How to enable Wi-Fi Direct on Huawei phones: detailed instructions with pictures and tips

Technology Wi-Fi Direct allows you to transfer files between devices at speeds up to 250 Mbps — without a router, mobile internet, or Bluetooth. On smartphones Huawei (including models P50 Pro, Mate 60, Nova 11 and older series) the function is hidden in the depths of the menu EMUI, and its location depends on the firmware version. In this article, we'll discuss where exactly to look for the settings, how to connect to another device, and what to do if Wi-Fi Direct is not working or does not appear in the list.

It is important to understand: Wi-Fi Direct ≠ Wi-Fi HotspotThe first creates a direct connection between two devices (for example, a smartphone and a printer), while the second distributes the Internet to multiple devices. Also, don't confuse this technology with Huawei Share — a proprietary solution for fast data transfer between devices in the ecosystem Huawei (read about the differences in the section below).

What is Wi-Fi Direct and why is it needed on Huawei?

Wi-Fi Direct — is a wireless communication standard that allows devices to exchange data directly, bypassing a router. Essentially, one device temporarily becomes an "access point," while the other becomes a client. The advantages of this technology include:

• 🚀 Speed up to 250 Mbps (5-10 times faster than Bluetooth).
• 🔒 Security: the connection is encrypted using the protocol WPA2.
• 📱 Versatility: works between devices of different brands (eg. Huawei And Samsung).
• 🎮 Multimedia support: You can broadcast your screen to TV or play online games without lag.

On smartphones Huawei The function is useful for:

• 📸 Instant transfer of photos/videos in original quality (for example, from Huawei P60 Pro on the laptop).
• 🖨️ Connect to printers without cables (if the printer supports Wi-Fi Direct).
• 🎮 Multiplayer in games like Minecraft or Asphalt 9 via local network.
• 📺 Streaming video to a smart TV (alternative) Miracast).

However, the technology has limitations:

⚠️ Attention: Wi-Fi Direct uses more power than Bluetooth and can drain your battery 15–20% faster during long file transfers. Also, some models Huawei (For example, Y7 Prime 2019) do not support the function due to hardware limitations.

Differences between Wi-Fi Direct and Huawei Share and Bluetooth

Users often get confused Wi-Fi Direct with other data transfer technologies. Let's look at the key differences:

When to use Wi-Fi Direct:

• 📁 You need to transfer a large file (for example, a 4K video or an archive of documents).
• 🖥️ Connect to a device without Bluetooth (for example, an old printer).
• 🎮 Organize a local network for gaming.

When is it better to choose Huawei Share:

• 📱 Transfer files between two devices Huawei (for example, from a smartphone to a tablet).
• 🔋 It is important to save battery power.
• 📎 Need to quickly share a link or a small document.

Step-by-step instructions: how to enable Wi-Fi Direct on Huawei

The location of the settings depends on the version EMUI (Huawei firmware). Below is a universal algorithm for most models (P40, Mate 30, Nova 9 and newer). If your device is older than 2019, check the "Features for older models" section.

Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on on both devices|Battery charge is at least 30%|Delete old networks from memory (if you have connection problems)|Check device compatibility-->

Step 1: Open Wi-Fi Direct settings

Go to the menu:

Settings → Wireless & networks → Wi-Fi → Advanced (⋮ or "More") → Wi-Fi Direct

On some models (eg, Huawei P50 Pocket) the path may differ:

Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Settings (gear) → Wi-Fi Direct

Step 2: Activate the feature and find the device

After switching on Wi-Fi Direct Your smartphone will begin scanning for nearby devices. To connect:

1. On the second device, also turn on Wi-Fi Direct (in its settings).
2. Wait for the name of the second device to appear in the list on your Huawei.
3. Tap the device name and confirm the connection (you may be asked to enter a PIN code).

Step 3: Transfer files or use the feature

After connection:

• 📎 To transfer files, open Files → select files → Share → Wi-Fi Direct.
• 🖨️ To print: open the document → Seal → select a printer from the list Wi-Fi Direct.
• 🎮 For games: Launch a game with LAN support and select the option Wi-Fi Direct in the multiplayer settings.

What should I do if my device is not displayed in the list?

1. Make sure that Wi-Fi Direct is also enabled on the second device (sometimes manual enabling is required in the settings).

2. Reboot both devices - this will clear the network caches.

3. Check if the connection is blocked by a firewall or power saving mode (disable it temporarily).

4. If you use Huawei and a device of another brand, update the firmware - in older versions EMUI there were compatibility bugs.

Features for older Huawei models (before 2019)

On devices with EMUI 8.0 and older (for example, Huawei P20, Mate 10, Honor 9) the settings interface is different. Here's how to enable it Wi-Fi Direct on them:

1. Open Settings → Wireless & Networks → WLAN.
2. Tap on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner.
3. Select Wi-Fi Direct (may be called P2P or Wi-Fi P2P).
4. Activate the function and wait for the devices to be searched for.

On some models (eg, Huawei Y6 2018) the function may be absent altogether. In this case:

• 🔄 Use Huawei Share (if the device supports it).
• 📲 Transfer files via Bluetooth or cloud services (Huawei Cloud, Google Drive).
• 🔌 Connect the devices with a cable USB OTG (for transfer to a flash drive or other device).

⚠️ Attention: On smartphones Huawei With EMUI 5.0 and below (for example, P9 Lite) Wi-Fi Direct The device may become unstable due to outdated drivers. In this case, we recommend updating the firmware or using alternative data transfer methods.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Wi-Fi Direct If the connection is enabled, it may not work due to software or hardware limitations. Let's look at common issues and how to fix them:

1. The device does not find other gadgets

Possible reasons:

• 🔇 It's disabled on the second device Wi-Fi Direct or "Visibility" mode.
• 📵 The devices are too far apart (maximum distance is 10–20 m indoors).
• 🔄 Network settings were lost after a firmware update.

Solution:

• 🔄 Restart both devices.
• 📱 Turn on Airplane mode for 10 seconds, then turn off.
• 🔧 Reset network settings: Settings → System → Reset → Network reset.

2. The connection is interrupted during file transfer

This problem often occurs on devices with EMUI 9.0–10.0 (For example, Huawei P30). Reasons:

• 🔋 Active power saving mode limits Wi-Fi performance.
• 📶 Interference from other wireless networks (for example, neighboring routers on the same channel).
• 📱 Outdated firmware version.

Solution:

• 🔋 Disable power saving: Settings → Battery → Performance mode.
• 📶 Change the Wi-Fi channel in your router settings (if it operates on the same band).
• 📱 Update firmware: Settings → System → Software Update.

3. Wi-Fi Direct is not displayed in the settings

If the point Wi-Fi Direct not in the menu, check:

• 📱 Model compatibility: some budget smartphones Huawei (For example, Y5 2019) do not support the function.
• 🔧 Regional restrictions: In some countries, this feature is disabled at the firmware level.
• 📲 Version EMUI: V EMUI 11+ the item can be moved to Settings → Connections → Advanced.

Alternatives:

• 📤 Use Huawei Share (for devices Huawei).
• 🌐 Transfer files via a local network (for example, using an app Feem or Send Anywhere).
• 📎 Connect the devices with a cable USB-C (if supported OTG).

Security when using Wi-Fi Direct

Despite the encryption WPA2, Wi-Fi Direct has vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers. Follow security guidelines:

• 🔒 Turn off the function after use to avoid unauthorized connection.
• 📱 Don't connect to unknown devices (risk of transmitting malware).
• 🔄 Update your firmware — in new versions EMUI vulnerabilities are closed.
• 📎 Check files after transmission by an antivirus (for example, Huawei Mobile Security).

Use with special care Wi-Fi Direct in public places (cafes, airports). Attackers can create a fake access point with a name similar to your device (for example, "HUAWEI_P40_123" instead of "HUAWEI_P40_124").

⚠️ AttentionIn 2022, researchers discovered a vulnerability CVE-2022-23033 in implementation Wi-Fi Direct on some devices Huawei, allowing remote code execution. The company released patches in updates. EMUI 12.0.0.120+Make sure your device is up to date!

Alternatives to Wi-Fi Direct for file transfer on Huawei

If Wi-Fi Direct If the feature is not working or missing on your device, please consider alternative methods:

For maximum speed we recommend:

1. 📁 For files <1 GB: use Huawei Share or Bluetooth (if the devices are nearby).
2. 🎬 For files >1 GB (video, backups): connect via USB OTG or use Wi-Fi Direct (if it works stably).
3. 🌐 For transfer between different brands: set up a local network through applications like Feem.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi Direct on Huawei

❓ Can I use Wi-Fi Direct for internet connection (like a Hotspot)?

No, Wi-Fi Direct is intended only for direct data exchange between devices. To share the Internet, turn on Access point (Settings → Wireless & networks → Tethering & portable hotspot).

Why isn't Wi-Fi Direct detecting my printer on my Huawei P40?

The problem may be:

• 🖨️ Printer incompatibilities (check if it supports Wi-Fi Direct).
• 📱 Outdated smartphone firmware (update EMUI).
• 🔧 Printer settings (turn on the mode Wi-Fi Direct in its menu).

Alternative: connect the printer to the router and print via the local network.

❓ How do I transfer files from Huawei to iPhone via Wi-Fi Direct?

Wi-Fi Direct between Huawei And iPhone does not work directly due to restrictions iOS. Use alternatives:

• 🌐 AirDrop (for transfer only) Mac or another iPhone).
• 📎 Apps like Send Anywhere or SHAREit (work via local network).
• ☁️ Cloud services (Google Drive, iCloud).

❓ Is it possible to connect a gamepad to a Huawei device via Wi-Fi Direct?

Yes, if the gamepad supports it Wi-Fi Direct (for example, some models 8BitDo or Razer Kishi). To connect:

1. Turn on Wi-Fi Direct on the gamepad.
2. On your smartphone, find the device in the list Wi-Fi Direct.
3. Confirm pairing.

For most gamepads it is better to use Bluetooth.

❓ Why does my speed drop when transferring files via Wi-Fi Direct?

Reasons for speed reduction:

• 📶 Interference from other networks (switch the router to a different channel) 5 GHz, if supported).
• 📱 Background processes (close all applications before transferring).
• 🔋 Power saving mode (turn it off in battery settings).
• 📡 Distance between devices (optimally no more than 5 m).

For maximum speed, reboot both devices before transferring.