Before you start: what you need to know about the Xiaomi Yi cameras
Xiaomi Yi cameras are some of the most popular action cameras on the market, thanks to a combination of price, quality and functionality. However, even owners of these devices often use them out of the box without realizing their full potential.
In this article, we're going to look at not only basic parameters like resolution and frame rate, but also hidden settings that the manufacturer doesn't advertise, like how to turn off unnecessary sounds, set up a timelapse to capture the sky, or use the camera as a webcam for streaming. The instructions are relevant for Yi models 4K/4K+, Yi Lite and Yi Home (with each individual’s characteristics in mind).
If you’ve just unpacked the camera, start with the “Initial Setup” section, and experienced users can immediately jump to “Hidden Features” or “Scenario-specific Optimizations.”
Initial camera setup after purchase
The first activation of the Xiaomi Yi requires minimal preparation, but it depends on the further operation of the device. Connect the camera to charge (use the original cable!) and wait for full charging - it will take about 2 hours. Do not interrupt the process, otherwise the calibration of the battery may be lost.
After charging:
- 🔹 Press and hold the power button for 3 seconds until the indicator lights up.
- 📱 Download the official Yi Action Camera app (Android/iOS) — Without it, some functions will be unavailable.
- 🔄 Update the firmware through the app: Settings → Software update. This will fix bugs and add new features.
Tip: If the camera doesn’t connect to Wi-Fi, try resetting the network settings in the Settings menu → Reset → Wi-Fi reset.Also check that your router is running at 2.4GHz – Xiaomi Yi does not support 5GHz.
☑️ Checklist of first inclusion
Basic settings of shooting: permission, FPS bitrate
These parameters determine the quality of the video and the amount of memory occupied. → Permission) the following options are available:
| Permission | FPS | Bitrate (Mbps) | What tasks are suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3840×2160 (4K) | 24/30 | 60–100 | Professional photography, editing |
| 2560×1440 (2.7K) | 30/60 | 40–80 | Balance of File Quality and Size |
| 1920×1080 (Full HD) | 30/60/120 | 20–60 | Dynamic scenes, slow-motion |
| 1280×720 (HD) | 120/240 | 10–30 | Maximum staffing frequency |
For most tasks, the optimal mode is 2.7K@30fps bitrate 60 Mbps. It gives you good detail without overweighting files. If you're shooting sports events, choose your own. 1080p@120fps — This will slow down the video in 4 timelessly.
Attention to bitrate: High values (over 80 Mbps) require class memory cards UHS-I U3 or V30. Otherwise, the video will "break." Recommended models: SanDisk Extreme, Samsung Pro Endurance.
Setting up stabilization and viewing angles
One of the strengths of Xiaomi Yi is electronic image stabilization (EIS). It's included in the Settings menu. → Stabilization. EIS nuanced:
- 🎥 When filming in 4K Stabilization cuts the edges of the frame on ~10%. If the angle is wide, shoot in 2.7K.
- 🔄 EIS consumes additional processor resources, which can lead to overheating during long recording.
- 🚫 In modes 120fps and above the stabilization is automatically disabled.
Viewing angle (FOV) It's regulated on the same menu:
- 🌐 Super Wide (155°) — maximum coverage, but severe distortions at the edges.
- 📺 Wide (120°) — Balance between reach and natural perspective.
- 🔍 Narrow (90°) — Minimum distortion, suitable for interviews.
Critical feature of Yi models 4K+: angle of view 155° In the dark, there are noise artifacts around the edges of the frame. FOV 120° or lower ISO 400.
How to check for lens distortion?
Hidden functions: what is not written in the instructions
The manufacturer doesn't reveal all the features of the camera, but here are some useful features that can be activated:
- Night shooting mode: in manual settings (Settings) → Professional regimen) establish: 🌙 ISO: 1600–3200 (but not higher, otherwise the noise) 🕒 Excerpt: 1/30 longer 🔦 White balance: 3000K–4000K
Turning off camera sounds
Settings → Sounds. → All sounds → Off.
Use as webcams
PC Camera
Video Capture Device
1280×720
Another little-known possibility is shooting in format. RAW (It's just for the photo:
- Go to Settings. → Photo format → RAW+JPEG.
- Use programs like Darktable or Lightroom for post-processing.
Optimization for specific scenarios
The camera settings depend on what you're shooting, and here are some tips for popular cases:
| Script | Permission/FPS | Stabilization | Additionally. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extreme sports | 1080p@120fps | On. (EIS) | Use breast fastening for stability |
| vlogging | 2.7K@30fps | On. | FOV 120°, Boya microphone BY-M1 |
| Sunset timelapse | 4K@24fps | Off. | 5 seconds interval, exposition across the sky |
| Underwater photography | 1080p@60fps | On. | Red filter, BAL 5500K |
It's important for timelapses:
- 🔋 Turn off the camera auto-disconnection (Settings) → Energy conservation → Never).
- 📸 Use an external battery (e.g. Xiaomi Power Bank) as long shooting drains the battery in 2-3 hours.
- 🌤️ Fix white balance manually to avoid flickering between frames.
Underwater photography requires an additional case (e.g., Yi Underwater Case) without which the camera will fail at a depth of 1 meter. Also remember to wash the case with fresh water after use in salt water!
💡
For shooting in cold conditions (below) +5°C) place the camera in a sealed silica gel bag - this will prevent fogging of the lens.
General tips for care and extension of service life
Xiaomi Yi cameras are sensitive to temperature and humidity.
- 🔥 Do not leave the camera in the sun (for example, in a car) overheating above 50°C can damage the battery.
- 💧 After shooting in the rain, dry the camera for 12 hours with the battery compartment lid open.
- 🔋 Store your battery at 40-60% charge if you don’t use the camera for more than a month.
To clean the lens, use:
- 🧴 Microfibre wipe (for example, for glasses).
- 💧 Special liquid for optics (not alcohol!).
- 🚫 Never blow on the lens – it can drive dust inside the machine.
If the camera stops turning on:
- Try another memory card (sometimes the device freezes due to reading errors).
- Connect to charging for 30 minutes – it is possible that the battery is completely discharged.
- Reset the settings via the Reset button (located next to the connector) USB).
💡
If the camera makes an error after resetting SD Card Error, format the card in FAT32 via PC (not Quick Format!).
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after you've set it up properly, you can have problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Video 'tears' when viewed | Low speed memory card | Replace the card with a classroom U3/V30 |
| The camera is warming and turning off. | Processor overload (filming in the 4K + EIS) | Reduce the resolution or turn off stabilization |
| Wi-Fi is constantly shut down | Weak router signal | Move the camera closer to the router or use a repeater |
| Photos too dark | Incorrect exposure | Set up an expo correction. +0.7 or +1.0 |
If the camera does not detect the memory card:
- Check that the card is formatted in FAT32 (not exFAT or NTFS).
- Update the camera firmware.
- Try another card – some Xiaomi Yi models don’t work with cards over 128GB.
Warning: If the camera produces a Lens Error error after a fall, do not try to disassemble the lens yourself. Contact the service center - this may be a shift in the lenses or damage to the focusing mechanism.