Wifi direct why is it needed. Using the Wi-Fi Direct function on Android. How to connect PC to TV via Wi-Fi Direct

The computerization of everyday life has introduced the technical terms Wi-Fi and Bluetooth into everyday life. Now even people who are far from computer technology have an idea about devices that support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. With their help, several devices are connected to the Internet and data is exchanged wirelessly.

Today we will talk about one of these technologies.

What is WiFi Direct?

Wi-Fi Direct combines the advantages of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Wi-Fi wireless technology, which is mostly used to access the Internet, is, unlike Bluetooth, high-speed. Another advantage is that it is easier to set up. Wi-Fi Direct, unlike Wi-Fi, does not specialize in Internet access, but in wireless data transfer between devices without a router. The number of such devices is not necessarily limited to two in most cases. Note that you cannot use a Wi-Fi Direct hotspot and a Wi-Fi network at the same time.

Wi-Fi Direct transfers data much faster than Bluetooth. When connecting via Wi-Fi Direct, unlike Bluetooth, you do not need to think about finding the connected device in the visibility zone. The established connection is encrypted according to the Wi-Fi Protected Setup standard and does not require password protection.

Support for one or another Wi-Fi Direct device is physically implemented by the presence of a special chip in it. Because the technology is new, this chip is only found in smart TVs and the latest smartphones and tablets. Windows operating system supports Wi-Fi Direct from version 8, and Google Android OS from version 4.0.

Connecting the TV to a mobile device via Wi-Fi Direct

Such a connection is convenient, for example, for transferring and viewing video files from a smartphone or tablet on the TV. Another option is remote control of the TV. Obviously, the devices to be connected must support Wi-Fi Direct. The connection establishment initiator sends a communication invitation to the selected device from the list of discovered ones. It remains to confirm the connection. As a rule, mains-operated or stationary devices are selected as the "master" device.

As an example, let's take a look at the specific steps to establish a connection between an LG Smart TV and an HTC One V smartphone.

  1. In the "Wireless connections and networks" section of the smartphone settings, click the "More" button.
  2. In the Wi-Fi Direct tab that appears, click OK. The message "Wi-Fi Direct is enabled" should appear.
  3. In the TV settings, go to the "Network" tab.
  4. Select Wi-Fi Direct from the list of networks that appears.
  5. In the pop-up window, turn the switch to the "On" position.
  6. After detecting the Android device, answer "Yes" to the "Request connection" question. In the same window, check the box next to "Connect automatically without prompting" to speed up subsequent connections.
  7. Once your phone is connected, it will prompt you to press OK to accept the request from the TV. After such a press, a message will appear on the TV about establishing a connection with the Android device.

As you can see, setting up a connection via Wi-Fi Direct is very simple and available to any user.

Application and prospects of Wi-Fi Direct

Using Wi-Fi Direct technology, it is convenient to transfer files from a computer to a smartphone, watch videos and play music on a TV. It is expected that this interface will be equipped not only with laptops, tablets and smartphones, but also with printers, mice, headsets, digital and video cameras, game consoles.

Fans of Wi-Fi Direct predict the complete displacement of Bluetooth in the near future. Yes, wireless data transmission using this technology is significantly superior to Bluetooth in terms of speed, range and ease of deployment. But Wi-Fi Direct is not without its drawbacks. These include high power consumption, which can quickly drain a smartphone. True, recently there has been a development of energy-saving modes for use specifically in Wi-Fi Direct.

Another disadvantage is the potential for mutual interference with extensive use of Wi-Fi Direct in an apartment building. From this point of view, it is much more comfortable to use this technology in a country house or country house.

How to use Wi-Fi Direct on Android is a very common question. The fact is that new technologies are constantly appearing in the world to simplify people's lives. One of them is Wi-Fi Direct. Since this is a relatively new technology, few people know how to use it and what it is for.

What is WiFi Direct

This is a new wireless communication standard that allows you to transfer information between several devices that support this technology. It is worth noting that you do not need an access point (router) to connect and transfer data. In other words, you can connect two or more devices directly. For example, you can connect two Android phones via Wi-Fi if they support this technology.

