How to connect Xiaomi Yi camera to your computer: a step-by-step guide

Xiaomi Yi Cameras (including Yi Home Cameras) 1080p/720p, Yi Dome and Yi Outdoor are often used not only for smartphone video surveillance, but also for computer integration. Recording high-resolution video without cloud restrictions, using the camera as a webcam for streaming or video conferencing, and configuring automated systems via Home Assistant or iSpy.

However, the connection process is not always intuitive: the manufacturer does not provide official software for the PC, but standard methods (through the use of the software). USB You need to adjust your settings, and in this article, we'll discuss three working ways to connect your Yi camera to a Windows computer. 10/11, macOS or Linux, and consider common bugs and their solutions. If you plan to use the camera for round-the-clock surveillance or streaming, this guide will help avoid common problems with video delays, connection breaks and driver malfunctions.

1.Preparing Xiaomi Yi camera for connection

Before you connect the camera to the computer, you need to perform basic settings in the Mi Home mobile application (or Yi Home for older models), without this step, the camera may not appear on the local network or block access over the protocol. RTSP.

First, make sure that:

• 📱 You have the latest update of the Mi Home app installed (version no lower than the previous version). 6.0.100 for Android/iOS).
• 🔄 The camera is updated to the latest firmware (check in Settings). → About the device → Update of the PO).
• 🌐 The camera is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the computer (use 2.4GHz, as 5GHz is not supported by most Yi models).
• 🔒 The camera settings have turned off the “Cloud Only” mode (enable “Local Storage” or “Hybrid Mode").

If you are using a Yi Dome or Yi Outdoor camera, check out:

• 🔄 Turn mode is disabled (may cause lags when transferring video to PC).
• 🔊 Motion notifications are temporarily deactivated (they put extra strain on the camera's processor).

⚠️ Xiaomi Yi cameras with firmware older than 2019 can block access to the Internet RTSP If your model is released before 2018, you will need to install custom firmware (for example, Yi-Hack).

2. Method 1: Connecting through USB (webcam)

The easiest but limited method is to connect your Yi camera to your PC via a computer. USB-It's suitable for models with support. UVC-Protocol (e.g. Yi Home Camera 2 or Yi Dome) 1080p). In this mode, the camera is defined as standard. USB-Videos and can be used in Zoom, OBS Studio or Skype.

Instructions:

1. Connect the camera to the computer through the original USB-cable (use the port) USB 3.0 for stability).
2. Turn on the camera with the power button. Some models will require holding the Reset button for 5 seconds to activate. UVC-regime.
3. Wait for drivers to install (Windows usually finds them automatically through Windows Update).
4. Open a video calling program (such as Discord) and select Yi Camera from the list of video devices.

If the camera is not detected:

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port or cable (some cables are only for charging purposes).
• 🖥️ Install the Zadig driver for forced installation of libusb (relevant for Windows) 7/8).
• 🔄 Reboot the camera by holding the Reset button for 10 seconds.

⚠️ Attention: B USB-The camera Yi transmits video with a delay of 1-2 seconds and a resolution no higher 720p. For Full. HD Wi-Fi connection is required (see next section).

3. Method 2: Connect via Wi-Fi RTSP (streaming)

Protocol RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol, which allows you to stream video from the Yi camera to your PC in real time with minimal latency, is suitable for round-the-clock surveillance, recording video through the PC. VLC iSpy, and also for integration with smart home systems.

To set up RTSP:

1. Open the Mi Home app and go to the camera settings.
2. Activate the "Advanced Settings" mode (on some firmware this item is hidden - you will need 5-7 clicks on the Software version in the About Device section).
3. Turn it on. RTSP-protocol and write down the address of the stream: rtsp://[IP_camera]/live/ch00_0 or for models with authorization: rtsp://[login]@[IP_camera]/live/ch00_0
4. Find out locally. IP-camera address in router settings (section) DHCP or connected devices).

To view the stream on PC:

• 🎬 V VLC Player select Media → Open up. URL put in RTSP-link.
• 🖥️ In iSpy or Blue Iris, add a new device with a type IP Camera (RTSP).
• 📹 For OBS Studio use the Media Source with the indication RTSP-address.

