Technology Wi-Fi Direct allows the TV TCL Connect directly to other devices—smartphones, laptops, or tablets—without a router. This is convenient for streaming photos, videos, or even games from your phone's screen to a larger screen. However, many owners face a problem: the feature is either hidden deep in the menu or completely absent in some firmware versions. In this article, we'll look at how to activate it. Wi-Fi Direct on TVs TCL different series (including Android TV, Roku TV and models with their own OS), as well as what to do if the option is not displayed.
It is important to understand that the activation algorithm may differ depending on the year of manufacture and the operating system of the TV. For example, on TCL 55C715 (2020) with Android TV 9 the path to the settings will be one, and on TCL 43P615 (2022) with Google TV — others. We've covered all current options, including rare cases where the feature is blocked by the manufacturer. If your model is older than 2018, check for firmware updates—this may unlock hidden options.
Before you begin, make sure that:
- 📱 Your smartphone or other device supports Wi-Fi Direct (check in Wi-Fi settings).
- 🔄 The TV is connected to the network (even if you plan to use a direct connection).
- 🔄 The mode is disabled on both devices
Energy saving- it can interrupt the connection.
1. Where to find Wi-Fi Direct in the TCL menu: 3 possible paths
The manufacturer doesn't adhere to a single standard for this feature's placement, so its location varies by firmware. Below are the current routes for most models. TCL 2018–2026.
On Android TV (model series C6, C7, C8, P6, P7 and others):
- Open
Settings(gear in the upper right corner). - Go to
Network and Internet→Wi-Fi. - In the upper right corner, click on the three dots (⋮) and select
Wi-Fi Direct.
On Roku TV (series 3-Series, 4-Series, 5-Series):
- 🔹 Log in
Settings→Net. - 🔹 Select
Additional settings→Wi-Fi Direct. - 🔹 If this item is missing, update the firmware (see section 4).
On TVs with their own OS TCL (old models before 2019):
Settings → Wireless & networks → Wi-Fi Direct2. Step-by-step instructions: how to connect to a TV via Wi-Fi Direct
Once the function is found, all that's left is to configure the connection correctly. Let's look at the process using a smartphone as an example. Android (For iPhone the algorithm is similar, but with nuances - see spoiler below).
Turn on Wi-Fi Direct on your TV (see section 1)
Activate Wi-Fi on your smartphone
Turn off mobile internet (4G/5G) on your phone
Make sure the distance between devices is no more than 5 meters
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Step 1. On TV:
- Turn on
Wi-Fi Direct(see section 1). - Wait for the TV to display the network name (eg.
DIRECT-TCL-55C715). - Please remember or take a photo of your password (if required).
Step 2. On smartphone:
- Open
Settings → Wi-Fi. - In the list of networks, find the name of your TV (starts with
DIRECT-). - Connect by entering the password (if requested).
Step 3. Checking the connection:
- 📺 A notification about successful connection will appear on the TV.
- 📱 On your phone, in the status bar there will be a Wi-Fi icon with the inscription
Connected.
How to connect from iPhone (iOS)
On iPhone, Wi-Fi Direct works via AirPlay, but only for streaming media files. To cast your screen:
1. Connect to the DIRECT-TCL-XXX network as you would to a regular Wi-Fi network.
2. Open Control Panel → Screen Mirroring → select your TCL.
3. If the TV does not show up, update the firmware or use an Apple TV adapter.
3. Common mistakes and how to fix them
Even with the correct settings, a connection may fail. Below are the most common issues and their solutions, based on user feedback. TCL.
| Error | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
Failed to connect |
Wi-Fi protocol incompatibility | On TV, select the mode 802.11n (in Wi-Fi settings → Advanced) |
Network not found |
Wi-Fi Direct is disabled on the TV. | Restart your TV and reactivate the feature. |
Incorrect password |
The password was reset after the update. | Reset network settings on TV (Settings → System → Reset) |
The connection is broken |
Interference from other networks | Turn off your router while connecting |
⚠️ Attention: On some models TCL Roku TV (For example, 43S425) function Wi-Fi Direct Blocked if the TV is connected to the internet via cable. Disconnect the Ethernet cable before setting up.
If none of the methods helped, check:
- 🔄 Firmware updates (section 4).
- 📋 Regional settings: On some TVs the function is hidden for certain countries (see section 5).
- 🔧 Hardware limitations: Models prior to 2018 may not support Wi-Fi Direct due to an outdated Wi-Fi module.
