Xiaomi’s “Device Connection Nearby”: What is it and How to Use It

Have you ever tried to connect Xiaomi headphones to a smartphone but spent minutes searching for them in the list of Bluetooth devices? or tried transferring a file from your phone to a Mi Notebook laptop, but standard methods work too slowly? Chances are you just didn’t use the built-in Connect to Nearby Devices feature** – a technology that simplifies interaction between Xiaomi ecosystem gadgets with just a couple of clicks.

This feature was introduced in MIUI firmware a few years ago, but many users are still unaware of its capabilities, combining simplified Bluetooth connectivity, fast Wi-Fi Direct file transfer, and even managing Mi Home smart devices without manual addition. In this article, we’ll look at how the technology works, which devices support it, and why it’s often faster and more reliable than standard methods.

What is Connecting to Nearby Devices and How Does It Work?

Nearby Device Connection is a proprietary development by Xiaomi that automates the pairing of gadgets within the ecosystem. Unlike classic Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct, you don't have to manually search for a device in a list, enter PIN- codes or confirm the connection at both ends.

Technically, the function operates on the basis of a combination of protocols:

• 🔵 Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) – for initial device detection and sharing of service information.
• 📶 Wi-Fi Direct – for high-speed file transfer (up to 300 Mbps) without connecting to a router.
• 🏠 Mi Home Protocol – for integration with smart devices (lamps, sensors, robot vacuum cleaners).

The main advantage is that the feature uses optimized Xiaomi algorithms that reduce the connection time from 10–30 seconds (standard Bluetooth) to 1-2 seconds. In addition, it automatically selects the fastest data channel: for example, Wi-Fi Direct will be used for files over 10 MB, and for small commands (turn on the lamp) – BLE.

What devices support the function

The technology only works between Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, but not all models support it.

Important: Even if your device makes the list, the feature may not work if:

• 🔄 It has custom firmware installed (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
• 🔒 Location access is disabled in settings (required to scan nearby devices).
• 📱 The device is in power saving mode (limits background Bluetooth activity).

💡

If the feature doesn’t appear on the menu, check the MIUI version in the settings (About Phone → MIUI Version). For stable operation, it is recommended to upgrade to the latest version.

Where to find and how to turn on the function on the smartphone

You can activate Connect to Nearby Devices in two ways: through the notification panel or in the system settings. Let's look at both.

Method 1: Through the notification panel (fast access)

1. Swipe your finger down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification panel.

2. Find the Connect to Devices icon** (the icon with two arrows connecting your smartphone and headphones). If it's not there, click on ⚙️ Edit and add it manually.

3. Slap the icon, and the system will start scanning nearby devices.

Method 2: Through system settings

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Connect to devices nearby.

2. Activate the slider at the top of the screen.

3. Turn on the option to Show notifications about new devices to get pop-ups when compatible gadgets are detected.

Turn Bluetooth on both devices |

Activate the function "Connect to devices nearby" |

Allow access to the location |

Turn off the power saving mode |

Update the firmware to the latest version-->

Once activated, the feature will work in the background. For example, if you open the cover of the Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro case next to the smartphone, a notification will appear with a suggestion to connect - without having to go to Bluetooth settings.

How to transfer files using the function

One of the most useful uses of the technology is fast file transfer between Xiaomi devices. Unlike standard Bluetooth (speed ~2-3 MB / s), it uses Wi-Fi Direct, which speeds up the process by 10 to 50 times.

Instructions for transmission:

1. Open Explorer (or Gallery for photo/video) and select the files you want.
2. Click Share → Connect to devices nearby.
3. Select your target device from the list (such as a RedmiBook or another smartphone).
4. On the receiving device, confirm receipt of the file.

The transmission speed depends on the device model and MIUI version:

• 📎 Documents/photos: up to 10-15 MB/s (on Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14).
• 🎥 Video 4K: ~5–8 MB/s (encoding restriction).
• 🎵 Music: Up to 20MB/s (small file size speeds up the process).

⚠️ Warning: When transferring large files (>1 GB) on some smartphone models (Redmi Note 10 and older), there may be an error: You could not connect to Wi-Fi Direct. In this case, try splitting the file into parts or using an alternative method (for example, Mi Share).

Connecting headphones and accessories in one click

The most notable feature is the instant pairing with headphones. If you've used AirPods, you know how convenient it is to open the cover of the case and see the connection window right away. Xiaomi has implemented a similar mechanism, but with advanced features.

How it works:

1. Open the headphone cover (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro).
2. On the screen of the smartphone will appear a notification with the name of the model and the level of charge.
3. Tap Connect - the headphones will be paired and ready to use.

Advantages over standard Bluetooth:

• ⚡ Fast: Connection takes 1-2 seconds (versus 5-10 seconds for manual search).
• 🔋 Informativity: The charge level of the headphones and the case is immediately visible.
• 🔄 Autoconnect: The next time you open the lid, the headphones will connect automatically.

The function works not only with headphones, but also with other accessories:

• 🎮 Gamepads: Xiaomi Game Controller.
• ⌨️ Keyboards/mouse: Xiaomi Bluetooth Keyboard.
• 📱 Smartwatch: Mi Watch 2 Pro, Redmi Watch 3.

⚠️ Warning: On some headphone models (e.g. Redmi Buds 3 Lite), the fast connection feature may not work due to an outdated Bluetooth chip.

Managing Smart Devices Without Manual Customization

If you have gadgets from the Mi Home ecosystem (lamps, sensors, vacuum cleaners), Connect to devices nearby makes it easier to add them to the system. Instead of the standard process (scanning QR- code, manually entering Wi-Fi), simply bring the smartphone to the device.

Example from Mi Smart LED Bulb:

1. Put the lamp in the socket.
2. Open Settings → Connect to devices nearby.
3. Bring the smartphone at a distance of 10-15 cm to the lamp.
4. The list will appear device – tap it and follow the instructions.

Advantages of the method:

• 🕒 Time savings: Adding takes 10-15 seconds (versus 1-2 minutes with standard settings).
• 🔐 Security: Connection is via a secure Mi Home Protocol channel.
• 📶 No Wi-Fi binding: you can add the device even without an internet connection (set up later).

List of smart devices that support fast connection:

• 💡 Lamps: Mi LED Desk Lamp 2, Yeelight (Xiaomi line).
• 🤖 Robot vacuum cleaners: Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2, Dreame Bot.
• 🌡️ Sensors: Mi Temperature and Humidity Sensor 2.
• 🔌 Sockets: Mi Smart Plug.

💡

Connecting to Nearby Devices is particularly useful for smart devices without display (such as sensors or lamps) where manual tuning through QR- code is difficult.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Despite the convenience, users sometimes encounter errors, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, try:

1. Reboot both devices.
2. Reset network settings (Settings → System → Resetting → Network settings reset).
3. Clear the Settings app cache (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Settings → Clear the cache).

To diagnose problems with connecting smart devices, use the Mi Home app:

1. Open Mi Home and go to Profile → Settings → Troubleshooting.
2. Select the problem device and follow the instructions.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions