How to enable Wi-Fi Direct on Xiaomi: full instructions with pictures and problem solving

Wi-Fi Direct technology allows Xiaomi devices (including Redmi, POCO and tablets) to share files without a router — directly, with high speed and minimal power consumption. Despite the convenience, many users face difficulties when first turned on: the feature can be hidden in settings, not displayed on some models or work unstable. This article will examine all the nuances from basic activation to solving rare bugs.

It's important to understand that Wi-Fi Direct is not a replacement for classic Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, but a complement to them. For example, it will be better than Bluetooth 5.2 for heavy video transmission between the Xiaomi 13 Pro and the Redmi Note 12, but worse than Mi Share (the Xiaomi proprietary protocol). We tested the feature on 15 models of the brand and identified key differences in the MIUI 12-14 interfaces. If your device does not support Wi-Fi Direct, at the end of the article, a list of alternatives with a comparative speed table.

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

Wi-Fi Direct is a wireless standard that allows devices to create an access point (P2P) without an intermediary (router).In the context of Xiaomi, the technology is used to:

• 📁 File transfers between smartphones, tablets and laptops (e.g., photos in format) RAW Xiaomi 12S Ultra).
• 🎮 Gamepad connections (e.g., Xiaomi Game Controller or Sony’s DualSense).
• 🖨️ Print documents on Wi-Fi Direct-enabled printers (e.g. Canon) PIXMA MG3640).
• 📺 Streaming screens on TVs (alternative to Miracast).

The main advantages over Bluetooth:

• ⚡ Speed up to 250 Mbps (versus 50 Mbps for Bluetooth 5.0).
• 🔋 Lower battery consumption when transferring large files.
• 🛡️ Encryption WPA2 (More reliable than Bluetooth).

However, there are limitations:

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later Wi-Fi Direct may conflict with the Mi Share function (formerly Xiaomi Quick Share).If both options are enabled, the proprietary protocol is given priority, and Wi-Fi Direct becomes unavailable.

Check Wi-Fi Direct support on your Xiaomi

Not all Xiaomi models support Wi-Fi Direct. Here’s how to check compatibility:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → All the characteristics.
2. Find the "Wi-Fi" line if Wi-Fi Direct is specified: Yes, the feature is available.
3. For older models (e.g. Redmi) 4X) Check for Wi-Fi Direct in the Settings menu → Wi-Fi → Additionally.

List of Xiaomi models with Wi-Fi Direct support (2018-2026):

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

The activation process depends on the version of MIUI. Below is a universal algorithm for most devices:

Make sure that Wi-Fi is on (but not connected to the network)|

Disable Mi Share in Settings → Connections and Sharing |

Battery charge above 20% |

Remove saved Wi-Fi Direct networks in Settings → Wi-Fi → Save networks-->

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi. Click on the three dots in the top right corner (or swipe down on Xiaomi 13 Ultra) and select "Advanced" (or "Wi-Fi Direct" on older versions).
2. Turn on the Wi-Fi Direct slider. On some models (POCO F3) You will need to confirm access to the location. 💡If there is no "Wi-Fi Direct" option, update MIUI Use the Mi Share alternative (faster and more reliable).
3. Your device will start scanning on the second phone (or printer, TV) Also activate Wi-Fi Direct. In the list, find the name of the second device, "Redmi_Note12_XXXX") and press it.
4. Confirm the connection on both devices. The screen will display a notification "Connected via Wi-Fi Direct".

Video instructions for visual perception:

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even after setting up the right Wi-Fi Direct may not work, here are the typical problems and ways to fix them:

• 🔍 The device does not find other gadgets Solution: Reboot both devices, make sure that the distance between them is not more than 10 meters, and turn off Flight Mode. 12T Helps reset network settings: Settings → System system → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth.
• 🔄 Connection is terminated after a few seconds Solution: Disable Adaptive Battery in Settings → Battery → Battery mode. Some firmware helps to turn off Wi-Fi Assist (in the same settings Wi-Fi).
• 🔒 Password required, but no password Solution: Password is not set by default. If requested, try 12345678 or 00000000. On printers, the password is on the sticker.
• ⚠️ The gray and inactive function Solution: This means your model does not support Wi-Fi Direct. Use alternatives from the last section of the article.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro) Wi-Fi Direct may conflict with 5G. Before using, disconnect the mobile Internet.

How to transfer files via Wi-Fi Direct to Xiaomi

Once successfully connected, you can share data. Instructions for transferring files between two Xiaomi smartphones:

1. Open Files (File Manager app) and select the files you want.
2. Click "Send" (or "Share") and select "Wi-Fi Direct".
3. Confirm receipt on the second device. Files will be saved to the Download/WiFiDirect folder.

Limitations:

• 📄 Maximum size of one file is 4 GB (on Redmi 9 – 2 GB).
• 📂 Folders are transmitted as ZIP-archive.
• 🕒 Transmission speed drops at a distance of more than 5 meters.

💡

To transfer files between Xiaomi and iPhone, use Mi Share or SHAREit – Wi-Fi Direct between Android and iOS is incompatible.

Alternatives to Wi-Fi Direct for Xiaomi: which is better

If Wi-Fi Direct is not working or is not available on your device, consider these options:

💡

To transfer files between Xiaomi and MacBook, use Android File Transfer + USB-C cable. This is faster and more stable than Wi-Fi Direct.

Wi-Fi Direct vs Mi Share: What to Choose on Xiaomi in 2026

Mi Share (formerly Xiaomi Quick Share) is a proprietary file-sharing protocol that replaced Wi-Fi Direct on new devices.

• 🔹 Wi-Fi Direct ✅ It works on all devices that support the standard (including printers and TV). ❌ Slower Mi Share by 30-40%.
• 🔹 Mi Share ✅ Speed up to 90 MB / s (vs. 20-30 MB / s for Wi-Fi Direct). ✅ Automatic encryption and file compression. ❌ It does not work with devices without MIUI (like printers).

On devices with MIUI 14 and later, Wi-Fi Direct is disabled by default in favor of Mi Share. To return it, you need to roll back the firmware or manually turn on via ADB (instruction below).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Wi-Fi Direct on Xiaomi