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

You are trying to transfer a file from Samsung Galaxy on another device without internet, but you can't find it Wi-Fi Direct in the settings? This feature is hidden deeper than it seems—its location has changed depending on the version. One UI and smartphone models. Unlike the classic Bluetooth or NFC, Wi-Fi Direct allows you to transfer data at speeds up to 250 Mbps (in theory), but many users don't even know it exists.

In this article we will not just show you where to look Wi-Fi Direct on Samsung, but we will also look into the nuances: why the function may be missing from the menu, how to enable it on old and new models (from Galaxy S8 to S24 Ultra), and what to do if devices can't see each other. We'll also compare Wi-Fi Direct with alternatives like Quick Share And Nearby Shareso you can choose the best way to share files.

What is Wi-Fi Direct and why is it needed on a Samsung device?

Wi-Fi Direct is a technology direct connection between devices without an intermediary such as a router. It works on the point-to-point principle (peer-to-peer), creating a local network with its own SSID and password. Main advantages:

• 📶 High speed: to 250 Mbps (in practice - 50–100 Mbps), which is 5-10 times faster than Bluetooth 5.0.
• 🔒 Security: the connection is encrypted according to the standard WPA2 (like in home Wi-Fi).
• 📱 Versatility: works between devices of different brands (Samsung, Xiaomi, Sony, etc.).
• 🌐 No internet dependence: connection is possible even on a plane or in the subway.

On Samsung Wi-Fi Direct is most commonly used for:

• 📁 Transferring large files (videos in 4K, archives, games).
• 🖨️ Printing documents on printers without support Google Cloud Print.
• 🎮 Connecting gamepads or wireless speakers (if they support the protocol).
• 📺 Screen streaming to TVs Samsung Smart TV (alternative Screen Mirroring).

However, the technology also has its downsides:

⚠️ Attention: Wi-Fi Direct disables the main Wi-Fi during the transfer. If you need to download something from the internet and transfer files at the same time, use Quick Share (it works on top of the existing connection).

Where to find Wi-Fi Direct on Samsung: 3 possible locations in the settings

The location of the function depends on the version One UI and smartphone models. We've compiled all the current options—check them out in order.

1. In the "Wi-Fi" menu (One UI 5.0 and later)

On most modern Samsung (starting from Galaxy S21, A52 and newer) the path is:

1. Open Settings → Connections.
2. Tap on Wi-Fi.
3. In the upper right corner, click on the three dots (⋮) → select Wi-Fi Direct.

If the item is not there, scroll the screen. Wi-Fi down: on some firmwares the button Wi-Fi Direct hidden under the list of networks.

2. In the "Additional" section (One UI 3.0–4.1)

On smartphones Galaxy S10, Note 20, A71 and similar:

1. Go to Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on Additionally (at the bottom of the screen).
3. Select Wi-Fi Direct.

3. Via the Quick Settings panel (alternative method)

If you don't want to dig through the menu:

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open notification panel.
2. Hold your finger on the icon Wi-Fi (don't tap!) until the settings open.
3. Then proceed as in paragraph 1 (three dots → Wi-Fi Direct).

If none of the methods worked, check if the function is disabled at the firmware level (more on this below).

Step-by-step instructions: how to connect via Wi-Fi Direct

Finding the function is half the battle. Now let's figure out how to use it. Let's take file transfer as an example. Samsung Galaxy S23 on Samsung Galaxy Tab S9.

1. Activate Wi-Fi Direct on both devices. (see section above).
2. On the first device (sender):
   • In the list of available devices, select the name of the second device (for example, Galaxy_Tab_S9_1234).
   • Confirm the connection by clicking OK or Connect.
3. On the second device (receiver):
   • Accept the connection request (a notification or pop-up will appear).
   • If prompted, enter your password (usually it is 12345678 or a combination of 8 digits).

File transfer:

• Open Gallery or Files, select the required data.
• Tap Share → Wi-Fi Direct → select the connected device.

If the devices do not find each other:

• 🔄 Restart both devices — sometimes resetting network settings helps.
• 📵 Turn off Bluetooth - it may conflict with Wi-Fi Direct.
• 🔧 Update the firmware: on older versions One UI There are bugs with device detection.

Table: Comparison of Wi-Fi Direct with Quick Share and Nearby Share

Wi-Fi Direct is not the only way to transfer files to SamsungLet's consider the alternatives:

Function	Wi-Fi Direct	Quick Share (Samsung)	Nearby Share (Google)
Transfer speed	To 100 Mbps	To 1.2 Gbps (on new models)	To 480 Mbps
Cross-platform	✅ Yes (Android, Windows, printers)	❌ Only Samsung devices	✅ Android + ChromeOS
Need internet?	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No
Max file size	Unlimited	To 2 GB (on older models - 1 GB)	To 2 GB
Encryption	WPA2	WPA3 + through	WPA2 + temporary keys

Quick Share on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and later supports file transfers at speeds up to 1.2 Gbps thanks to Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology, but only works between Samsung devices.

Why Wi-Fi Direct may be missing from the settings

If you did not find the function using the instructions above, the reasons may be as follows:

1. Outdated firmware:

   On Galaxy S7 and older, Wi-Fi Direct may have been removed after upgrading to Android 10+Solution: Check for updates in Settings → Software Update.

