How to Enable Wi-Fi Direct on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: A Complete Guide with Setup Tips

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro — one of the most popular smartphones in the mid-price segment, released in In 2019Despite the release of newer models, the device is still actively used thanks to its powerful processor. MediaTek Helio G90T, a 48-megapixel main camera and support for modern wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi DirectThis feature allows you to exchange files between devices without intermediaries—routers or mobile internet—at speeds several times faster than Bluetooth.

However, many users are facing difficulties when trying to activate Wi-Fi Direct on their Redmi Note 8 ProThe reasons may vary, from the option being hidden in the menu to software limitations depending on the version. MIUIIn this article we will discuss All ways to enable Wi-Fi Direct, we'll look at common errors and provide recommendations for optimizing the connection. We'll pay special attention to the differences between firmware versions—for example, in MIUI 12 And MIUI 14 The path to the settings may differ.

If you have previously tried to connect via Wi-Fi Direct without success, please check first MIUI version on your device. To do this, go to Settings → About phone → MIUI versionThis information will help you follow the instructions below more accurately.

What is Wi-Fi Direct and why is it needed on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro?

Wi-Fi Direct Wireless Wi-Fi is a technology that allows devices to establish a direct wireless connection with each other without a router. Essentially, one smartphone becomes an "access point" and the other a client. The advantages over Bluetooth are obvious:

• 🚀 Data transfer rate to 250 Mbps (versus ~24 Mbps for Bluetooth 4.0).
• 📁 Transferability large files (4K video, archives, backups) lossless.
• 🔄 Support multitasking: You can continue to use your mobile internet during the transfer.
• 🔒 Security: The connection is protected by WPA2 encryption.

On Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro Wi-Fi Direct is especially useful for:

1. Fast transfer of photos and videos between Xiaomi smartphones (or other brands that support the technology).
2. Connect to printers or projectors without a router.
3. Gaming sessions over a local network (for example, in Minecraft or Asphalt 9).

However, there are limitations. For example, Wi-Fi Direct on Redmi Note 8 Pro does not support simultaneous connection to a regular Wi-Fi network and a Direct connection.. Also some applications (for example, SHAREit) may conflict with the built-in MIUI function.

Where is Wi-Fi Direct located in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro menu?

Depending on the version MIUI The option location may vary. Below are the current paths for the most common firmware versions:

If you don't find the item Wi-Fi Direct In the sections indicated, try the following:

1. Update your firmware to the latest version via Settings → About phone → System update.
2. Check for the option in Developer mode (activated by pressing 7 times on MIUI version).
3. Install alternative file transfer software (e.g. LocalSend or Snapdrop).

Step-by-step instructions: how to enable Wi-Fi Direct on the Redmi Note 8 Pro

Let's look at a universal activation algorithm suitable for most MIUI versions. For example, let's take MIUI 13 — one of the most common firmware versions for this model.

Charge both devices to at least 30%|

Disable Bluetooth on both smartphones|

Make sure the distance between devices does not exceed 10 meters|

Close background apps that use Wi-Fi (such as file downloaders)

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Step 1: Open Wi-Fi settings

Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → Wi-FiMake sure Wi-Fi is enabled. included, but is not connected to any network.

Step 2: Activate Wi-Fi Direct

Click on the three dots in the upper right corner (or on the "Settings" gear) and select Wi-Fi DirectIn some firmware versions, the option may be called Direct Wi-Fi connection.

Step 3. Initializing the device search

A list of available devices will appear on the screen. On the second smartphone (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro) Also, enable Wi-Fi Direct. The devices should detect each other within 5-10 seconds.

Step 4. Connection and confirmation

Select the desired device from the list. A connection request will appear on the second smartphone—confirm it. Once successfully connected, you'll see the status Connected and device IP address.

What to do if devices cannot find each other?

1. Restart both smartphones.

2. Check if a firewall is blocking the connection (for example, in Avast or 360 Security).

3. Try changing the region in your Wi-Fi settings. USA or Europe (sometimes helps with regional restrictions).

4. Install the application Wi-Fi Direct Manager from Google Play - it can bypass MIUI restrictions.

Common problems and their solutions

Even after successful connection, users Redmi Note 8 Pro may encounter errors. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Wi-Fi Direct turns on but doesn't find any devices

• ⚡ Solution: Turn it off Adaptive Wi-Fi V Settings → Wireless & networks → Advanced.
• ⚡ Check if the mode is enabled Saving traffic in the battery settings.

Problem 2: Connection drops when transferring files

• ⚡ Reduce the distance between devices to 2–3 meters.
• ⚡ Turn off Network optimization V Settings → Accessibility → Network optimization.

