Wi-Fi Direct on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to Setup and Use

Technology Wi-Fi Direct allows devices Xiaomi exchange data directly - without a router, mobile internet, or Bluetooth. This is convenient for transferring large files (video in 4K, photo archives), printing documents, or streaming content to a TV. However, many users encounter issues: the connection drops, the transfer speed leaves much to be desired, or the device can't be found in the list of available devices at all.

In this article we will look at how activate Wi-Fi Direct correctly on smartphones Xiaomi (including models Redmi, POCO and flagship series), which settings to optimize for stable operation, and how to solve common errors. We will pay special attention hidden features of MIUI, which allow data transfer rates to accelerate to 200 Mbps—4–5 times faster than Bluetooth 5.0. The instructions are relevant for firmware MIUI 14 And MIUI 15 at the base Android 13/14, but most of the steps will work for earlier versions as well.

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

Wi-Fi Direct is a wireless communication standard that allows two devices to create a access point (P2P) No intermediaries. Unlike traditional Wi-Fi, where traffic goes through a router, here the smartphone Xiaomi It itself becomes a "router" for another gadget. This offers several key advantages:

• 📶 High speed: up to 250 Mbps (theoretically) versus 50 Mbps for Bluetooth 5.0. In practice, transferring a 2 GB movie will take approximately 2–3 minutes.
• 🔒 Security: the connection is encrypted using the protocol WPA2-PSK, as in home Wi-Fi networks.
• 📱 Versatility: works with printers, TVs (Mi TV, Samsung, LG), other smartphones and even cameras (for example, GoPro).
• 💰 Saving traffic: does not consume mobile Internet, unlike cloud services (Google Drive, Telegram).

On Xiaomi the technology is integrated into the firmware MIUI, but is often hidden deep in the menu. For example, in models Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Xiaomi 14 The option may be called differently: "Wi-Fi Direct", "P2P connection" or "Wi-Fi transfer". It is important to understand that this not the same as Mi Share (branded service Xiaomi (for file sharing) - Wi-Fi Direct operates at the protocol level and is compatible with devices from other brands.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (eg. POCO F5) after updating to MIUI 15 The Wi-Fi Direct option may disappear from the menu. This is due to policy. Google, which is gradually replacing technology Wi-Fi Aware (standard for Android 10+). In this case, use alternative methods from section on analogs.

How to enable Wi-Fi Direct on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

The activation algorithm depends on the version MIUI and smartphone models. Below is a universal method that works on 90% of devices. Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO (2019–2026 model years). If your model is older, check for this option in Settings → Advanced.

1. Open Settings and go to the section Wi-Fi.

2. Tap the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Additionally (or Wi-Fi Direct, if the item is visible immediately).

3. Activate the slider Wi-Fi DirectSome firmware versions will require you to confirm location access permission (this is a prerequisite for scanning devices).

4. Wait for your smartphone to search for available devices. If the target device (e.g., a printer) isn't displayed, restart it or check if Wi-Fi Direct is enabled.

5. Select a device from the list and confirm the connection. A PIN may appear on the screen. Enter it on the second device (or confirm the connection on both devices).

After a successful connection, an icon will appear in the status bar. Wi-Fi Direct (two arcs connected by a dot). Now you can transfer files or use other protocol functions.

Wi-Fi is enabled on both devices.

Location access allowed (for scanning)

The target device supports Wi-Fi Direct

Airplane mode is disabled

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On models with MIUI 14+ (For example, Xiaomi 13T) the path may differ:

Settings → Connections and Sharing → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct

⚠️ Attention: If the file transfer speed is below 50 Mbps after connecting, check if the connection has switched to Bluetooth LE (this is a common error). MIUI). Turn off Bluetooth on both devices and reconnect.

Transfer files via Wi-Fi Direct: fast and lossless

The main application of Wi-Fi Direct is Xiaomi — exchanging files between smartphones or sending documents to print. Let's consider both scenarios.

Method 1: Sharing files between smartphones

To transfer photos, videos or documents:

1. Connect the devices via Wi-Fi Direct (as described above).

2. Open Conductor (or Gallery for media files) on the sending smartphone.

3. Select the files and click Send → Wi-Fi Direct (or Transfer via Wi-Fi).

4. Select the target device from the list and confirm reception on the second smartphone.

The transmission speed depends on the Wi-Fi generation:

• 📱 Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n): up to 70 Mbps (models before 2020).
• 📱 Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac): up to 150 Mbps (Redmi Note 11, Xiaomi 12).
• 📱 Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): up to 250 Mbps (Xiaomi 13, POCO F5 Pro).

