How to turn on Wi-Fi Direct on Xiaomi phone: step-by-step instructions with photo and error solutions

Wi-Fi Direct allows you to transfer files between devices without a router — directly, like Bluetooth, but much faster. On Xiaomi smartphones, this feature is often hidden in the depths of the menu or replaced by the proprietary Mi Share solution (formerly Xiaomi Share), which leaves users lost: either to look for classic Wi-Fi Direct, or to use an alternative from the manufacturer.

In this article, we’ll look at both options – how to enable native Wi-Fi Direct (if available on your model) and how to use Mi Share for the same purpose. You will also learn why devices can’t see each other, how to fix the “failed to connect” error, and which Xiaomi models support the technology at the firmware level. 11, POCO X5 Xiaomi 13 Pro - the instruction is relevant for all smartphones on MIUI 12/13/14.

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

Wi-Fi Direct is a wireless standard that allows devices to communicate without an intermediary (router or access point), essentially one smartphone becomes a "host" (access point), and the second becomes a client that connects to it. 20-30 MB/s (against) 1-5 MB / s in Bluetooth), and the range is up to 200 foot-yard.

On Xiaomi smartphones, the technology is used to:

• 📱 Quick transfer of photos, videos and documents between phones (including models of other brands – Samsung, Huawei, Realme).
• 🖨️ Print documents on Wi-Fi Direct-enabled printers (e.g. Canon) PIXMA or HP Envy).
• 🎮 Connecting gamepads (Xbox Controller, DualSense) or wireless headphones (if they support the protocol).
• 📺 Streaming screens on Smart TVs TV (Miracast alternative).

However, Xiaomi is actively promoting its own analogue, Mi Share (formerly Xiaomi Share), which works on the same principle, but with additional features (for example, transmission over the Internet, if devices are on different networks), as a result, Wi-Fi Direct can be disabled or hidden on some models.

The difference between Wi-Fi Direct and Mi Share on Xiaomi: which is better

To understand which way to choose, compare them on key parameters:

Critical nuance: on smartphones Xiaomi with MIUI 13 and later classic Wi-Fi Direct can be disabled in favor of Mi Share. for example, on Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro+ The option is hidden in the engineering menu, and in the usual settings it was replaced by Mi Share. If you want compatibility with devices from other brands (for example, the Epson printer), you will have to look for workarounds.

⚠️ Note: On models with Qualcomm Snapdragon processor (for example, POCO F5 or Redmi K60) Wi-Fi Direct is more stable than smartphones with MediaTek chips (such as the Redmi Note 11), which can “lose” the connection when transferring large files (>1GB).

Step-by-step: how to turn on Wi-Fi Direct on Xiaomi

If your smartphone supports classic Wi-Fi Direct, follow this instruction. We tested it on the Xiaomi Mi 11 (MIUI 14) and Redmi 10 (MIUI 13).

Make sure that both devices have Wi-Fi enabled.

Turn off Airplane mode.

Battery charge > 20% (file transfer consumes a lot of energy)

Unlock the screen on both devices-->

Step 1. Open Settings and go to the Wi-Fi section.

Step 2. Swipe down the three dots in the top right corner (or swipe down on some models) and select Additional (or Advanced Settings).

Step 3: Scroll down and find Wi-Fi Direct. If it's not available, your model is using Mi Share (see next section).

Step 4: Activate the function and wait for the smartphone to find the available devices. On the second phone, do the same.

Step 5: Select the device from the list and confirm the connection on both screens. Once connected, you can transfer files through any file manager (e.g. Files by Google or standard Explorer).

Example of the path for MIUI 14:


Settings → Wi-Fi → ⋮ (three dots) → Additional → Wi-Fi Direct

If there is no Wi-Fi Direct, try an alternative method:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 5 times on the item Version MIUI, to unlock the Developer Mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the option to Enable Wi-Fi Direct and activate it.

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If Wi-Fi Direct is not enabled, try resetting the network settings: → Wi-Fi → ⋮ → Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth, which will delete all the saved networks, but often solves the problem.

How to use Mi Share instead of Wi-Fi Direct (for all Xiaomi models)

If your Xiaomi doesn’t have classic Wi-Fi Direct, use Mi Share, a branded alternative from the manufacturer.It works faster than Bluetooth and supports file transfer between Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO.