Problem 3: Low transfer speed (less than 10 MB/s)

• ⚡ Switch to the channel 5 GHz in Wi-Fi Direct settings (if supported).
• ⚡ Close all background applications, especially instant messengers and cloud services.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware versions Redmi Note 8 Pro (For example, for the Indian market), the Wi-Fi Direct feature may be disabled by the manufacturer. In this case, the only solution is to flash the device to the global or European version of MIUI.

Alternative methods for transferring files without Wi-Fi Direct

If you can't enable Wi-Fi Direct, consider alternative methods for exchanging data between devices:

• 📲 LocalSend (open alternative SHAREit): works via a local network or creates a temporary access point.
• 🔗 Snapdrop: a web service for transferring files over a local network (no application installation required).
• 📎 Bluetooth FTP: slower than Wi-Fi Direct, but more stable over longer distances.
• 💾 OTG cable + flash drive: physical transfer of files via USB drive.

To transfer files between Xiaomi and it is convenient to use the built-in function with the computer Mi Drop (available in Explorer → Mi Drop). It automatically creates a local network and allows you to download files through a browser.

Transfer speed comparison (tested on Redmi Note 8 Pro):

How to speed up file transfers via Wi-Fi Direct

Even after a successful connection, speeds may be lower than expected. Here are some ways to optimize the process:

1. Change Wi-Fi channel

By default Redmi Note 8 Pro uses the channel 2.4 GHz, which is often overloaded. If both devices support 5 GHz, switch to it:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Region.
2. Select a country where use is permitted 5 GHz (For example, USA).
3. Restart your device and try connecting via Wi-Fi Direct.

2. Disable background processes

Apps like Google Drive, Telegram or YouTube may consume bandwidth. Before transferring files:

1. Close all applications after Recent tasks.
2. Turn on Airplane mode, then manually activate only Wi-Fi.

3. Use archiving

Transferring one large archive (.zip or .rar) usually happens faster than many small files. For archiving, use RAR or ZArchiver.

⚠️ Attention: When transferring files larger than 4 GB Wi-Fi Direct may cause errors. Split the archive into parts or use alternative methods (e.g. LocalSend).

Security when using Wi-Fi Direct

Although Wi-Fi Direct is protected by encryption WPA2, data leak risks still exist. Follow these recommendations:

• 🔐 Turn off Wi-Fi Direct after the file transfer is complete.
• 🚫 Do not connect to unknown devices - this may lead to MITM attacks (data interception).
• 📱 Before transferring confidential files (documents, passwords), enable MIUI protection V Settings → Privacy.
• 🔄 Update your firmware regularly—new versions of MIUI fix Wi-Fi module vulnerabilities.

If you frequently share files with the same device (such as your work laptop), consider creating guest network on your router instead of using Wi-Fi Direct. This will reduce the risk of accidental connections from unauthorized devices.

For additional security, you can use a VPN tunnel even on a local network. Applications like ProtonVPN or Windscribe support the regime LAN traffic, which encrypts transmitted data.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi Direct on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro

Can I use Wi-Fi Direct to connect to a printer?

Yes, but the printer must support it. Wi-Fi Direct (usually this is indicated in the specifications). Redmi Note 8 Pro:

1. Enable Wi-Fi Direct on your printer (see your device's instructions).
2. On your smartphone, select the printer from the list of available devices.
3. Confirm the connection on both devices.

Use the app to print MIUI Print or Google Cloud Print.

Why doesn't Wi-Fi Direct work after updating MIUI?

In some updates, Xiaomi disables or limits Wi-Fi Direct functionality. Solutions:

• Roll back to the previous firmware version via Fastboot.
• Install custom software (eg. LineageOS), where restrictions have been lifted.
• Use alternative applications (LocalSend, Feem).

How to transfer files between Redmi Note 8 Pro and iPhone?

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

1. On Redmi Note 8 Pro create an access point (Settings → Hotspot & Tethering).
2. Connect your iPhone to this network.
3. Use LocalSend or Snapdrop for file transfer.

Alternative: app SHAREit (but it may conflict with Wi-Fi Direct).

Can I play online games via Wi-Fi Direct?

Yes, but with some reservations:

• 🎮 Games supported with local multiplayer (For example, Minecraft, Asphalt 8).
• 🚫 Online games (PUBG, Call of Duty) require an internet connection and will not work over Wi-Fi Direct.
• 📶 To reduce lag, disable background apps and use a channel 5 GHz.

How do I reset Wi-Fi Direct settings if the connection won't establish?

Follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset network settings.
2. Confirm the reset (all saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords will be deleted).
3. Restart your device and try connecting again.

If this doesn't help, try resetting to factory settings (will delete all data!).