Modern smartphones of the brand Xiaomi have a wide range of functionality that isn't always covered in standard settings menus. One of these hidden, yet extremely useful features is the technology WiFi Direct, which allows you to transfer data between devices at high speed without connecting to a hotspot or the internet. Users often look for this option in obvious places but can't find it because the MIUI or HyperOS interface hides it from the average user.
Enabling this mode opens up opportunities for quickly synchronizing files, connecting to smart printers, or creating a local network for gaming. On Xiaomi smartphones, the WiFi Direct function is hidden by default in the system settings and requires going to a special engineering menu to activate. This was done by the developers to avoid overloading the interface with unnecessary elements, since most owners use standard Bluetooth or cloud services to exchange data.
However, for those who require a stable connection with a bandwidth higher than Bluetooth, knowing how to activate it will be a real lifesaver. In this article, we'll explore all the nuances of the technology, how to enable it through hidden menus, and potential pairing issues. You'll learn how to manage your device's visibility and establish a direct connection with other gadgets.
What is WiFi Direct and why is it needed on Xiaomi?
Technology WiFi Direct Wireless Wi-Fi is a standard that allows two devices to connect directly to each other, bypassing a traditional wireless router. Unlike traditional Wi-Fi, where a phone connects to a router, one smartphone temporarily acts as an access point, creating a direct, secure connection. This provides significantly higher data transfer rates than Bluetooth, reaching tens of megabits per second.
Device owners Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO This feature can be used for various tasks where speed and independence from mobile internet quality are important. For example, it's ideal for quickly transferring 4K video to another phone or connecting a smartphone to a TV for lag-free streaming. The technology is also often used to connect peripheral devices such as wireless printers or cameras.
It's important to understand the difference between standard Wi-Fi and Direct mode. In a standard scenario, all devices are on the same local network and communicate through the router. In Direct mode, connections are established on a one-to-one or one-to-many basis, which increases security because unauthorized devices on the shared network cannot access your transmission channel. Bandwidth The channel remains high, which is critical for working with heavy files.
Preparing the device for connection setup
Before you start activating hidden features, you need to make sure that your device Xiaomi Ready to go. First, check your operating system version. Android and shells MIUI, as the location of some system files may differ. We recommend updating all system components to the latest available version to avoid compatibility issues.
Make sure the wireless module is working properly. To do this, try turning on regular Wi-Fi and connecting to any available network. If a network is found and the internet works, the hardware is working properly. It's also a good idea to free up some space on your phone's memory if you plan to receive large amounts of data over the connection.
- 📱 Charge your smartphone's battery to at least 30-40% to avoid unexpected shutdown during the setup process.
- 📶 Disable the "Power Saving" mode, as it can limit the operation of background processes and communication modules.
- 🔒 Remove the screen lock or set a short timeout to prevent the screen from turning off during the pairing process.
Particular attention should be paid to access rights. In new versions of shells from Xiaomi The security system may block app attempts to access network settings. Therefore, it's advisable to have your screen unlocked and ready to approve system requests before attempting any actions.
Step-by-step instructions: how to activate the feature
Since there is no standard switch in the notification shade or in the regular Wi-Fi settings menu on devices Xiaomi If this isn't provided, we'll have to use the engineering menu or special commands. The most reliable and universal method is to use the hidden test menu, accessible through the Phone app.
☑️ Preparing to activate WiFi Direct
Open the standard dialer and enter the combination ##6484##This command launches the engineering menu. CIT (Customer Integration Test). In the list that opens, you need to find the item related to WLAN or WiFi. The name may vary depending on the firmware version, but it's often WLAN Test or WiFi Direct Test.
After entering the relevant section, you will see a button Start or switch On/OffActivating the function through this menu forces the corresponding driver to launch. In some cases, the system may ask for confirmation to change system settings—confirm the action. After successful launch, a corresponding icon may appear in the status bar, although Xiaomi it often remains hidden.
⚠️ Warning: The Engineering menu contains many parameters, changing which may impair the device's operation. Do not change values in sections other than those related to WiFi Direct.
If the access code doesn't work (which happens on some global firmware versions), you can try an alternative method via developer settings. Go to Settings → About phone → MIUI version and quickly press 7 times in a row. Then, in the advanced settings, find the "Developer options" section and look for the option WiFi Direct or pairing settings.
