How to enable Wi-Fi Direct on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: detailed instructions with pictures and tips

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro remains one of the most popular smartphones on Android thanks to its balance of price and features, but many users still don't know how to fully unlock its potential. One of the hidden features is Wi-Fi Direct — allows you to transfer files, stream media, and even control devices without a router, directly point-to-point. Unlike Bluetooth, this technology provides speeds up to 250 Mbps (in theory) and a stable connection at a distance of up to 200 meters under ideal conditions.

However, in the latest versions MIUI (especially 13-14) Wi-Fi Direct settings are hidden so deeply that it is almost impossible to find them without the instructions. Moreover, On the Redmi Note 9 Pro, the feature may not be available in the default menu; it needs to be "unlocked" through the engineering menu or third-party apps.In this article, we'll cover all the working methods, including workarounds for different firmware versions, and explain why Wi-Fi Direct sometimes fails to work with other devices.

What is Wi-Fi Direct and why is it needed on the Redmi Note 9 Pro?

Wi-Fi Direct is a wireless standard that allows devices to connect directly, without the need for a router. Essentially, your Redmi Note 9 Pro becomes an access point for another gadget (and vice versa). Advantages over Bluetooth:

• 🚀 Data transfer rate — up to 10 times higher (up to 250 Mbps versus 24 Mbps for Bluetooth 4.0).
• 📱 Versatility — works with TVs, printers, cameras and other smartphones (including iPhone).
• 🔋 Energy efficiency - when transferring large files, it uses less battery than Bluetooth.
• 🎮 Low latency — ideal for gamepads, wireless headphones and video streaming.

On Redmi Note 9 Pro Wi-Fi Direct is most commonly used for:

• 📁 Fast transfer of photos and videos between phones (for example, with iPhone on Xiaomi).
• 🖨️ Printing documents on printers that do not support cloud services.
• 📺 Connect to Smart TV to view content from your phone (an alternative to Miracast).
• 🎮 Low-latency gaming controllers (e.g. DualSense from Sony).

However, there are limitations: not all devices support Wi-Fi Direct equally well. For example, iPhone can only connect in "access point" mode, and some printers require special drivers. It's also worth remembering that with Wi-Fi Direct active your primary internet connection via Wi-Fi or mobile data will be disconnected.

Compatibility Check: Does Your Redmi Note 9 Pro Support Wi-Fi Direct?

Theoretically, all models Redmi Note 9 Pro (including versions Max And 5G) support Wi-Fi Direct at the hardware level thanks to the chip Qualcomm Snapdragon 720GHowever, in practice, there are three factors that can block the function:

1. MIUI version - in older firmware MIUI 12.5 The option may be hidden.
2. Regional restrictions — on some proprietary firmware versions for India or China, this function is disabled.
3. Custom firmware — custom ROMs (for example, LineageOS) may disrupt the operation of Wi-Fi Direct.

To check support:

1. Open Settings → About phone → MIUI version and remember the number.
2. Try to find Wi-Fi Direct in the menu (instructions in the next section).
3. If there is no option, check it through the engineering menu (see section 4).

⚠️ Attention: If your Redmi Note 9 Pro If you bought the device in China (domestic version), Wi-Fi Direct may be disabled at the firmware level. In this case, the only solution is to flash the firmware to the global version. MIUI.

Method 1: Enable Wi-Fi Direct via Settings (MIUI 11 and below)

If your phone has firmware installed MIUI 11 or older, you can enable Wi-Fi Direct in the standard way:

1. Open Settings (gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Wi-Fi.
3. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Additionally.
4. Scroll down to the item Wi-Fi Direct and activate the slider.

After activation:

• Your phone will begin scanning for nearby Wi-Fi Direct-enabled devices.
• To connect to another gadget, select it from the list and confirm the connection (you may be required to enter a PIN code).
• To transfer files, use the standard "Send" menu in the gallery or file manager.

If the point Wi-Fi Direct If it's not in the menu, proceed to the next method. Also note that on some firmware versions, the option may be called Wi-Fi P2P or Direct Share.

⚠️ Attention: When Wi-Fi Direct is active, your phone won't be able to connect to a regular Wi-Fi network at the same time. If you need to maintain internet access, use mobile data (4G/5G).

Method 2: Activation via the engineering menu (MIUI 12–14)

In new versions MIUI The Wi-Fi Direct option is often hidden, but it can be enabled through the engineering menu. To do this:

1. Open the app Telephone and enter the combination:

   ##5376##

   (if it doesn't work, try ##53876##).

2. You will be taken to the menu Wi-Fi Test. Select an item Wi-Fi Direct.
3. Activate the option Enable Wi-Fi Direct (may be called P2P Mode).
4. Go back to the standard Wi-Fi settings - now the item Wi-Fi Direct should appear in the menu Additionally.

