Why Wi-Fi Direct Doesn't Work on the Xiaomi Redmi 9: 7 Reasons and How to Fix Them

Technology Wi-Fi Direct on smartphones Xiaomi Redmi 9 It allows you to quickly share files between devices without intermediaries like routers or mobile internet. However, many users encounter problems with the feature not turning on at all, not detecting other devices, or constantly disconnecting. In 80% of cases, this issue can be resolved with software, but sometimes hardware limitations or firmware issues are to blame.

In this article we will look at all possible reasons, according to which Wi-Fi Direct may not work on Redmi 9 (including modifications Redmi 9A/9C/9T), and we will also provide step-by-step instructions for diagnostics and repair. We will pay special attention to hidden MIUI settings that Xiaomi frequently changes in new versions of the shell - ignoring them leads to 60% of unsuccessful connection attempts.

1. Checking the basic conditions for Wi-Fi Direct operation

Before digging deeper, make sure you meet the minimum requirements for the technology to work. Wi-Fi Direct on Redmi 9 will not function if:

• 🔋 When the battery charge level is below 15%, the system automatically disables energy-intensive modules.
• 📶 Airplane mode is active (even if Wi-Fi is turned on manually - this is a deceptive state).
• 🔄 The device has a custom firmware without support WFD (Wi-Fi Direct).
• 📱 The second device requires a firmware update to be compatible with MIUI.

Also check if the function is blocked power saving mode. IN MIUI 12/13/14 It can limit background Wi-Fi activity. To disable restrictions:

1. Go to Settings → Battery & performance → Power saving mode.
2. Select an item No restrictions or add an application Settings in exceptions.
3. Restart your smartphone.

2. Enable Wi-Fi Direct in MIUI hidden settings

In some versions MIUI (especially on Redmi 9 (with firmware for the global market) option Wi-Fi Direct Hidden or disabled by default. To enable it:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the three dots in the upper right corner and select Additionally.
3. Scroll down to the section Wi-Fi Direct and turn on the slider.

If the item is not in the menu, try the alternative method via engineering menu:

Enter into the phone dialer: ##546368##
Go to Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct → Enable

Disable VPN|Exit Airplane Mode|Make sure there are no active hotspots|Check battery level-->

Important! Some firmware versions require a reboot after activating the engineering menu. If the feature still doesn't work after enabling it, reset the network settings:

⚠️ Attention: Resetting your network will delete all saved Wi-Fi and Bluetooth device passwords. You may need to re-pair your device afterward. Mi Account.

3. Conflicts with other wireless modules

Wi-Fi Direct on Xiaomi Redmi 9 Frequently fails due to conflicts with other radio modules. The most common scenarios are:

• 📡 Simultaneous work Wi-Fi And Bluetooth (especially when connected to speakers or headphones).
• 🌐 Active access point (Hotspot) on the smartphone itself.
• 📶 Connecting to a 5 GHz network - some devices do not support it Wi-Fi Direct in this range.

Recommendations for elimination:

4. Problems with firmware and updates

About 30% of cases of incapacity Wi-Fi Direct on Redmi 9 are related to firmware bugs. This is especially true for:

• 📱 Devices with global version of MIUI (For example, MIUI Global 12.5.3).
• 🔄 Smartphones after over-the-air updates (OTA), where the settings could have been lost.
• 🛠️ Devices with custom firmware (For example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

Solutions:

1. Update the firmware to the latest stable version through Settings → About phone → System update.
2. If the problem appeared after the update, follow these steps: rollback through Fastboot (instructions below).
3. For custom firmware, check support WFD on the developer's forum (for example, XDA Developers).

How to downgrade the firmware on a Redmi 9 using Fastboot

1. Download the official firmware from the website Xiaomi (select the version for your model: ginkgo for Redmi 9, dandelion for 9A).

2. Unzip the archive and move the folder to the root of the disk C:.

3. Connect your phone to your PC in mode Fastboot (press Power + Vol− when the device is turned off).

4. Run the file flash_all.bat on behalf of the administrator.

⚠️ All data will be deleted!

If after the update Wi-Fi Direct disappeared from the menu completely, this may be due to Xiaomi's policy to remove "obsolete" features in new versions MIUIIn this case, only a rollback or the use of alternative data transfer methods will help.

5. Hardware limitations and malfunctions

If software methods do not help, the problem may lie in hardwareOn . Redmi 9 most often fail:

• 📡 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module (common chip Broadcom BCM4359).
• 🔌 Antenna contacts (oxidation or breakage after falling).
• 🔋 Power controller, which does not provide enough current to the module.

Signs of hardware failure:

• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are unstable even in normal mode.
• The device gets very hot in the upper part (where the module is located).
• Wi-Fi Direct It turns on, but immediately turns off with an error. "Unable to connect".

For diagnostics:

1. Check that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are working properly (connecting to a router, transferring files via Bluetooth).
2. Run the hardware test through the engineering menu (##4636## → Wi-Fi information).
3. If the module is faulty, it needs to be replaced (cost ~1500–2500 ₽ at a service center).

6. Alternative methods of file transfer

If you restore work Wi-Fi Direct failed, consider alternatives:

For use Mi Share:

1. Open Files → Transfer.
2. Select files and tap Send.
3. On the second device, turn on Receiving files in the same menu.

If you need to transfer data to non-Xiaomi device, use applications like Send Anywhere or Feem - they work through a local network and do not require Wi-Fi Direct.

7. Common mistakes and their solutions

Let's look at the specific errors that users make. Redmi 9 encountered when trying to use Wi-Fi Direct:

• 🔴 "Wi-Fi Direct is not supported" — usually appears on custom firmware. Solution: restore the stock firmware. MIUI.
• 🔴 "Unable to connect to device" - check protocol compatibility (configure on both devices) WPA2-PSK).
• 🔴 "Too many connections" - reset network settings (Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and Bluetooth).

If the device finds other gadgets, but can't connect to them:

1. Make sure the second device is allowed to connect via Wi-Fi Direct.
2. Try connecting in reverse order (let the second device initiate the connection).
3. Disable on both devices VPN And firewalls (For example, NetGuard).

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to enable Wi-Fi Direct on Redmi 9 without root?

Yes, in 90% of cases this is possible through the standard settings or the engineering menu. Root is only required for deep modification of system files (for example, editing build.prop), which is not recommended without experience.

Why does Wi-Fi Direct only work with some devices?

This is related to compatibility protocols. Redmi 9 supports Wi-Fi Direct (P2P) according to standard IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n, but not all devices implement this protocol correctly. For example, some printers or older smartphones may not see your Redmi 9, although reverse connection is possible.

How do I reset Wi-Fi Direct settings to factory defaults?

Perform a network reset:

1. Go to Settings → System → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth.
3. Confirm the action and reboot the device.

This will delete all saved networks and passwords, but will restore the settings. Wi-Fi Direct to the "out of the box" state.

Is there a difference in how Wi-Fi Direct works on Redmi 9, 9A and 9C?

Yes, due to different reasons hardware platforms:

• Redmi 9 (ginkgo) - chip Broadcom BCM4359, supports Wi-Fi Direct And Mi Share.
• Redmi 9A/9C (dandelion) - chip Qualcomm QCA6174, may have problems with P2P in old firmware.

On 9A/9C More often, manual activation via the engineering menu is required.

Can antivirus block Wi-Fi Direct?

Yes, some antiviruses (for example, Avast or 360 Security) are blocking P2P connections, perceiving them as a potential threat. Try temporarily disabling protection or adding an exception for the system app. com.android.settings.