It is worth noting that this function is supported by almost every modern tablet and smartphone with Android OS. Of course, if we are talking about a budget gadget, then such functions may be absent.

And you don't need to configure anything.

Devices detect each other automatically. In addition to the gadgets we are used to, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and so on, using Wi-Fi Direct, you can also connect printers, scanners, Smart TVs, digital photo frames, DVD players, etc.

The main thing is that the device is equipped with this function.

Now you know what is Wi-Fi Direct on Android phone. Now we can move on to the question of how this standard works.

How the technology works

It is immediately worth noting that the data transfer rate with a direct connection can reach 200-250 Mbps. In this case, the radius of action with line of sight is 200 meters and about 50-100 meters in buildings. Also, the level of security of such a communication channel deserves special attention.

To work with this standard, the device must be equipped with the appropriate chip. They are of several types:

  • Operation in the 2.4 GHz band.
  • In the 5 GHz band.
  • Working in both ranges.

Wi-Fi Direct on Android has some very useful features. For example, Device Discovery, as well as Service Discovery. They allow smartphones and tablets (and other devices) to find each other and create a network between them. In this case, everything happens without your participation.

Moreover, these functions allow you to get information about the capabilities of each gadget on the network. For example, when you want to transfer a video from your tablet to another device, only those devices that can receive and play this file will be displayed in the list of connected devices.

The developers claim that this standard creates a fairly secure communication channel. However, in fact this is not the case. As long as we are talking about home use, there is no threat to personal data. But the situation is different if you use such a function in the office. Here, many users can join the network. Any Wi-Fi Direct for Windows can act as a proxy, and such a computer will receive all information about any device on the network.

Setting up Wi-Fi Direct on Android devices

To set up Wi-Fi Direct on Android, go to your Wi-Fi settings and turn on the adapter.

You will automatically be redirected to the search page for devices that also support this feature. It should be noted that it should also be enabled on other gadgets.

Once your smartphone finds the desired connection, simply select it and confirm the connection. Further devices will be united in one network (like Bluetooth). Now you can transfer files or broadcast sound and image to other devices. Nothing else needs to be configured.

How to transfer files from an Android tablet using Wi-Fi Direct

To begin, enable this function on both the transmitter and receiver and connect them as described above. Then open the file manager on the sending device and find the desired file.

Hold your finger on it until the menu appears. Select "Send via". Next, select the appropriate option (in our case it is Wi-Fi Direct).

As you can see, everything is very simple and clear. Absolutely everyone can handle it. At the same time, as mentioned above, every modern Android tablet supports Wi-Fi Direct technology.

There is a Wi-Fi Direct app for Android - installing such a program will make using the new communication standard on your phone or tablet easier and more convenient.

In addition to simple data transfer, users can connect devices such as printers, TVs, an audio system, and so on through this standard. It is important that these devices are equipped with the appropriate chip.

Disadvantages of Wi-Fi Direct

Like any other technology, this wireless communication standard has its drawbacks:

  • Ether clogging. The fact is that when organizing a regular network, all gadgets are connected to one access point. But in the case of Wi-Fi Direct, many separate connections are created. Moreover, participants can be both people (users of tablets, smartphones, laptops, and so on) and gadgets - printers, scanners, TVs, etc. As a result, there can be several tens or even hundreds of networks in one multi-storey building. Because of this, a real mess is created on the air. In this case, the networks cannot be controlled. This, in turn, affects the data transfer rate.
  • As mentioned above, weak level of protection when it comes to connecting in office and public buildings.
  • Energy intensity. On the one hand, this feature is very useful and allows you to transfer large files at high speed. This also reduces the amount of time it takes to transfer information. But such a speed requires a significant expenditure of energy.

And considering how much this will affect the autonomy of the gadget, it should be understood that you should not get carried away with this function. Smartphones and tablets run out of battery rather quickly. It should be noted that Bluetooth consumes much less electricity.

