Modern smartphones of the series Xiaomi Redmi have the widest functionality for wireless data transmission, and the model Redmi 8 Pro was no exception. Users often look for a way to instantly transfer files without using the internet or Bluetooth, turning to technology Wi-Fi DirectHowever, in the shell MIUI, which is installed on your device, there is no button called "Wi-Fi Direct" in the standard settings menu.
This is due to the fact that the manufacturer decided to integrate the direct communication functionality into more advanced and convenient tools, such as ShareMe (formerly Mi Drop) and Casting (Broadcasting). For successful setup, you need to understand that the protocol runs in the background, activating automatically when certain services are launched. In this article, we'll discuss how to properly configure the environment for the technology and which tools to use to achieve maximum transfer speeds.
It is worth noting that Redmi 8 Pro Supports dual-band Wi-Fi, which significantly speeds up data transfer compared to older models. Understanding how it works wireless connections This will allow you to not only transfer files but also connect your phone to printers or TVs without a router. Let's take a detailed look at each setup step.
What is Wi-Fi Direct and how does it work on Redmi?
Wi-Fi Direct — is a standard that allows two devices to connect directly to each other without the need for an access point or router. On smartphones Xiaomi And Redmi This technology is implemented through software interfaces that control the wireless module. When you initiate a file transfer, the phone temporarily creates a secure P2P (peer-to-peer) connection.
⚠️ Warning: Wi-Fi Direct may interfere with regular Wi-Fi connections. If you're trying to transfer a file to a device already connected to your home network, speed may drop, or the connection may be lost.
Unlike Bluetooth, which also allows you to transfer files, direct Wi-Fi connection provides much higher speeds, measured in tens of megabits per second. This is especially important for Redmi 8 Pro, as its processor and communication module are capable of handling large amounts of data. The technology uses the same frequencies as regular Wi-Fi, but organizes the network differently.
Technical details of P2P on Android
The protocol uses the IEEE 802.11 standard, where one device assumes the role of Group Owner (analogous to an access point), and the other becomes a client. On the Redmi 8 Pro, the role of Group Owner can dynamically change depending on the Android version and app requirements.
It is important to understand that at the system level MIUI Hides complex protocol settings from the average user. Instead of manually entering PIN codes and searching for networks, the system offers a simplified interface. However, if you plan to connect specialized equipment, such as industrial printers or cameras, you may need to know how to manage device visibility.
Where to find settings in the MIUI interface
Finding this function in the menu can be difficult, as there is no dedicated toggle. You need to know where the associated services are hidden. First, check the section Settings → Connection and SharingThis is where the main tools for interacting with the outside world are located.
In this section you will find the option Broadcast (or Cast). Activating this feature forces the Wi-Fi Direct module to search for available screens. There may also be a "Wireless Cast" option here, which is the gateway to visibility settings. Redmi 8 Pro The path may differ slightly depending on the firmware version.
- 📱 Open
Settingsand go to the "Connection and Sharing" section. - 📡 Find the "Broadcast" option and turn it on to activate the search module.
- 🔒 Check your privacy settings in the "Wireless" menu.
- 📂 For files, use the built-in File Explorer or Gallery app.
Don't forget that the interface MIUI Constantly updated. If you don't find the options listed, use the settings search. Enter "Broadcast" or "Cast" in the search bar at the top of the settings menu—this is the fastest way to get to the desired section.
Using the ShareMe app for direct transfer
The most effective way to use opportunities Wi-Fi Direct on Redmi 8 Pro is the official application ShareMe creates a local network using direct protocols, providing speeds of up to 20 MB/s and beyond. It's the ideal tool for sharing photos and videos between Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO phones.
To get started, open the app and tap the "Send" or "Receive" button. Your phone will automatically enable the necessary Wi-Fi services. You don't need to manually select devices, as with Bluetooth—simply scan a QR code or select a device from the list of found devices.
☑️ Pre-delivery check
⚠️ Important: When transferring large files via ShareMe, make sure the receiving device's screen is on. Some power-saving settings may disconnect the connection when the screen is off.
The advantage of this method is that it doesn't use up your mobile data. The connection is established directly between the devices. If you have Redmi 8 Pro With the updated version of MIUI, the function may be called Xiaomi Share, which combines Mi Drop and Google Nearby Share technologies.
