Xiaomi’s modern Smart TVs are powerful multimedia centers that can stream content in high resolution and provide a stable connection to mobile devices. One of the key technologies that allows wireless data transfer without the need to use a router is WiFi Direct. This feature allows you to directly connect a smartphone, tablet or laptop to a TV screen, which is especially convenient for showing presentations, watching photos or running games on a large display.
However, many users have difficulty trying to activate this mode, as the interface of the Android TV or PatchWall operating system settings can be hidden or called differently. Unlike a standard connection to a home network, here the device acts as an access point or client directly. Understanding the principles of the wireless protocol will help avoid typical errors and ensure stable video streaming without delay.
In this article, we will discuss the algorithm of actions for activating the function, look at the nuances of working with different versions of firmware and provide solutions for common connection problems. On Xiaomi models with a PatchWall shell, the path to settings may differ from the standard Android TV, requiring transition to additional menus. Correct configuration of network parameters is the key to quality image and sound when duplicating the screen.
Principle of operation and advantages of technology
WiFi Direct is based on IEEE 802.11 standards, which allows devices to communicate at high speeds comparable to a conventional Wi-Fi connection via a router. The main difference is the network architecture: devices connect to each other directly, bypassing the access point, which means that to transfer photos to a Xiaomi TV, you do not need to have a running Internet router or even electricity in it, if both devices have their own power sources or the TV is connected to the network.
Using this protocol on Mi TVs opens up a lot of possibilities for the user: you can stream 4K video, play games from a mobile phone on a large screen, or use your smartphone as a remote control with advanced functionality. The channel bandwidth allows you to transfer heavy files and high bitrate video streams without significant compression, which preserves the quality of the picture.
⚠️ Note: When you connect via WiFi Direct, the speed of the main Internet on the connected smartphone may decrease, since the phone’s Wi-Fi module is busy transmitting data to the TV.
It is important to note that the technology supports data encryption. WPA2, Even if you are in a public place or office, the risk of data interception is minimal, provided that you use reliable methods of confirming the connection, such as: PIN-screen-code.
Preparation of equipment and preliminary settings
Before you start directly activating the feature, you need to make sure that your hardware is ready to go. Not all smartphone and TV models support this standard the same way, so checking compatibility is the first step.
You should also check the TV software version. Manufacturers often release updates that improve the stability of network modules and add support for new protocols. Go to the settings menu and find the About TV → System Update section. If a new version is available, it is recommended to install it.
☑️ Checking connection readiness
On a mobile device, you also need to activate the appropriate permissions. In modern versions of Android and iOS, the broadcast functions require Bluetooth enabled and geolocation, since they are used to initially detect devices in range. Without these permissions, the TV may not be visible in the list of devices available for connection.
Step-by-step instructions for activating WiFi Direct
The process of enabling the feature can vary depending on the version of the operating system installed. On most Xiaomi TVs running Android TV, the algorithm of actions is the following. First, you need to go to the main menu and select the settings section, usually indicated by the gear in the upper right corner of the screen.
Next, you'll find the network connection section, which can be called Network and Internet or just Network, and inside this menu, you'll find WiFi Direct, and in some firmware, it can be hidden under the "Additional" or "Wi-Fi settings" submenuum, and after selecting the item, the system will suggest that you turn on the module.
- 📺 Press the button "Settings" (cogs) on the remote).
- 📡 Select the "Network" or "Network" option».
- 🔗 Find the line "WiFi Direct" and switch the switch to the position "On».
- 📱 On your smartphone, open your Wi-Fi settings and find your TV name in the list of available networks.
After activation on the TV screen may appear a request for confirmation of connection or display PIN-Enter this code on your smartphone if you need it, or confirm the connection on your TV screen. The pairing of the devices will take a few seconds, after which the status will change to "Connected».
What to do if WiFi Direct is not on the menu?
Image and sound transmission (Miracast)
Often users are looking for ways to turn on WiFi Direct to simply stream a smartphone screen. In the Xiaomi and Android TV ecosystem, Miracast technology, which uses WiFi Direct principles to stream video, is most often responsible for this. To activate this feature on the TV, you need to run the Wireless Display or Miracast app, which is usually preinstalled on the system.
Once the app is launched, the TV will go into standby mode, which can be called “Translation”, “Smart View”, “Wireless Projector” or “Cast” on a smartphone. It is important that the smartphone is not connected to another Wi-Fi network at this point, or it must use the same network as the TV for the initial handshake.
| Parameter | Description | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Permission | Quality of the output image | 1920x1080 (Full HD) |
| Frequency of personnel | Smoothness of motion of the picture | 60 Hz |
| Sound format | Type of audio stream | Stereo / AAC |
| Delay. | Response time (Latency) | Minimum |
You can select the display mode in the app settings on the TV, and you can either use Mirror (a full copy of the smartphone screen) or Extension (using TV as a second monitor if supported), and you can choose the video optimization mode to watch the video, which will reduce latency and improve synchronization of sound.
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To reduce latency when playing via WiFi Direct, turn off all unnecessary background apps and image effects in the display settings on your TV.
Use the built-in Chromecast instead of Direct**
It’s worth noting that most modern Xiaomi TVs feature Google Chromecast technology built in. Unlike classic WiFi Direct, which creates direct communication, Chromecast uses your home Wi-Fi network to transmit commands.It’s often a more stable and convenient way to stream content from apps.
To use this feature, you don't need to search for a TV network in your smartphone's Wi-Fi settings. It's enough that both devices are on the same local network. Open an app (like YouTube or Netflix), click on the broadcast icon and select your Mi TV. The system will establish the optimal connection itself.
- 🌐 Both devices must be connected to the same router.
- 📺 Chromecast profile should be running on your TV (often built-in to the system).
- 📲 In the application on the phone, click the button "Translate».
The advantage of this method is that the smartphone does not consume a battery for a constant transmission of video stream, but only acts as a remote control. The TV itself downloads content over the Internet. However, if the router is absent or does not work, this method will not work, and then it comes to the rescue of WiFi Direct or access point mode.
Solving Common Connection Problems
Despite the technology, users can experience errors, and a common problem is that the TV can't see the smartphone or the connection is constantly broken, and this can be caused by overloading the communication channel, especially if there are many other Wi-Fi networks around, in which case you should try changing the channel in the router settings if you use a hybrid method, or simply rebooting the Wi-Fi module on the TV.
Another common mistake is “failed to connect” or endless waiting, often solved by resetting network settings. Go to Settings → Network → Network Reset. After restarting the TV, try pairing again. Also make sure that the smartphone does not turn on “Traffic Saving” or “Flight Mode”.
⚠️ Note: If requested when connecting PIN-The code is displayed on the TV screen. Don't try to guess the code, just use the numbers shown on the TV display.
In some cases, antivirus software on your smartphone or firewall settings may block a direct connection.Try temporarily disabling protection or adding a TV to the list of trusted devices.Television network module drivers may also require an update via the system menu.
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Rebooting both devices (TV and smartphone) solves more than 80% of WiFi Direct detection and connection problems.