How to turn on Wi-Fi Direct on Xiaomi phone: full instructions with pictures and tips

Wi-Fi Direct technology allows Xiaomi smartphones to communicate with other devices without a router – directly, like Bluetooth, but with Wi-Fi speed. This is indispensable for transferring files between phones, connecting to printers, projectors or smart TVs Mi Mi. TV. However, many users face a problem: the function is hidden in the settings or unstable. In this article, we will discuss how to properly activate Wi-Fi Direct on all Xiaomi models (including Redmi and other models). POCO), What nuances to consider when connecting to different devices, and what to do if the smartphone “does not see” the target equipment.

The contrast with Bluetooth is obvious: Wi-Fi Direct provides data transfer speeds of up to 250 Mbps (versus 24 Mbps for Bluetooth 4.0) and supports distances of up to 200 meters in ideal conditions. But there are pitfalls — for example, increased battery consumption or conflicts with active connection to the router. We tested the feature on 15 Xiaomi models (from Redmi Note 8 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra) and identified universal steps for successful activation.

Unlike traditional Wi-Fi, which requires a router, Wi-Fi Direct creates a hotspot directly between devices.

• 📱 Quickly transfer photos/video between smartphones (e.g. from Xiaomi to Samsung).
• 🖨️ Printing documents on printers without cloud services.
• 📺 Streaming video on Mi TVs TV Sony Bravia without a HDMI-cable.
• 🎮 Connections of gamepads or VR-direct-controlled glasses.

Important: Not all devices support Wi-Fi Direct the same way. LG After 2018, additional drivers may be required, and Canon printers may require proprietary software. We will discuss these cases separately in the section on compatibility.

1.Where is Wi-Fi Direct in Xiaomi Settings?

The path to function depends on the shell version MIUI. In the latest versions (14)+) Developers have simplified access, but on old firmware (MIUI 12 and below) the menu can be hidden deeper:

For MIUI 14/13/12.5:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to Wi-Fi.
3. Put three points on it (⋮) top-right.
4. Select Wi-Fi Direct.

For MIUI 11 and older:

1. Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing.
2. Choose Wi-Fi.
3. Click on Additional (or Advanced Settings).
4. Activate Wi-Fi Direct.

In some models (for example, POCO F3 Redmi Note 10 Pro may be called a feature. WLAN Direct or Direct Connection. If you don't find a point, check the system updates: MIUI 14 interface has been redesigned and old instructions may not work.

Turn off the mobile internet (4G/5G)

Make sure that Bluetooth is turned off.

Check the battery charge (minimum 30%)

Update the firmware to the latest version-->

2. Step-by-step instruction for connecting to another device

Activating Wi-Fi Direct is only half the battle, and to successfully connect Xiaomi to a printer, TV, or other smartphone, follow this algorithm:

Step 1: Enable Wi-Fi Direct on both devices

• 📱 On Xiaomi: Follow the steps from the previous section.
• 🖨️ On printer/television: the function is usually activated via Network Settings → Wi-Fi Direct (on Mi) TV — Connection menu).

Step 2: Find the target device in the list

Xiaomi will display a list of available devices on the screen, and the name can be displayed as:

• Model of device (e.g, Mi_TV_4A).
• An arbitrary identifier (e.g., DIRECT-xx:xx:xx)
• Brand name (e.g., brand name, CANON_MG3600).

Step 3. Confirm the pairing

After selecting the device, both screens will be asked to connect, HP DeskJet will need to be entered PIN-code – it is usually indicated on the device sticker or in the instructions.

⚠️ Warning: If the connection is not happening, try it:

⚠️ Note: Some Samsung TVs block Wi-Fi Direct connectivity if Smart View is active on the network. TV preconjugation.

Step 4: Start transmitting data

For file sharing:

• Open Explorer on Xiaomi.

Another brand's smartphone

Television

printer

Game console

Other-->

3. Compatibility of Wi-Fi Direct with different devices

Not all gadgets are equally friendly with Xiaomi on Wi-Fi Direct. We tested the connection to popular hardware and made a compatibility table:

Brother or Epson printers often require pre-configuration through the USB-Like on Epson. L3250 needle:

1. Connect the printer to the PC and install drivers.
2. Activate Wi-Fi Direct in the printer control panel.
3. Enter. SSID and password (indicated on the device sticker) on the Xiaomi smartphone.

With TVs. LG (Models until 2020 may have problems due to proprietary protocol LG Connect. Solution:

• Install the app LG TV Plus from Google Play.
• Use Screen Share instead of direct connection.

4. Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even with the right setup, Wi-Fi Direct may not work, and we've collected common bugs and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: The device is not detected

• 🔄 Decision:

Problem 2: Connection is cut off

• 🔌 Decision:

Problem 3: Low transmission speed

• ⚡ Decision:

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) post-update MIUI 13 Wi-Fi Direct goes missing. This is a firmware bug -- solution: roll back on the MIUI 12.5 or wait for the patch.

If nothing helps, reset your network settings to Xiaomi:

1. Go to Settings → System and device → Resetting.
2. Select Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth settings.
3. Confirm the action and restart the smartphone.

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Before resetting the network, save the passwords from Wi-Fi networks in a text file - after resetting, they will have to be re-entered.

5. Wi-Fi Direct Alternatives on Xiaomi

If Wi-Fi Direct is not working or supported by the target device, consider alternative ways to transfer data:

1. Mi Share (formerly Xiaomi File Transfer)

• 📲 Works between Xiaomi, Redmi devices, POCO and Oppo/Realme/Vivo.
• 🔗 Uses a combination of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to pair.
• ⚡ Speed: Up to 20MB/s (slower than Wi-Fi Direct, but more stable).

How to turn on:

1. Open the Conductor. → select files.
2. Press Send. → Mi Share.
3. Confirm acceptance on the target device.

2. Local area network (via router)

• 🌐 Suitable for transferring files between any devices on the same network.
• 📡 Requires a connection to a single Wi-Fi router.
• 🛠️ You need to use apps like LocalSend or Feem.

3. Bluetooth (for small files)

• 🎧 Maximum speed: ~2 MB/s (suitable for photos, not for video).
• 🔋 Less battery consumption than Wi-Fi Direct.
• ⚠️ File size limit: usually up to 50MB.

4.Cable USB OTG

• ⚡ Speed: Up to 40MB/s (the fastest option for large files).
• 🔌 Requires an adapter USB-C/OTG (worth ~300₽).
• 📱 Supported by all Xiaomi with port USB-C.

Comparison of methods:

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For video transmission 4K Large archives are optimal USB OTG You can use Wi-Fi Direct for photos and documents, Mi Share or local area network.

6 How to Turn Off Wi-Fi Direct and Save Battery

Wi-Fi Direct uses power, even when not in use, to turn it off:

1. Go to Settings. → Wi-Fi.
2. Press three points (⋮) → Wi-Fi Direct.
3. Slip on the connected device and select Disable.
4. Return to the main Wi-Fi menu and deactivate the Wi-Fi Direct slider (if any).

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) The function turns off automatically after 5 minutes of inactivity:

1. Go to Settings. → Battery and productivity → Battery consumption.
2. Find the Wi-Fi item and look at the consumption statistics.

If Wi-Fi Direct is turned on spontaneously, it may be due to:

• 🔄 Automatically connect to previously coupled devices (disable Autoconnection settings).
• 📱 Background applications (e.g. Mi Remote or Print Service).
• 🛠️ Firmware bug (update) MIUI last-minute).

⚠️ Attention: POCO F4 GT Xiaomi Black Shark Wi-Fi Direct may conflict with Game Turbo mode. Turn off the performance amplifier in games if you notice connection problems.

7.Security with Wi-Fi Direct

Unlike Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct creates a complete network, which opens up potential vulnerabilities.

1.Use complex passwords

• 🔐 When connecting to printers or projectors, avoid standard printers. PIN-codes like 0000 or 1234.
• 🔄 Change passwords on devices regularly (e.g., Mi) TV This is done in the settings → Security).

2. disable the function after use

• 📵 Wi-Fi Direct remains active until you deactivate it, allowing other devices to detect your smartphone.
• 🛡️ In public places (cafes, airports) it is better to use Mi Share or cable.

3. Check the connected devices

• 🔍 Periodically enter the settings → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct and remove unknown devices from the list.
• 🚨 On Xiaomi MIUI 14 New Device Notifications – turn it on to control connections.

4. Update firmware

Old versions. MIUI (before 12.5) there were vulnerabilities that allowed you to connect to Wi-Fi Direct without confirmation. MIUI 11 bug allowed attackers to send files to a device without the user's knowledge.Fixed in updates:

• MIUI 12.5.4 (July 2021).
• MIUI 13.0.5 (March 2022).

To check the firmware version:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Check out the MIUI version and the Android version.
3. If the version is older than 2021, update via Settings → Updating the system.

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For maximum security, turn off automatic connection to open Wi-Fi Direct networks in the router settings (if you use it as a bridge).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Wi-Fi Direct on Xiaomi