virtual Machine: To run games under Linux or macOS, use VirtualBox with a throwaway USB-device.

For 2.4 GHz connection, adapter:

1. Put the dongle in USB-port.
2. Press the Home button + X on the gamepad before the indicator flashes (usually green).
3. Wait for automatic pairing (can take up to 1 minute).

If you use Steam:

• Open the Settings. → Controller → General settings.
• Activate Generic Gamepad Configuration Support and Xbox Configuration Support.
• Restart Steam and check the gamepad in Big Picture Mode.

8 Compatibility with games and operating systems

Not all games work correctly with Xiaomi gamepads, especially if they are optimized for Xbox or PlayStation.

• 🎮 Games with native support XInput (Forza Horizon 5, GTA V, Rocket League will work out of the box if the gamepad emulates an Xbox controller.
• 🖱️ Games with keyboard/mouse only (CS:GO, Dota 2) will require additional settings on Steam or via reWASD.
• 🐧 Linux/macOS: To work the gamepad may require the installation of xpad-dkms (for emulation Xbox) or ds4drv (for emulation DualShock).

Compatibility table of popular games:

For games without support for gamepads (for example, League of Legends or Valorant), you can use the JoyToKey program, which converts the presses on the controller into keyboard keys.

💡

If the game doesn’t see the gamepad, try running it via Steam (even if it’s not from the Steam library).-Steam» and activate Steam Input.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi gamepad to PC