Wi-Fi Direct allows you to share files between devices without a router — directly, like Bluetooth, but at Wi-Fi speed. On the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, this feature is hidden deeper than in the new models, where it was replaced by Mi Share. Many users do not even suspect that their smartphone supports this protocol, although it works more stable than alternative solutions for transferring large files.
In this article, you will find not only step-by-step instructions for turning on Wi-Fi Direct, but also comparisons with other ways of communicating data, solving typical errors (for example, when devices “can’t see” each other), as well as hidden settings to speed up the transfer. Particular attention should be paid to the differences between the MIUI different versions – it depends on where to look for the right switch.
What is Wi-Fi Direct and why is it needed on the Redmi Note 8 Pro?
Wi-Fi Direct is a wireless standard that creates a direct connection between two devices without a router intermediary. Unlike Bluetooth, it uses the same frequencies and protocols as regular Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz), so data transfer speeds can reach 200-300 Mbps – 5-10 times faster than Bluetooth 4.2, which is equipped with the Redmi Note 8 Pro.
The main advantages of the technology for owners of Xiaomi:
- 📤 Transfer of large files (video to the 4K, archives, games) without loss of quality and breaks.
- 🔄 Compatible with devices of other brands (Samsung, Sony, LG), Mi Share only works in the Xiaomi ecosystem.
- 🔋 Battery savings compared to Bluetooth during long-term transmission.
- 🛡️ Security: the connection is encrypted according to the standard WPA2, home-network.
But there are limitations, for example, when using Wi-Fi Direct, the main connection to the Internet via Wi-Fi or mobile data is automatically turned off, a feature of the Mediatek Helio chipset architecture. G90T, The Redmi Note 8 Pro is also available in the MIUI Hide this function in the developer menu.
Distinguish Wi-Fi Direct from Mi Share and Bluetooth
Many users confuse Wi-Fi Direct with Mi Share (formerly Xiaomi Nearby) technology, although both allow you to transfer files without the Internet, the principles of their work are different:
| Characteristics | Wi-Fi Direct | Mi Share | Bluetooth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission speed | up to 300 Mbps | up to 100 Mbps | up to 24 Mbps |
| Compatibility | Any devices with Wi-Fi Direct | Just Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO | Any Bluetooth devices |
| Does the Internet work in parallel? | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (on new firmware) | ✅ Yes. |
| Max, number of devices | Up to 8. | Up to 5. | Up to 7. |
| Energy consumption | Average. | Low. | Low. |
Mi Share is more convenient for fast photo transfer between Xiaomi smartphones, but if you need to send a video weighing 2-3 GB to a laptop or TV, Wi-Fi Direct will cope faster. Bluetooth remains relevant only for peripherals (earphones, fitness bracelets), where speed is not critical.
⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 8 Pro with firmware MIUI 12.5 and later, Wi-Fi Direct may conflict with Mi Share. If the first second stops working after activation, try restarting your smartphone or disabling Mi Share in the settings → Laboratory.
Step-by-step: how to turn on Wi-Fi Direct on Redmi Note 8 Pro
The activation algorithm depends on the version of MIUI. Below is a generic method that works on most firmware (including the global and Chinese versions). If you have MIUI 13+, skip the steps from the developer menu - the feature can be accessed directly.
Make sure that both devices have Wi-Fi enabled.
Battery charge not less than 30%
Turn off VPN and energy saving modes
Update the firmware to the latest version-->
Method 1: Using standard settings (MIUI 11–13)
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the Wi-Fi section.
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner (or swipe down on some firmware) and select Additional.
- Scroll down to the Wi-Fi Direct block and activate the slider.
- Click Device Search – your Redmi Note 8 Pro will start scanning.
Method 2: Through the Developer Menu (if the function is hidden)
If the standard settings do not have Wi-Fi Direct, you can turn it on via the hidden menu:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times.
- Return to the main settings menu and open Additional → for developers.
- Find the Wi-Fi Direct option (could be called Wi-Fi P2P) and turn it on.
- Restart the smartphone – after that, the item will appear in the standard Wi-Fi settings.
On some custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience), the path may be different. If you use unofficial software, look for settings in the Network and Internet → Wi-Fi → Preferences section.
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If the devices are not finding each other, try temporarily disabling Mi Share in the settings of Additional → Lab. These two features can conflict at the Wi-Fi driver level.
How to connect to another device via Wi-Fi Direct
Once activated, the function remains to connect the Redmi Note 8 Pro with another gadget, and consider the process by connecting to a laptop with Windows 10/11 and another smartphone.
