Do I need to turn off my regular Wi-Fi connection first?

No. Wi-Fi Direct runs independently and does not require disabling your normal Wi-Fi network, though some devices briefly disconnect from the router while pairing.

Does Wi-Fi Direct work between devices from different brands?

Wi-Fi Direct is a standard feature, so it generally works across brands as long as both devices support it and have the option enabled under Network preferences ➔ Wi-Fi Direct.

How do I end a Wi-Fi Direct connection?

Open the same Wi-Fi Direct screen, select the connected device, and choose to disconnect. Closing the app that used the connection often ends the session automatically as well.

Why does my internet stop working while Wi-Fi Direct is active?

Some devices switch their Wi-Fi radio to prioritize the direct connection, which can briefly cut regular internet access. This is normal and resolves once the Wi-Fi Direct session ends.

Android

Android: Connect Devices via Wi-Fi Direct

Two Android phones sit right next to each other, but no shared Wi-Fi network or router is available, so file transfers or screen mirroring simply will not start. Wi-Fi Direct solves this by linking compatible devices straight to each other, without needing an internet connection on either side. Because it works differently from the network you use for browsing, it often does not show up where users expect it.

Updated: 04.08.20265 min6 steps

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Android

Connect via Wi-Fi Direct auf Android

Wi-Fi Direct is a separate connection type built into Android. It lets two compatible devices exchange data directly, without a router, hotspot, or shared internet access. This makes it useful for transferring files, mirroring a screen, or connecting an accessory when no regular Wi-Fi network is available.

The feature is hidden inside the network settings rather than the main Wi-Fi toggle, which is why many users overlook it. On Android, you reach it through Tap on Settings ➔ Tap on Network & internet ➔ Tap on Internet ➔ Tap on Network preferences ➔ Tap on Wi-Fi Direct ➔ Select an Available device.

Both devices need Wi-Fi Direct support and must have the menu open at the same time so they can detect each other. Once a device appears in the list, tapping it sends a connection request that the other side has to confirm.

Wi-Fi Direct is not a replacement for a home network with internet access. If you only need to reach the internet, connecting to a regular Wi-Fi network or hotspot is the better option. Use Wi-Fi Direct specifically when two devices need to talk to each other without any router in between.

Frequently asked questions

Both devices must have the Wi-Fi Direct screen open at the same time, reached via Settings ➔ Network & internet ➔ Internet ➔ Network preferences ➔ Wi-Fi Direct. If one device left the screen or its Wi-Fi is turned off, it will not appear as an Available device.

Network & Connectivity

Android: Connect Devices via Wi-Fi Direct

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