Step 1. Open the Settings. → Connections and sharing → Mi Share.

Step 2: Enable the function and allow access to files and contacts (if necessary).

Step 3: Do the same thing on the second device.

Step 4: In the list of available devices, select your target smartphone and confirm your connection.

• 📁 Conductor (long press on file) → Send. → Mi Share).
• 📷 Gallery (Photo highlighting) → Share. → Mi Share).
• 🎵 Music (track menu) → Send).

Mi Share automatically selects the optimal transfer protocol: if devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, local connection is used; if different devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, data is sent through Xiaomi servers (internet is required).

⚠️ Note: When transferring files via Xiaomi servers, files are temporarily stored on the cloud (up to 7 days).To avoid this, connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network before sending them.

Why Wi-Fi Direct doesn’t work for Xiaomi: 5 reasons and solutions

If devices can’t see each other or if they give an error called “I couldn’t connect,” check the following points:

Firmware incompatibility: on some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) Wi-Fi Direct only works on the same version. MIUI Update the firmware through Settings. → Updating the system.

Conflict with VPN Or firewall. VPN-programs (e.g., 1.1.1.1 or NordVPN) and temporarily deactivate the firewall in the antivirus (if installed).

3. Restrictions on regional firmware on smartphones with firmware for China (China) ROM) or the global version (Global version) ROM) Wi-Fi Direct settings may vary. Check the version MIUI In Settings → The phone.

Hardware restrictions: on budget models (e.g. Redmi) A1 or POCO C50) You may not have Wi-Fi Direct support at the iron level, in which case you can use Mi Share or Bluetooth.

5. Wi-Fi module malfunctions. Restart both devices or reset network settings (Settings) → Wi-Fi → ⋮ → If the problem persists, check the Wi-Fi module in the engineering menu:

##4636## → Wi-Fi Information → Check the status of the connection.

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If Wi-Fi Direct doesn’t turn on Xiaomi with MediaTek processor, try rolling back to an older version. MIUI (for example, 14 on 13). This often solves the problem on Redmi Note models. 10/11.

How to transfer files from Xiaomi to printer via Wi-Fi Direct

Many modern printers (such as Canon) PIXMA MG3640 or HP DeskJet 2720) supports Wi-Fi Direct for printing from smartphones. Here's how to set up a connection:

Step 1. Turn on Wi-Fi Direct on the printer (usually a button on the panel or in the settings menu). Remember the network name and password (if required).

Step 2. On Xiaomi, open Settings → Wi-Fi and connect to the printer network (the name will include a model, for example, DIRECT-xx-HP DeskJet 2720).

Step 3: Install the printer manufacturer’s application (e.g, HP Smart or Canon PRINT) Google Play.

Step 4: In the application, select a file to print and send it to the printer, and after completion, you can disconnect from the printer network.

If the printer does not support Wi-Fi Direct, use alternative methods:

• 🔌 Connect the printer to the router and print through the local network.
• 📱 Use it. OTG-cable for direct connection of the printer to the smartphone (if the printer supports) USB).
• ☁️ Upload the file to the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) and print it from your computer.

⚠️ Note: When printing via Wi-Fi Direct, your smartphone loses access to the Internet because it is directly connected to the printer. If you need Internet while you are printing, use the hotspot mode on your phone and connect the printer to it.

Speed comparison: Wi-Fi Direct vs Bluetooth vs Mi Share on Xiaomi

We tested the transfer of a file size of 1 GB (video in resolution) 1080p) Xiaomi 12 Pro and Redmi Note 11 Pro+ Results (average of 3 attempts):

As you can see from the test, Wi-Fi Direct remains the fastest way, but Mi Share is not far behind and offers more convenience (automatic connection, transmission history). Bluetooth loses in all respects, but is suitable for transferring small files (photos, documents) with minimal battery consumption.

If you need to transfer a large amount of data (for example, backup or video) 4K), better:

1. Wi-Fi Direct (if supported)
2. Mi Share (if both devices are Xiaomi)
3. Cable USB adapter-wise OTG (speeds up to 40MB/s, but you need a physical connector).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Wi-Fi Direct on Xiaomi