If the engineering menu does not open:

• 🔧 Make sure you enter the code correctly (no spaces and case-sensitive).
• 📱 Check if your antivirus or optimizer (for example, Security from Xiaomi).
• 🔄 Restart your phone and try again.

What should I do if the engineering menu doesn't open?

If combinations ##5376## And ##53876## They don't work, try installing the app. MTK Engineering Mode from Google Play. It provides access to hidden settings on MediaTek chips, but is also suitable for some Snapdragon devices. After installation, select Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct and activate the function.

Once activated through the engineering menu, Wi-Fi Direct will be available until the next phone reboot. To make the setting permanent, use method 3 (third-party apps).

Method 3: Using third-party apps for Wi-Fi Direct

If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party utilities. The best options for Redmi Note 9 Pro:

• 📱 Wi-Fi Direct Manager — the simplest solution with MIUI 13–14 support. Automatically finds hidden settings.
• 🔧 Wi-Fi Direct Share — specializes in transferring files between Android devices.
• 🖥️ Feem — a universal application for transferring data via Wi-Fi Direct (works even with iPhone).

Instructions for Wi-Fi Direct Manager:

1. Download and install the application from Google Play.
2. Launch it and grant access to your location (required for Wi-Fi to work!).
3. Click Enable Wi-Fi Direct — the application itself activates the function through hidden APIs.
4. Select the device from the list and confirm the connection.

Benefits of third-party applications:

• ✅ Works on all versions MIUI, including 14.
• ✅ Offer advanced features (such as transferring entire folders).
• ✅ Often have a more stable connection than standard Wi-Fi Direct.

⚠️ Attention: Some Wi-Fi Direct apps (especially from untrusted sources) may request suspicious permissions, such as access to SMS or contacts. Install only apps with high ratings and numerous reviews.

Troubleshooting: Wi-Fi Direct not working or not finding devices

Even after successful activation of Wi-Fi Direct on Redmi Note 9 Pro Problems may arise. Here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

Additional tips:

• 🔄 Restart both devices before connecting.
• 📶 Make sure the distance between gadgets does not exceed 10 meters. (in real conditions).
• 🔒 Disable VPN - it can block P2P connections.
• 📱 Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI (sometimes bugs are fixed in patches).

Wi-Fi Direct Security: Risks and How to Avoid Them

Wi-Fi Direct is convenient, but it has vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers:

• 🕵️ Data interception - when transferring files without encryption, they can be "listened to".
• 📡 Device replacement — the attacker can impersonate your phone.
• 🔋 Battery consumption - constant network scanning reduces operating time.

How to protect yourself:

1. Use only trusted file transfer apps (eg. Send Anywhere with encryption).
2. Disable Wi-Fi Direct after use in settings.
3. Do not connect to unknown devices (always check the gadget name before confirming).
4. For sensitive data (documents, passwords), use encrypted archives.

On Redmi Note 9 Pro You can further strengthen the protection:

• Go to Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Privacy.
• Enable the option Use random MAC addresses (hides the real address of your device).
• Turn it off Auto-connection to open networks.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi Direct on the Redmi Note 9 Pro

Is it possible to use Wi-Fi Direct and regular Wi-Fi at the same time?

No, on Redmi Note 9 Pro (As with most Android devices), Wi-Fi Direct blocks your regular network connection. To stay online, turn on your mobile data (4G/5G).

Why can't Wi-Fi Direct find my printer?

Possible reasons:

• The printer does not support Wi-Fi Direct (check the documentation).
• The devices operate at different frequencies (2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz).
• P2P mode is disabled in the printer settings.

Solution: Try connecting through the printer manufacturer's app (e.g. HP Smart or Canon PRINT).

How to transfer files from iPhone to Redmi Note 9 Pro via Wi-Fi Direct?

iPhone doesn't support Wi-Fi Direct in its traditional form, but there are workarounds:

1. On Redmi Note 9 Pro turn on hotspot mode (Settings → Hotspot & Tethering).
2. On iPhone, connect to this point.
3. Use the app Feem or Send Anywhere for file transfer.

Can I play multiplayer games via Wi-Fi Direct?

Technically yes, but with some caveats:

• The delay (ping) will be higher than on a local network.
• Not all games support P2P connections (works in Minecraft, Among Us, but not in PUBG).
• On Redmi Note 9 Pro lag may occur due to chip limitations Snapdragon 720G.

For gaming, it is better to use a local Wi-Fi network or Bluetooth (for controllers).

Why did Wi-Fi Direct disappear after the MIUI update?

In new versions MIUI (especially 13-14) Xiaomi often removes "unnecessary" features from the interface to simplify the menu. Solutions:

1. Revert to the older firmware version (if you have a backup).
2. Use the engineering menu or third-party applications (see section 4).
3. Contact Xiaomi support and ask them to return the feature (it sometimes helps).