Setting up visibility and pairing devices
Once the module is activated, you need to configure the visibility settings so that another device can find your XiaomiBy default, your smartphone may be invisible to external devices for security reasons. Changing this setting often requires a third-party app, as the native interface doesn't always provide this access.
Download a verified WiFi Direct management app from the store Google Play, such as "WiFi Direct" or a similar file manager that supports this feature. Launch the app and grant all requested location and network permissions. In the app menu, select "Create Group" or "Make Device Visible."
| Parameter | Description | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Device Name | The title displayed in search | Xiaomi_User (or any convenient one) |
| Security mode | Connection encryption type | WPA2-PSK |
| Frequency range | Operating frequency of the module | 2.4 GHz (for compatibility) |
| Visibility | Searchability | Enabled (Visible) |
When pairing, the second device must also be in the corresponding mode. Find your phone's name in the list of available networks. Xiaomi and tap "Connect." A pairing confirmation prompt will appear on both devices, asking for a PIN code. Make sure the codes match and confirm.
Why can't I find my device?
If the devices can't see each other, check whether Airplane mode is enabled on one of them. Also, make sure both devices are no more than 5-7 meters apart and there are no thick concrete walls between them.
Use for file transfer and printing
The main advantage of activated WiFi Direct on Xiaomi — the ability to transfer huge files in seconds. File managers that support this technology, such as File Commander or specialized utilities like Send Anywhere (in WiFi Direct mode).
The transfer process is simple: select a file, tap "Send," and select "Wi-Fi Direct." The phone will find the connected device and begin the transfer. Speeds can reach 20-40 Mbps or more, significantly exceeding Bluetooth capabilities. This is especially useful when transferring photo or movie archives.
In addition to data transfer, this function is actively used for printing. Many modern printers HP, Canon, Epson Support direct connection. Select your printer from the print menu on your phone, and if it supports this technology, the connection will be established automatically without the need to connect both devices to the same router.
- 🖨️ To print documents, select the file, click "Print" and select the printer from the list of WiFi Direct devices.
- 🎮 For gaming, create a local network where one phone will act as a server, ensuring minimal ping.
- 📺 To display the image, use the "Cast" function by selecting a compatible TV.
Possible problems and solutions
Despite the convenience, users Xiaomi Users may encounter a number of difficulties using this technology. A common situation is when the phone fails to detect other devices or the connection constantly drops. This may be due to the aggressive battery optimization inherent in the MIUI interface.
To resolve the disconnection issue, you need to add the file transfer app you're using to the power saving exceptions list. Go to battery settings, find the app, and set its mode to "Unlimited." This will prevent the system from killing the transfer process in the background.
⚠️ Note: The settings interface and item names may vary slightly depending on the MIUI version (12, 13, 14) or HyperOS. If you don't find the item you're looking for, look for a similar one in the adjacent sections.
Another common issue is frequency conflict. If one device only operates on 2.4 GHz and the other attempts to connect on 5 GHz, pairing may fail. Try forcing the band in your WiFi settings (if accessible through the engineering menu or third-party utilities). 2.4 GHz for maximum compatibility.
If nothing helps, try resetting your network settings. Go to Settings → Connection and sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and BluetoothPlease note that this action will delete saved passwords for all Wi-Fi networks, so you will have to enter them again.
Is it safe to use the engineering menu on Xiaomi?
Using the engineering menu to enable WiFi Direct is generally safe, as long as you don't change any other settings. However, any tampering with system settings carries a theoretical risk. It's important to avoid performing a factory reset through this menu unless absolutely necessary.
Does WiFi Direct reduce battery life?
Yes, using the WiFi module in Direct mode consumes more power than normal standby mode, but less than active data transfer over a 4G/5G mobile internet connection. For long file transfer sessions, it's recommended to keep your phone charged.
Is it possible to share the Internet via WiFi Direct?
Technically, WiFi Direct is designed for data exchange between devices, not internet access. However, some apps and specific settings allow one of the connected devices to act as a gateway, but this requires complex manual IP address configuration and is not a standard feature.
Does this feature work without a SIM card?
Yes, WiFi Direct doesn't require a SIM card or mobile operator. It uses only the built-in WiFi module, so it's available even on tablets or phones without a SIM card.