How to connect Xiaomi camera to two phones: official and alternative methods

Can you connect a Xiaomi camera to two phones at the same time?

Xiaomi smart camera owners often face the challenge of allowing multiple users to access the video stream, such as when you need to monitor a home with a family member or colleague, but the standard Mi Home app by default only ties the camera to one account, raising questions about how to get around it without losing functionality.

In practice, there are three working ways to organize simultaneous access: one is using a shared Mi Account, the second is setting up through cloud storage, the third is connecting through a side-by-side application like TinyCam Pro or iSpy. Each method has its own nuances, from limiting the number of connections to having to pay for advanced features. In this article, we will analyze all the options with step-by-step instructions, compare their pros and cons, and also explain how to avoid typical errors.

It’s important to understand that not all Xiaomi camera models support multiplayer, for example, budget devices like Xiaomi Mi Home Security Camera Basic have strict restrictions, while flagship models of the Xiaomi Home Camera 360° 2K Pro series offer flexible settings. Before you start setting up, check the specifications of your camera on the official website or in the documentation.

Method 1: Using a shared Mi Account

The easiest and most reliable method is to create a shared Xiaomi account and log in on both phones, which doesn’t require additional apps or paid subscriptions, but has an important limitation: both users will see the same settings, notifications and post history. If you need to delineate rights (for example, one user only watches the video, and the other controls the camera turn), this option will not work.

To set up a shared account:

1. Create a new Mi Account on account.xiaomi.com or through the Mi Home app. Use an email that both users have access to.
2. Connect the camera to this account via the Mi Home app on the first phone. To do this, go to Profile → Settings → Devices → Add the device and follow the instructions.
3. Sign in to the same account on the second phone, and the camera will automatically appear in the list of devices.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔹 Without additional applications, everything works through standard software.
• 🔹 Stable connection – no delays or flow breaks.
• 🔹 Full functionality – all camera features are available, including cloud storage and voice control.

⚠️ Note: If one user changes the password of the Mi Account, the other will lose access to the camera, and both users will receive duplicate notifications about movement or sound, which can be uncomfortable.

Create a new email for your Mi| Account Install Mi Home on both phones | Write your login and password to a secure location | Disable two-factor authentication (if not needed)

-->

Method 2: Configure via Xiaomi Cloud Storage

If you need to delimit access (e.g., give the second user only a view, without controlling the camera), use Xiaomi Cloud storage.This method requires subscription to the tariff plan, but allows you to flexibly configure rights. Suitable for models that support cloud functions, such as Xiaomi Home Camera 360° 2K Pro or Xiaomi Mi Home Security Camera 360°.

Instructions for setting:

1. Activate cloud storage in the Mi Home application. Go to Profile → Xiaomi Cloud → Subscription and select the appropriate tariff (from 99 rubles / month).
2. Adjust access: Open the camera card in Mi Home. ⋯ → Settings → Sharing. Enter the second user's email and select: View Only or Full Access.

Accept the invitation.

Mi Home

Comparison of cloud storage rates:

Note that when using cloud storage, video is transmitted through Xiaomi servers, which can cause a delay of 1-3 seconds. For critical tasks (for example, security systems), it is better to combine the cloud with the local network.

💡

If the second user does not receive an invitation, check the Spam folder in his email. Also make sure that he has the latest version of the Mi Home app installed (at least 6.0.100).

Method 3: Connecting through third-party applications (RTSP/ONVIF)

For advanced users who need the most flexibility, connecting the camera via RTSP or ONVIF protocols is a good way to stream video to multiple devices at once, including a PC or TV, but it requires networking skills and is not supported by all Xiaomi camera models.

List of compatible models and protocols:

• 📹 Xiaomi Mi Home Security Camera 360° 1080p — supportive RTSP (Firmware required not less than 1.4.6).
• 📹 Xiaomi Home Camera 2K — supportive RTSP and ONVIF (Starting with firmware 3.5.0).
• 📹 Xiaomi Mi Home Security Camera 2 is a new home security camera RTSP (You need manual activation).

Step-by-step instructions for connecting via RTSP:

1. Activate. RTSP camera-wise: 1. Open the Mi Home app. 2. Go to the camera settings → Additionally. → Network → RTSP. 3. Turn on the switch and write down the flow address (example: rtsp://[IP_camera]/live/ch00_0).
2. Install the player app on the second phone, for example: TinyCam Pro (Android) iSpy (Android/iOS) VLC (Universal)

Add the flow

admin

⚠️ Attention: When in use RTSP If the camera is connected to the Internet, the attackers can intercept the stream. VPN Or use only on the local network.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of connection depends on your tasks, the camera model and your willingness to pay for additional features. Below is a comparison table that will help you determine:

For most users, the best solution is the cloud-based method, which balances convenience and functionality, and if you need to connect your camera to more than 5 devices or integrate it into a smart home system (such as Home Assistant), you should use RTSP.

💡

Xiaomi Cloud Storage is the best choice for family use, as it allows you to delimit rights and does not require technical skills.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When setting up a Xiaomi camera sharing experience, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

1. The camera does not appear on the second phone: 🔌 Check that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (for local access). 🔄 Reboot the camera by turning it off for 10 seconds. 📱 Update the Mi Home app to the latest version.
2. Video hanging or permanent communication breaks: 📶 Check the speed of the Internet for stable broadcasting in 1080p At least 5 Mbps is required. 🔄 Switch the camera to another Wi-Fi channel (e.g., from 2.4GHz to 5GHz if supported). 🛠️ Turn off energy saving mode on your phone for the Mi Home app.

Cloud access is not working.

• 💳 Make sure your subscription is active (check in Profile). → Xiaomi Cloud).
• 🌍 Check if your ISP is blocking Xiaomi traffic (relevant for some corporate networks).
• ⏳ Wait 5-10 minutes after payment – sometimes activation is not instantaneous.

💡

If the camera is permanently disconnected from Wi-Fi, try repositioning it, and thick walls or metal objects between the camera and the router can weaken the signal.

Security: How to protect your camera from hacking

Connecting your camera to multiple devices increases the risk of unauthorized access, and to protect your device, follow these guidelines:

• 🔒 Use complex passwords for your Mi and Wi-Fi account, avoid standard combinations like 12345678 or admin.
• 🔄 Regularly update your camera firmware. In Mi Home, check for updates to Profile → Settings → Firmware update.
• 🛡️ Turn off remote access if you don't need it. You can do this in the camera settings: Network. → Remote access.
• 🌐 Set up. VPN This will protect the traffic from interception, especially when used. RTSP.
• 📡 Change the standard. SSID The camera network (if it creates its own access point) is used by many Xiaomi models using the name of the network of the type. Xiaomi_XXXX, Which makes it easier for hackers.

Pay special attention to the settings of two-factor authentication (2FA) for the Mi Account. You can activate it in Profile → Security settings → Two-factor authentication. will not use 2FA, the main account will remain secure.

⚠️ Note: Never share links to live streaming RTSP In open chat rooms or social networks, attackers can use them to scan your network for vulnerabilities.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi's camera to two phones