Modern smartphones, including the popular Xiaomi Redmi 9, are equipped with a variety of wireless communication modules that are often underestimated by users. One of these features is WiFi Direct — a technology that allows you to transfer files, photos, and videos between devices without the need for a router or mobile internet. Unlike standard Bluetooth, this protocol provides much higher data transfer rates, which is critical when working with large amounts of multimedia.
Many owners of devices based on the shell MIUI have difficulty finding this option, as it is often hidden deep in system menus or renamed by the manufacturer. Redmi 9 The activation process may differ from standard Android smartphones due to aggressive system optimization and interface features. Understanding how to properly launch this mode will open up new possibilities for interacting with TVs, printers, and other gadgets.
In this article, we'll detail the steps required to successfully set up a direct connection. You'll learn where to look for hidden switches, how to avoid common pairing errors, and what nuances to consider when working with the file system. XiaomiBe prepared for some menu items to have unintuitive names, but we'll walk you through it step by step.
What is WiFi Direct and why is it needed on the Redmi 9?
WiFi Direct — is a wireless communication standard that allows devices to connect directly to each other, bypassing the need for an access point or router. In context Xiaomi Redmi 9 This feature is becoming an indispensable tool for quickly transferring large files, such as 4K videos or photo archives, whose transfer speeds via Bluetooth would be unreasonably slow. The technology uses the same frequencies as regular WiFi but creates a separate communication channel between the two devices.
The main advantage of using this protocol is Redmi 9 The advantage of this mode is its versatility and speed. You can stream images to a TV, print documents, or transfer gigabytes of data to a computer without loss of quality or compression. It's important to understand that when this mode is activated, your smartphone essentially becomes a mini-router, creating a local network.
- 🚀 High data transfer speed, significantly exceeding the capabilities of Bluetooth.
- 🔒 WPA2 connection encryption ensures protection of transmitted information from interception.
- 📱 Ability to connect to devices that do not have internet access but support the standard.
⚠️ Attention: When WiFi Direct connection is active, battery consumption is Redmi 9 The battery life may increase significantly. It is recommended to monitor the battery level or connect the device to a power source during extended data transfers.
It's also worth noting that not all applications use the native system call of this protocol. Some file-sharing service developers implement their own algorithms that emulate the operation WiFi Direct, but for maximum compatibility with peripherals (printers, TVs), it is better to rely on system settings or proven utilities.
Where to find WiFi Direct settings in MIUI
Find the menu you need on Xiaomi Redmi 9 can be confusing even for an experienced user, as the logic of placing items in MIUI It often changes from version to version. In most cases, you won't find a direct "Enable WiFi Direct" button in the notification shade or in the main WiFi settings. The system Android on devices Xiaomi often activates this module automatically when the corresponding application or transmission service is launched.
The first place you should look is the main system settings section. You need to go to Settings, then select the item Connection and sharing (or simply Additionally (in older versions). This is where advanced wireless network settings are often hidden. If there is no explicit mention of it in this section WiFi Direct, this does not mean that the function is disabled at the hardware level.
The second search option is relevant for global firmware versions. Try going to Settings → About the phone → All specs (or click multiple times on the version MIUIto open the engineering menu, although this requires caution). However, most often, protocol control is delegated to the system application "File Explorer" or "Gallery."
Hidden engineering menus
In the engineering menu Redmi 9 (access via dialing ##6484##) you can check the status of the WiFi module, but it is not recommended to change the WiFi Direct parameters there without in-depth knowledge, as this can lead to unstable operation of the radio module.
The third and most reliable way to "find" this feature is to attempt to initiate an action that requires it. For example, when attempting to send a file through the standard sharing interface, the system will automatically prompt you to enable the necessary modules. This is an architectural feature. MIUI, which hides complex technical settings from the average user, providing only the necessary functionality at the moment of need.
Step-by-step instructions for enabling via standard tools
To activate WiFi Direct on Xiaomi Redmi 9 Without installing third-party software, you'll need to perform a series of steps to "wake up" the relevant service. Although there's a missing button, the process is quite simple if you know where to press. Make sure your smartphone's WiFi module is already enabled.
Follow the steps below to start searching for devices and prepare your phone for connection. These steps will activate the necessary daemon in the background.
☑️ Activation algorithm
- Open the menu
Settingson yours Redmi 9. - Find and select a section
Connection and sharing(may be calledAdditional connection settings). - In the list of options, find the item
Sending filesorDirect transmission. - Click the button
Accept filesorSearch for devicesAt this point, the system will forcefully activate WiFi Direct to find partners.
After completing these steps, your smartphone will become visible to other devices that support this standard. If you're using your phone to connect to a printer or TV, this is where you should initiate a search on the receiving device. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version. MIUI 12 or MIUI 13, installed on your Redmi 9.
| Action | Path to the menu | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Basic activation | Settings → WiFi → Menu (three dots) |
Access to advanced options |
| Launching the service | Settings → Connection and Sharing |
Activating the transmission module |
| Visibility check | Settings → About phone |
Network name information |
To reconnect, you'll have to repeat the procedure. This is normal operating system behavior. Android on devices Xiaomi.
