Owners of smartphones of the brand Redmi often face the need for fast data transfer without using an internet connection or third-party applications. Technology Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to create a direct connection between devices, ensuring high-speed data exchange. This is especially useful when transferring large video files or printing documents on a wireless printer.
Shell interface MIUIinstalled on devices Xiaomi, can hide some system settings from the average user. Unlike the "clean" Android, the path to activating the function isn't always obvious and requires a specific sequence of steps. Understanding the principles of this protocol will help you avoid common pairing errors.
In this article, we will examine in detail the algorithm for activating the mode, and consider the nuances of working with wireless printers and TVs, and we'll also provide solutions to common device visibility issues. You'll learn how to properly configure security settings and why your phone sometimes simply doesn't see nearby devices.
What is Wi-Fi Direct and why is it needed on Redmi?
Wi-Fi Direct — is a wireless communication standard that allows two devices to connect directly to each other without the need for a router or access point. In smartphones Redmi This feature is deeply embedded in system services, although you won't find a separate "On/Off" button in Quick Settings. It activates automatically when you initiate a file transfer or search for a device to print to.
The main advantage of this technology over the classical one Bluetooth is a significantly higher data transfer speed. While downloading a movie via Bluetooth can take tens of minutes, Wi-Fi Direct handle this in a matter of minutes. Furthermore, the protocol supports encryption. WPA2, which makes the connection sufficiently protected from external interference.
It is important to understand that on phones Xiaomi And Redmi This technology is often used as a basic foundation for proprietary services such as Mi Share or Mi DropWhen you send photos through these apps, the data is physically transferred through the channel. Wi-Fi DirectHowever, connecting to peripherals, such as a printer or projector, sometimes requires manual configuration or the use of specialized plugins.
⚠️ Please note: When actively using Wi-Fi Direct, your phone's Wi-Fi module may temporarily disconnect from your home network or switch to tethering mode. This is normal behavior, as the antenna cannot simultaneously support two different high-bandwidth communication channels.
Step-by-step instructions: how to activate the feature in settings
Because in MIUI There's no single switch; activation occurs through the additional connections menu. You'll need to perform several sequential steps to put your phone into discoverable mode.
First, open the main settings menu of your RedmiFind the section that may be called "Connection and Sharing" or "Additional Features" (depending on your firmware version). This is where the settings that control wireless interfaces.
☑️ Activate Wi-Fi Direct
Inside the menu, find the "Print" or "Wi-Fi Direct" option. If you select "Print," the system will prompt you to install a plugin (for example, MIFIT or HP Print Service). After installing the plugin and enabling the service, the phone will begin scanning the air. At this point radio module switches to search mode.
To confirm activation, try finding your phone from another device. If you use third-party file managers such as Total Commander with plugin WiFi, the function will be enabled automatically when you launch the corresponding plugin within the application.
Transfer files between Redmi and other devices
Usage Wi-Fi Direct for file transfer is the most common use case for this technology. On smartphones Redmi This process may look different depending on what exactly you are connecting to: another Android smartphone, a PC, or an Apple device.
When transferring to another phone on the base Android The system will automatically prompt you to accept the file after the sender finds your device. A pairing request will appear on the screen, along with a PIN code or simply a confirmation button. The speed at this point can reach 20-40 Mbps, which is significantly faster. Bluetooth.
If you're connecting to a computer, you'll need third-party software, as Windows doesn't have a built-in interface for receiving files over Wi-Fi Direct out of the box without additional drivers. Popular programs like Feem or Snapdrop (working through a browser) use this protocol to organize a communication channel.
- 📁 To transfer photos, use the built-in gallery and the "Send" function by selecting a nearby device from the Mi Share list.
- 🖥️ To connect to your PC, make sure Windows Firewall is not blocking incoming connections on your local network.
- 🔋 Monitor your battery charge, as the Wi-Fi module in Direct mode consumes more power than in standby mode.
Connecting printers and TVs to Redmi
One of the most useful features Wi-Fi Direct on Redmi The advantage of this feature is the ability to print documents and display images on a TV screen without setting up a complex local network. This is especially convenient in offices or hotels, where access to the main router may be limited.
To connect a printer, make sure it supports the technology. Wi-Fi DirectUsually, the corresponding indicator light on the device's body is lit. In the phone menu, go to "Settings" → "Connection and Sharing" → "Print." Here, you need to enable the system print plugin. If the printer is new, you may need to download an app from the manufacturer (for example, HP Smart or Epson iPrint).
