You try to transfer photos from your phone to the big screen, connect wireless headphones or organize a live stream from your laptop - but you can't find Wi-Fi Direct on your Xiaomi TV menu? Depending on the model and firmware version, this function can be hidden in different sections, and sometimes even absent under the usual name. In this article, weโll look at all possible scenarios, from standard activation to alternative wireless connectivity options if Wi-Fi Direct is on your Xiaomi. TV Replaced with Miracast or hidden by the manufacturer.
Xiaomi TVs (Mi series) TV A, Mi TV P1, Mi TV Q1/Q2 and others) are based on Android TV Google TV, where wireless technology implementations may differ from classic Samsung smart TVs or LG. For example, in firmware older 2022 Wi-Fi Direct is often integrated into Screen Mirroring, and newer models are backed by Miracast, and we'll show you how to find this option on your particular model, even if it's hidden.
Before you jump to settings, make sure your TV supports Wi-Fi Direct.This technology is available on all Xiaomi TV, issued after 2018, but in budget series (for example, Mi). TV 4A) It can work with constraints. If you're not sure about the model, check it in the Settings menu. โ On TV.
What is Wi-Fi Direct and Why You Need It on Xiaomi TV
Wi-Fi Direct is a wireless standard that allows devices to communicate without a router, and unlike traditional Wi-Fi, where both devices connect to the same network, Xiaomi TV becomes the hotspot itself, and smartphone, laptop or tablet becomes the client.
- ๐ฑ Transfer of media files (photos, videos, music) from a smartphone to a large screen without cables.
- ๐ฎ Connect gamepads or wireless headphones if Bluetooth is not supported.
- ๐ป Screen mirroring from a laptop (alternative to Miracast).
- ๐บ Streaming content from devices that do not support Chromecast.
On Xiaomi TVs, Wi-Fi Direct is often used as a backup channel for Miracast, for example, if your smartphone doesn't support Miracast, but there's Wi-Fi Direct, you can still stream the image. Not all apps work over Wi-Fi Direct, for example, YouTube or Netflix may block streaming because of the lack of a link between the two. DRM-defense.
It is important to understand the difference between Wi-Fi Direct and other wireless technologies on Xiaomi. TV:
| Technology | Appointment | Needs a router? | Supported by Xiaomi TV? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Direct | Direct connection of devices | โ No. | โ Yes, on most models) |
| Miracast | Screen mirroring | โ No. | โ Yes, all models) |
| Chromecast | Broadcasting content over Wi-Fi | โ Yes. | โ Yes (via Google) TV) |
| Bluetooth | Accessories connection | โ No. | โ Yes (except for the old models) |
โ ๏ธ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with PatchWall firmware (India, China), Wi-Fi Direct may be disabled by default due to regional restrictions. In this case, try changing the region in settings to Europe or Russia.
Where to find Wi-Fi Direct in the Xiaomi menu TV: step-by-step
The location of the option depends on the firmware version and the TV model. We have collected all possible paths for different generations of Xiaomi Mi. TV:
1. New models (2022โ2026: Google TV Android TV 11/12
On Mi TVs. TV Q2 2023, Mi TV P1 2022 and others with Google TV path:
- Open the settings (cog in the upper right corner).
- Go to the Web and the Internet โ Wi-Fi.
- Scroll down and select Wi-Fi Direct or Connect to your device.
- Activate the slider and wait for the name of your TV to appear in the list of available networks on your smartphone.
2. Old models (2018โ2021 d.): Android TV 9/10
For Mi. TV 4S, Mi TV 4A similar:
- Press the Settings button on the remote (or press Menu). โ Settings).
- Choose the Web and the Internet โ Wi-Fi โ Additionally.
- Find the Wi-Fi Direct option or WFD (Wi-Fi Display).
- Turn on the function and confirm the connection on the second device.
3. If Wi-Fi Direct is not available on the menu
On some models (e.g., Mi) TV 5 Pro with firmware for China) option may be hidden:
- ๐ Go to Settings. โ Annexes โ Special facilities โ Wireless display.
- ๐ Restart the TV and check the menu again.
- ๐ฑ Use alternative: Miracast (in the same section Network and Internet).
If you donโt find Wi-Fi Direct but need wireless data, try LAN:
- Connect your TV and smartphone to one router.
- On your TV, open the File Manager (or install X-Plore from Google Play).
- On your smartphone, use the Mi Remote app or Send Files to TV file transfer.
โ๏ธ Checking before connection
How to connect a smartphone to Xiaomi TV via Wi-Fi Direct
The connection process depends on the smartphone model. We will look at the instructions for Xiaomi, Samsung and iPhone.
For smartphones Xiaomi (MIUI)
- Activate Wi-Fi Direct on your TV (see section above).
- On your smartphone, open Settings โ Wi-Fi.
- Click Additional (or Wi-Fi Direct in older versions) MIUI).
- Choose the name of your TV (for example, XIAOMI-MiTV-Q2-1234).
- Confirm the connection on both devices.
After you connect, you can:
- ๐ท Transfer photos/video through the Gallery (select files) โ Send. โ Wi-Fi Direct).
- ๐ต Playing music through Mi Music.
- ๐ฎ Use your smartphone as a gamepad (with support for Xiaomi Game Center).
For Android smartphones of other brands
On Samsung, Realme or Oppo:
- Open the Settings. โ Connections โ Wi-Fi โ Wi-Fi Direct.
- Choose your Xiaomi TV from the list.
- Enter. PIN-code (if requested) โ usually 0000 or 1234.
For iPhone (iOS)
Wi-Fi Direct on iPhone is not directly supported due to Apple's restrictions.
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Miracast (via Screen Mirror to Control Point).
- ๐บ AirPlay (if the TV is installed Apple app) TV or is used by Apple TV 4K).
- ๐ Local area network: connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi and use applications like VLC stream.
โ ๏ธ Note: On iPhone 11 and newer, when connecting via Miracast, there may be a delay of up to 2 seconds.To reduce lag, in the Xiaomi settings TV Turn off Dolby sound processing (Settings) โ Sound. โ Sound format โ PCM).
Alternatives to Wi-Fi Direct on Xiaomi TV: What to do if there is no function
If your TV doesnโt support Wi-Fi Direct or the option is hidden, use one of these methods:
1. Miracast (wireless mirroring)
Miracast is built into all Xiaomi TV It works in a similar way to Wi-Fi Direct, but it's optimized for broadcasting the screen:
- On TV: Settings โ Network and Internet โ Screen mirroring.
- On your smartphone: Turn on Wireless Display (on Xiaomi) or Smart View (on Samsung).
- Choose your TV from the list.
Miracast supports:
- ๐ฎ Low-latency games (up to 50 ms).
- ๐บ Video broadcasting in resolution before 1080p (new-model โ 4K).
- ๐ Lossless audio transmission (if the TV supports aptX).
2. Chromecast (via Google) TV)
If you're Xiaomi. TV Google-based TV (2022 and newer models, you can use the built-in Chromecast:
- Make sure that your TV and smartphone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- In the app (such as YouTube or Google Photos) click the Broadcast icon.
- Choose your Xiaomi TV from the list.
Benefits of Chromecast:
- ๐ Works with any device (Android, iOS, PC).
- ๐ถ Does not load the processor of the smartphone (content streamed directly).
- ๐ Supports DRM-Protected Content (Netflix, Disney)+).
3. Local area network (DLNA/UPnP)
To transfer files without Wi-Fi Direct:
- Install the File Commander or X-Plore app on TV.
- On your smartphone, use Send Files to TV (Android or Infuse (iOS).
- Select files and send them to IP-TV address.
For streaming video by DLNA:
- ๐บ On TV: Open the Media Player โ Local area network.
- ๐ฑ On a smartphone: enable sharing in Settings โ Connections โ Additionally. โ Sharing media files.
Why Wi-Fi Direct may not work for Xiaomi TV?
Frequent Wi-Fi Direct issues on Xiaomi TV and their decisions
Even if you activate Wi-Fi Direct correctly, there may be errors, and we've collected the most common ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Devices can't see each other. | Different Wi-Fi standards (2.4 vs 5GHz) | On TV, select Settings. โ Wi-Fi โ Additionally. โ Range 2.4 GHz |
| Connection is cut off | Weak signal or interference | Reduce the distance to 5 meters, remove sources of interference (microwaves, other routers) |
| No sound when broadcasting | Incompatible audio codecs | On TV: Settings โ Sound. โ Sound format โ PCM |
| Video lagging or slowing down | Low capacity | Reduce the broadcast resolution to 720p in Miracast settings |
| Wi-Fi Direct is not available on the menu | Hidden by firmware | Update your TV or use Miracast |
If the Xiaomi TV doesnโt connect to your smartphone via Wi-Fi Direct, try:
- Reboot both devices.
- Reset your network settings on TV: Settings โ Network and Internet โ Additionally. โ Resetting Wi-Fi settings.
- Update the TV firmware: Settings โ On TV. โ Updating the system.
- Shut down. VPN or proxy on a smartphone.
โ ๏ธ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with an Amlogic processor S905 (2018-2020 models) Wi-Fi Direct may conflict with Bluetooth.If you don't have wireless headphones after activating Wi-Fi Direct, turn it off and use Miracast or Chromecast.
๐ก
If you use Wi-Fi Direct frequently to transfer files, add the Download folder on your TV to your favorite in the File Manager, so you can quickly find uploaded media files without searching the entire storage.
Wi-Fi Direct, Miracast and Chromecast Comparison: Which is Best for Xiaomi TV
Each technology has its pros and cons, and we compared them by key parameters:
| Criteria | Wi-Fi Direct | Miracast | Chromecast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demands a router. | โ No. | โ No. | โ Yes. |
| Support for iOS | โ No. | โ ๏ธ Partially (with delays) | โ Yes. |
| Max, permission. | 1080p | 4K (on new TVs) | 4K HDR |
| Delay (lag) | ~100 ms. | ~50 ms. | ~30 ms. |
| DRM support (Netflix, Disney+) | โ No. | โ No. | โ Yes. |
| Smartphone energy consumption | โ ๏ธ Average. | โ ๏ธ High. | โ Low. |
The choice of technology depends on your task:
- ๐ฑ For file transfer (photos, music) - Wi-Fi Direct.
- ๐ฎ For low-lag games - Miracast.
- ๐บ For streaming videos (YouTube, Netflix) โ Chromecast.
- ๐ For Apple devices, Miracast or AirPlay only (via third-party apps).
๐ก
If you're Xiaomi. TV Google supports TV (2022+), Chromecast is the most stable and versatile way of broadcasting, especially for streaming services.