Using Mi Drop and ShareMe apps
Because the native interface MIUI not always convenient to manage WiFi Direct, company Xiaomi developed and pre-installs a specialized application Mi Drop (in global versions it is often found under the name ShareMe). This is the most efficient way to manage direct connections on Redmi 9The application fully controls the WiFi module, creating the necessary tunnels for data transfer.
On first launch ShareMe will request permissions to access location and WiFi. This is a mandatory operating system requirement. Android to work with WiFi Direct, as network scanning is equivalent to geolocation. After granting all permissions, the app will go into standby mode or prompt you to create a profile.
- 📲 Interface: Intuitive design with large "Send" and "Receive" buttons.
- ⚡ Speed: Optimized to use maximum WiFi channel bandwidth.
- 🌐 Cross-platform: Allows you to transfer files not only between Xiaomi, but also on other Android and iOS devices.
⚠️ Attention: If the application Mi Drop or ShareMe removed from your Redmi 9Don't rush to download random alternatives from the Play Market. It's better to restore the original app using the service. GetApps (Mi Store) to ensure compatibility with system protocols MIUI.
To enable the function through the application, simply press the button Send or GetAt this moment ShareMe will turn on automatically WiFi Direct, even if you haven't done so in the phone's main settings. This is the simplest and most reliable method for the average user who doesn't want to delve into system menus.
Solution: The phone does not detect the devices
The situation when Xiaomi Redmi 9 Not detecting other devices or being invisible itself is one of the most common. Most often, the problem lies not in a hardware malfunction, but in software conflicts or security settings. WiFi Direct sensitive to encryption protocol versions and frequency ranges.
The first thing you need to check is that location services are working. As mentioned, in modern versions Android WiFi network scanning for Direct connections is blocked without GPS enabled. Go to Settings → Location and make sure the switch is active. Without this Redmi 9 it just won't start searching.
The second important aspect is the frequency range. Some older devices only support 2.4 GHz, while Redmi 9 may try to work in 5 GHz. Try in the WiFi settings (section Additionally) forcefully switch the network priority or temporarily disable "Smart WiFi", which may interfere with the direct connection.
It's also worth checking whether Flight Mode or Power Saving Mode are enabled, which could limit the radio module's operation. In Power Saving Mode MIUI may aggressively close background processes needed to maintain a persistent connection WiFi Direct.
Alternative methods and third-party utilities
If standard means Xiaomi If for some reason your apps don't work, or you need more advanced functionality (for example, managing a remote device's file system), you can turn to third-party solutions. The app market offers many tools that use the native API. WiFi Direct, providing a user-friendly interface.
One of the popular options is the app WiFi File Transfer or its equivalents. They allow not only to transfer files, but also to manage Redmi 9 as a network drive. These programs also require the appropriate permissions to be enabled in the system. Please read the access permissions carefully during installation.
Another method is to use the "WiFi Hotspot" feature, which can sometimes emulate Direct's behavior for certain tasks, although it's not a complete replacement. However, for printing documents or displaying images on a TV, it's better to use specialized plugins included with printer drivers or Smart TVs.
- 📂 File Commander: A powerful file manager with built-in network transfer support.
- 🖨️ Print Service Plugin: Official Google printing plugin using WiFi Direct.
- 📺 Google Home: For screen casting to Chromecast and Android TV.
Using third-party software gives you more control over the process, but requires careful attention to security permissions. Make sure you download apps only from trusted sources, such as Google Play or official store GetApps on yours Redmi 9.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does WiFi Direct affect mobile operator data usage?
No, technology WiFi Direct Creates a local connection between devices. Data is transferred directly, bypassing the internet. Therefore, your mobile operator's or home provider's data plan isn't consumed, even if your mobile internet is enabled.
Is it possible to transfer files to iPhone via WiFi Direct from Redmi 9?
Directly via the standard WiFi Direct protocol - no, as Apple uses its proprietary AirDrop protocol. However, using intermediary apps like ShareMe (which is also on iOS) or Send Anywhere, you can organize file transfer between Redmi 9 And iPhone through the local network being created.
Why does the transfer speed drop after a while?
The decrease in speed may be caused by overheating of the WiFi module in Redmi 9, which leads to throttling (reduced performance), or interference in the air. Speed may also drop if one of the devices switches to screen power saving mode.
Is it safe to use WiFi Direct in public places?
Compound WiFi Direct Secured by the WPA2 protocol, connection requires confirmation on both devices (entering a PIN or tapping "Accept"). However, in crowded areas, there's always a risk of handshake packet interception. It's recommended to use this feature only with trusted devices.