  • Long range. It would seem that this is an advantage. On the one hand, it is. But on the other hand, attackers can take advantage of this. In addition, given that in this way we litter the air, such a range becomes more of a negative than a positive quality.
  • And finally, it is worth remembering that in order to use this function appropriate chip required. Of course, modern phones are equipped with both adapters (Wi-Fi and Wi-Di). But there are still quite a lot of devices that do not support this technology.

So now you know how to connect Android to Android via Wi-Fi directly. Despite the existing shortcomings, this connection is still widespread. And although it will not replace Bluetooth, its useful features simplify some tasks.

Wi-Fi Direct on Android: Video

wifi direct- this is an opportunity for a device with WI-FI, using special programs, to act as an access point, a WiFi router.

In modern TVs or tablets, as well as phones, support is indicated WiFi and separate support

What is the difference between these 2 wireless connections WiFi and WiFi direct ?

What is WIFI Direct

WIFI direct what is this The answer to this question is as follows, if Wi-Fi Direct support is declared, the device can work as an access point, providing the ability to connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi to other devices. The most used WIFI direct solution in phones. By turning on the access point on the phone, you get the opportunity to connect via wifi to the phone with another phone, tablet, laptop. In this case, the phone receives the Internet via a mobile network, and distributes the Internet to other devices via wifi.

WiFi standard

There are no global differences, only in ordinary WiFi to connect various devices, you must use a router (separate device), when installing certain software, you can also make a router from a tablet or laptop in this case, the computer will act as a router.

The principle of operation of the router consists in the fact that one channel receives and transmits information to one device, such as a TV, and another channel, for example, to a tablet.

The router also performs data transfer routing. Devices using only WI-FI can connect to the router using either a passwordless connection or a secure connection, if the router uses a secure connection, then you can only connect to it by knowing the password.

WiFi Direct, what is it?

In this case, if the device supports Direct, it can act as a virtual access point without any additional settings or software changes (password connection is similar to Wi-Fi). To a device that supports, you can connect other devices that only support WI-FI.

Many sites include the ability to create a connection to a single network of various devices or the direct connection of several devices as an advantage.

H Basically, this statement is not entirely true. Since one of the devices, as a rule, this is the most advanced device (tablet or smartphone) acts as a router.

But of course, it’s convenient, no one argues, for example, connecting a printer or TV to a smartphone with the press of a button, it’s very convenient. But nothing can replace a router for the constant operation of devices in a single network. Alternatively, you can, for example, connect a tablet to watch a movie on a TV or print photos from a smartphone, but this is convenient one-time. But in practice it is more convenient to buy a router for $15-20 and create a permanent computer network.

Articles and Lifehacks

Previously, only Bluetooth was used for fast file transfer, but today there is technology such as Wi-Fi Direct, which is a good alternative to Bluetooth. So what is wifi direct on a phone?

What is this technology

Anyone who has at least once encountered the Wi-Fi setup at home, without using the default settings, knows about the “ad hoc” mode, designed to allow two computers to connect to each other without the help of a router.

This mode is needed in order to be able to transfer data from one computer to another without any problems. What does Wi-Fi Direct have to do with it?

And despite the fact that Wi-Fi Direct is an “ad hoc” mode adapted specifically for mobile devices, because, as you know, transferring files via Bluetooth can take a significant amount of time when the new technology allows you to quickly transfer a pack of new files from phone to phone. songs or photos.

How this technology works

  • Wi-Fi Direct requires two modern mobile devices, each of which must be equipped with a Wi-Fi module.
  • For fast data transfer, each device will need to create its own access point, to which the other device can connect.
  • Moreover, the phone will deal with the creation of the point "independently", that is, the user will not have to enter addresses, invent keys or do any other complicated things.
  • The owner of the phone will simply have to press a few buttons and enter a pin code that will make the connection between the phones secure. After all the manipulations done, the devices will be able to exchange various data with each other without any problems.
In conclusion, wifi direct was designed specifically to make data exchange between two mobile phones faster, but can this technology completely replace Bluetooth?

It's a question! Although there are prerequisites for this, because wifi direct not only has a high data transfer rate, but also makes it possible to connect several others to one device at once, which would be almost impossible to do with Bluetooth.

