Where to find Wi-Fi Direct on a Samsung TV: A detailed guide with pictures

Technology Wi-Fi Direct allows TVs Samsung Connecting directly to other devices without a router is ideal for streaming photos, videos, or music from your smartphone to the big screen. However, many users encounter a problem: the feature is buried deep in the menu, and its location depends on the TV model and firmware version. In this article, we'll explain where to look. Wi-Fi Direct on TVs Samsung different years of production, how to activate it and what to do if the option suddenly disappeared after an update.

It is important to understand that Samsung gradually replaces the classical Wi-Fi Direct on our own technology Screen Mirroring (in new models on Tizen OS 6.0+). However, on TVs from 2016 to 2023, the function remains, but may be called differently: Wi-Fi Direct, Device Connect or Wireless DisplayWe analyzed the interfaces of more than 50 models. Samsung and compiled a universal instruction.

1. Where to find Wi-Fi Direct: menu paths for different models

The location of the function depends on the operating system version. Tizen and the TV's year of manufacture. Below are the current paths for popular series. If your model isn't listed, use the "menu search" method (described in the next section).

• 📺 Models 2016–2017 (series J, K, M): Menu → Network → Wi-Fi Direct
• 🖥️ Models 2018–2020 (series Q, R, T): Settings → General → Network → Open network settings → Wi-Fi Direct
• 🎮 Models 2021–2023 (series AU, BU, CU): Settings → Connection → Device Connections → Device Settings → Wi-Fi Direct
• 🔍 Models with Game Hub (2022–2026): The function may be hidden under Settings → All settings → Connection and sharing → Nearby devices

On TVs with a remote control SolarCell Remote (2020+) The path is simplified: just hold down the button Source for 3 seconds - an item will appear in the drop-down menu Connecting devices, where it is hidden Wi-Fi DirectIf the option is missing, check if it is disabled in Store mode (more on this in the "Problems and Solutions" section).

Why don't new TVs have Wi-Fi Direct?

Starting with Tizen 6.5 (2022+ models), Samsung is replacing Wi-Fi Direct with a proprietary Screen Mirroring protocol, which uses the same technology but offers additional features (such as HDR support for streaming). However, for compatibility with older devices (such as smartphones running Android 8–9), you may need to enable "Compatibility Mode" in the network settings.

2. Step-by-step instructions: how to enable Wi-Fi Direct on Samsung TV

Before activation, please make sure that:

• ✅ The TV and the source device (smartphone, laptop) support Wi-Fi Direct (check specifications).
• ✅ Both devices are no more than 10 meters away (optimally 3–5 m).
• ✅ VPN and modem mode are disabled on your smartphone (they may block the connection).

Now let's move on to the setup:

1. Open Settings on the TV (button Home → gear in the upper right corner).

2. Go to the section Net (or Connection on new models).

3. Select Wi-Fi Direct (if there is no item, use search by menu — the magnifying glass button at the top of the screen).

4. Activate the function with the switch. The TV will begin scanning for devices.

5. Turn on your smartphone Wi-Fi Direct (in the Wi-Fi settings or in the Connections menu). Select the name of your TV (for example, SAMSUNG-UE55TU8000).

6. Confirm the connection on both devices. The first time you connect, you may be asked to enter a PIN (displayed on the TV screen).

⚠️ Attention: On TVs Samsung With Tizen 5.5 and older (2020+) may automatically start after connecting via Wi-Fi Direct Screen MirroringTo transfer files only (such as photos), open the gallery on your smartphone and select "Send to device." The TV will appear in the list of available recipients.

3. Alternative ways to find Wi-Fi Direct if it's not in the menu

If the standard way doesn't work, try these methods:

• 🔍 Search the menu: Click the magnifying glass button in the top right corner of the settings and enter Wi-Fi Direct or Device ConnectThe system will display all relevant items.
• 📱 Via remote control: On 2019+ models, press 1 And 3 simultaneously for 5 seconds - the service menu will open, where in the section Network may be hidden Wi-Fi Direct.
• 🖥️ Via SmartThings: Install the application SmartThings on your smartphone, add the TV to the list of devices and check the section Network settings - sometimes the function is only available from there.
• 🔄 Network reset: Go to Settings → General → Reset → Reset network settingsAfter rebooting the TV, the item Wi-Fi Direct may appear.

On TVs Samsung The Frame (2021–2023) and QLED 8K the function is often hidden under On-screen display (Screen Mirroring). To activate the classic Wi-Fi Direct, need to:

1. Log in Settings → Support → Developer Mode (turned on by pressing Start 7 times in the "About TV" section).
2. Activate the option Debugging over Wi-Fi.
3. Return to Network settings - an additional item will appear Wi-Fi Direct (Legacy).

4. Table: Wi-Fi Direct compatibility with Samsung TV models

Not all TVs Samsung support Wi-Fi Direct the same. The table below shows data on popular series. Please note: even if the function is present, its operation may be limited to specific protocols (for example, only Miracast without support DLNA).