Connection to laptop/PC
- On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, turn on Wi-Fi Direct (as described above) and wait until the smartphone appears in the list of available networks on your PC.
- On your laptop, open the settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
- In the Settings section, select Wi-Fi Direct (or Hidden Network Connection if you don’t have an option).
- Select the name of your Redmi Note 8 Pro from the list and enter the password (if required). By default, it is 12345678 or the 8-digit combination displayed on the smartphone screen.
Connecting to another smartphone (Android/iOS)
On the second device:
- 📱 On Android: Open Settings → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct (or Wireless Networks) → More).
- 🍎 On iPhone: Use AirDrop – Wi-Fi Direct on iOS only works through it.
Once connected, a notification will appear on both screens. Use a standard manager (e.g., Explorer on MIUI) to transfer files: highlight files → Send → Wi-Fi Direct.
⚠️ Note: When transferring files between Redmi Note 8 Pro and Apple devices (iPhone, MacBook), the speed can drop to 50-70 Mbps due to the peculiarities of implementing the protocol in iOS.
Problem Solving: Wi-Fi Direct is Not Working
If Wi-Fi Direct is not enabled or devices cannot see each other, check the following points:
What if Wi-Fi Direct disappears after MIUI update?
Common Errors and How to Resolve Them
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The devices don't find each other. | Conflict with Mi Share or VPN | Disable Mi Share and VPN, reboot both gadgets |
| The connection is broken. | Weak signal or interference | Reduce the distance to 5 meters, remove sources of interference (microwaves, other routers) |
| Low transmission speed | Automatic switching to 2.4 GHz | Manually set the 5GHz band in Wi-Fi settings (if supported) |
| Authentication error | Incorrect password or protocol failure | Reset network settings (Settings → System → Reset → Wi-Fi Reset) |
If the problem persists, check if the connection is blocking a firewall or antivirus (such as Avast or 360 Security on MIUI). It is also worth updating the Wi-Fi drivers via Settings → About Phone → System Update.
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Redmi Note 8 Pro with Mediatek Helio chipset G90T Wi-Fi Direct is more stable when dual Wi-Fi is disabled (an option in Wi-Fi settings). P2P-compound.
Hidden settings to speed up file transfer
By default, Wi-Fi Direct on the Redmi Note 8 Pro uses settings optimized for compatibility, not speed. To increase bandwidth, you can change several settings through the developer menu or third-party utilities.
Optimization through Developer Settings
- Activate the developer mode (if you haven’t already).
- Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Find the options: 🔧 Aggressive Wi-Fi switching – turn off (this will prevent connection breaks). 📶 Wi-Fi region – install the US or Europe (allows additional 5GHz channels). 🔄 Scanning Wi-Fi in sleep mode - always select.
Reboot your smartphone.
Use of third-party applications
If the standard settings do not give the desired speed, try the utilities:
- 📲 SuperBeam – uses Wi-Fi Direct to transfer files at up to 1 Gbps (requires installation on both devices).
- 📲 Feem – creates a local network for file sharing between Android, iOS and PC.
- 📲 Send Anywhere – Supports Wi-Fi Direct and generates QR-fast-connection.
These programs often bypass firmware restrictions and allow you to transfer files even if standard Wi-Fi Direct refuses to work.
Security: How to protect data transfer
Wi-Fi Direct uses WPA2 encryption, but it has vulnerabilities, especially on older firmware. Here's how to minimize the risks:
Basic protection measures
- 🔐 Change the standard password: by default it is 12345678 or the last part MAC-Ask your address. PIN-code.
- 👁️ Disable Wi-Fi Direct after file transfer – long-term turn on increases the risk of connecting third-party devices.
- 🛡️ Use it. VPN (For example, ProtonVPN) to encrypt traffic if you transmit sensitive data.
- 📱 Update the firmware - in MIUI 12.5+ Fixed critical vulnerabilities in Wi-Fi Direct.
Checking connected devices
To make sure that your Redmi Note 8 Pro is not connected to any other gadgets:
- Open Settings → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct.
- Check out the list of connected devices.
- If you saw the unknown MAC-Address, tap it and select Forget it.
⚠️ Attention: On firmware older MIUI 12 Wi-Fi Direct has been exposed to a vulnerability CVE-2021-0322, It allows attackers to intercept traffic, if you have your Redmi Note. 8 Pro has not been updated for a long time, use Mi Share or cable to transfer files USB.