For a long time, readers have been asking me to talk about such technology as WiFi Direct. With it, you can connect your phone to a TV and broadcast the screen of your mobile phone to it wirelessly. How to enable it on Android smartphone? How to use on TV - LG, Samsung, etc.? All this in this article.

What is WiFi Direct?

Wi-Fi Direct is one of the wireless communication standards that allows you to create a direct connection between devices without an intermediate link in the form of a router.

That is, simply put, a TV with WiFi Direct support will itself be a wireless access point. It will relay a signal that you can connect to like any router. And directly display a picture on it from a mobile phone or laptop screen.

If you go a little deeper into theory, then at the hardware level, Wi-Fi Direct chips are by and large almost identical to ordinary WiFi modules that are installed in all modern devices. The use of this technology makes it possible to transmit information at a frequency of 2.4 GHz over a distance of no more than 200 meters with line of sight. Also today there are more expensive modules operating in the 5 GHz band. They have a higher speed, but the loss of signal at a distance is stronger.

In practice, most often both devices are in the same or adjacent rooms, so the connection quality is acceptable for transmitting high-definition video at any frequency. The maximum speed in this case varies depending on several indicators. Such as signal strength, as well as the number and technical characteristics of connected gadgets.


Today, the scope of Wi-Fi Direct is mainly focused on home electronics. There are also varieties of it, which are also often referred to as AnyCast, ChromeCast, Wireless Display, and so on.

What are the benefits of Wi-Fi Direct technology?

The technology under consideration has undeniable advantages against the background of competitive solutions.

  • The main advantage is the simple installation of the connection. No need to buy a router and set up a network. It will already be created by default - you just need to connect to it, and you can use it.
  • Also, the speed of sending data is good, comparable to other Wi-Fi systems. That is why manufacturers equip most modern devices with the appropriate protocol.
  • The Wi-Fi Direct function is supported by most modern TVs, smartphones and tablets. Or, if it is not available on the TV, you can purchase an inexpensive adapter that is universal for any brand of TV - Samsung, LG, Philips and others. It will work just like the built-in module.
  • Another good thing is that the technology is universal and works on all operating systems - from Windows 10 and MacOS to Android and iOS.

Disadvantages of WiFi Direct

  • But there are also disadvantages in WiFi Direct. Chief among them is a low level of security. According to experts, it surpasses Bluetooth in the quality of protection. But corporate use poses a privacy risk, as any mobile device can act as a proxy. As a result, unauthorized persons are able to gain access to information that is not intended for public access.
  • The second disadvantage is the rapid discharge of the battery. Since files are transferred at a high speed, devices are forced to use an increased amount of energy. This feature affects the autonomy of a smartphone or other gadget that has the corresponding function enabled.
  • Another disadvantage is that when organizing a regular Wi-Fi network, all devices connect to a single access point. Wi-Fi Direct technology works differently - after being turned on, several separate channels are created. As a result, air pollution is formed, leading to a significant decrease in the speed of all networks located in the district.

How to enable Wi-Fi Direct on TV?

Modern TVs may have a different program menu. Therefore, before enabling the method of transmitting information via WiFi Direct, I recommend that you read the user manual for a specific TV model, where the manufacturer describes the necessary sequence of actions. Usually, thanks to intuitive controls, you can figure out how to enable Wi-Fi Direct on your own.


I offer you a general instruction for displaying a smartphone screen on a TV:

  1. Open "Settings" or "Options" (depending on the model)
  2. Select network connection options
  3. Click on "Wi-Fi Direct"
  4. Select TV name on mobile device
  5. Set up a wireless connection
  6. Confirm connection

How to use Wi-Fi Direct on your Android phone built-in tools?

Usually, you do not need to install additional software on your phone to use Wi-Fi Direct technology. The corresponding settings are already present in the Android system. I have already shown how "" works in Xiaomi. Now let's look at the example of "naked" Android 8.0:


After the connection is established, the user will be able to transfer information, broadcast the image from the screen or play sound files on the TV speakers.

Apps for Wi-Fi Direct on Android

Although WiFi Direct is already built into all modern operating systems, there are many third-party applications available. They often make it easier to work with and make screen display management more novice-friendly.


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