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

Wi-Fi Direct technology allows Xiaomi TVs to communicate directly with other devices, without a router, and is convenient for streaming a smartphone screen, listening to music from a laptop, or printing photos on a printer. TV 4A/4S/5 Pro/6 Have difficulty first turning on a feature: where to look for settings, why devices can’t see each other, and how to solve compatibility issues.

In this article, you will find current ways to activate Wi-Fi Direct on Xiaomi TVs 2020-2026 release, including models on Android. TV Google TV. We will analyze step-by-step instructions for different versions of firmware, talk about hidden settings and give recommendations for eliminating typical errors - from the lack of a signal to failures when transferring files.

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

Wi-Fi Direct is a wireless standard that allows devices to create a "direct access point" bypassing a router. In the context of Xiaomi TVs, the technology is used to:

• 📱 Screen Mirroring – broadcasting the screen of the smartphone (Miui, Android, iOS) on TV without lags.
• 🎵 Streaming media – playback of music or video from a laptop / tablet.
• 🖨️ Print photos on compatible printers (e.g. Canon) PIXMA or HP Envy).
• 🎮 Gamepad connections (e.g. Xiaomi Game Controller) for big screen games.

The main advantage over classic Wi-Fi is a faster data transfer speed (up to 250 Mbps) and no dependence on the router.

• ⚠️ The range of action is no more than 10 meters (as opposed to 50 meters).+ router).
• ⚠️ Limited number of devices – usually no more than 5 at a time.
• ⚠️ Compatibility issues with iOS devices (more software required).

On Xiaomi TVs, the function is implemented through the Miracast protocol (for the screen) and DLNA (Not all models support Wi-Fi Direct out of the box, for example, on Mi. TV 4A 2018 may require a firmware update.

Checking the compatibility of your Xiaomi TV Wi-Fi Direct

Before you try to turn on the feature, make sure your TV supports it. Here is the official list of Wi-Fi Direct models:

If your model is not listed in the table, check whether it checks the function through network settings:

1. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Scroll down to Wi-Fi Direct or Miracast.
3. If there is no item, then the function is disabled at the firmware level.

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On Xiaomi TVs with Google TV (Like Mi. TV (6) Wi-Fi Direct may be hidden as Nearby Share or Cast.

For Mi models TV 4A/4S 2018–2019 Years of release may require firmware updates to version MIUI TV 3.2.1 You can check the current version at Settings. → On TV. → POS version.

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

The activation process depends on the firmware version and the TV model, and below is a universal instruction that will work for most Xiaomi devices.

Method 1: Through standard settings (MIUI TV / Google TV)

This method works for Mi. TV 5/6 and new models from Google TV:

1. Turn on the TV and go to Settings (cog in the upper right corner).
2. Select the Network and Internet section → Wi-Fi.
3. Scroll down and click Wi-Fi Direct (or Nearby Share on Google) TV).
4. Activate the slider Enable Wi-Fi Direct.
5. The TV will start looking for the devices available, select the ones from the list and confirm the connection.

Make sure that the second device is enabled Wi-Fi Direct|Check that both devices are within a 5-meter radius.|Turn it off. VPN smartphone/laptop|Update the TV firmware to the latest version-->

Method 2: Through the Engineering Menu (for Mi) TV 4A/4S)

In older models, the function can be hidden, so that it can be activated.

1. Open the Settings. → On TV.
2. Find the Model Number and quickly click on it 5 times in a row (you should request access to the engineering menu).
3. Enter the code: 12345 (standard for Xiaomi).
4. Go to the Network Settings section → Wi-Fi Direct.
5. Set the Enable value and save the settings.

Once activated, the TV should appear on the list of available devices on your smartphone or laptop, and if this does not happen, restart both devices.

Method 3: Through the Mi Home app (for smart home)

If you are using the Xiaomi Smart Home ecosystem, you can enable Wi-Fi Direct through the Mi Home app:

1. Open Mi Home on your smartphone and connect to your TV.
2. Go to the Devices. → Choose your Mi. TV.
3. Press Settings (three dots in the upper right corner).
4. Select Wi-Fi Direct and activate the function.

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On Xiaomi TVs with Google TV (Like Mi. TV 6) Wi-Fi Direct automatically turns on when the device is first connected via Cast (broadcast icon in the smartphone notification panel).

Solving Wi-Fi Direct Problems on Xiaomi TV

Even after a function is successfully enabled, failures can occur, and here are the most common errors and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: The TV doesn't see other devices

Causes and solutions:

• 📵 Wi-Fi Direct is disabled on the second device – check your smartphone/laptop settings.
• 🔄 Conflict with basic Wi-Fi – disconnect the TV from the router while you connect.
• 🔋 Low signal level – bring the devices closer (maximum 5 meters).
• 🛠️ Outdated firmware - update the TV software (instruction below).

