Wi-Fi Direct lets the printer broadcast its own wireless network so a phone, tablet, or laptop can connect directly. It is useful when no router is available or the printer will not join the usual Wi-Fi network.
Does this affect you?
Use this if your printer supports Wi-Fi Direct, Wireless Direct, or Direct Connection and you want to print from Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android without using a regular router.
Turn on Wi-Fi Direct on the printer
Most printers keep it off until you enable it.
- Open Setup, Wireless, Network, or the Wi-Fi icon on the printer.
- Find Wi-Fi Direct, Wireless Direct, or Direct Connection.
- Turn it on and note the network name and password shown on the printer.
- Leave automatic connection mode enabled unless you want to approve every device manually from the printer panel.
Connect your device to the printer network
Use the normal Wi-Fi menu on the device you want to print from.
- Open Wi-Fi settings on the phone, tablet, or computer.
- Select the printer network, often named something like DIRECT-HP, Canon-Direct, or similar.
- Enter the password from the printer display if asked.
- Remember that your device may temporarily leave your normal Wi-Fi and lose internet unless it has cellular data.
Print over Wi-Fi Direct
Once connected, printing works like normal wireless printing.
- Open the file or photo.
- Choose Print through AirPrint, the manufacturer app, Android print service, or the regular Windows/Mac print dialog.
- Select the Wi-Fi Direct printer.
- Send the job, then reconnect the device to normal Wi-Fi afterward.
More control
Use regular Wi-Fi for daily printing
Wi-Fi Direct is a good fallback or travel option, but home printing is easier when the printer stays on the main network and every device keeps internet access.
Connection slots are limited
Many printers allow only a few Wi-Fi Direct devices at once, sometimes one to five.
Turn it off when finished
Leaving the printer network visible all the time is unnecessary for occasional use and can use a little extra power.
Sources
- HP Support – Print Using Wi-Fi Direct (2025)
- Canon Support – Connecting Using Wireless Direct Connection (2025)
- Epson Support – Wi-Fi Direct Mode Printing (2025)