How to connect a Xiaomi security camera to a computer: 5 working ways

Why you need to connect Xiaomi camera to your PC and what you need

Xiaomi cameras are some of the most popular video surveillance devices, thanks to a combination of price, quality and functionality. However, the standard Mi Home app limits viewing: video is only available on a smartphone, and the archive is stored in the cloud with limits. Connecting the camera directly to the computer solves these problems: you get continuous recording on your hard drive, the ability to analyze video in specialized programs (for example, for facial recognition), and control several cameras at the same time.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to connect Xiaomi Mi Home, Mi 360°, Mi Home Security Camera 2K and other models to a Windows 10/11 or macOS PC. You do not need a soldering iron or deep knowledge of networks - basic computer skills are enough. The main condition: the camera must be already configured through the official application (otherwise it will not be possible to add it to third-party programs).

Before you start, check:

• 🔌 The camera is powered and on (the indicator is lit blue or yellow).
• 📶 The device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the computer (or to the router via Ethernet).
• 🖥️ The PC has the latest network card drivers (especially if you use them). RTSP).
• 🔒 You have a login/password from your Mi Home account (required for authorization).

Method 1: Connect via the official Mi Home app for PC

The easiest but limited method is to use the desktop version of Mi Home, which allows you to view live video from cameras, but does not support recording to disk or setting triggers. However, it is a good option for those who do not want to mess with RTSP settings or third-party programs.

How to install and configure:

1. Download the official Mi Home app for Windows/macOS from Xiaomi.
2. Sign in with the same account that the camera is attached to.
3. In the main menu, select your camera – the video stream will appear in the program window.
4. To control the rotation (if the camera supports PTZ), use a virtual joystick in the interface.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ No way to save video on PC (only live viewing).
• ❌ Image delay can reach 2-3 seconds.
• ❌ No support for multiple cameras in one window (you will have to open separate tabs).

💡

If the camera doesn't show up in the Mi Home desktop, try reconnecting it to the network via a mobile app. Sometimes resetting the camera helps (press the reset button for 10 seconds before the beep).

Method 2: Connection to RTSP-stream (for experienced users)

RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) allows you to stream video from Xiaomi’s camera directly to programs like VLC, iSpy or Blue Iris, which gives you complete control over the flow: you can burn video to disk, configure motion detection, and even integrate the camera into the smart home system. However, not all Xiaomi models support RTSP — it depends on the firmware.

How to check for RTSP support:

1. Open the Mi Home mobile app.
2. Go to the camera settings (Settings → General → firmware version).
3. If the firmware name has the word rtsp (for example, 3.5.6_rtsp), that protocol is supported.

If RTSP available, use the following stream addresses (replace) IP_Cameras for real IP-device address in your network):

Main stream (high quality):


rtsp://IP_ Cameras: 554/stream1





Secondary stream (low quality, to save traffic):




rtsp://IP_ Cameras: 554/stream2

How to find out IP-camera:

• 📱 In the Mi Home mobile app, go to Settings → Network.
• 🖥️ Router: Go to the web interface (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and see the list of connected devices.

Method 3: Using iSpy to record and monitor

iSpy is a free video surveillance software that supports Xiaomi cameras via RTSP. It allows you to record video on a schedule, adjust motion detection, send notifications to email, and even stream video to the Internet.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install iSpy (select Agent DVR for Windows).
2. Launch the program and click Add → IP-camera.
3. Enter the Address field RTSP-stream of your camera (see Method 2).
4. Select Camera Type: ONVIF or RTSP (if you are not sure, leave Auto Detect).
5. Enter the username and password from the camera (by default, often empty, but it is better to set in the Mi Home settings).
6. Click OK – the camera image should appear in the program window.

The advantages of iSpy:

• ✅ Support for multiple cameras in one window.
• ✅ Flexible recording settings (movement, sound, schedule).
• ✅ Ability to remotely access via web interface.
• ✅ Integration with Google Drive, Dropbox for backup.

Method 4: View through VLC Media Player

If you need to quickly check the camera or temporarily bring the video to the big screen, VLC is a free media player with RTSP support. This method is not suitable for permanent recording, but is convenient for diagnosis or demonstration.

Instructions:

1. Download and install the VLC.
2. Open the program and select Media → Open URL.
3. Put the address in. RTSP-flow, rtsp://192.168.1.100:554/stream1).
4. Click Play - video from the camera will appear in the player window.

Advice for setting up:

• 🎛️ If the video slows down, reduce buffering: Tools → Settings → Show it all. → Network → Cash (ms) (set 300-500 ms).
• 🔊 To turn off the sound, right-click on the video and select Audiopathy → Shut down.
• 📹 To record the screen in VLC Use the View → Additional controls → Record button.

💡

VLC doesn't save video automatically -- you need to manually record it. For constant monitoring, you'd better use iSpy or Blue Iris.

Method 5: Connect via USB (only for some models)

Some Xiaomi cameras (such as the Mi Compact Home Security Camera 2K) support USB connection for power and data transfer. However, most models do not transfer video over USB - the port is only used for power. If your camera supports this mode, you can use it as a webcam in Zoom, OBS Studio or other programs.

How to check and configure:

1. Connect the camera to the PC via USB-Cable (use the original cable from Xiaomi).
2. Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
3. Check the Cameras or Image Processing Devices section, and if the camera is defined as a USB Video Device, it can be used as a webcam.
4. In the program (e.g. OBS Studio), select the camera as the source of the video.

Limitations:

• ⚠️ Most Xiaomi cameras don’t transmit video over the phone USB — food.
• ⚠️ Permission and FPS upon USB-Connections can be lower than Wi-Fi.
• ⚠️ simultaneously USB You can not use Wi-Fi (you have to disconnect the camera from the network).

💡

If the camera is not defined as a webcam, try installing the Amcap driver or using the Zadig utility to force the libusb driver to install.

Table of comparison of methods of connection

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even with the right setup, you can get errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If Xiaomi’s camera stopped connecting to Wi-Fi after changing the router, reset it (press the reset button for 10 seconds) and reconfigure it via the Mi Home app.

Problem 1: VLC or iSpy is not connected to RTSP-flow.

• 🔹 Check that IP-The camera address has not changed (use static). IP router-setting).
• 🔹 Make sure port 554 is open on your router (if you connect from another network).
• 🔹 Try another one. RTSP-address (e.g, rtsp://IP:554/live/ch00_0 for some).

Problem 2: The camera is lagging or braking.

• 🔹 Reduce the flow resolution in the camera settings (e.g., with 2K before 1080p).
• 🔹 Switch to secondary. RTSP-flow (stream2 instead stream1).
• 🔹 Check the load on the router – it is possible that the Wi-Fi channel is overloaded.

Problem 3: The camera is not detected by USB.

• 🔹 Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original from Xiaomi).
• 🔹 Update chipset drivers and USB-port.
• 🔹 Check if your model supports video transmission. USB (most of them don't).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions