How to enable Wi-Fi Direct on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: instructions with photo and error solutions

Why Wi-Fi Direct on Redmi Note 7 doesn’t work the same way as on Xiaomi

The Wi-Fi Direct technology on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 (codename lavender) is implemented differently than on the brand’s more modern models. Unlike the Redmi Note 10 or POCO X3, where the feature is available directly from the Quick Settings menu, here it has to be searched for in the depths of MIUI. The reason is the hardware limitations of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset, which does not support the modern Wi-Fi Direct Certification protocol from Alliance. However, the manufacturer adapted the technology through a proprietary solution that is compatible with most Xiaomi devices and some third-party gadgets.

The main difference from the classic Wi-Fi Direct: on the Redmi Note 7, the feature only works in the “hotspot” mode, not as a full peer-to-peer channel. This means that your smartphone will distribute a network to which another device will connect – whether it is a printer, TV or a second phone – this approach makes it easier to set up, but imposes limits on data transfer speed (maximum ~150 Mbit / s versus 300+ Mbit / s on new models).

Another nuance: in MIUI 12 and older, the feature may be hidden because of Xiaomi's policy of simplifying the interface. If you don't find a clause in the settings, it's not a bug, it's a feature of the firmware. Next, we'll show you how to get around this limitation and make Wi-Fi Direct work even on custom MIUI builds.

Smartphone Preparation: What to Do Before Wi-Fi Direct

Before activating the feature, make sure your Redmi Note 7 meets the minimum requirements:

• 📱 Version. MIUI: not lower than 11.0.2.0 (12.5 is recommended for stable operation)+). You can check the version in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 30% Wi-Fi Direct consumes energy, especially when transferring files.
• 📶 Airplane mode: Must be turned off, otherwise the Wi-Fi module will be locked at the hardware level.
• 🔒 Developer rights: not required but may be necessary to diagnose problems (see Error Solving section").

Pay special attention to the energy saving settings, and by default, MIUI aggressively optimizes background processes, which can interrupt Wi-Fi Direct data transmission.

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Optimization.
2. Find the application you will be sharing data with (for example, “Conductor” or “Gallery”).
3. Select the No Limits mode.

Step-by-step: how to turn on Wi-Fi Direct on Redmi Note 7

Depending on the version of MIUI, the path to settings may vary slightly, and we will consider two options: for standard firmware and for the updated MIUI 12/13/14, where the function is hidden deeper.

Method 1: Via the “More” menu in Wi-Fi settings (MIUI 11 and below)

This method works on most Redmi Note 7s with firmware up to MIUI 12.0.1:

1. Open the Settings. → Wi-Fi.
2. Swipe on the three dots in the upper right corner (or swipe left on some versions).
3. Select Wi-Fi Direct (can be called Direct Connection or Wi-Fi P2P).
4. Activate the slider at the top of the screen.
5. Wait until the smartphone finds the available devices (can take up to 30 seconds).

Method 2: By "Advanced" (MIUI 12 and later)

In the new versions of the firmware, the path has changed:

1. Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on Additional (or Advanced Settings).
3. Scroll down to the Wi-Fi Direct block and tap it.
4. Turn on the function and wait for the scanning devices.

Important: If Wi-Fi Direct is not on the menu, your firmware is hiding it, and an alternative method via Modem Modem will help (see next section).

Alternative method: use modem modem for Wi-Fi Direct

On the Redmi Note 7 with MIUI 12.5+, Wi-Fi Direct can be completely hidden, but it can be emulated via AP mode, which works with all devices that support Wi-Fi connectivity (including printers and TVs):

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Modem Modem.
2. Select the Wi-Fi Access Point.
3. Set up a network name (SSID) and password (WPA2-PSK is recommended).
4. Turn on the access point.
5. On the second device, connect to the network you have created.

The advantage of this method is:

• ✅ It works on all versions. MIUI, custom-made.
• ✅ Compatible with devices that do not support Wi-Fi Direct (e.g. older printers).
• ✅ Allows you to transfer files through standard protocols (FTP, HTTP).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Higher energy consumption (by 15-20% Higher than the classic Wi-Fi Direct).
• ❌ Limit the number of connected devices (maximum 5 at the same time).

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If the hotspot doesn't turn on, check if the carrier is blocking it. Some tariffs (such as Tele2's "Unlimited for Yours") limit the distribution of the Internet.

Wi-Fi Direct vs Miracast and Bluetooth: Which is better for the Redmi Note 7?

Many users confuse Wi-Fi Direct with other wireless technologies, and we will examine the key differences and scopes of each standard using the example of the Redmi Note 7:

The following recommendations apply to Redmi Note 7:

• 📁 Transfer of large files (video, archives): use Wi-Fi Direct or modem modem. 5-10 higher than Bluetooth.
• 🎮 LAN games: Wi-Fi Direct provides minimal latency (ping) ~10-20 opportunistic ~100 ms at Bluetooth).
• 📺 Screen display TV: Despite paper speed, Miracast is often more stable due to optimization for multimedia.
• 🎧 Headphone connectivity: Bluetooth is out of competition here (especially with the aptX codec on the Redmi Note 7).

Solving Common Wi-Fi Direct Errors on Redmi Note 7

Even after setting it up properly, users often face problems.-5 errors and ways of eliminating them:

1. The devices don't find each other

Causes and solutions:

• 🔄 Restart both devices. Redmi Note 7 sometimes gets tangled settings on the network stack.
• 📡 Check the Wi-Fi range. Some devices (e.g. printers) HP) Only work in the 2.4 GHz band. On Redmi Note 7, force 2.4 GHz to be enabled in the access point settings.
• 🛡️ Turn off the firewall. MIUI There is a built-in firewall that can block P2P-Connection. Path: Settings → Annexes → Permit management → Autostart (find the Brandwall and turn it off).

2. the connection is terminated when transferring files

⚠️ Note: If the transmission is interrupted 50-70%, The problem may be the processor's power saving settings. 7 s MIUI 12+ Enable Performance Mode: Settings → Battery → Performance mode → High-performance.

Additional steps:

• 📥 Use third-party applications to transfer files (such as Xender or Send Anywhere) and are optimized to work with Wi-Fi Direct.
• 🔧 Reset network settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.

3. Low data transfer speed

If the speed does not exceed 10-20 Mbit / s:

• 📶 Change the Wi-Fi channel. In densely populated areas, interference on channel 6 (by default) can slow down. Select channel 1 or 11 manually.
• 🔗 Disable all background applications that use the internet (such as browser downloads or app updates).
• 🔋 Connect your smartphone to charge. At a battery level below 20% MIUI Limits the performance of the Wi-Fi module.

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On the Redmi Note 7, the top speed of Wi-Fi Direct is limited by the bandwidth of the Snapdragon 660 chipset. Even under ideal conditions, it will not exceed 150 Mbps (real ~80-100 Mbps).

Wi-Fi Direct Security: How to Protect Data During Transfer

Unlike Bluetooth, which uses a pair of keys to authenticate, Wi-Fi Direct on the Redmi Note 7 creates an open network without default encryption, which means that third parties can theoretically intercept the data being transmitted to minimize the risks:

1. Always set a password when using modem modem, even a simple 8-digit code will increase protection.
2. Turn off Wi-Fi Direct after the transfer is complete. Long-term activity of the function increases the chances of an attack.
3. Use a VPN when transferring sensitive files, such as ProtonVPN or the built-in Private DNS in MIUI.

For maximum safety:

• 🔐 Encrypt files before transfer (e.g. via 7-Zip password-wise).
• 📱 Check it out. MAC-Addresses of connected devices. On the Redmi Note 7, they are displayed in the Wi-Fi Direct menu.
• 🚫 Avoid public places to transmit sensitive data.Cafés or airports are at higher risk of interception.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (Wi-Fi Direct can create a network with WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup. This protocol is vulnerable to brute force attacks. WPS In the router settings, if you use it in parallel.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Wi-Fi Direct on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7