Modern Xiaomi smartphones offer a wide range of features, often hidden deep within system settings. One such feature is the Wi-Fi Direct, which allows for high-speed data transfer between devices without connecting to an access point or router. Unlike standard Bluetooth, this protocol provides significantly higher channel throughput, making it ideal for transferring large video files, RAW photos, or app backups.
Many users mistakenly believe that the Internet is required for this feature to work, but this is not true. Wi-Fi Direct Creates a direct peer-to-peer connection, where one device acts as an access point, and the other connects directly to it. On MIUI or HyperOS, this process is often disguised as other functions, such as "Mi Drop" (now called "Mi Share") or "Broadcast," but the underlying protocol remains the same. Understanding how it works will allow you to solve complex data synchronization and peripheral connectivity problems.
In this guide, we'll cover in detail how to activate hidden wireless features, the nuances of different Android versions, and how to avoid common pairing errors. You'll learn why your smartphone sometimes doesn't detect a printer or TV, and how to fix the issue in just a few minutes. Using the right settings can significantly speed up your daily work with the file system.
What is Wi-Fi Direct and why is it needed on MIUI?
Technology Wi-Fi Direct is a standard that allows two devices to connect directly to each other without going through a wireless network. On devices Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO This feature is built into the operating system core, but often lacks a dedicated button on the main screen notification shade. This is done to simplify the interface, as the system automatically activates the module when you select the option to transfer a file or connect to an external display.
The main advantage over Bluetooth is data transfer speed. While Bluetooth barely reaches 2-3 Mbps, a direct Wi-Fi connection can deliver between 20 and 250 Mbps depending on the supported standards (802.11n, ac, or ax). This is especially critical when working with 4K video or large archives. Furthermore, the connection is established faster and maintains a more stable connection over a range of up to 10 meters without significant signal loss.
It's worth noting that the protocol supports WPA2 encryption, which provides a basic level of security when transmitting confidential data. However, unlike connecting to a home router, there is no firewall, so you should only connect to trusted devices. In the ecosystem MIUI This protocol is actively used for working with smart homes, when the phone acts as a remote control for lamps or cameras that do not have their own screen.
- 📡 Instant transfer of large files without quality compression.
- 🖨️ Direct printing of documents on compatible printers without a PC.
- 📺 Screen mirroring to Miracast-enabled TVs.
- 🎮 Organize local multiplayer games between smartphones.
⚠️ Attention: When a Wi-Fi Direct connection is active, a regular Wi-Fi module may switch to access point mode, which can sometimes temporarily interrupt internet access on the connected device if it does not support simultaneous operation in both modes.
How to enable and configure Wi-Fi Direct on Xiaomi
On most current Xiaomi models running MIUI 12, 13, 14, and the new HyperOS, there's no dedicated "Wi-Fi Direct" toggle in Quick Settings. It's activated automatically when you launch Wi-Fi Direct services. To get started, make sure the wireless module is enabled on both devices and the screen is unlocked. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi and make sure the switch is in the active position.
You can use the system's built-in tools to manually check for visibility or force a device search. Users often look for this option in the "Connect and Share" menu, but in newer versions of Android, the logic has changed. Now, the system automatically scans the air for nearby devices ready to pair as soon as you open the gallery or file manager to share.
If you use third-party network management applications, they may have their own interface for launching. Wi-Fi DirectIn the standard Xiaomi interface, the process is transparent to the user: you select a file, tap "Send," and the phone begins searching. It's important that the receiving device's screen is also turned on and the receiving window is open, or the smartphone is unlocked; otherwise, the pairing request may be rejected by the security system.
Some older firmware versions had the option to enable Wi-Fi debugging, which also uses this protocol. This is a key tool for developers. To activate advanced network options, you sometimes need to go to the Developer Options menu, which is accessed by tapping the build number seven times in the About Phone section. There you'll find settings that affect the behavior of the wireless module.
Transfer files between Xiaomi and Android smartphones
The most common use case is sharing media files. The Xiaomi ecosystem's feature is ideal for this. Mi Share (formerly Mi Drop), which is based on the protocol Wi-Fi DirectTo transfer, open your gallery, select the desired photos or videos, and tap "Send." The system will prompt you to choose a transfer method: via Mi Share, Bluetooth, or other apps.
When you select Mi Share, your phone will automatically enable the required module and begin scanning for devices. The receiving smartphone must have the standby window open or simply have its screen unlocked with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled. Unlike older methods, there's no need to enter passwords or scan QR codes if the devices have previously "seen" each other. Transfer speeds can reach tens of megabytes per second.
☑️ Pre-delivery check
If you're transferring data to a device from another brand (Samsung, Huawei, Pixel), the process may be slightly different. In these cases, Android uses the standard Wi-Fi Direct profile. When attempting to transfer a file, the system may prompt you for confirmation on both screens. Sometimes, you'll need to manually accept the connection request, which appears as a system notification requesting access.
