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

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

Wi-Fi Direct technology allows devices to communicate directly, without the mediation of a router or mobile Internet. On the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro, this feature is integrated into the firmware. MIUI, But many users do not even know about its existence - because the menu it is hidden deeper than the usual Bluetooth or Access Point.

Main use cases:

• 📱 Transfer of files between smartphones (photos, videos, documents) at speeds up to 250 Mbit/s - in 5-10 faster than Bluetooth.
• 🎮 Connect gamepads or wireless headphones if they support the protocol (for example, some models) 8BitDo or SteelSeries).
• 🖨️ Printing on printers without connecting to a shared network (useful for portable devices such as: HP OfficeJet).
• 📺 Broadcasting the screen on Smart TV (Miracast alternative if the TV doesn't support Mi Share).

It’s important to understand the difference between Wi-Fi Direct and Xiaomi’s proprietary Mi Share solution, which only works between devices. Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO And Wi-Fi Direct is a universal standard that is compatible with Android, iOS (limited), Windows, and even some smart devices.

Preparation of the smartphone: compatibility check and updates

Before activating Wi-Fi Direct, make sure your Redmi Note 9 Pro meets two key requirements:

1. Version. MIUI at least 12.0.1. In earlier firmwares, the function may be absent or unstable. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
2. All Redmi Note 9 Pro versions (including Global, India and China) are equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon chip 720G, Supports Wi-Fi Direct at iron level.

If your firmware is outdated, update it:

Check the current version in Settings → The phone.|Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network|Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Download the update to Settings → Updating the system|Reboot the device after installation-->

Critical detail: on some firmware for the region of India (Indian version), the Wi-Fi Direct item may be called Wi-Fi Direct P2P It's not a bug, it's the same function.

How to turn on Wi-Fi Direct on Redmi Note 9 Pro

The activation algorithm depends on the version MIUI. Below is a universal method that works on most assemblies:

Method 1: Through standard settings (MIUI 12 and newer)

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to Connections and Sharing (or Network and Internet in some localities).
3. Slip on Wi-Fi, then tap on the three dots in the upper right corner (the menu of additional features).
4. Select Wi-Fi Direct (or Wi-Fi) P2P).
5. Activate the slider at the top of the screen, and now your smartphone is visible to other devices.

Method 2: Through the notification panel (fast access)

If you use Wi-Fi Direct frequently, add it to the Quick Settings Panel:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Slip on the pencil icon (Edit).
3. Find it in the Wi-Fi Direct list and drag it to the active area.
4. Now the function is available in one tap – just click on its icon in the panel.

After activation, your Redmi Note 9 Pro will be visible to other devices within a radius. ~10 meters. To connect to another smartphone or gadget, select it from the list of available devices and confirm the connection on both screens.

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If the connection is not established, try temporarily disabling Bluetooth – sometimes these modules conflict at the hardware level.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even after you activate Wi-Fi Direct correctly, you can have problems, and here are the typical scenarios and ways to fix them:

⚠️ Note: On some Redmi Note 9 Pro firmware (especially custom ones), Wi-Fi Direct may conflict with Mi Share. If the second one stops working after activation, disable Autoconnection to known devices in the Mi Share settings.

If none of these methods worked, check firmware integrity. In rare cases, Wi-Fi Direct problems are caused by corrupted system files, in which case a factory reset (remember to back up!) will help.

Comparison of Wi-Fi Direct and Alternative Data Transfers

To understand when to use Wi-Fi Direct and when to use other technologies, compare them in key parameters:

When to choose Wi-Fi Direct:

• 📁 You need to transfer a large file (video, archive, firmware) – the speed is higher than that of Bluetooth.
• 🖥️ You need to connect a peripheral device (printer, gamepad) that does not support Bluetooth.
• 🌐 No Internet or local area network access, but you need to arrange a connection between devices.

When is the best time to use alternatives:

• 🔋 It is important to save battery life – Bluetooth consumes less energy.
• 📱 You need to transfer data to your iPhone – it is easier to use AirDrop or cloud storage.
• 📌 Transfer small files (contacts, links) — NFC Or Mi Share will do it faster.

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Wi-Fi Direct is the best choice for transferring large files between Android devices or connecting specialized peripherals. Mi Share is more convenient for everyday data exchange within the Xiaomi ecosystem.

Security: Risks and how to minimize them

Unlike Bluetooth, where the connection is encrypted by default, Wi-Fi Direct requires additional precautions.

• 🔓 Lack of encryption in some protocol implementations (especially on legacy devices).
• 👤 Device substitution – an attacker may pose as a legitimate participant in the network.
• 📡 Traffic interception in data transmission in open networks.

How to defend yourself:

1. Always confirm the connection on both devices (compare). PIN-code QR-codes, if they are displayed).
2. Turn off Wi-Fi Direct after use – prolonged activity increases the risk of attack.
3. Use it. VPN When transferring sensitive data (for example, through applications such as Send Anywhere).
4. Update the firmware - in new versions MIUI Removing Protocol Vulnerabilities.

⚠️ Note: On the Redmi Note 9 Pro with root rights or custom firmware (like LineageOS), Wi-Fi Direct can bypass standard security mechanisms.+.

If you share sensitive data (such as backups or documents), consider alternatives:

• 🔐 Encrypted archives (create) ZIP password-wise).
• ☁️ Cloud services with client encryption (e.g. Proton Drive or Tresorit).
• 📁 Local area network through FTP-server (applications such as FX File Explorer allows you to create a secure connection).

Additional Chips: How to Use Wi-Fi Direct to the Full

The Wi-Fi Direct feature on the Redmi Note 9 Pro supports a few hidden features that few people know about:

1.Broadcasting the screen on Smart TV routeless

If your TV supports Miracast or Wi-Fi Direct, you can duplicate your smartphone screen without connecting to a shared network:

1. Activate Wi-Fi Direct on your phone and TV.
2. On the phone, open Settings. → Screen. → Screen broadcasting.
3. Choose your TV from the list of available devices.
4. Confirm the connection on both devices.

Note: on some Samsung TVs or LG You may need to manually activate Screen Mirroring.

2. Connecting gamepads and accessories

Some wireless controllers (for example, 8BitDo SN30 Pro or Razer Kishi support Wi-Fi Direct connectivity to reduce latency:

1. Transfer the gamepad to pairing mode (usually the Share button is held). + Home).
2. On your phone, activate Wi-Fi Direct and select a controller from the list.
3. Confirm the connection (it may be necessary to enter) PIN-gamepad).

3. Printing documents without a router

If your printer supports Wi-Fi Direct (e.g. models) HP Envy or Canon PIXMA), You can print directly from your smartphone:

1. On the printer, activate Wi-Fi Direct mode (usually in the Network menu).
2. On your phone, connect to the printer network via Wi-Fi Direct.
3. Open the document, press Print and select your printer.

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For convenience, add the printer to Favorite Devices in the Wi-Fi Direct settings, so it will connect automatically the next time you use it.

4. File exchange between Android and Windows

To transfer files between Redmi Note 9 Pro and PC without cable:

1. Turn on Wi-Fi Direct on your phone.
2. On PC, open the settings → Devices → Bluetooth and other devices → Adding a device over Bluetooth or another type.
3. Choose a Wireless Display or Docking Station (yes, even if it’s a smartphone).
4. Confirm the connection on both devices.

Once connected, the phone will appear as a network drive in Windows Explorer.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions