How to turn on Wi-Fi Direct on your Xiaomi TV: a complete guide with photos

Wi-Fi Direct technology allows Xiaomi TVs (Mi series) TV 4/4A/4S/5/5X/Q1/Q2 And now, you can connect directly to other devices, like smartphones, laptops or tablets, without a router, which is convenient for broadcasting a screen, transferring files or using TV as a presentation monitor, but many users have a problem: The function is either hidden in the depths of the menu or inactive due to the features of the firmware.

In this article, youโ€™ll find the latest ways to enable Wi-Fi Direct on Xiaomi TVs of all generations, including PatchWall and Google models. TV. We will discuss common errors (for example, when the function is gray), alternative connection methods (via Mi Home or Screen Mirroring), and explain why this option may not be physically available on some TVs.

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

Wi-Fi Direct is a wireless standard that allows two devices to communicate directly without a router. On Xiaomi TVs, this technology is used to:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Smartphone screen broadcasts (for example, to view photos/video on a big screen via Miracast or Google Cast)
  • ๐Ÿ’ป Connecting a laptop in the second monitor mode (alternative) HDMI or USB-C)
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Game consoles (e.g. Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck in portable mode)
  • ๐Ÿ“ Transfer files without using cloud services (for example, photos from a camera to TV)

From the classic Wi-Fi router Wi-Fi Direct differs less latency (important for games) and no dependence on Internet speed. However, there are limitations: the connection range is usually less than 10 meters, and the data transfer speed is lower than modern routers with Wi-Fi 6.

โš ๏ธ Attention: On the TVs Xiaomi Mi TV 4A (2018-2019 models) Wi-Fi Direct can be disabled at the firmware level, in which case the alternative would be to use Mi Home or Chromecast (if the TV supports Google Cast).

๐Ÿ“Š What brand is your TV?
Xiaomi
Samsung
LG
Sony
Other

Does your Xiaomi support you? TV Wi-Fi Direct function: compatibility table

Not all Xiaomi models are equipped with Wi-Fi Direct hardware support. Below is a compatibility table for popular series. If your model is not on the list, check the specifications on the official website or in the documents to the device.

Model TV setSupport for Wi-Fi DirectAlternative ways of connecting
Mi TV 4/4A/4S (2017โ€“2020)โœ… Yes (on the Network menu")Miracast, DLNA
Mi TV 5/5X/5 Pro (2020โ€“2022)โœ… Yes (at "Settings") โ†’ Connections")Google Cast, Apple AirPlay (on some firmware)
Mi TV Q1/Q2/Q2Q (2021โ€“2023)โœ… Yes (includes via PatchWall)Screen Mirroring, HDMI-CEC
Mi TV A2/A Pro (2022โ€“2026)โŒ No (only Wi-Fi via router)Mi Home, USB-cable
Redmi Smart TV (all models)โš ๏ธ Partially (depends on firmware)DLNA, Bluetooth

If your TV is in the category "โŒ No, donโ€™t worry: In the next section, weโ€™ll talk about alternative wireless connectivity that works even without Wi-Fi Direct.

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

The activation process depends on the firmware and shell version (PatchWall or Google). TV). Below are instructions for both options.

Method 1: Through the PatchWall menu (Mi) TV 4/5/Q-series)

  1. Turn on the TV and press the Settings button on the remote.
  2. Go to the Settings section โ†’ Network and Internet โ†’ Wi-Fi Direct.
  3. Activate the Wi-Fi Direct slider (if it's gray, see the Problem Solving section).
  4. Select a device from the list of available (for example, a Xiaomi smartphone or a laptop).
  5. Confirm the connection on both devices (entry may be required) PIN-code).

On some firmware, the path may be different: Settings โ†’ Connections โ†’ Wi-Fi Direct or Settings โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ Wireless networks.

Enable Wi-Fi on both devices |

Update the TV firmware to the latest version|

Make sure that the distance between the devices is not more than 5 meters|

Shut down. VPN on a smartphone/laptop (can block the connection)-->

Method 2: Through Google TV (Mi TV Android TV 11+)

On Google-shell TVs TV (Like Mi. TV Q2 2023) Path to settings other:

  1. Open Settings (profile icon in the upper right corner).
  2. Choose the Web and the Internet โ†’ Wi-Fi โ†’ Wi-Fi Direct.
  3. Click Add Device and select the one you want from the list.
  4. Confirm pairing on the second device (for example, on the smartphone in the Settings menu) โ†’ Connections โ†’ Wi-Fi Direct).

If there is no option, try updating the firmware through Settings. โ†’ System system โ†’ Update of the PO.

What to do if Wi-Fi Direct is not turned on or gray

If the Wi-Fi Direct feature is inactive (grey slider) or not on the menu, the reasons may be as follows:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Outdated firmware - update the TV through Settings โ†’ System system โ†’ Update of the PO.
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Hardware limitation โ€“ some models (e.g. Mi) TV A2) not support function.
  • ๐Ÿ”’ Regional restrictions: Wi-Fi Direct may be turned off for the Chinese market.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Failure of settings โ€“ perform network reset (Settings) โ†’ Network โ†’ Resetting network settings).

If you cannot update the firmware (for example, on Mi). TV 4A 2018, use alternative methods:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฒ Mi Home app: connect your TV and smartphone to the same Wi-Fi network, then select your device in the app and use the option Screen Mirroring.
  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Google Cast: If TV supports Chromecast, stream the screen through the Google Home app.
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ USB-cable: to transfer files, connect a flash drive or external drive to the port USB TV.

โš ๏ธ Note: Xiaomi TVs with firmware for the Chinese market (CN ROM) Wi-Fi Direct can be blocked by the manufacturer, in which case only flashing to the global version will help. ROM), But it voids the guarantee.

How do I check the firmware version?
Open the Settings. โ†’ On TV. โ†’ If there's a version of the software in the title CN (for example, MIUI TV 2.0.196CN), So you have Chinese firmware. The global version will contain Global or EEA (Europe).

How to connect Xiaomi smartphone to TV via Wi-Fi Direct

To pair a smartphone (such as the Redmi Note 12 or Xiaomi 13) with a Xiaomi TV, follow the following steps:

  1. On the TV, turn on Wi-Fi Direct (see instructions above).
  2. On your smartphone, open Settings โ†’ Connections โ†’ Wi-Fi Direct (only) MIUI 14 Ways may be different: Settings โ†’ Wi-Fi โ†’ Wi-Fi Direct).
  3. Choose the name of your TV from the list (usually it starts with MiTV or Xiaomi-).
  4. Confirm the connection on both devices. Some models will require the TV input PIN-code (displayed on screen).

After successful pairing, you will be able to:

  • ๐Ÿ“ธ Broadcast photos and videos from the gallery to the big screen.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Use your smartphone as a gamepad for gaming (via apps like Steam Link).
  • ๐Ÿ“บ Duplicate the screen of the smartphone in real time (Screen Mirroring).

If the connection is interrupted, check:

  • The distance between the devices (no more than 5-7 meters).
  • No interference (walls, other wireless devices).
  • Charge the battery of the smartphone (at low charge Wi-Fi Direct can be turned off).

๐Ÿ’ก

If the screen broadcast is slowing down, reduce the video resolution in the smartphone settings (Settings) โ†’ Screen. โ†’ Permission) or disable background applications.

Wi-Fi Direct Alternatives: What to Use When the Feature is Unavailable

If your Xiaomi TV doesnโ€™t support Wi-Fi Direct, use one of the following methods:

MethodRequirementsPlusesCons
MiracastSupport on TV and smartphoneLow latency, no dependency on routerNot all Xiaomi models support all of them.
Google Cast (Chromecast)TV and Smartphone in the same Wi-Fi networkStable connection, support for most applicationsRouter requires, possible lags
DLNAA server application on a smartphone (for example, BubbleUPnP)Transfer of files without connection to TVNo live screen broadcasting
HDMI-cable USB-C โ†’ HDMIadapterMaximum quality, without delayWire connection, limited length

To stream the screen from the iPhone to Xiaomi TV Use Apple AirPlay (if TV supports) or apps like ApowerMirror. On Android smartphones, Screen Mirroring via Google Home is the alternative.

๐Ÿ’ก

On Xiaomi Mi TVs TV Q2 And the newest, most reliable way to broadcast is Google Cast, which is more stable than Wi-Fi Direct and supports more video formats.

Frequent mistakes and their solution

When using Wi-Fi Direct on Xiaomi TV And these are the most common problems that people have, and the ways that they can be addressed:

  • ๐Ÿ”ด "Unable to connect: restart both devices and try again. If the error persists, reset the network settings on TV (Settings) โ†’ Network โ†’ Reset).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ "Connection is interrupted": turn off the power saving mode for Wi-Fi on your smartphone (Settings โ†’ Battery โ†’ Energy saving applications).
  • ๐Ÿ“ต "Device not found": make sure the TV is on detection mode (Settings) โ†’ Wi-Fi Direct โ†’ Visibility).
  • ๐Ÿ”’ "Required. PIN-code: the code is displayed on a TV screen (usually 4-6 digits). If it is not, try the standard 0000 or 1234.

If Wi-Fi Direct is still not working after all the manipulations, check:

  • Device compatibility (some Samsung or iPhone smartphones may not support a connection with Xiaomi) TV).
  • Updates to both devices (especially if one is new).
  • Firewall settings on the laptop (if you connect a PC).

โš ๏ธ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with firmware MIUI TV 3.0 and higher, Wi-Fi Direct may conflict with Bluetooth. If you have wireless headphones or keyboards connected, turn them off before using Wi-Fi Direct.

Is it possible to connect a laptop to Xiaomi via Wi-Fi Direct? TV?
Yes, but only if the laptop supports Wi-Fi Direct. 10/11 Check for function in the settings โ†’ Network and Internet โ†’ Wi-Fi โ†’ Wi-Fi Direct. Use AirPlay on MacBook (if TV supports).
Why is Wi-Fi Direct slow or slow?
The reasons may be: Long distance between devices (optimally up to 3 meters), interference from other wireless devices (routers, microwaves), low TV performance (on Mi). TV 4A Solution: Switch to 5 GHz (if TV supports) or use HDMI.
How to turn off Wi-Fi Direct on Xiaomi TV?
Go to Settings. โ†’ Network and Internet โ†’ Wi-Fi Direct and deactivate the slider. You can also turn off the function through the Quick Settings menu (Home button). โ†’ Wi-Fi Direct icon).
Does Mi support it? TV Stick function of Wi-Fi Direct?
No, Mi. TV Stick does not have built-in Wi-Fi Direct. Use Google Cast or Miracast to stream the screen (if supported by a TV that has a Stick connected to it).
Can I play online games via Wi-Fi Direct?
Technically yes, but the latency (ping) will be higher than when connected via router or cable. LAN Wi-Fi 6 via router.