Problem 2: Connection is interrupted or slowed down

What to do:

• 📶 Change the Wi-Fi channel in the router settings (if it interferes with Direct work).
• 🔌 Use power from the network – on the battery of the smartphone, the communication can be unstable.
• 🧹 Clear the cache in the TV settings: Settings → Annexes → All applications → Wi-Fi Direct → Clear the cache.

Problem 3: Screen Translation is Not Working (Miracast)

For Android devices:

1. Make sure that the developer mode is enabled on the smartphone (click 7 times on the build number in the phone settings).
2. Activate the Wireless Display in Settings → Connected devices.
3. Choose your Xiaomi TV screen-list.

For the iPhone:

• Use AirPlay instead of Wi-Fi Direct (on Mi) TV 5/6 maintained).
• Install the Screen Mirroring app from the App Store (such as ApowerMirror).

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If the screen broadcast is lagging, reduce the resolution on the smartphone to 720p Miracast settings (on some Xiaomi models, this solves the problem of delays).

Problem 4: “I failed to connect”

Possible causes:

• 🔒 Password mismatches – some devices require input PIN-Code (check the TV screen).
• 📱 Older version of Android on your smartphone – update to Android 10+.
• 🛡️ Firewall blocks connection – temporarily disable antivirus on PC/laptop.

⚠️ Warning: If after several attempts to connect the TV stopped responding to the remote, reset the network: → Network and Internet → Reset the network settings. This will delete all the saved connections, including Wi-Fi Direct.

Update to support Wi-Fi Direct

If your Xiaomi TV doesn’t support Wi-Fi Direct out of the box, you may need a firmware update.

Method 1: Air Update (OTA)

1. Go to Settings → About TV → System Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If a new version is available, confirm the installation and wait for the reboot.

Minimum firmware versions for Wi-Fi Direct:

• Mi TV 4A/4S — MIUI TV 3.2.1.
• Mi TV 5 — PatchWall 3.0.
• Mi TV 6 — Google TV 10.0+.

Method 2: Update through USB

If the OTA is not working:

1. Download the latest firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website (Support section) → TV).
2. Unpack. ZIP-archive and copy the file update.zip flash drive (format) FAT32).
3. Put the flash drive in. USB-television-port.
4. Go to Settings → About TV → System Update → Update via USB.
5. Select a file and wait for the installation to be completed (don’t turn off the TV!).

⚠️ Note: When updating through USB Do not use flash drives larger than 32 GB – some Xiaomi models TV They don't recognize larger drives. They also avoid. USB 3.0 (blue connectors) – they may not work.

Security with Wi-Fi Direct

Wi-Fi Direct creates an unsecured network between devices, which theoretically allows attackers to intercept data transmitted to minimize the risks of:

• 🔐 Use the connection only in a trusted network (at home, in the office).
• 📴 Turn off Wi-Fi Direct after use – this will prevent unauthorized access.
• 🛡️ Do not share confidential data (passwords, bank information).
• 🔄 Regularly update the firmware – new versions fix vulnerabilities.

On Xiaomi TVs with Google TV Additional protection can be added:

1. Go to Settings. → Google → Devices and sharing.
2. Choose Nearby Share.
3. Set the device visibility as just for my contacts.

It is also recommended to disable automatic connection to unknown devices:

1. In the Wi-Fi Direct settings, select Manual Confirmation.
2. This will force the TV to request permission with each new connection.

Alternatives to Wi-Fi Direct for Xiaomi TV

If Wi-Fi Direct doesn’t work or isn’t supported by your model, consider alternative ways to connect:

1. Miracast (for screen broadcast)

It works for everyone at Xiaomi. TV Android 5.0+:

• 📱 On Android-smartphone: Settings → Connected devices → Wireless display.
• 🍎 On iPhone: Use AirPlay (Mi only) TV 5/6).
• 💻 On Windows: Options → System system → Projection on this computer.

2. Chromecast (for media files)

Supported on models with Google TV:

• Install the Google Home app on your smartphone.
• Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
• Click Cast in supported apps (YouTube, Netflix).

3. DLNA (media-replicative)

It works for everyone at Xiaomi. TV:

• 📁 On the PC, install a server DLNA (For example, Plex or Kodi).
• 📺 On the TV, open the Media Player. → Local area network.
• 🔍 Select your PC from the list and play files.

4.Cable HDMI (stable-connection)

If wireless technology is not suitable:

• 📺 Use it. HDMI-cable.
• 🎮 For gamepads suitable Bluetooth (on Mi) TV 5/6 built-in adapter).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Wi-Fi Direct on Xiaomi TV