How to enable Wi-Fi Direct on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: full instructions with nuances

Wi-Fi Direct technology allows Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 smartphones to share files, stream a screen to a TV or connect to peripherals (printers, speakers) without a router. Despite the obvious benefits, many users have difficulty activating this feature — especially after MIUI updates when settings change. In this article, we will discuss not only the standard way to turn on, but also alternative methods for different versions of firmware, as well as typical errors that make Wi-Fi Direct not work even with the right settings.

It’s important to understand that the Redmi Note 9 (M2003J15SC/M2003J15SS) supports Wi-Fi Direct at the hardware level, but its availability depends on the MIUI version and regional restrictions. For example, in firmware for India (MIUI INDIA), the function can be hidden by default. We tested the instruction on MIUI 12.5-14 and identified key differences in the interface.

What is Wi-Fi Direct and why is it needed on the Redmi Note 9?

Wi-Fi Direct is a wireless standard that allows devices to create an ad-hoc network without a router. Unlike Bluetooth, it provides high data rates (up to 250 Mbps under ideal conditions) and lower latency, which is critical for:

• 📱 Transfer of large files (video) 4K, archives, backups) between Xiaomi smartphones or other brands (Samsung, Huawei).
• 📺 Screen Mirroring on TVs with Miracast support or DLNA (For example, Xiaomi Mi TV, LG Smart TV).
• 🖨️ Print documents on printers with Wi-Fi Direct (Canon) PIXMA, HP Envy).
• 🎮 Connect gamepads (such as Xiaomi Game Controller) or wireless headphones with low latency.

On the Redmi Note 9, the technology is implemented through a Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G chip that supports dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz). However, in real conditions, the speed is limited to 50-100 Mbit / s due to interference and protocol features. The main advantage over Bluetooth is the lack of binding to a pair of devices: up to 8 clients can be connected to one Wi-Fi Direct point at a time.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi Note 9 with MIUI 13+ Wi-Fi Direct may conflict with Mi Share (a built-in alternative from Xiaomi).If you want compatibility with other brands, disable Mi Share in Connectivity and Sharing settings.

Preparing your phone before turning on Wi-Fi Direct

Before activating the function, follow the mandatory steps to avoid failures:

1. Update your firmware to the latest version of MIUI. In older builds (below MIUI 12.0.3), Wi-Fi Direct was unstable. You can check the version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. Turn off VPN and modem modem mode – they block the creation of direct connections.
3. Activate Wi-Fi (not necessarily connect to the network). Wi-Fi Direct uses the same adapter.
4. Reset your network settings if you have previously had connection problems: Settings → Wi-Fi → ⋮ → Additionally. → Reset the settings.

Pay special attention to regional settings, and on some firmware (e.g. MIUI EU), Wi-Fi Direct is hidden due to Google restrictions, to be returned:

Make sure that the MIUI version is not lower than 12.0.3

Disable Mi Share in the settings

Activate Wi-Fi (do not connect to the network)

Reset your network settings if there were errors

Check regional restrictions (for custom firmware)-->

Step-by-step: how to turn on Wi-Fi Direct on Redmi Note 9

Consider two official activation methods – through the standard menu and using the developer mode (for firmware, where the function is hidden).

Method 1: Standard Incorporation (MIUI 12–14)

This method works on most official firmware:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to Connections and Sharing (or Wi-Fi in older versions).
3. Slip on Wi-Fi Direct. If it's not available, see Method 2.
4. Activate the slider at the top of the screen, and the phone will start scanning the available devices.
5. Select the target device from the list and confirm the connection (entry may be required). PIN-code).

Once you've successfully connected, the status bar will show a Wi-Fi Direct icon (two arrows pointing in different directions). To disconnect, go back to the same menu and click Disable.

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If the device isn’t on the list, try rebooting both gadgets and turning on Wi-Fi Direct first on the second device and then on the Redmi Note 9.

Method 2: Enable through Developer Mode (for hidden firmware)

If the Wi-Fi Direct option is not in the menu, it can be unlocked through the developer’s options:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version (you will receive a notification "You became a developer").

Settings → Additional → For Developers

Enable Wi-Fi Direct

Wi-Fi Direct is always active.

Connections and sharing

⚠️ Note: On some custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience), enabling Wi-Fi Direct through developer mode may result in loss of communication with the mobile network.

Through the standard menu

Through the developer mode

I had to use ADB.

The function never worked.-->

Wi-Fi Direct does not work on the Redmi Note 9

If the feature is enabled but the devices can’t see each other or the connection is broken, check the following points:

1. The devices don't find each other

• 📵 Turn off Bluetooth – it may conflict with Wi-Fi Direct on some devices.
• 🔄 Reboot both gadgets and turn on Wi-Fi Direct first on the second device and then on the Redmi Note 9.
• 📶 Check the Wi-Fi range: some devices only work at 2.4 GHz. In router settings, turn off 5 GHz if you have one.

2. connection is terminated or files are not transferred

• 🛠️ Reset network settings: Settings → Wi-Fi → ⋮ → Additionally. → Reset the settings.
• 📥 Update the Files app (or use alternatives like Send Anywhere).
• 🔋 Check battery power: at below 15%, the Redmi Note 9 automatically disables power-hungry features, including Wi-Fi Direct.

3. "Unable to connect" error

This error often occurs due to:

• 🔒 Incompatible security protocols. Try to disable WPA3 In the settings of the access point (if you connect to the printer or TV).
• 📦 Damaged system files. Run the check through Settings. → Annexes → Application management → ⋮ → System verification.

Wi-Fi Direct Alternatives on Redmi Note 9

If Wi-Fi Direct fails to start, consider alternative ways to share data:

For transferring files between Redmi Note 9 and your computer, it is more convenient to use FTP-server, for example, through an application FX File Explorer:

1. Open the application and go to the Remote Access section.
2. Tap to launch. FTP-server.
3. Enter the address (e.g., ftp://192.168.1.100:2221) in Windows Explorer or file manager on Mac.

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Wi-Fi Direct isn’t the only way to transfer data quickly: Mi Share is the best way to share files between Xiaomi devices, and FTP over a local network or applications like Send Anywhere for cross-platform transfer.

Security with Wi-Fi Direct

Direct connectivity between devices creates potential risks:

• 🔓 Lack of encryption in some protocol implementations. Always check that the device you are connecting supports WPA2-PSK.
• 👤 Connect unfamiliar devices. Wi-Fi Direct can automatically receive connection requests - disable this option in settings.
• 📡 Traffic interception: Avoid transmitting sensitive data (passwords, bank documents) through public networks.

To improve safety:

1. Turn off Wi-Fi Direct after use.
2. Use encrypted applications (such as Resilio Sync for file transfer).
3. Set up. MAC-filtering on the device you are connecting to (if supported).

⚠️ Attention: Redmi Note 9 with MIUI 14 bug: Active Wi-Fi Direct geolocation is incorrect (detects location with error up to 500 meters). GPS, Turn off Wi-Fi Direct before using the navigator.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Wi-Fi Direct on Redmi Note 9