Where is Wi-Fi Direct on a Samsung TV: A Complete Guide with Photos

Technology Wi-Fi Direct on TVs Samsung Allows you to connect smartphones, laptops, and other gadgets directly—without a router. This is convenient for streaming photos and videos from your phone to a large screen, using your TV as a monitor, or printing. However, many users encounter a problem: the feature is hidden deep in the menu, and its location varies depending on the model and firmware version.

In this article you will find precise access paths to Wi-Fi Direct for different series Samsung Smart TV (from QLED 2020 to budget Crystal UHD 2018), as well as solutions to common connection errors. We'll discuss why a feature may be missing from the menu, how to activate it through the service menu, and what to do if the TV doesn't detect the device.

Wi-Fi Direct connection is faster than DLNA or Miracast, since it doesn't require an intermediate server. But there's a catch: you can only connect one device, and the data transfer rate is limited by the standard Wi-Fi 4 (up to 250 Mbps) even on new models. If you need stable 4K video streaming, it's better to use HDMI or Wi-Fi via a router.

Before searching for Wi-Fi Direct, make sure your TV supports it. The feature is available on all Smart TV Samsung 2016 and newer, with the exception of the most budget series (for example, Samsung T5300). On models 2023–2026 (series QN90C, S95C) the menu may differ - we will tell you about this separately.

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

The location of the function depends on Tizen operating system versions and the TV's year of release. Below are the current paths for popular series.

On 2020–2026 models (series Q60C, Q70C, CU8000 and newer) Wi-Fi Direct is hidden in the menu Connections. Full path:

Home button → Settings (gear) → General → Network → Open network settings → Wi-Fi Direct

On TVs from 2017–2019 (series Q60R, RU7100, NU7090) the function may be located in another section:

Home → Settings → Network → Network Settings → Wi-Fi Direct

If you have old model (2016 or earlier), the path will be like this:

Menu → Network → Wi-Fi Direct

• 🔍 How do you know if you've found the section you need? The Wi-Fi Direct icon looks like two intersecting Wi-Fi signals (📶↔️📱). On newer TVs, it may be labeled Connecting devices.
• ⚙️ On some models, the function is hidden until you activate it in service menu (more on this in section 3).
• 📱 If there is no Wi-Fi Direct in the menu, but there is "Screen Mirroring" or "Smart View", they are not the same thing! These functions work according to the protocol Miracast.

2. How to enable Wi-Fi Direct: step-by-step instructions

When you found the section Wi-Fi Direct, all that's left to do is activate it and connect the device. Let's look at the process using a smartphone as an example. Android (For iPhone (This will require additional software as Apple does not support Wi-Fi Direct directly.)

Step 1. On TV:

1. Go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct (or the alternative path from section 1).
2. Select "Turn on" or Scan devices.
3. Remember the network name of your TV (eg. DIRECT-SamsungTV-XX:XX) and password (if required).

Step 2. On smartphone:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Find your TV network (name starts with DIRECT-).
3. Connect by entering the password (if requested).

Step 3. Connection confirmation:

• A notification about a new device will appear on your TV. Click "Connect" or "Allow".
• A window may open on your smartphone asking you to use DLNA or Miracast — choose "Wi-Fi Direct".

If the connection fails, please check:

• 🔄 Restart both devices.
• 🔒 Make sure your TV is not turned on Guest mode (it blocks direct connections).
• 📶 Disable the VPN on your smartphone—it may be interfering with the connection.

3. Wi-Fi Direct is missing from the menu: what to do?

If you don't find this function in the default settings, there are three possible reasons:

1. The function is disabled in service menu (valid for 2018–2020 models).
2. The TV firmware is outdated (Wi-Fi Direct may not be available in earlier versions) Tizen).
3. Your model does not support the technology (for example, budget series T5300, T4300).

How to check Wi-Fi Direct support:

1. Press on the remote control Menu → Support → Samsung Contact Information.
2. Find the line "Wi-Fi Direct" in the feature list. If it's not there, your TV doesn't support the technology.

Activation via the service menu (for advanced users):

⚠️ Caution: Incorrectly using the service menu may cause your TV to malfunction. If you're unsure, skip this step.

1. Turn off the TV.
2. On the remote control, press in sequence: Mute → 1 → 8 → 2 → Power.
3. Go to "Option" → "Wi-Fi Direct" → set the value to "On".
4. Save the settings and restart the TV.

If Wi-Fi Direct still doesn't appear, update your firmware:

Settings → Support → Software Update → Update Now

What should I do if Wi-Fi Direct disappears after an update?

Sometimes new firmware resets settings. Try this:

1. Reset network settings (Settings → General → Reset → Reset network settings).

2. Manually enable Wi-Fi Direct through the service menu (see above).

3. If this doesn't help, roll back the firmware to the previous version (a USB drive is required).

4. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even if Wi-Fi Direct is enabled, the connection may not work. Let's look at the most common issues and how to fix them.

Features of connecting devices from different brands:

• 📱 Samsung Galaxy: Wi-Fi Direct is turned on Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi DirectOn newer models (S23+) the function may be called "Nearby Share".
• 💻 Windows 10/11Wi-Fi Direct support is only available on laptops with adapters. Intel Wireless (check in Device Manager).
• 🍎 iPhone/iPadApple doesn't support Wi-Fi Direct. Use apps like TV Assist or ApowerMirror.