Connecting to TV and other devices
Functional Wi-Fi Direct often required to display images on a large screen. Redmi 8 Pro Supports Miracast and DLNA standards, which are based on direct connection protocols. To connect your phone to your TV, make sure both devices are on the same network or using line-of-sight mode.
Go to the menu Settings → Connection and Sharing → BroadcastThe phone will begin searching for available displays. If your TV supports Wi-Fi Direct, it will appear in the list. Tap the device's name to begin pairing. In some cases, you may need to confirm on the TV remote.
| Device type | Connection method | Required speed | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart TV (Android) | Chromecast built-in | High | Excellent |
| Smart TV (Tizen/WebOS) | Miracast / AirPlay 2 | Average | Good |
| Printer | Wi-Fi Direct Print | Low | Depends on the signal |
| Action camera | Special application | Average | Variable |
If the image streaming is delayed, try lowering the video resolution or moving your phone closer to the router if you're using bridged mode. A direct connection is susceptible to interference in the 2.4 GHz band, which is often congested in apartment buildings.
Troubleshooting visibility and connectivity issues
Sometimes Redmi 8 Pro stops seeing other devices or becomes invisible itself. This is a common problem associated with aggressive energy saving policies. MIUIThe system can disable the Wi-Fi module to save battery power if it believes it is not being actively used.
The first thing you need to do is check the permissions for system services. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find "Wi-Fi Services" or "Broadcasting" and make sure they have permission to run in the background. It's also worth resetting your network settings.
To reset network settings, follow these steps:
- Open
Settings. - Go to the "About phone" section.
- Click "Reset settings" (or find this item in the general settings).
- Select "Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings."
⚠️ Note: Resetting network settings will delete all saved Wi-Fi network passwords and paired Bluetooth devices. You will need to re-enter your passwords.
If the issue persists, check whether "Invisible" mode is enabled in Bluetooth settings, as some device detection algorithms are interrelated. Also, make sure location services are enabled on both devices—in modern versions of Android, this is a requirement for Wi-Fi scanners to work.
Alternative methods and third-party applications
If standard means Xiaomi If these apps don't meet your needs, you can use third-party solutions. Apps like Solid Explorer or FTP Server Allows you to create local servers using the Wi-Fi module's capabilities. This provides more flexible control over file transfer.
Another option is to use Google FilesThis app can also create direct connections between Android devices using similar principles. The Google Files interface is more minimalist and ad-free, which may be a plus for some users.
When installing third-party apps, pay attention to the permissions they request. To work with the network, the app will need access to your local network and location. Without these permissions, direct connection It will not be possible to install.
Impact of Android version and MIUI updates
The functionality of the Wi-Fi module directly depends on the operating system version. Redmi 8 Pro was originally released on Android 9, but has received updates to newer versions. With each update MIUI Google is changing its wireless API access rules, which may change the behavior of features.
For example, Android 10 and higher introduced stricter restrictions on background Wi-Fi network scanning. This means apps can't constantly scan for devices to share while the screen is off. The user now needs to interact with the interface more frequently.
It is recommended to check for system updates regularly:
Settings → About phone → MIUI version → Check for updatesInstalling the latest security patches often fixes network driver issues. If you encounter a problem after an update, try clearing the system service cache through the Recovery Mode menu, but only if you have experience.
Why doesn't the Redmi 8 Pro have a dedicated Wi-Fi Direct button?
Xiaomi, following a common trend in Android, has hidden the direct button to simplify the interface for the general user. The functionality has been moved to intermediary apps (ShareMe, Broadcast), which automatically manage the protocol. This reduces the risk of errors when manually configuring IP addresses and ports.
Is it possible to transfer a file to an iPhone via Wi-Fi Direct from Redmi?
Directly via the standard Wi-Fi Direct protocol—no, as iOS uses its own proprietary AirDrop protocol. However, using cross-platform apps like Send Anywhere or the ShareMe web interface (FTP mode), transferring files between the Redmi 8 Pro and iPhone is entirely possible.
Is it safe to use Wi-Fi Direct in public places?
The connection is secured with WPA2 encryption, and connection requires confirmation on both devices. However, it's best not to transmit sensitive data in crowded areas, as packet sniffing or "Evil Twin" attacks are theoretically possible if an attacker creates a hotspot with a similar name.
Does Wi-Fi Direct use a lot of battery?
Yes, an active Wi-Fi module in Direct mode consumes more power than in standby mode, but less than when transferring data over a mobile network over long distances. To save battery, disable this feature immediately after completing a file transfer.