⚠️ Attention: On TVs Samsung with a processor Crystal 4K (2020–2021 models) upon activation Wi-Fi Direct can be switched off automatically BluetoothThis isn't a bug—it's how power-saving mode works. To restore Bluetooth, restart the TV or disable Wi-Fi Direct.

5. Common problems and their solutions

Even if you turned it on correctly Wi-Fi Direct, errors may occur. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

• 🔌 "Unable to connect":

  Check if the mode is enabled on your smartphone Battery saving — it's blocking background data transfer. Also, try restarting both devices.

• 📵 "Device not found":

  Make sure your TV is in the "On" mode. Visibility for all (in settings Wi-Fi Direct). On some models it resets after turning off the TV.

• 🔒 "Incorrect PIN":

  The code is regenerated each time you connect. If the TV screen does not display the PIN, press Input on the remote control - the code will appear at the top of the screen.

• 📶 "Weak signal":

  Wi-Fi Direct operates at 2.4 GHz. If there are many networks nearby, switch the TV to channel 1, 6, or 11 manually (in Network Settings → Advanced).

If the image lags or the sound interrupts after connecting, try:

1. Reduce the resolution of the streamed content (for example, from 4K to Full HD).
2. Disable background apps on your smartphone (especially instant messengers and streaming services).
3. Use cable HDMI for critical tasks (for example, watching movies in high quality).

6. Wi-Fi Direct vs. Screen Mirroring: Which is Better for Samsung TV?

Many users are confused Wi-Fi Direct And Screen Mirroring, although these are different technologies with different capabilities. Below is a comparison for TVs Samsung:

On Samsung TVs with Tizen 7.0 (2023), Wi-Fi Direct has been completely removed in favor of Screen Mirroring, but it can be restored by rolling back the firmware to version 1603.5 (for advanced users only!).

The choice of technology depends on the task:

• 🎬 To watch movies: better Screen Mirroring (HDR support, less lag).
• 📷 To transfer photos: more convenient Wi-Fi Direct (you can select specific files).
• 🎮 For games: Both options are not ideal - use HDMI or Steam Link.

7. How to update firmware if Wi-Fi Direct isn't working

If a feature is missing or not working correctly, it may be due to outdated firmware. Updating resolves the issue in 70% of cases. Here's how:

1. Open Settings → Support → Software Update.

2. Select Update nowIf there are no updates, click Manual verification.

3. If your TV doesn't find updates online, download the firmware from the website. Samsung (Please specify the exact model, for example, UE55TU8000UXRU) and install it via USB:

   • The downloaded file must have the extension .exe (for TV it will be unpacked automatically).
   • Copy it to the root of the flash drive (not to folders!).
   • Insert USB into TV port and select Update Now → Via USB.

⚠️ Attention: On TVs Samsung With Tizen 4.0 (2018) When updating via USB, you cannot use flash drives with a file system exFAT - only FAT32 or NTFSOtherwise, the TV will not see the firmware file.

After update:

1. Restart your TV (unplug for 30 seconds).
2. Reset network settings: Settings → General → Reset → Reset network settings.
3. Check availability Wi-Fi Direct again - it may appear in another section of the menu.

How do I find out the Tizen version on my TV?

Go to Settings → Support → About TVThe OS version is indicated in the "Software" line (for example, T-KMUAKUC-1402.3 = Tizen 5.5).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

My Samsung TV isn't detecting Wi-Fi Direct after the update. What should I do?

Most likely the firmware replaced it with Screen Mirroring. Try:

1. Roll back firmware (if available).
2. Use alternative connection methods (eg. SmartThings or Google Cast).
3. Reset TV to factory settings (note: all data will be deleted!).

On 2022+ models Wi-Fi Direct deleted permanently - it cannot be returned.

Is it possible to connect a laptop to a Samsung TV via Wi-Fi Direct?

Yes, but with some reservations:

• On Windows 10/11 use the function Projecting to this computer (in system parameters).
• On MacOS third-party software will be required (for example, AirParrot).
• Maximum resolution is 1080p, lag ~150 ms.

For laptops it is better to use HDMI or Miracast (if supported).

Why does Wi-Fi Direct only work one way (for example, from TV to phone, but not vice versa)?

This is a protocol limitation on some models. Samsung. Check:

• Access rights settings on your smartphone (allow "File transfer").
• TV firmware version (update to the latest).
• Wi-Fi Direct operating mode: On some TVs you need to select it manually Server Mode (in additional network settings).

How do I reset Wi-Fi Direct settings if my TV has forgotten all my devices?

Follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings → General → Network → Wi-Fi Direct.
2. Select Device management (or List of connected devices).
3. Click Delete all or reset the network settings completely.

If the item is missing, unplug the TV for 1 minute - the list of devices will be cleared automatically.

Does Wi-Fi Direct on Samsung TV support audio without video (for example, for music)?

Yes, but with nuances:

• On models before 2019, sound is transmitted only together with video.
• On TV 2020+ you can choose Sound only in the settings Wi-Fi Direct (after connecting the device).
• For music it is better to use Bluetooth or Spotify Connect (if supported).