5. Wi-Fi Direct Alternatives: What to Use If It's Not Working

If Wi-Fi Direct is unavailable or unstable, there are several alternative ways to connect devices to your TV:

• 🔄 Screen Mirroring (Miracast): Works on everyone Samsung Smart TV 2016+ years. Path: Settings → General → External devices → Screen MirroringThe downside is a delay of up to 1–2 seconds.
• 📡 DLNA: Suitable for streaming photos/videos from your phone. Use apps Samsung SmartThings or BubbleUPnP.
• 🔌 HDMI cable: The most stable method for 4K content. Newer smartphones will require an adapter. USB-C → HDMI.
• 🌐 Connecting via a router: If both devices are on the same network, you can use Smart View (Samsung) or Google Cast.

Comparison of technologies:

For gamers and those who watch videos in high definition, Wi-Fi Direct is not working due to speed and latency limitations. In such cases, it is better to use HDMI or Wi-Fi 6 via a router (if the TV supports it).

6. Security: Wi-Fi Direct Risks and How to Avoid Them

Direct Wi-Fi connection is convenient, but has vulnerabilities:

• 🔓 Lack of encryption: By default, many TVs Samsung use an open network (no password) or a weak protocol WPA2-PSK.
• 👀 Traffic interception: An attacker within a radius of 10–15 meters can see the transmitted data (photos, videos).
• 📱 Auto-connection: Some smartphones automatically connect to known Wi-Fi Direct networks, which may lead to data leakage.

How to protect yourself:

1. Always set a password for Wi-Fi Direct (even if your TV doesn't require one). Use a password of at least 12 characters.
2. Disable Wi-Fi Direct after use: Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct → Off.
3. On your smartphone, disable automatic connection to Wi-Fi Direct networks: Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Smart connection.
4. To transfer confidential data, please use VPN (For example, ProtonVPN or Windscribe).

⚠️ Warning: On TVs Samsung with firmware Tizen 5.5 A vulnerability has been discovered in devices running Android (2019–2020) that allows users to connect to Wi-Fi Direct without a password. Update your software to the latest version or disable this feature if you don't use it.

7. Wi-Fi Direct on new Samsung TVs (2023–2026): What's changed

In the latest models (QN90C, S95C, CU7000 etc.) Samsung has simplified access to Wi-Fi Direct, but added limitations:

• 🆕 The function is now called Connecting devices and is located in the menu Settings → General → External devices.
• 🔒 Connection requires confirmation via Samsung Account (if TV is linked to the account).
• 📱 Support iPhone improved: now usable AirPlay 2 instead of Wi-Fi Direct.
• ⚡ Data transfer speed increased to 300 Mbps (due to support Wi-Fi 5).

How to connect on new TVs:

1. Open Settings → General → External devices → Connect devices.
2. Select Add device and follow the instructions on the screen.
3. On your smartphone, confirm the connection via a notification or app SmartThings.

On models 2026 (QN800D, QN90D) a function appeared "Quick Connect", which automatically selects the best protocol (Wi-Fi Direct, Miracast, or DLNA) depending on the device. To activate it:

Settings → General → Quick Settings → Quick Connect → Enable

⚠️ Please note: On 2023+ TVs, Wi-Fi Direct may conflict with the "Ambient Mode+"If the connection doesn't work, disable Ambient Mode in the menu. Settings → General → Screen modes.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi Direct on Samsung TV

My Samsung TV isn't detecting Wi-Fi Direct on my smartphone. What should I do?

Please check the following points:

1. Make sure Wi-Fi Direct is enabled on your smartphone (on Android: Settings → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct).
2. Restart both devices.
3. Disable power saving mode on your phone - it may block network scanning.
4. If you use Xiaomi or Realme, turn on the Wi-Fi option in the settings "Enhanced Detection".

If that doesn't help, try connecting via Screen Mirroring.

Is it possible to stream Netflix or YouTube from my phone to my TV using Wi-Fi Direct?

Technically, yes, but there are some nuances:

• 🎬 Netflix And YouTube block Wi-Fi Direct streaming due to copyright protection (DRM).
• 📱 On Android You can bypass the restriction through the app LocalCast or Web Video Caster.
• 🍎 On iPhone Wi-Fi Direct broadcasting is not possible - please use AirPlay (if the TV supports it).

How do I reset Wi-Fi Direct settings on a Samsung TV?

There are two ways:

1. Partial reset (network settings only):

   Settings → General → Reset → Reset network settings

2. Full reset (all TV settings):

   Settings → Support → Self-diagnosis → Reset

   ⚠️ After a full reset, you will have to reconfigure channels, accounts, and connections.

Does the Samsung T5300 series (2020) support Wi-Fi Direct?

No, model Samsung T5300 (like other budget series T4300, T5500) does not support Wi-Fi Direct. Alternatively, use:

• Screen Mirroring (if the smartphone supports Miracast).
• HDMI cable with a phone adapter.
• Via a router (application SmartThings).

Is it possible to connect a keyboard or gamepad to a TV via Wi-Fi Direct?

Yes, but with restrictions:

• ⌨️ Keyboards and mice only connect if they support the protocol Wi-Fi Direct (For example, Logitech K400 Plus).
• 🎮 Gamepads (for example, Xbox or DualSense) usually require Bluetooth, which is on TV Samsung Works separately from Wi-Fi Direct.
• 🖱️ Input lag when connecting via Wi-Fi Direct can reach 100-150ms, which is inconvenient for gaming.

For gaming it is better to use Bluetooth or wired connection via USB.