It's recommended to combine such data into a ZIP archive before sending if the speed seems slow. This will reduce the load on the wireless controller and speed up the overall process.
| Parameter | Bluetooth 4.2/5.0 | Wi-Fi Direct | USB cable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max. speed | up to 3 Mbit/s | up to 250 Mbps | up to 480 Mbps |
| Range | 10 meters | 10-20 meters | 1.5 meters |
| Energy consumption | Low | Medium/High | Charging the device |
| Device support | Almost everything | Smartphones, TVs, Printers | PC, Laptops |
Cast your screen to your TV (Miracast)
The "Broadcast" function in Xiaomi smartphones is entirely based on technology Wi-Fi Direct and the Miracast standard. This allows you to wirelessly display content from your smartphone on your TV. To use this feature, your TV must support Screen Mirroring, AnyCast, or have a built-in Wi-Fi Direct module. Connecting both devices to the same Wi-Fi network isn't required, although some Smart TV features may require it.
To start casting, pull down the notification shade and find the "Cast" icon. If it's not there, add it using the button editing menu (the three dots or pencil). Your phone will begin searching for available displays. Once you see your TV's name in the list, tap it. From now on, your smartphone's screen will be mirrored to the big screen with minimal delay.
⚠️ Attention: While screencasting, your smartphone's battery drains significantly, and the device may become hot. It's recommended to keep your phone charged or use power-saving mode if you're broadcasting for long periods.
Image quality depends on the power of your router (if streaming through one) or the direct connection. If you notice audio and video out of sync or a choppy picture, try moving closer to the TV. You should also close any background apps that consume bandwidth to free up bandwidth for the video stream. In some cases, switching the Wi-Fi frequency from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz in the router settings can help.
What to do if the TV is not found?
Make sure Screen Mirroring is enabled on your TV. Restart your phone's Wi-Fi module. Try using the Mi Remote app to force a network connection.
Connecting printers and other peripherals
Mobile printing is another area where Wi-Fi Direct It works wonders. Many modern Epson, HP, Canon, and Brother printers have a built-in direct printing module. You don't need to set up complicated network access or install drivers on your computer. Simply enable Wi-Fi Direct in the printer's menu (usually via a button on the printer body or on the screen).
On your Xiaomi smartphone, go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → PrintingHere, you need to select the print service corresponding to your printer (for example, "HP Print Service" or the standard "Default Print Service"). The system will automatically detect the printer in direct connection mode. After pairing (sometimes you need to enter a PIN code found on the printer label), you can print documents and photos directly from your gallery or browsers.
This method is convenient for offices or educational institutions where access to the shared network may be restricted by passwords or filters. You create a personal "phone-printer" network, isolated from the rest of the infrastructure. This also improves security, as the document doesn't pass through the organization's print servers, but is sent directly to the output device.
- 🖨️ Supports most modern inkjet and laser printers.
- 🔒 Securely print confidential documents without network administrator access.
- ⚙️ Ability to customize print settings (two-sided, color) in the app.
Troubleshooting and common connection errors
Despite automation, glitches sometimes occur. The most common issue is that the phone doesn't detect the other device. In 90% of cases, this can be resolved by rebooting the Wi-Fi module: turn Airplane Mode on and off. Also, make sure that location (GPS) is enabled on both devices. In Android 6 and later, access to the list of Wi-Fi networks (scanning) is only possible with GPS enabled, as location is considered sensitive data.
Another common error is "Connection Error" or an infinite list retrieval. This often happens if one device is already connected to a 5 GHz network, while the other is only searching for 2.4 GHz, or vice versa during a direct connection. Try forgetting the network on both devices and starting the search again. Resetting network settings in the menu also helps. Settings → Connection and sharing → Wi-Fi → Menu (three dots) → Reset Wi-Fi settings.
If you're trying to transfer a file but the process gets stuck in the "Waiting" phase, check your antivirus or battery settings. MIUI's aggressive power saving feature can be killing the background transfer process. Go to Settings → Battery → Activity Monitoring and set file managers or Google Play services to "Unlimited" mode.
Why doesn't Wi-Fi Direct work on some older Xiaomi models?
On very old models (for example, the Redmi 3S/4X with older Android versions), the Wi-Fi module may not support the Wi-Fi Direct standard at the hardware level, or support has been removed in custom firmware. The issue may also lie in kernel drivers that don't work correctly with the P2P protocol.
Is it possible to play online games via Wi-Fi Direct?
Yes, many games use this protocol for local multiplayer. However, for classic online games (PUBG, CoD Mobile), an internet connection is still required, as Wi-Fi Direct only creates a local network between devices and does not provide access to the world wide web.
Does Wi-Fi Direct reduce the quality of transmitted photos?
No, when using native MIUI tools (Mi Share) or the standard file transfer protocol, images and videos are transferred in their original quality without compression, unlike transfers via messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), which compress media.