How to connect two Android devices via Wi-Fi: all the methods

Connecting two smartphones or tablets Android Wireless networking opens up a ton of possibilities: from fast file transfers to app synchronization and even remote control. However, not everyone knows that there are several options for this type of connection—each suited to different tasks. For example, Wi-Fi Direct ideal for transferring photographs, and ADB over Wi-Fi will be useful for developers for debugging.

In this article we will look at all the current methods of connecting two Android-devices by Wi-Fi — from standard system functions to advanced tools like FTP servers or TermuxYou will learn which method to choose for your purpose and how to set up a connection on different versions. Android (from Android 8.0 Oreo to Android 14), and what to do if devices can't see each other. Finally, there are answers to frequently asked questions and a comparison table for all methods.

1. Connect via an access point (Hotspot)

The easiest and most universal way is to use one device as access point, and connect the second one to it as to a regular router. This method works on all versions. Android and does not require additional applications.

To activate mobile hotspot, run on the first device:

• 📱 Open Settings → Network & Internet → Hotspot & Tethering.
• 🔄 Turn on the option Wi-Fi hotspot (on some devices - Modem mode).
• 🔒 Set the network name (SSID) and password (it is recommended to use WPA2-PSK).
• 📶 On the second device, connect to the created network via Settings → Wi-Fi.

Once connected, both devices will be on the same local network. Now you can:

• 📁 Transfer files via Google Files, Send Anywhere or Xender.
• 🎮 Use one device as a gamepad for another (via Octopus or Monect).
• 🖥️ Remotely control the screen (apps) TeamViewer QuickSupport or ApowerMirror).

⚠️ Note: On some devices Samsung And Xiaomi The hotspot automatically switches off if no devices are connected to it for 5-10 minutes. To avoid this, enable the "Disconnect" option in the hotspot settings. Always on (if available).

2. Wi-Fi Direct: Direct connection without a router

Wi-Fi Direct allows you to connect devices directly, without the need for an intermediary such as a router or hotspot. This protocol is supported by all modern smartphones (starting with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich) and provides high data transfer speeds - up to 250 Mbps under ideal conditions.

To activate Wi-Fi Direct:

1. On both devices, open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Wi-Fi Direct (on some devices - Wi-Fi Direct connection or WLAN Direct).
3. On one of the devices, select the second one from the list of available ones and confirm the connection.

Once connected, you will be able to:

• 📸 Instantly transfer photos and videos via standard File sharing (on Samsung — Quick Share, on Xiaomi — Mi Share).
• 🎧 Use one device as a wireless speaker (via SoundWire or WoMic).
• 🖨️ Print documents on a printer connected to another smartphone.

⚠️ Attention: On devices Google Pixel and some models OnePlus function Wi-Fi Direct may be hidden. To activate it, install the app. Wi-Fi Direct Enabler from Google Play.

Make sure Wi-Fi is enabled on both devices | Turn off mobile data (it may interfere with the connection) | Check that the devices are no more than 10 meters away | Update the firmware to the latest version (Android 12+ may have bugs) -->

3. FTP server: transfer files over a local network

If you need to do more than just connect devices, but organize a full-fledged file exchange (for example, for backup or working with large amounts of data), the best option is to run FTP server on one of the smartphones. This will allow the second device to connect to it as a network drive.

To do this:

1. Install the application on the first device FTP Server (For example, Solid Explorer, FX File Explorer or Simple FTP Server).
2. Start the server and write down the connection address (usually in the format ftp://192.168.x.x:2221).
3. On the second device, connect to this address through any file manager (for example, ES File Explorer or Total Commander).

Advantages of the method:

• 📂 Access to the entire file system of the device (with root rights).
• 🔄 Possibility of file transfer in both directions (uploading and downloading).
• 🛠️ Support for resumed downloads (if the connection is interrupted, the transfer will continue from where it left off).

⚠️ Caution: When using FTP On public networks (for example, via a hotspot in a cafe), your data can be intercepted. Always enable encryption (FTPS or SFTP) and use complex passwords.

4. ADB over Wi-Fi: For Developers and Advanced Users

If you need to do more than just transfer files, but get full control over one device from another (for example, to debug applications or automate tasks), connecting via ADB over Wi-FiThis method requires some preliminary setup, but opens up a wide range of possibilities.

Instructions:

1. Install Android SDK Platform-Tools on PC (or use Termux on the second device).
2. Connect the first device to the PC via USB and run the command:

   adb tcpip 5555

3. Disconnect USB and connect via Wi-Fi:

   adb connect 192.168.x.x:5555

   (Where 192.168.x.x — The IP address of the first device, which can be found in Settings → About phone → Status).

4. Now you can control your device via adb shell or Scrcpy to broadcast the screen.

What can be done through ADB over Wi-Fi:

• 🐞 Debugging applications in Android Studio without USB.
• 📱 Remote control of the device (for example, via scrcpy or Vysor).
• 🔧 Automate tasks using scripts (for example, backup via adb backup).

⚠️ Attention: On Android 11+ team adb tcpip resets after reboot. To maintain the connection, use the app ADB Wi-Fi from Google Play, which automates the process.

How to find out the IP address of a device without root?

Open Settings → About phone → Status → Wi-Fi status (The path may differ on some firmware versions.) If this option is not present, install the app. Network Info II - it will show the local IP even without superuser rights.

5. Local network via a router: for a stable connection

If both devices are connected to the same router (home or office), they are automatically connected to the same local network. This allows them to be used for:

• 🎮 Multiplayer games over Wi-Fi (for example, Minecraft or Brawl Stars in local mode).
• 📡 File transfers via KDE Connect or LocalSend.
• 🖥️ Remote control (for example, Unified Remote to use your smartphone as a remote control for your PC).

To check that the devices are on the same network:

1. On both devices, open Settings → Wi-Fi and look at the network name (SSID) and IP address.
2. The first three octets of the IP must match (e.g. 192.168.1.100 And 192.168.1.101).
3. To transfer files, use applications like LocalSend - they will automatically find devices on the same network.

Important: If the router is configured to isolate clients (option AP Isolation or Client Isolation), devices won't see each other, even if they're on the same network. Disable this feature in the router's control panel.

6. Alternative methods: Termux, SSH, and more

For users who need more advanced features, there are less obvious but powerful connection methods:

• 🐧 Termux + SSH: Install Termux on both devices, run the SSH server on one (pkg install openssh → sshd) and connect from the second one through ssh user@192.168.x.xThis will allow you to execute commands remotely.
• 🔌 Syncthing: An application for synchronizing files between devices in real time. It works on the principle BitTorrent, but without a centralized server.
• 🌐 WebDAV server: Similar to FTP, but with HTTPS support. Can be configured via Solid Explorer or Nextcloud.

These methods require more time to set up, but provide flexibility. For example, Syncthing allows:

• 🔄 Sync folders between devices automatically.
• 🔒 Encrypt transmitted data.
• 📱 Work even if the devices are not on the same network (via a relay server).

⚠️ Caution: When using Termux And SSH Make sure you have a strong password set on your device. By default, Termux does not require authentication, which makes it vulnerable to attacks from the local network.

Comparison of all connection methods

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions and Problems

🔍 Why can't devices see each other via Wi-Fi Direct?

The reasons may be different:

• Wi-Fi or airplane mode is disabled on one of the devices.
• The devices are too far apart (maximum 10 meters).
• On Samsung or Xiaomi Power saving mode may be enabled, blocking Wi-Fi Direct. Disable it in Battery settings.
• The device firmware is out of date (update Android to the latest version).

If nothing helps, try using the app Wi-Fi Direct Enabler.

📶 How to increase file transfer speed?

The speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard:

• On 802.11n (2.4 GHz) - up to 150 Mbit/s.
• On 802.11ac (5 GHz) - up to 866 Mbit/s.
• On 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) - up to 2.4 Gbps.

To speed up the transfer:

• Switch to range 5 GHz (if the router supports it).
• Use FTP or Syncthing instead of Wi-Fi Direct.
• Disable background apps that consume traffic.

🔒 Is it possible to connect Android and iPhone via Wi-Fi?

Yes, but with restrictions:

• Through access point (iPhone as a hotspot or vice versa).
• Through apps like Send Anywhere or Snapdrop (work through a browser).
• Wi-Fi Direct between Android and iOS is not supported.

🛠️ What should I do if the FTP server won't start?

Check the following:

• The device has Wi-Fi enabled and is connected to the network.
• Port 2221 (or another one specified in the settings) is not blocked by the firewall.
• The IP address of the device has not changed (check in Settings → Wi-Fi → Status).
• There is enough free memory on the device (some FTP servers require a buffer).

If the problem persists, try a different application (for example, MiXplorer instead of Solid Explorer).

📱 Is it possible to control one Android device from another?

Yes, the following will work for this:

• TeamViewer QuickSupport — for remote assistance.
• ApowerMirror or Scrcpy — for screen broadcasting.
• Unified Remote - to control as a remote control.

For Scrcpy connection via ADB (see section 4).