When connected to a TV Smart TV The process is called "Broadcasting" or "Cast." Although the Miracast protocol is often used, it is based on the same principles of direct connection. Open the notification shade on Redmi, find the "Cast" button, and select your TV from the list. The image from your phone's screen will appear on the large display.
| Device type | Required plugin/application | Redmi menu path | Connection nuances |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP/Canon printer | HP Print Service / MIFIT | Settings → Print | Wi-Fi Direct must be enabled on the printer itself. |
| Smart TV (Samsung/LG) | Built-in (Cast) | Curtain → Broadcast | The devices must be within visibility (up to 10 meters) |
| Another smartphone | Not required (Mi Share) | Gallery → Submit | Both screens must be unlocked to confirm. |
| Game console | Specific software | Depends on the application | Often requires manual entry of IP address |
⚠️ Note: MIUI firmware interfaces are updated regularly. The location of the "Print" or "Cast" menu items may differ in MIUI 12, 13, and 14. If you don't find these items, use the settings search.
Troubleshooting: Phone doesn't detect devices
The situation when Redmi does not detect available devices for Wi-Fi DirectThis problem is quite common. It could be caused by a software glitch, power saving settings, or a frequency conflict. The first step is to simply reboot both devices—this resolves 50% of network module freezes.
The second common reason is the power saving mode. System MIUI is known for its aggressive battery optimization. It can "kill" background network search processes, considering them a waste of power. Go to battery settings and make sure system services like printing and file transfer aren't set to hard limits.
Hidden developer settings
In some cases, resetting network settings can help. Go to Settings → About phone → Tap "MIUI version" seven times (to access developer options, if necessary) → Settings → Connection and sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and Bluetooth. This will delete saved passwords but clear the network error cache.
It's also worth checking that your phone isn't in Airplane mode or that Wi-Fi isn't disabled. For Direct to work, Wi-Fi must be active, even if you're not connected to a specific access point. Make sure the Wi-Fi switch in the "shutter" is blue.
- 📡 Make sure the devices are close enough (optimally 3-5 meters).
- 🔄 Try turning Wi-Fi off and on again on both devices.
- 🛡️ Check if your antivirus or firewall is blocking network connections.
Differences between Wi-Fi Direct and Mi Drop and Bluetooth
Users often confuse these technologies, but there is a fundamental difference between them. Bluetooth — This is the oldest and slowest method, working over short distances. It's good for headphones and watches, but it's ineffective for transferring gigabytes of data.
Mi Drop (or Mi Share) is a software add-on from Xiaomi, which uses the hardware base Wi-Fi DirectSimply put, Mi Drop is a "shell" that makes Direct user-friendly, adding a beautiful interface and transfer history. Wi-Fi Direct itself is the "engine" that runs under the hood.
The main difference is that Wi-Fi Direct is a system protocol that can be used by any compatible app, while Mi Drop is a specific client app. If you need to send a file to an iPhone, Mi Drop won't work (it requires Zapya or Send Anywhere), but the basic principle of direct connection will remain the same.
Understanding this difference helps with diagnostics. If Mi Drop isn't working, but direct printing works, then there's a hardware issue. Wi-Fi Direct everything is fine, and the problem lies in the application itself or its settings.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Is it safe to turn on Wi-Fi Direct in public places?
Using it in crowded places (cafes, airports) carries certain risks. Although the connection is protected by encryption WPA2In discoverable mode, your phone may be visible to others. It's recommended to use the "Visibility" feature only during the transfer and disable it immediately after the session ends.
Does Wi-Fi Direct drain my battery faster than regular Wi-Fi?
Yes, power consumption is higher. In Direct mode, the phone acts as an access point or an active client with a high signal strength. For long sessions transferring large files, it's better to connect Redmi to the charger.
Is it possible to play online games via Wi-Fi Direct?
No, Wi-Fi Direct creates a local network only between two (or more) devices for data exchange. This channel doesn't provide internet access by default, so you won't be able to play online shooters, but you can set up local multiplayer if the game supports it.
Why is the transmission slow, although the speed is stated to be high?
Speed may drop due to interference in the air (multiple neighboring Wi-Fi networks), distance between devices, or limitations of the receiving device itself (e.g., an old storage device in a TV). Speed is also reduced if updates are actively downloading in the background.