Embodiments for providing network-assisted to direct device discovery switch are generally described herein. In some embodiments, location information is received at an evolved packet core (EPC) from at least a first and a second user equipment (UE). A network-assisted device-to-device (D2D) request is received from the first UE for establishing a D2D wireless connection with the second UE. Proximity of the first UE and the second UE are monitored. Before detecting the second UE being in proximity to the first UE, direct discovery is determined to be more resource efficient than continuing to provide network-assisted D2D discovery. An indication is provided to the first UE and the second UE to perform direct discovery based on information provided in the indication.