Where is Wi-Fi Direct on Your Device: A Complete Guide to Finding and Activating It

You are trying to connect two devices directly without a router but can't find the function Wi-Fi Direct in the settings? This technology allows you to transfer files, share your screen, or print documents without intermediaries—but its location varies depending on the manufacturer and model. In some cases, the option is hidden deep in the menu, while in others, it's called differently (for example, Miracast or Screen Mirroring), and sometimes requires preliminary activation of additional parameters.

In this article we will look at, Where exactly to look for Wi-Fi Direct on TVs, smartphones, printers, and laptops of popular brands, and we'll also explain why you might not find this feature even after a thorough search. You'll learn how the technology's implementation differs between Samsung, LG, Xiaomi and other manufacturers, and what to do if your device doesn't support direct communication. For your convenience, we've compiled visual cues, compatibility tables, and step-by-step instructions tailored to the specific needs of different operating systems.

What is Wi-Fi Direct and why is it needed?

Wi-Fi Direct is a wireless communication standard that allows devices connect directly, without the need for a router. Essentially, one device temporarily becomes an "access point," and the other becomes a client. The technology uses the same protocols as regular Wi-Fi, but with a simplified connection procedure (often, just pressing a confirmation button on both devices is enough).

Main usage scenarios:

• 📺 Screencasting from smartphone to TV (alternative) Chromecast or AirPlay).
• 🖨️ Printing documents from your phone or tablet to your printer without cables.
• 📱 File transfer between smartphones (photos, videos, contacts) at speeds up to 250 Mbps.
• 🎮 Connecting gamepads or other accessories for the console or PC.

It is important to understand that Wi-Fi Direct does not replace Classic Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It has limitations:

• 🔋 Increased energy consumption (compared to Bluetooth).
• 📶 Limited range (up to 200 meters in theory, but in practice – 10–30 meters).
• 🔒 Lack of encryption on some older devices (risk of data interception).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 10+ And iOS 14+ The Wi-Fi Direct function can be replaced by Wi-Fi Aware (a more energy-efficient protocol). In this case, direct file transfer will work through the standard "Send" or "Share" menus, without a separate option in the settings.

Where is Wi-Fi Direct located on TVs?

On Smart TV The Wi-Fi Direct function is most often used for screen mirroring (mirroring your smartphone's screen) or connecting wireless accessories. Its location depends on the brand and firmware version. Below are the current locations for popular brands.

Samsung (Tizen OS)

On TVs Samsung with the system Tizen (2016 and newer) Wi-Fi Direct is hidden in the menu network connections. Path:

1. Click the button Home on the remote control.
2. Go to Settings → General → Network → Open network settings.
3. Select Wi-Fi Direct (may be called Screen Mirroring on models QLED 2020+).

On older models (2015 and earlier) the option may be in Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct or be absent altogether.

LG (webOS)

On TV LG With webOS (2014–2026) the function is called LG TV Plus or Screen ShareTo find it:

1. Open Settings → Network → Wi-Fi.
2. Activate Wi-Fi Direct (on some models - Miracast).
3. For screen mirroring use the app LG TV Plus on a smartphone.

On models OLED From 2021 to 2026, Wi-Fi Direct may be disabled by default. To enable it, go to Settings → All settings → Connections → On-screen display and turn it on Wireless display (Miracast).

Sony (Android TV / Google TV)

Televisions Sony on Android TV or Google TV use a standard protocol Miracast, which is often confused with Wi-Fi Direct. To connect:

1. Press and hold the button Home on the remote control.
2. Select Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct.
3. Make your TV visible to other devices.

⚠️ Warning: On TVs Sony 2023–2026 Google TV The Wi-Fi Direct function can be replaced by Fast Pair (for accessories) or Cast (for screencasting). In this case, use the app Google Home to connect.

Wi-Fi Direct on smartphones and tablets

On mobile devices, the Wi-Fi Direct feature is most often used for file transfer or connecting to printers/TVs. However, its implementation varies greatly depending on the manufacturer and Android/iOS version.

Android (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel, etc.)

On most smartphones with Android 8.0–13 Wi-Fi Direct is located in the Wi-Fi menu. Step-by-step instructions:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner.
3. Select Wi-Fi Direct or Transferring files.
4. Enable device visibility and connect to the target gadget.

On smartphones Samsung (series Galaxy S/A 2018–2026) the function may be called Quick Share (fast file transfer). To activate it:

1. Open the notification panel.
2. Press and hold the icon Quick Share.
3. Turn on visibility for other devices.

On Xiaomi (MIUI 12-14) Wi-Fi Direct is integrated into the app Mi ShareTo use it:

1. Open Settings → Connections → Mi Share.
2. Select Send or Get.
3. Confirm the connection on both devices.

iPhone and iPad (iOS)

On devices Apple Wi-Fi Direct technology not available in explicit form. Instead, the following is used:

• 🔄 AirDrop — to transfer files between Apple devices.
• 📺 AirPlay — for broadcasting the screen to TVs or speakers.
• 🖨️ AirPrint — for printing on compatible printers.

If you need to connect to a device with Wi-Fi Direct (such as a printer or TV), use:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Find the network with the name of the printer/TV in the list (for example, DIR-XXX or LG-TV-1234).
3. Connect to it and follow the on-screen instructions.

⚠️ Attention: On iPhone It is not possible to use Wi-Fi Direct to transfer files to devices Android or WindowsIn this case, use cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox) or messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp).

Enable Wi-Fi in Settings

Enable device visibility

Disable Airplane Mode

Check the battery charge (at least 20%)

Make sure the target device supports Wi-Fi Direct-->

Wi-Fi Direct on printers and MFPs

Most modern printers (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother) support Wi-Fi Direct for printing without a router. However, the setup process may vary. Below are instructions for popular brands.

HP (LaserJet, DeskJet, Envy)

On printers HP the function is called HP Wireless Direct or Wi-Fi DirectTo activate it:

1. On the printer panel, press the button Wi-Fi or Wireless communication.
2. Select Wi-Fi Direct or HP Wireless Direct.
3. Enable the feature and write down the network name (SSID) and password.
4. On your smartphone or PC, connect to this network and start printing.

On models HP Smart Tank (2020–2026) Wi-Fi Direct is activated automatically the first time you turn it on. If the printer is not visible, reset the network settings:

1. Hold the button Wi-Fi 5 seconds.
2. Select Network reset in the menu.
3. Re-configure Wi-Fi Direct.

Canon (PIXMA, MAXIFY, imageCLASS)

On printers Canon the function is called Wireless DirectActivation path:

1. Click the button Settings (⚙️) on the printer panel.
2. Select Network Settings → Wireless Direct.
3. Enable the feature and set the network name (default is CANON-XXX).
4. Connect your device to this network and use the app Canon PRINT for printing.

On models Canon PIXMA G (2021–2026) Wi-Fi Direct may conflict with regular Wi-Fi. If the printer won't connect:

• 🔌 Disconnect the Ethernet cable (if connected).
• 📶 Restart your printer and router.
• 🔄 Reset network settings via Settings → Reset → Network Reset.

Epson (EcoTank, WorkForce)

On printers Epson the function is called Epson Connect or Wi-Fi DirectTo configure it:

1. Click Home on the printer panel.
2. Select Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct.
3. Activate the function and write down the SSID/password.
4. Install the application Epson Smart Panel to your smartphone for printing.

On models EcoTank ET-2800/ET-2850 (2020–2023) Wi-Fi Direct may turn off automatically after 30 minutes of inactivity. To prevent this:

1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi Direct → Timeout.
2. Set value Never or 1 hour.

Wi-Fi Direct on laptops and PCs (Windows, macOS, Linux)

Wi-Fi Direct is used less frequently on computers than on mobile devices, but it is available for connecting to printers, TVs, or other PCs. However, its implementation depends on the operating system and Wi-Fi adapter drivers.

Windows 10 and 11

IN Windows Wi-Fi Direct is supported at the driver level, but there's no universal interface for management. To connect to the device:

1. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Click Additional options.
3. Turn on Allow the use of Wi-Fi Direct (if the option is available).
4. In the list of networks, find the device marked DIRECT-xx (For example, DIRECT-HP-OfficeJet) and connect to it.

If the option is missing:

• 🔧 Update your Wi-Fi adapter driver via device Manager.
• 🖥️ Check the adapter specifications for Wi-Fi Direct support (e.g. Intel AX200 or Qualcomm Atheros QCA61x4 support the function).
• 📥 Install the manufacturer's proprietary software (for example, Intel PROSet/Wireless Software).

To print via Wi-Fi Direct:

1. Connect to the printer's network (as described above).
2. Add a printer via Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners → Add a Printer.
3. Select your printer model manually if automatic detection does not work.

macOS (Ventura, Sonoma)

On MacBook And iMac Wi-Fi Direct is partially supported. To connect to a device:

1. Open System Preferences → Network → Wi-Fi.
2. In the list of networks, find the device with the prefix DIR-.
3. Connect to it by entering the password (if required).

To print via Wi-Fi Direct:

• 🖨️ Install the printer driver from the manufacturer's website.
• 📄 Add a printer via System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
• 🔄 If the printer is not detected, try connecting to it via AirPrint (if supported).

Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora)

IN Linux Wi-Fi Direct support is implemented through a utility wpa_supplicantTo connect to the device:

1. Open the terminal and check for Wi-Fi Direct support:

iw list | grep "P2P"

2. If the output contains P2P-supported: yes, activate the mode:

sudo wpa_cli p2p_find

3. Find the device in the list and connect:

sudo wpa_cli p2p_connect [MAC address] pbc

To print via Wi-Fi Direct:

• 🐧 Install the package cups and printer driver.
• 📌 Add a printer via http://localhost:631 (CUPS web interface).

⚠️ Note: On some laptops with Windows 11 (especially with adapters Realtek) Wi-Fi Direct may conflict with BluetoothIf the connection fails, temporarily disable Bluetooth in Settings → Devices.

What to do if Wi-Fi Direct is not working on PC?

1. Check if your Wi-Fi adapter supports Wi-Fi Direct (list of supported chipsets: Intel 7260/8260/AX200, Broadcom BCM43xx, Qualcomm Atheros QCA61x4/QCA9377).

2. Update the adapter driver through the manufacturer's official website (not through Windows Update).

3. Disable VPN or proxy servers - they may block P2P connections.

4. Try connecting from another device to rule out the problem with the printer/TV.

5. If nothing helps, use alternative protocols: for printing - Google Cloud Print, for screen sharing - Miracast (in Windows) or AirPlay (on macOS).

Why can't you find Wi-Fi Direct on your device?

If you've searched for the feature in the settings but still haven't found it, there may be a few reasons:

1. The device does not support Wi-Fi Direct.This is relevant for:

• 📺 TVs before 2015 (especially budget models) Philips, Toshiba).
• 🖨️ Printers without a wireless module (for example, Canon PIXMA MG2540 or HP DeskJet 1110).
• 📱 Smartphones with Android 5.0 and older or iPhone 5s and earlier.

2. The function is disabled by the manufacturer.Some brands are replacing Wi-Fi Direct with their own solutions:

• 🍎 Apple uses AirDrop And AirPlay.
• 🤖 Google on Android 12+ integrated the functionality into Nearby Share.
• 🖥️ Microsoft V Windows 11 hides Wi-Fi Direct behind proprietary drivers (for example, Intel Wireless ProSet).

3. The function is hidden under a different name. Search for:

• 🔄 Screen Mirroring (on TVs).
• 📤 Quick Share or Mi Share (on smartphones).
• 🖨️ Wireless Direct or HP Wireless (on printers).

4. Firmware update requiredOn older devices, Wi-Fi Direct may appear after an update. For example:

• 📺 Televisions Samsung series J (2015–2016) received Wi-Fi Direct support in 2017–2018 firmware.
• 🖨️ Printers Brother models DCP-T300/T500 required an update to work with Android 10+.

If your device doesn't support Wi-Fi Direct, consider these alternatives:

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

Wi-Fi Direct is convenient, but it has vulnerabilities that can put your data at risk. The main threats are:

• 🕵️ Traffic interceptionUnlike regular Wi-Fi, where data is encrypted by the router, encryption with a direct connection depends on the devices. Older printers or TVs may not have it.
• 🔓 Connecting external devicesIf you don't set a password, anyone within range can connect to your printer or TV.
• 📡 Man-in-the-middle attacksAn attacker can create a fake access point with the name of your device and intercept data.

How to protect yourself:

• 🔐 Always set a password for Wi-Fi Direct (even if the device offers a connection without it).
• 📱 Disable the function after useOn printers, this can be done through the control panel; on TVs, it can be done in the network settings.
• 🛡️ Use a VPN when transmitting sensitive data (for example, via Snapdrop or LocalSend).
• 🔄 Update your firmware devices. Manufacturers regularly patch vulnerabilities in Wi-Fi Direct.

Signs that your connection may be unsafe:

• 🚨 The Wi-Fi Direct network name is the same as the default name (e.g. DIR-123456).
• 🔑 The password is missing or too simple (for example, 00000000).
• 📶 The network signal is visible outside your apartment (check using the app) Wi-Fi Analyzer).

⚠️ Caution: Never use Wi-Fi Direct to print confidential documents on public printers (in offices, universities, or libraries). Instead, connect via USB or use a secure cloud service (Google Cloud Print with two-factor authentication).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi Direct

Can I use Wi-Fi Direct for internet (network sharing)?

No, Wi-Fi Direct is not designed for internet sharing. It creates