Wi-Fi Direct on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to Setup and Use

Wi-Fi Direct technology allows Xiaomi devices to share data directly – without a router, Internet or mobile network. 4K, Photo archives, connections to smart TVs Mi TV It's not just for printers, it's also for multiplayer games on Android, POCO Xiaomi 13/14 face problems: the function then disappears from the menu, then does not see other gadgets, then works with failures.

In this article, we will analyze the unique features of the implementation of Wi-Fi Direct in firmware MIUI 14/HyperOS (including hidden settings), explain why the technology is often confused with Mi Share (and what is the difference between them), and give a checklist for troubleshooting. Separately, we will focus on compatibility with devices from other brands – from Samsung to Apple – where pitfalls lie in data exchange protocols.

What is Wi-Fi Direct and how it differs from Mi Share, Bluetooth and Hotspot

Wi-Fi Direct is a peer-to-peer standard (P2P) And this is a connection that creates a direct point of access between two devices. Unlike traditional Wi-Fi, there's no router intermediary here: your Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 becomes the router for the other gadget itself:

• 🚀 Speed: up to 250-300 Mbps (versus 2-3 Mbps for Bluetooth 5.0) Ideal for video transmission in resolution 1080p or 4K.
• 🔗 Universality: Works with any device that supports the standard (TVs, printers, cameras), while Mi Share is limited to the Xiaomi ecosystem.
• 🔒 Security: the connection is encrypted by protocol WPA2-PSK, Unlike open access points in public networks.

But there are downsides to the technology: First, the increased battery consumption: Wi-Fi is in constant data mode, which is 15-20% faster than Bluetooth. Second, range limitations – effective communication is only possible within a radius of 10-15 meters (while Bluetooth 5.2 holds a connection up to 40 meters). Finally, Wi-Fi Direct is not compatible with multitasking: while file transfers are going on, you will not be able to use mobile Internet on a smartphone.

And now, the key difference from other Xiaomi technologies:

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi smartphones with HyperOS (starting with Xiaomi 13 and Redmi) K60) Wi-Fi Direct can be hidden in the developer menu. To activate it, go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI and tap 7 times on the Assembly Number. → Additionally. → For developers and enable the Wi-Fi Direct option.

How to enable Wi-Fi Direct on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions for MIUI hyperos

The activation algorithm depends on the firmware version and smartphone model. Below is a universal instruction that works on 90% of Xiaomi devices (from Redmi). 9A If your model does not support the feature, check its availability in the official specification (section Wireless Network).

Step 1: Compatibility check

• 📱 Make sure that both devices have Wi-Fi enabled (not necessarily a network connection).
• 🔋 Battery charge at least 30%. At low charge, the system can block the function.
• 📶 Turn off the plane mode and VPN (They interfere with network scanning).

Step 2: Activate Wi-Fi Direct

Option A (MIUI 12–14):

1. Open the Settings. → Wi-Fi.
2. Swipe down three points in the upper right corner (or swipe down).
3. Select Wi-Fi Direct.
4. Turn on the function with a slider.

Option B (HyperOS):

1. Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on Additional (or Advanced Settings).
3. Select Wi-Fi Direct.
4. Confirm the inclusion in the pop-up window.

Step 3: Connect to another device

1. On the second device, activate Wi-Fi Direct.
2. In the list of available devices on Xiaomi will appear the name of the second gadget (for example, Samsung Galaxy). S23 or Mi TV Q2).
3. Then, tap it and confirm the connection (it may require input). PIN-code or confirmation on both devices).

Check out the MIUI/HyperOS version

Turn off the energy-saving mode.

Make sure that the second device is enabled Wi-Fi Direct

Reboot both devices at the first failure-->

If the device is not detected, try:

• 🔄 Reboot both gadgets.
• 📡 Manually update the list of devices (update or swipe down button).
• 🛠️ Reset network settings: Settings → System system → Reset → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5) After connecting via Wi-Fi Direct, mobile Internet can disappear. 4G/5G. Solution: Enable Mobile Data Priority Mode in Settings SIM-map.