4. Firmware Update: How to Unlock Wi-Fi Direct
The manufacturer often adds new features in software updates. If you don't see it in your menu Wi-Fi Direct, first of all, check if the firmware is up to date. TCL Android TV it's done like this:
- Open
Settings → About TV → System Update. - Click
Check for updates. - If a new version is available, install it (internet connection required).
For Roku TV:
Settings → System → Software Update → Check Now⚠️ Attention: Updating via USB (offline) can cause problems if the firmware file is incorrect. Use only official sources—the website TCL or service center.
After update:
- 🔄 Restart your TV (
Settings → System → Restart). - 🔍 Check availability again Wi-Fi Direct in the menu.
- 📱 If the function appears but doesn't work, reset your network settings (
Settings → Network → Reset).
5. Wi-Fi Direct Alternatives for TCL: What to Do If the Feature Isn't Available
If your TV does not support Wi-Fi Direct (or you couldn't turn it on), there are several workarounds for wireless streaming:
1. Miracast (for Android)
Technology Miracast It works on the same principle as Wi-Fi Direct, but doesn't require any special configuration on your TV. Simply:
- 📱 On your smartphone:
Settings → Connected devices → Screencasting. - 📺 On TV: turn it on
Miracastin the screen settings (Settings → Display → Wireless Display).
2. Google Cast (for Android TV)
If your TCL works on Android TV or Google TV, use the built-in function Google Cast:
- Make sure your TV and phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- On your phone, open the video in YouTube or Google Photos and click the broadcast icon.
- Choose yours TCL from the list.
3. Third-party applications
For older models, programs like ApowerMirror or TeamViewer QuickSupportThey create a live broadcast over a local network, but may require a connection to a router.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Direct | Direct connection, without a router | Not available on all TCL models. |
| Miracast | Works on most Android devices | May slow down when the signal is weak |
| Google Cast | Stable media broadcasting | Requires a shared Wi-Fi network |
6. Router settings that interfere with Wi-Fi Direct
Sometimes the problem isn't with the TV, but with your router settings. If Wi-Fi Direct It turns on but the connection keeps breaking, check:
- 🔄 Wi-Fi channel: if the router is working on the channel
12–14, switch to1–11(in the router settings). - 🔒 Encryption type:
WPA2-PSK— the best option;WPA3may block direct connections. - 📡 Signal strength: if the router is operating in mode
802.11ac, try switching to802.11n.
How to change router settings:
- Enter the address in the browser
192.168.1.1or192.168.0.1. - Log in (login/password is usually on the router sticker).
- Find the section
WirelessorWi-Fiand make changes.
⚠️ Attention: If your router uses guest network, turn it off during setup Wi-Fi Direct - it may conflict with a direct connection.
7. Reset settings: last chance to enable Wi-Fi Direct
If all previous methods fail, resetting your TV to factory settings is the only option. This will delete all your data (installed apps, accounts), but may restore hidden features.
How to reset TCL Android TV:
Settings → Device → Reset → Erase all dataFor Roku TV:
Settings → System → Advanced → Factory ResetAfter reset:
- Go through the initial TV setup.
- Check availability immediately Wi-Fi Direct in the menu.
- If the function appears, update the firmware (section 4) to secure the result.
What should I do if Wi-Fi Direct still doesn't work after resetting?
This means your model's hardware doesn't support the feature. In this case, you can use the alternatives in Section 5 (Miracast, Google Cast) or purchase an external adapter, such as Google Chromecast or Amazon Fire TV Stick.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi Direct on TCL
My TCL doesn't see Wi-Fi Direct in the menu. What should I do?
First, update the firmware (section 4). If this doesn't help, check your TV model: Roku TV Until 2020, this feature was often missing. An alternative is to use Miracast or Google Cast.
Can I connect my iPhone to my TCL via Wi-Fi Direct?
Direct connection is not possible due to restrictions iOS. Use instead AirPlay (if TV supports it) or apps like ApowerMirror.
Wi-Fi Direct turns on, but the connection drops after 10 seconds. What's wrong?
This problem is typical for TVs with an energy saving mode. Disable it. Settings → Power → Power saving modeAlso check your router settings (section 6).
Do I need to turn off the internet on my TV for Wi-Fi Direct to work?
No, but on some models Roku TV The function is blocked if the TV is connected to the network via cable. Disconnect the Ethernet cable and try again.
How to transfer files from phone to TCL via Wi-Fi Direct?
Once connected, use file transfer apps such as Send Files to TV (Android) or Feem (iOS/Android). They will automatically detect the TV on the local network.