Method 2: Printing documents on a printer

To connect to a printer (for example, Canon PIXMA or HP Envy):

1. Turn on Wi-Fi Direct on your printer (usually a button WPS or a separate switch).

2. On a smartphone Xiaomi connect to the printer's network (it will be called, for example, DIRECT-xx-HP OfficeJet).

3. Open a document (PDF, Word, photo) and select Seal → select the printer from the list.

If your printer does not support Wi-Fi Direct, use the manufacturer's app (e.g. Canon PRINT or HP Smart) - it often emulates the protocol over a local network.

Troubleshooting: Wi-Fi Direct not working or device not visible

Common mistakes when using Wi-Fi Direct on Xiaomi and ways to eliminate them:

If the problem persists, reset your network settings:

Settings → System & device → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware versions MIUI (especially custom ones) Wi-Fi Direct may conflict with the function Dual Wi-Fi connection (simultaneous use of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). Disable it in Wi-Fi Settings → Advanced.

Wi-Fi Direct

Bluetooth

Mi Share / Nearby Share

Cloud services (Google Drive, Telegram)

USB cable-->

Wi-Fi Direct Alternatives on Xiaomi: What to Use If It's Not Working

If Wi-Fi Direct is unavailable or unstable, consider alternative data transfer methods:

• 📲 Mi Share: branded service Xiaomi For file transfers between devices. Speeds up to 100 Mbps, but requires app installation on both devices.
• 🔄 Nearby Share: AirDrop analogue from Google. Works on all Android devices (including Samsung, OnePlus). Speed ​​~50–80 Mbps.
• 📎 FTP server: apps like FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer allow you to create a local FTP server and transfer files via Wi-Fi at speeds of up to 300 Mbps.
• 🔌 USB OTGTo transfer large amounts of data (such as backups), connect a flash drive or external SSD via an adapter.

Comparison of transfer speeds (tested on Xiaomi 13 Pro):

Optimizing Wi-Fi Direct: How to Speed ​​Up Transfers and Reduce Battery Drain

By default MIUI Limits Wi-Fi Direct speed to save power. To remove restrictions:

1. Activate Performance mode V Settings → Battery & performance → Modes.

2. Turn it off Adaptive battery for applications using Wi-Fi Direct (e.g. Conductor or Gallery).

3. IN Developer settings (Settings → About phone → MIUI version → Tap 5 times to turn on:

   Debugging over Wi-Fi
   Aggressive Wi-Fi switching
   Always scan for Wi-Fi networks

For maximum speed:

• 📶 Use range 5 GHz (if supported). In Wi-Fi Settings → Advanced select 5 GHz band.
• 🔋 Connect your smartphone to a charger—this removes restrictions on processor performance.
• 📴 Disable background apps that consume data (for example, YouTube or TikTok).

⚠️ Attention: Using Wi-Fi Direct in high performance mode for a long time can cause the processor to overheat (especially on smartphones with Snapdragon 7xx). Monitor the temperature in Settings → Battery → Battery Health.

Wi-Fi Direct Security: How to Protect Your Data from Interception

Although Wi-Fi Direct uses encryption WPA2-PSK, the connection remains vulnerable to man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, especially in public places. To minimize the risks:

• 🔐 Always confirm your PIN on both devices. Do not connect to unknown networks with names like DIRECT-xx-FREE_WIFI.
• 📵 Turn off Wi-Fi Direct after use. In MIUI This can be done through the notification panel (swipe down → tap on the icon) Wi-Fi Direct).
• 🛡️ Use a VPN when transferring confidential files. Applications like ProtonVPN encrypt traffic even on local networks.
• 🔄 Update your firmware. IN MIUI 15 Fixed vulnerabilities that allowed Wi-Fi Direct traffic to be intercepted on older versions.

If you transfer files between Xiaomi and the device on Windows:

1. On your PC, turn off file sharing in Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks.

2. Use a static IP address for Wi-Fi Direct connection (configure in Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings).

Wi-Fi Direct vs. Other Technologies: Which to Choose in 2026?

With the advent of Wi-Fi 6E And UWB Wi-Fi Direct (Ultra-Wideband) is gradually becoming less relevant. Let's consider when alternatives are worth using:

In 2026 Wi-Fi Direct remains relevant For:

• 🖨️ Printing documents on printers that do not support cloud services.
• 📺 Streaming videos to old TVs (Mi TV 4S, Samsung Series 6).
• 📁 File transfers >5GB (where Nearby Share and Bluetooth are too slow).

For everyday use (photos, documents) it is easier to use Mi Share or Nearby Share.

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

Settings → System & device → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings