How to completely disable Wi-Fi Direct: instructions for all devices

Technology Wi-Fi Direct Allows devices to connect directly without a router. This is convenient for file transfer, streaming, or connecting peripherals, but sometimes this feature can be a hindrance: it creates unnecessary networks, drains the battery, or interferes with the main Wi-Fi network. In this article, we'll look at how deactivate completely Wi-Fi Direct on various devices, from TVs Samsung And LG before smartphones on Android And iOS, as well as on routers of popular brands.

It's important to understand that the procedure varies depending on the manufacturer and model. In some cases, disabling the function in the menu is sufficient, while in others, a reset or even a firmware update may be required. We've compiled the most current methods based on the latest software versions (at the time of publication) and common issues encountered by users.

What is Wi-Fi Direct and why should you disable it?

Wi-Fi Direct — is a wireless communication standard that allows devices to exchange data directly, bypassing an access point. The technology is used for:

• 📺 Connecting smartphones to TVs for screen sharing (Miracast, Screen Mirroring)
• 📱 Fast file transfer between phones (Bluetooth alternative)
• 🖨️ Print documents on printers without connecting to a router
• 🎮 Connecting gamepads and accessories to consoles or PCs

However, the function also has its downsides:

• 🔋 Increased battery consumption on mobile devices (background network scanning)
• 📡 Conflicts with the main Wi-Fi (for example, the TV may become stuck on a direct connection)
• 🛡️ Security vulnerabilities (outdated protocol versions may be susceptible to attacks)
• 📶 Pollution of the airwaves with unnecessary SSIDs (networks like DIRECT-xx-XXXX)

If you don't use direct connections, disabling Wi-Fi Direct will help save battery life, eliminate interference, and improve the stability of your primary network. This is especially important for smart TVs, which often include the feature by default.

How to disable Wi-Fi Direct on Samsung TVs

On TVs Samsung (series QLED, Crystal UHD, The Frame etc.) the function is called Screen Mirroring or Wi-Fi Direct depending on the model. The instructions are suitable for TVs based on Tizen OS (2016 and newer).

Steps to disable:

1. Take the remote control and press the button Home (home).
2. Go to Settings → General → Network Settings.
3. Select Wi-Fi Direct or Screen Mirroring (depending on the software version).
4. Move the slider to the position Off or click Disable.
5. Confirm the action if prompted.

On some models (eg, Samsung QN90C 2023) The function may be hidden deeper. If the item isn't in the main menu, try:

Settings → Support → Self-diagnosis → Wi-Fi Direct

The Network Settings menu is open|The Wi-Fi Direct or Screen Mirroring option is found|The feature is set to Off|The TV has been rebooted to apply the changes-->

Attention! On TVs Samsung 2018-2020 models may become unusable after disabling Wi-Fi Direct. SmartThings to control from a phone. In this case, an alternative connection will be required via Bluetooth or IR remote control.

⚠️ Attention: If after disconnecting the TV the main Wi-Fi network is no longer visible, reset the network settings in Settings → General → Reset → Reset network settingsThis will delete all saved passwords.

Disabling Wi-Fi Direct on LG TVs (webOS)

On TVs LG with the operating system webOS (models OLED, NanoCell, QNED etc.) the function is called LG TV Plus or Wi-Fi DirectThe procedure varies depending on the firmware version.

Instructions for webOS 6.0 and later (2021–2026):

1. Click the button Settings (gear) on the remote control.
2. Go to Network → Wi-Fi Direct.
3. Select Disable or move the slider to the left.
4. Confirm the action if required.

For older versions (webOS 3.0–5.0, 2016–2020):

1. Open Settings → Network → Wi-Fi connection.
2. Select Wi-Fi Direct at the bottom of the screen.
3. Click Disable or Exit.

If the item is missing, try the alternative method via developer mode:

Settings → General → About TV → Press "Software Version" 7 times
Return to "General" → Developer Mode → Disable "Wi-Fi Direct"

On LG TVs from 2022-2026, Wi-Fi Direct may automatically turn on when the feature is activated. AirPlay or Google CastTo avoid this, disable these options in the menu. Settings → Connections → Screen Mirroring.

Disabling Wi-Fi Direct on Android smartphones

On smartphones running Android (from Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel etc.) Wi-Fi Direct can be hidden in different sections. General algorithm:

For pure Android (For example, Google Pixel 7/8):

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Wi-Fi Direct.
3. Disable the feature or exit the device search mode.

For Samsung Galaxy (One UI):

1. Go to Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on Wi-Fi Direct at the bottom of the screen.
3. Click Disable or Exit.

For Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO (MIUI):

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Scroll down and select Wi-Fi Direct.
3. Turn off the slider or click Stop.

Attention! On some devices (eg. Samsung Galaxy S22 With One UI 5.1) Wi-Fi Direct is activated automatically when turned on Smart View (screen sharing). To completely disable this feature, you must:

Settings → Connections → Additional settings → Smart View → Disable

What to do if Wi-Fi Direct won't turn off on Android?

If the function continues to work after following the instructions:

1. Check if file transfer via the Quick Panel (swipe down from the top of the screen) is enabled.

2. Delete saved Wi-Fi Direct connections in Settings → Wi-Fi → Saved Networks (look for networks with the prefix DIRECT-).

3. Perform a network reset in Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and Bluetooth.

4. Update your device's firmware—older versions of Android had bugs with background Wi-Fi Direct activation.

Disabling Wi-Fi Direct on iPhone and iPad

On devices Apple (iPhone, iPad) Wi-Fi Direct technology is used for functions AirDrop And AirPlay, but you can't disable it directly. However, you can limit its operation:

Ways to reduce Wi-Fi Direct activity:

• 🔄 Turn it off AirDrop:
  1. Open Control center (swipe down from the top right corner).
  2. Press and hold the block with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth.
  3. Select Reception is turned off in the section AirDrop.
• 📵 Turn off AirPlay and interaction:

  Settings → General → AirPlay & Interaction → Off

• 🛡️ Limit background activity:

  Settings → Privacy → Location → System Services → Network Location → Off

On iOS 17 and newer Wi-Fi Direct is only activated when used directly AirDrop or Screen Mirroring, so a complete shutdown is not required. However, if you notice constant scanning of networks (for example, devices appearing in the Wi-Fi list Apple TV or HomePod), reset network settings:

Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings

⚠️ Attention: On iPhone, it's disabled AirDrop And AirPlay may affect operation Continuity (file transfer between Apple devices) and Handoff (Task transfer). If these functions are critical, limit yourself to resetting network settings only.

How to disable Wi-Fi Direct on routers

Some routers (eg. ASUS, TP-Link, Keenetic) support Wi-Fi Direct for connecting printers or media devices. This feature can be disabled via the web interface.

General instructions for most models:

1. Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi.
2. Open your browser and enter the IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
3. Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin).
4. Go to the section Wireless network or Wi-Fi.
5. Find the item Wi-Fi Direct, WPS or P2P (depending on the firmware).
6. Disable the feature and save the settings.

Examples for popular brands:

Manufacturer	Model	Path to settings
ASUS	RT-AX88U, RT-AC68U	Wireless Network → Wi-Fi Direct → Disable
TP-Link	Archer C6, Deco X60	Advanced settings → Wi-Fi Direct → Off
Keenetic	Giga, Ultra, Viva	Wi-Fi Segment → Access Point → Wi-Fi Direct → Disable
Zyxel	Keenetic Speedster	Requires firmware not lower than 3.6.5

On routers Keenetic with firmware NDMS 3.0+ Wi-Fi Direct may be hidden. To disable it:

1. Go to System → Commands.
2. Enter the command:

   interface WifiMaster0 set P2P=disabled

3. Click Execute and reboot the router.

Common problems and their solutions

When disabling Wi-Fi Direct, users encounter typical errors. Let's look at the most common ones:

1. The function is enabled automatically after a reboot.

Reason: On some devices (eg. Samsung Galaxy or LG TV) Wi-Fi Direct is activated automatically when you connect to certain networks or launch applications (SmartThings, LG TV Plus).

Solution:

• 📱 On smartphones: Disable auto-start for apps related to screen mirroring.
• 📺 On TVs: Perform a factory reset (keeping personal data).

2. I don't see the "Wi-Fi Direct" option in the menu.

Reason: The manufacturer may have renamed the function (eg. Screen Mirroring, Miracast, P2P) or hide it in technical settings.

Solution:

• 🔍 Use the settings search (magnifying glass button in the menu).
• 📄 Check the user manual for your model (on the manufacturer's website).
• 🔧 Activate developer mode (if available) for advanced options.

3. After disconnecting, there is no sound on the speaker/headphones

Cause: Some wireless audio devices (eg. JBL, Sony) connect via Wi-Fi Direct.

Solution:

• 🔊 Reconnect the device via Bluetooth or AUX.
• 📋 Check your speaker's instructions for alternative connection methods.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to disable Wi-Fi Direct on all devices?

No, on some devices (eg. iPhone or older models Sony Bravia) This feature is built into the system and doesn't have a separate switch. In this case, you can only restrict its activity (see the iOS section).

Is it safe to turn off Wi-Fi Direct?

Yes, this will not affect the main functions of the device (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile network). However, some services (for example, Smart View on Samsung or AirPlay on Apple) may stop working.

Why does the TV continue to create a DIRECT-xx network after disconnecting?

This may be related to the network cache. Try:

1. Delete saved network DIRECT-xx in the Wi-Fi settings of your smartphone/laptop.
2. Perform a network reset on your TV.
3. Update TV firmware to the latest version.

How to check if Wi-Fi Direct is disabled?

Verification methods:

• 📱 On your smartphone: open the list of Wi-Fi networks with the prefix DIRECT- should not be displayed.
• 📺 On TV: try connecting via Screen Mirroring - If the function is disabled, connection will not be possible.
• 🖥️ On PC: Open Command Prompt and enter netsh wlan show networks — the list should not contain networks with the type P2P.

Will turning off Wi-Fi Direct save battery life?

Yes, but the effect will only be noticeable if you actively use the feature. For example, if your smartphone is constantly scanning for networks AirDrop or Smart View, disabling it can extend battery life by 5–15%. On TVs, energy savings are minimal.