Where to find Wi-Fi Direct on a Xiaomi TV: hidden settings and connection nuances

Technology Wi-Fi Direct allows TVs Xiaomi exchange data with other devices without a router—be it a smartphone for screen sharing, a wireless keyboard, or even a printer. However, many users encounter a problem: the function is either missing from the menu or hidden so deeply that it's impossible to find without instructions. The fact is, the location of the option depends on MIUI TV versions, TV model and even firmware region.

In this article we will not just show you where to look Wi-Fi Direct on different TVs Xiaomi (from Mi TV 4A to Xiaomi TV Q2 2026), but we will also look at typical connection errors, alternative methods of transferring files if the function is disabled, as well as the nuances of compatibility with devices on Android, iOS And WindowsWe'll pay special attention to the pitfalls: why the TV doesn't detect the smartphone, how to reset network settings, and what to do if the option is grayed out.

If you've already tried to find Wi-Fi Direct and couldn't find it, don't rush to assume it's not there. In 60% of cases, the problem can be resolved by updating the firmware or changing the TV region. But let's take things one step at a time.

1. Where to find Wi-Fi Direct: menu paths for different MIUI TV versions

The location of the function depends on MIUI TV shells and the TV's year of manufacture. The manufacturer regularly revamps the interface, so the settings path may differ even for devices within the same line. Below are the current directions for popular models.

For TVs Xiaomi Mi TV 4A/4S/4C (2018–2020) With MIUI TV 1.0–2.5:

  1. Open Settings (gear in the upper right corner).
  2. Go to Network and Internet.
  3. Select Wi-Fi Direct — the option should be at the very bottom of the list.

For Xiaomi Mi TV 5/5 Pro, Q1/Q2 (2020–2023) With MIUI TV 3.0+:

  1. Press and hold the button Settings on the remote control (or select the gear icon).
  2. Open the section Connections and Sharing.
  3. Tap on Wi-Fi Direct - scrolling down may be required.

For the latest models (Xiaomi TV A Pro, S Pro 2026) With Google TV:

  1. Go to Settings → System → Network.
  2. Select Additional Wi-Fi settings.
  3. Activate Wi-Fi Direct in the list of available options.
📊 What model of Xiaomi TV do you have?
Mi TV 4A/4S
Mi TV 5/5 Pro
Xiaomi TV Q1/Q2
Xiaomi TV A Pro/S Pro 2026
Another model

If there is no item in your menu Wi-Fi Direct, this could mean one of three things:

  • 🔄 Outdated firmware — the function appeared in MIUI TV 2.0+.
  • 🌍 Regional restrictions — on some firmware versions for China/India this option is disabled.
  • 🔧 Hidden developer mode - activation is required (more on that below).

2. Why Wi-Fi Direct May Be Missing from the Menu (and How to Fix It)

The most common reason is - lack of updatesThe manufacturer often adds support Wi-Fi Direct in new versions of software, but automatic updates on Xiaomi TV Sometimes disabled. Check your firmware is up to date:

  1. Open Settings → About TV → System Update.
  2. If a new version is available, install it and reboot the TV.

The second reason is - regional settings. Televisions Xiaomi, purchased in China or India, may have a stripped-down firmware. Solution:

  • 📱 Set the region Russia/Europe V Settings → Language and Region.
  • 🔄 Restart your TV - sometimes the option appears after changing the region.

If nothing helps, the function may be hidden in developer modeTo activate it:

  1. Go to Settings → About TV.
  2. Find the line Build number and click on it 7 times in a row.
  3. Return to the main settings menu - a new section will appear For developers.
  4. Turn on Debugging over Wi-Fi And Local area network.
What to do if Wi-Fi Direct is gray?

This means the feature is blocked by your current network settings. Try:

1. Disable the main Wi-Fi connection (forget the network).

2. Restart the TV.

3. Enable Wi-Fi Direct in Airplane Mode (if available).

If it doesn't help, reset the network settings. Settings → Network → Network Reset.

Important! On some models (Mi TV 4A 32") Wi-Fi Direct is physically absent due to limitations of the hardware platform (Amlogic T962 chipset without P2P support)In this case, the alternative will be Miracast or DLNA.

3. Step-by-step instructions: how to connect a device via Wi-Fi Direct

Let's assume you've found the option in the menu. Now let's look at how to properly connect, say, a smartphone or laptop. Using the example of connecting with Android-by phone:

Turn on Wi-Fi on both devices

Disable mobile internet on your smartphone

Make sure the distance between devices is ≤ 10 m

Charge your smartphone to at least 30%-->

Step 1: Activate Wi-Fi Direct on your TV:

  1. Open Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct.
  2. Enable the function using the slider.
  3. Remember the network name of your TV (eg. DIRECT-MiTV5-Pro-XXXX).

Step 2: Connecting from a Smartphone:

  1. On Android: open Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi.
  2. In the list of networks, find the name of your TV (starts with DIRECT-).
  3. Connect by entering a password (if required). By default, this is often 12345678 or an empty field.

Step 3: Transfer files or cast your screen:

  • 📱 Use the app to transfer photos/videos Mi Remote or File Manager.
  • 🖥️ To broadcast your screen (mirroring), activate Wireless display in the smartphone settings.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (eg. Netflix or YouTube) may block Wi-Fi Direct streaming due to DRM restrictions. In this case, use HDMI or Chromecast.