Critical feature: Xiaomi Yi cameras with firmware newer than 2021 can block RTSP-access without authorization token, in which case you will need to receive the token through Mi Home API or use alternative firmware (for example, Yi-Hack-v5).

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If RTSP-The stream is interrupted every 5-10 minutes, reduce the bitrate of the video in the camera settings to 1000 Kbps or less.

4. Method 3: Connecting through ONVIF (for professional surveillance systems)

Protocol ONVIF It allows you to integrate Yi camera into professional video surveillance systems such as Synology Surveillance Station, QNAP QVR It's not like Milestone XProtect. RTSP, ONVIF provides additional functions: turn control (Yi Dome), setting up driving zones and remote control of video parameters.

For activation ONVIF:

1. Install custom firmware Yi-Hack (instructions on GitHub) on the camera.
2. After flashing, open the web-based camera interface at the address http://[IP_camera].
3. Go to section. ONVIF Settings and turn on the service.
4. Create a new password for ONVIF-access (by default login - admin, password empty).

Configure in Synology Surveillance Station:

1. Add a new device through IP Camera → Add.
2. Choose a manufacturer ONVIF.
3. Enter. IP-Camera address, login (admin) and generated password.
4. Press the Connection Test and save the settings.

5. Solving common problems

Even if you set up correctly, connecting the Xiaomi Yi camera to your PC can be a mistake, and here is a list of typical problems and solutions.

If the Yi Outdoor camera is permanently disconnected from Wi-Fi:

• 📶 Check the signal level (should not be lower) -60 dB).
• 🔌 Connect the camera to the power source 5V/2A (malnutrition causes disruptions).
• 🔄 Turn off the "Energy Saving" function in the router settings for this device.

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If the Xiaomi Yi camera is released after 2022 for full access to the year RTSP/ONVIF You will need to roll back firmware or install alternative software (for example, Dafang-Hacks).

6. Alternative programs for working with the camera on the PC

Besides the standard tools (VLC, iSpy, there are specialized programs for controlling the cameras Xiaomi Yi on the computer, they allow you to configure the recording schedule, motion detection and even voice alerts.

Top.-5 programme:

• 🎥 iSpy – Free Video Surveillance System with Support RTSP and ONVIF. Allows you to record video on movement and send notifications to email.
• 🖥️ Blue Iris – paid surveillance software (up to 64 cameras, Home Assistant integration).
• 📹 Yi Home PC Client (unofficial) – mobile app emulator for Windows (requires Bluestacks).
• 🔍 MotionEye - Open Source for Linux/Windows, Supports motion detection and cloud storage.
• 🌐 Home Assistant – Smart Home System with Xiaomi Miio component for Yi camera management.

For video recording with minimal delays, we recommend iSpy or Blue Iris. If you need integration with other Xiaomi devices (for example, motion sensors or Yeelight lamps), the best choice is the Home Assistant.

Example configuration for Home Assistant (add to configuration.yaml):

camera:


- platform: ffmpeg




name: Yi Camera Living Room




input: rtsp://192.168.1.100/live/ch00_0

7.Security: How to Protect Your Camera Connection to a PC

Connecting the Xiaomi Yi camera to your computer via a local network or the Internet requires special attention to security. By default, many models transmit video without encryption, which allows attackers to intercept the stream.

Basic protection measures:

• 🔒 Change the standard camera password in Mi Home (use a combination of 12)+ symbolism).
• 🌍 Disable camera access from the Internet (allow connection only from the local network).
• 🔄 Update your firmware regularly (especially if you use custom versions like Yi-Hack).
• 🛡️ Set up. VPN (For example, WireGuard for remote access instead of port port forwarding.
• 📡 Turn it on. MAC-Filtering on the router to restrict access to the camera to trusted devices.

If you need remote access to the camera:

1. Use Cloudflare Tunnel or Tailscale instead of port porting on the router.
2. Set up. fail2ban on the computer to block suspicious connections to RTSP-port.
3. Turn off UPnP on the router (this will prevent automatic port opening).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Yi cameras with firmware until 2020 are vulnerable to the “Mi Home Token Extraction” attack, which allows attackers to access video. Update your firmware or use Yi-Hack with cloud access disabled.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi Yi to PC