2. Regional restrictions:

   In some countries (such as Japan or South Korea), Wi-Fi Direct functionality may be blocked due to local regulations.

3. Manufacturer's policy:

   Samsung is gradually replacing Wi-Fi Direct with Quick Share, so on new models (for example, Galaxy S24) the function can be hidden or removed.

4. Hardware limitations:

   Budget models (for example, Galaxy A04 or M13) may not support Wi-Fi Direct due to a weak chipset.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware versions One UI 6.0 (Android 14) Wi-Fi Direct is hidden in developer modeTo enable it, activate it. Developer Options (tap 7 times Build number V Settings → About phone), then find the option Wi-Fi Direct is always on.

How to check if your Samsung supports Wi-Fi Direct?

Open the app Files → select file → ShareIf there is an item in the list Wi-Fi Direct, the function is supported.

Common problems and their solutions

Even with Wi-Fi Direct enabled, users are still encountering errors. Let's look at the most common ones:

1. The devices don't find each other

Reasons and solutions:

• 🔋 Low battery: if the level is lower 15%Android may be blocking Wi-Fi Direct. Connect the charger.
• 📡 Interference from other networks: Move to a less crowded area (for example, further away from the router on 2.4 GHz).
• 🔄 IP address conflict: Reboot both devices or manually assign static IPs in the Wi-Fi Direct settings.

2. File transfer is interrupted

What to do:

• 📶 Switch to 5 GHz: If both devices support this frequency, it is more stable for large files.
• 🗑️ Clear your cache: go to Settings → Apps → Wi-Fi Direct → Storage → Clear cache.
• 📦 Split the file into parts: if you are transmitting a video > 1 GB, try archiving it in the section on 500 MB.

3. Error "Failed to connect"

Possible fixes:

• 🔑 Reset network settings: Settings → General Management → Reset → Reset Network Settings.
• 🛠️ Update Samsung Members: Sometimes bugs are fixed through this application.
• 📱 Check compatibility: some printers or TVs require special drivers (eg. Samsung Print Service Plugin).

Wi-Fi Direct Alternatives on Samsung

If Wi-Fi Direct is not working or is missing, consider these options:

1. Quick Share (for Samsung devices)

Advantages:

• ⚡ Speed ​​up to 1.2 Gbps on new models.
• 🔗 Ability to transfer to multiple devices simultaneously.
• 📁 Support for folders and large files (up to 2 GB).

How to use:

1. Open Gallery or Files, select data.
2. Tap Share → Quick Share.
3. Select the device from the list (must be enabled) Bluetooth And Wi-Fi).

2. Nearby Share (for Android devices)

Works between any Android smartphones (including Samsung). The speed is lower than that of Quick Share, but at least it is cross-platform.

Activated in Settings → Google → Devices and sharing → Nearby Share.

3. Third-party applications

If the built-in tools don't work for you, try:

• Send Anywhere — file transfer via cloud or local network.
• Feem — an alternative to Wi-Fi Direct with support Windows/macOS.
• Xender — a popular solution for large files (up to 10 GB).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Can I use Wi-Fi Direct to connect to a printer?

Yes, but the printer must support it. Wi-Fi Direct (usually this is indicated in the specifications as Wi-Fi Direct or P2P). On Samsung:

1. Enable Wi-Fi Direct on your printer (see your device's instructions).
2. Activate on your phone Wi-Fi Direct and select the printer from the list.
3. When printing, select the printer as the target device.

If the printer is not displayed, install the plugin Samsung Print Service Plugin from Google Play.

How to transfer files from Samsung to iPhone via Wi-Fi Direct?

Not possible directly. Wi-Fi Direct not supported on iPhone (Apple uses AirDrop). Alternatives:

• Use Nearby Share (if the application is installed on the iPhone Nearby Share from Google).
• Upload files to the cloud (Google Drive, iCloud) and share the link.
• Take the app Send Anywhere - it works between Android and iOS.

Why is Wi-Fi Direct slower than Bluetooth?

It's paradoxical, but such cases do happen. Reasons:

• Frequency interference 2.4 GHz: Wi-Fi Direct often operates on this frequency, which is congested with other networks.
• Speed ​​limitation by the application: Some file managers artificially reduce speed.
• Old Wi-Fi standard: if your Samsung supports only Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), the speed will be lower than that of Bluetooth 5.0 over short distances.

Solution: Try switching to 5 GHz (if supported) or use Quick Share.

Is it possible to share internet via Wi-Fi Direct?

No, Wi-Fi Direct It's not intended for internet sharing. For that, use:

• Modem mode: Settings → Connections → Tethering & Mobile Hotspot.
• Bluetooth terminals: if you need to connect a device without Wi-Fi (for example, a laptop via Bluetooth PAN).

Wi-Fi Direct creates isolated network only between two devices without internet access.

How to reset Wi-Fi Direct settings on a Samsung?

If the function is unstable, perform a reset:

1. Go to Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on three dots (⋮) → Wi-Fi Direct.
3. Click on the gear icon (⚙️) in the upper right corner.
4. Select Reset settings or Forget all devices.

If there is no item, reset it. all network settings through Settings → General Management → Reset.