4. Compatibility chart: which devices work with Wi-Fi Direct on Xiaomi TV

Not all gadgets support direct connection to a TV. Below are some proven combinations:

Device type Model/OS Wi-Fi Direct support Notes
Smartphones Android 8.0+ ✅ Yes Activation is required in Wi-Fi settings
Smartphones iPhone (iOS) ❌ No Use AirPlay or third-party apps
Laptops Windows 10/11 ⚠️ Partially Wi-Fi adapter needs Miracast support
Tablets iPad (iPadOS) ❌ No Alternative: Lightning to HDMI Adapter
Wireless keyboards Logitech K400, Xiaomi Bluetooth Keyboard ✅ Yes Connect as HID devices

For devices on Windows check support Miracast:

  1. Click Win + R, enter dxdiag.
  2. Go to the tab Screen.
  3. Find the line Miracast — it should be Available.

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

If Wi-Fi Direct unavailable or unstable, consider alternative connection methods:

  • 📶 Miracast — wireless screen sharing without a router. Enabled in Settings → Display → Wireless Display.
  • 🌐 DLNA/UPnP — streaming media over a local network. Use apps BubbleUPnP or VLC.
  • 🔌 HDMI — the most stable option for streaming from a laptop or smartphone (an adapter is required) USB-C/Lightning → HDMI).
  • 📡 Chromecast - if you have Google TV, use the built-in Google Cast.

To broadcast from iPhone on Xiaomi TV:

  1. Install the application ApowerMirror or LetsView.
  2. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
  3. Follow the in-app instructions to start broadcasting.

⚠️ Caution: When using Miracast on Windows There may be a sound delay of up to 2 seconds. Solution: In the sound settings, select Stereo instead of 5.1.

6. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even if you've done everything correctly, problems may arise. Let's look at the most common ones:

  • 🔴 "Unable to connect" — Make sure your VPN and mobile data are disabled on your smartphone. Restart both devices.
  • 🔍 The TV doesn't see the device. — make sure that the distance is ≤ 5 m and there are no physical barriers (walls, furniture).
  • 🔊 No sound during broadcast - in the TV settings, select HDMI ARC as a sound source (even if the connection is wireless).
  • 📶 Low transmission speed — Wi-Fi Direct operates at 2.4 GHz. If there are many nearby networks, manually switch your router to channel 1, 6, or 11.

If the image is slow after connecting, try:

  1. Reduce the broadcast resolution in your smartphone settings (for example, with 1080p to 720p).
  2. Disable background apps on your phone.
  3. Use 5 GHz Wi-Fi (if your TV supports it) Wi-Fi 5/6).

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

Connection via Wi-Fi Direct creates a local network that may be vulnerable to a man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack. To minimize the risks:

  • 🔐 Always use a password to connect (even if the TV does not require one).
  • 📵 Turn off Wi-Fi Direct after use.
  • 🚫 Do not connect to unknown devices with names like DIRECT-TV-XXXX.
  • 🛡️ Update your TV firmware—new versions patch vulnerabilities.

If you are transferring sensitive data (such as documents from a laptop), it is better to use:

  • 🔌 Wired connection via HDMI or USB.
  • 🌐 Encrypted network via router (WPA3).

⚠️ Attention: On TVs with MIUI TV 1.0–2.0 The default password for Wi-Fi Direct is often the same as the PIN for the remote control (0000 or 1234). Change it in security settings!

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

My Xiaomi TV doesn't see Wi-Fi Direct in the menu. What should I do?

First check your MIUI TV version Settings → About TVIf the version is older than 2.0, update the firmware. If there are no updates, try changing the region. Europe or activate developer mode (7 clicks on the build number).

For models Mi TV 4A 32" And Mi TV 4C 32" Wi-Fi Direct is not supported by hardware. - use alternatives like Miracast.

How to transfer files from your phone to your TV via Wi-Fi Direct?

After connection:

  1. On Android open Conductor (or Gallery).
  2. Select files, click Share → Wi-Fi Direct.
  3. Select your TV from the list of devices.

For iPhone use apps like Send Anywhere or Feem.

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

Yes, but only if the device supports the protocol HID over Wi-Fi Direct. Proven models:

  • Xiaomi Game Controller — connects as a gamepad.
  • Logitech K400 Plus - works as a keyboard.
  • 8BitDo Pro 2 — requires a firmware update.

To connect: turn on Wi-Fi Direct on your TV, then activate the device search on your gamepad/keyboard.

Why does video lag when sharing my screen via Wi-Fi Direct?

Reasons and solutions:

  • Weak signal — reduce the distance to 3 m, remove obstacles.
  • Network congestion — Disconnect other devices from Wi-Fi.
  • High resolution - in the broadcast settings, select 720p instead of 1080p.
  • Outdated firmware — update the software of your TV and smartphone.
Is it possible to connect Xiaomi TV to a printer via Wi-Fi Direct?

Theoretically yes, but only if the printer supports it Wi-Fi Direct (For example, Xiaomi Mi Portable Photo Printer or Canon Selphy). Algorithm:

  1. Turn on Wi-Fi Direct on your printer.
  2. On your TV, connect to the printer's network (starts with DIRECT-PRINT-).
  3. Use the app Mi Print or Canon PRINT for printing screenshots from TV.

For most office printers (HP, Brother) it is better to use a connection via a router.

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