Wi-Fi Direct File Transfer: Speed, Limitations and Alternatives

The main application of Wi-Fi Direct on Xiaomi is file sharing between devices. However, there are nuances that are rarely mentioned in standard instructions. First, the maximum size of a single file is limited to 4 GB (unlike Mi Share, where the limit is 20 GB). Second, the transfer speed depends on the version of the Wi-Fi module in your smartphone:

• 📶 Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac): Up to 250 Mbps (e.g. Redmi Note 11).
• 📶 Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): up to 600 Mbps (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro).
• 📶 Wi-Fi 6E: Up to 1 Gbps (e.g. Xiaomi 14 Ultra).

How to transfer files:

1. Connect devices via Wi-Fi Direct (see previous section).
2. Open the Explorer (or Gallery for photo/video).
3. Select files, tap send → Wi-Fi Direct.
4. Select the target device from the list.

If the transmission is interrupted or is too slow:

• 🛑 Check if the transmission is blocked by an antivirus (e.g. Avast or 360 Security).
• 📱 Make sure that the receiving device has enough memory (minimum 10% free space).
• 🔌 Connect your smartphone to charging – with a low charge, the system can artificially limit speed.

Alternatives to Wi-Fi Direct for file transfer:

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If you want to transfer files to your iPhone, use AirDrop (but only if you have Xiaomi with HyperOS and have Apple Wireless Direct Link installed via Magisk).

Connecting Xiaomi to a TV via Wi-Fi Direct: instructions for Mi TV, Samsung, LG

One of the most popular uses of Wi-Fi Direct is streaming video and mirroring the screen on the TV, but there are a lot of nuances that depend on the model. TV. For example, Mi TVs TV (series A2, Q2, P1) support live streaming with Xiaomi without additional apps, and for Samsung or LG You may need to install Miracast or Google Cast.

Connection to Mi TV (model):

1. On TV: Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct (or Miracast).
2. On your smartphone: activate Wi-Fi Direct (see section 2) and select your Mi TV list.
3. Confirm the connection on both devices.
4. To mirror the screen, swipe down the notification bar and tap the Broadcast (or Wireless Display).

Connecting to Samsung TV (Models 2018–2026.):

• 📺 Nana TV: Settings → General. → External devices → Connection device → Wi-Fi Direct.
• 📱 On Xiaomi: in Wi-Fi Direct settings, select your Samsung and confirm PIN-code (usually 1234 or 0000).
• 🎬 To stream videos, use the SmartThings app (available on Google Play).

Connection to LG TV (webOS):

• 📺 Nana TV: Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct (or Screen Share).
• 📱 On a smartphone: after connecting via Wi-Fi Direct, launch the application LG TV Plus.
• ⚠️ In some models LG You may need to disable Quick Wi-Fi switching in router settings.

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For streaming video in 4K Both devices must support Wi-Fi 5 via Wi-Fi Direct (802.11ac) On older models (Wi-Fi 4) even Full will be lagging. HD.

If the TV doesn't see the smartphone:

• 🔄 Reboot both devices.
• 📡 Check that your TV and smartphone are on the same Wi-Fi network (even if you use Wi-Fi Direct).
• 🛠️ Update the TV firmware (on Mi) TV This is done through settings. → On TV. → Update of the PO).

⚠️ Warning: On Sony Bravia TVs (2020–2023), Wi-Fi Direct only works with Android 10 devices+. If you have Xiaomi with MIUI 11 or older, upgrade your firmware or use an alternative – the Google Cast app.

Wi-Fi Direct vs Miracast vs Google Cast: What’s Best for Xiaomi

Many people confuse Wi-Fi Direct with other wireless technologies, and let's figure out what the difference is and which protocol to choose for specific tasks.

Wi-Fi Direct is a connection protocol that creates a direct network between devices.

• 📁 Transfer of files without the Internet.
• 🖨️ Connections to printers or projectors.
• 🎮 Multiplayer games on a local network.

Miracast is a broadcast protocol that runs on top of Wi-Fi Direct.

• 📺 Duplicate the screen of the smartphone on the TV (mirroring).
• 🎥 Stream live video (but with a delay of 50–200 ms).

Google Cast (aka Chromecast) is a content streaming protocol that uses an existing Wi-Fi network (rather than creating a direct connection).

• 🌐 You can continue to use the Internet on your smartphone during the broadcast.
• 📹 Supports streaming from apps (YouTube, Netflix, Twitch).

Comparative table:

Which protocol should I choose?

• 🎮 For games: Wi-Fi Direct + Miracast (minimum delay).
• 📺 For watching movies: Google Cast (best quality, no load on the smartphone).
• 📁 For file transfer: Wi-Fi Direct or Mi Share.

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If you have Xiaomi with HyperOS, try the built-in Quick Broadcast feature (Settings) → Connections → It automatically selects the optimal protocol (Miracast or Google Cast) depending on the receiver device.

Problem Solving: Wi-Fi Direct doesn't work, doesn't see the device, cuts the connection

Even the most stable technologies can fail, and Wi-Fi Direct on Xiaomi is no exception. Below are the most common issues and their solutions, tested on Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Xiaomi 13T, and POCO F5.

Problem 1: Wi-Fi Direct is not in the settings

• 🔧 On HyperOS, the function may be hidden. Enable it through the developer menu (see section 2).
• 📥 Check if the function is disabled in Settings → Annexes → Application management → System applications → Wi-Fi Direct (Tap Enable).
• 🔄 If nothing helps, reset your network settings: Settings → System system → Reset → Resetting network settings.

Problem 2: Devices can't see each other

• 📡 Make sure that both devices have Wi-Fi enabled (not necessarily a network connection).
• 🔋 Check battery power – at levels below 15%, some Xiaomi models block Wi-Fi Direct.
• 🛡️ Turn it off. VPN Firewalls (such as NetGuard or AdGuard).
• 📱 Samsung or iPhone may need to enable Smart View or AirPlay manually.

Problem 3: The connection is terminated during file transfer

• 📶 Move to a place with fewer Wi-Fi networks (2.4GHz channel interference).
• 🔌 Connect your smartphone to charging – at a discharge below 20%, the system can suspend the transfer.
• 📦 Break a large file into parts (for example, using the ZArchiver archiver).
• 🛠️ Update the firmware: in MIUI 14.0.5 and later corrected faults with connection break.

Problem 4: Low transmission speed

• 📶 Switch to 5GHz (if both devices support it).
• 📱 Close background apps that may use Wi-Fi (like YouTube or Telegram in autoboot mode).
• 🔧 In router settings, disable Band Steering (if any) – this feature may interfere with direct connection.

⚠️ Attention: On smartphones POCO With custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience), Wi-Fi Direct may not work due to the lack of bcmdhd drivers. Solution: run the original vendor or use an alternative — KDE Connect.

Wi-Fi Direct Security: How to Protect Data During Transfer

Wi-Fi Direct uses encryption WPA2-PSK, But that doesn't make the technology completely secure. Here are the main risks and ways to minimize them:

Vulnerability 1: Traffic interception

Although the connection is encrypted, an attacker can intercept metadata (e.g., device names, file sizes) to avoid:

• 🔐 Use it. VPN on both devices (e.g. ProtonVPN or Windscribe).
• 📛 Change the device name to neutral (for example, instead of Ivanov iPhone use the device name). Device_123).

Vulnerability 2: Connecting to other devices

By default, many devices (especially printers and TVs) accept connections without confirmation, which allows attackers to connect to your smartphone.

• 🔒 Always confirm the connection on both devices (even if it’s your own printer).
• 🚫 Turn off Wi-Fi Direct after use.
• 🛡️ Turn off the router settings WPS — This protocol is vulnerable to Reaver attacks.

Vulnerability 3: Data leakage through cache

When transferring files, some data may be stored in the cache of applications (e.g. Gallery or Explorer) to clear the traces:

• 🧹 After transferring files, clear the cache: Settings → Annexes → [Title of the annex] → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🗑️ For complete cleaning, use the settings → Memory. → Cleaning (select Deep Cleaning).

Additional security measures:

• 🔑 Use a Wi-Fi Direct password (if the device supports it). On some Xiaomi models, this is included in Settings. → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct → Additionally. → Secure connection.
• 📵 Disable automatic connection to known devices (this could allow attackers to mimic your printer or TV).
• 🛡️ Install antivirus with network protection (for example, Bitdefender or Kaspersky).

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Never send sensitive data (passwords, scans of documents, bank details) via Wi-Fi Direct, using encrypted channels such as Signal or Telegram Secret Chat.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Wi-Fi Direct on Xiaomi