How to Enable Wi-Fi Direct on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide with Pictures and Tips

Wi-Fi Direct technology allows Xiaomi devices (smartphones, tablets and even Mi TVs) TV) Sharing files, streaming a screen or connecting peripherals without a router — directly, like Bluetooth, but with Wi-Fi speed. However, many users face the problem: the option is hidden in the depths of the menu or not at all in new versions. MIUI. In this article, we will analyze how to activate the function on different models - from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14 flagships, and also reveal the nuances of compatibility with TVs, printers and other gadgets.

It is important to understand: Wi-Fi Direct ≠ The first technology creates a peer-to-peer connection between two devices (like a smartphone and a TV), and the second one turns your Xiaomi into a router for other gadgets. We'll focus on the first option, which is useful for transferring large files. 4K, archives), wireless speaker connections or print on a printer without a router.

If you have previously tried to enable the feature through the standard Settings menu → Wi-Fi and you didn't find it, don't be surprised. MIUI 14+ The path has changed, and in some models (for example, POCO F5) The following are the current instructions for all firmware versions, including a unique way to enable through the engineering menu for devices without the standard option.

What is Wi-Fi Direct and Why You Need It on Xiaomi

Wi-Fi Direct is a wireless standard that allows two devices to establish a direct connection without a router, essentially one of the devices temporarily becoming an access point and the other a client, but with equal data rights. Xiaomi has been supporting the technology since 2012 (starting with the Mi 2), but implementation varies greatly depending on the model and version. MIUI.

Where it comes in handy:

• 📱 Transfer files between smartphones (such as Redmi and Samsung) at speeds up to 250 Mbps – 5-10 times faster than Bluetooth.
• 📺 Broadcasting the screen on Mi TVs TV, LG Sony Bravia without a router (alternative to Miracast).
• 🖨️ Printing on printers with Wi-Fi Direct support (e.g. Canon) PIXMA or HP Envy).
• 🎮 Connecting gamepads (such as Xiaomi Game Controller) or wireless headphones with low latency.

However, there are limitations:

• ⚠️ It only works within a radius of 10-20 meters (depending on obstacles).
• ⚠️ On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) function disabled at the firmware level.
• ⚠️ Only one device can be connected at a time (unlike a hotspot).

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi doesn’t find another device through Wi-Fi Direct, check if it supports Wi-Fi Direct as opposed to just Wi-Fi. For example, many Realme or Tecno budget smartphones aren’t compatible with this technology.

Where is Wi-Fi Direct in the Xiaomi menu: 3 possible locations

Depending on the version MIUI And the way to set up the smartphone models may be different. MIUI 12th MIUI 15 (including HyperOS).

Option 1: Standard path (MIUI 12–14)

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

Option 2. Through “Additional functions" (MIUI 13–15, HyperOS)

1. Go to Settings. → Connection and sharing.
2. You choose Wi-Fi.
3. Scroll down to the Additional Functions block.
4. Press Wi-Fi Direct.

Option 3: Hidden menu (for devices without option in settings)

If your Xiaomi doesn’t have Wi-Fi Direct, try this method:

##5376##

Once you enter this code, you'll see an engineering menu, and you'll select the Wi-Fi Direct Test and activate the function, and note that this method doesn't work on all models, and it might reset once you restart.

Step-by-step: how to connect to another device

Suppose you successfully found and activated Wi-Fi Direct on your Xiaomi, and now let’s figure out how to connect it to another gadget, whether it’s a smartphone, TV or printer.

Step 1: Activate on both devices

• 📱 On Xiaomi, enable Wi-Fi Direct (see previous section).
• 🖥️ On a second device (such as Samsung Galaxy) do the same through Settings. → Connections → Wi-Fi Direct.

Step 2: Search and pairing

• On Xiaomi, tap Device Search.
• In the list of found gadgets, select the desired one (for example, Samsung-Galaxy-S23).
• Confirm the connection on both devices (entry may be required) PIN-code).

Step 3: Data transmission or management

After pairing:

• 📁 Use Explorer or Mi Share app to transfer files.
• 📺 To broadcast the screen to the TV, select the Wireless Display in the settings.
• 🖨️ To print, open the document and select the printer in the Print menu.

Make sure that Wi-Fi is on on both devices|

Check the compatibility of standards (Wi-Fi Direct vs Miracast)|

Turn it off. VPN flight mode|

Update the firmware to the latest version-->

⚠️ Note: If the connection breaks after 5-10 minutes, check the power saving settings on Xiaomi. add an app that uses Wi-Fi Direct (such as Mi Share) to the No Limits list in the Battery section → Energy consumption of applications.

Problem Solving: Wi-Fi Direct is not working or finding devices

Even if you did everything according to the instructions, there may be errors. TOP-5 Problems and ways to fix them based on feedback from Xiaomi users on forums 4PDA and Mi Community.

Problem 1: The function is not in the menu

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔄 Outdated firmware: Update MIUI through settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛠️ Region Restriction: Change region to India or Global version in settings.
• 🔧 Hidden option: Try the engineering code ##5376## (see above).

Problem 2: Devices can't see each other.

Checklist for diagnosis:

• 🔍 Make sure both devices support Wi-Fi Direct (check the specifications).
• 🔄 Reboot both gadgets.
• 📶 Turn off Bluetooth – it can conflict with Wi-Fi.
• 🛡️ Temporarily shut down the defenses. MIUI (Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start).

Problem 3. The connection is breaking.

Most often, the fault of the energy saving settings:

1. Open the Settings. → Battery.
2. Select the Energy Consumption of Applications.
3. Find an application that uses Wi-Fi Direct (such as Mi Share) and install it without restrictions.

Problem 4: Low transmission speed

Wi-Fi Direct works at speeds up to 250 Mbps, but in practice it can fall to 10–50 Mbps.

• 📶 Move the devices closer to each other (optimally 1-2 meters).
• 🔄 Switch to the 5GHz band (if supported).
• 🚫 Close background apps that use the internet (such as YouTube or TikTok).

Problem 5: The Mi broadcast is not working. TV

If the Xiaomi screen is not duplicated on the TV:

• 🔄 Update the Mi firmware TV last-minute.
• 🔧 In the settings of the TV, turn on Miracast (Settings) → Network → Wi-Fi Direct).
• 📱 On your smartphone, use the Wireless Display function (Settings) → Connection and sharing → Wireless display).

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

Users often confuse these technologies, although each has its own pros and cons, let’s analyze when to use something on Xiaomi devices.

When to choose Wi-Fi Direct:

• 📁 We need to get the video to you. 4K or 1-volume archive+ GB.
• 🖨️ Printing documents on a printer without a router.
• 🎮 You need to connect the gamepad with minimal delay.

When is the best time to use Miracast:

• 📺 You need to duplicate the screen of the smartphone on the TV Mi TV Samsung.
• 🎬 You need to broadcast a movie or game with minimal lags.

When Bluetooth is enough:

• 🎧 Connecting Xiaomi AirDots headphones or Mi Portable Speaker speakers.
• 📱 Transfer of photos or small documents (up to 50 MB).

💡

If you need to transfer files between two Xiaomi smartphones, use the built-in Mi Share app (formerly Mi Drop).It automatically selects the optimal protocol (Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth) and works 2 times faster than the standard exchange via Send Files.

How to enable Wi-Fi Direct on Xiaomi Mi TV plug in the smartphone

Mi TVs TV (series A2, P1, Q2 The newest X supports Wi-Fi Direct for screen broadcasting and smartphone control, but the connection algorithm is different from the standard one.

Step 1: Set up the TV

1. Turn on the Mi. TV and open the Settings (button with a gear on the remote control).
2. Go to the Network → Wi-Fi Direct.
3. Activate the function and wait until the TV is visible to other devices.

Step 2. Connect from Xiaomi smartphone

1. On your smartphone, open Settings → Connection and Sharing → Wireless display.
2. In the list of devices found, select your Mi. TV (The name will be MiTV-type]).
3. Confirm the pairing on both devices.

Step 3: Screen broadcasting or control

After connection:

• 📺 To duplicate the screen, select Start broadcasting.
• 🎮 To control the TV from your smartphone download the Mi Remote app.
• 📁 Use Mi Share to transfer files (TV must support the function).

⚠️ Attention: On Mi TVs TV older than 2019 (e.g. Mi) TV 4A) Wi-Fi Direct may not work as well because of the outdated Wi-Fi 4 module, in which case it is better to use Google Cast (via YouTube or Google Home) to broadcast the screen).

Wi-Fi Direct Security: Risks and How to Avoid Them

Wi-Fi Direct is convenient, but it has vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers. 2022 In the past year, researchers have found a gap. CVE-2022-23121, This allows you to intercept traffic between devices on some Qualcomm chips. Let's understand how to protect your Xiaomi device.

Risk 1: Data interception

Wi-Fi Direct uses encryption WPA2-PSK, But if the attacker knows PIN-code (which is sometimes generated automatically and easily picked up), it can connect to your network:

• 🔐 Always confirm new devices are manually connected (do not use automatic pairing).
• 🔄 After transferring files, turn off Wi-Fi Direct.
• 🛡️ Use it. VPN (for example, Xiaomi VPN) for additional traffic encryption.

Risk 2: Attacks by the man in the middle" (MITM)

The attacker could be a substitute. MAC-address of trusted device and intercept connection:

• 🔍 Check before connecting. MAC-Device address (displayed in Wi-Fi Direct settings).
• 🚫 Do not connect to devices with suspicious names (for example, FREE_WIFI_DIRECT).

Risk 3: Identity leakage

When transferring files over Wi-Fi Direct, some applications (such as Mi Share) may request access to contacts or media files.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Permissions.
2. Find an application that uses Wi-Fi Direct (such as Mi Share).
3. Disable unnecessary permissions (such as Contacts or Location).

💡

Wi-Fi Direct is safer than Bluetooth, but is inferior in security to standard Wi-Fi via a router. To transfer sensitive data (for example, documents or passwords), use encrypted archives or VPN.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions