How to use Xiaomi Yi as a webcam: 3 proven ways + fixing

Xiaomi Yi cameras are some of the most popular budget video devices, but few know that they can be turned into a full-fledged webcam for streaming, video calling or surveillance. Unlike specialized webcams, Yi Action, Yi Home or Yi Dome offer better picture quality, a wide viewing angle and the ability to use without being tied to cloud services. USB It does not always work out of the box – additional programs, firmware or even hardware modifications are required.

In this article, we will analyze three working methods for connecting Xiaomi Yi as a webcam: from simple (via proprietary software) to advanced (using the use of webcams). RTSP-You will also learn how to avoid common errors, from lack of image to video delay problems. All instructions are relevant for the Yi Action Camera (all generations), Yi Home Camera models. 1080p/720p, Yi Dome Camera and their clones.

Before you start, check: your camera must be charged (or connected to a power source), and the PC has the latest drivers installed to power the camera. USB-If you use Yi Action, prepare a memory card — some methods require recording configuration files.

1. Method 1: Connecting with official Xiaomi Home software (for Yi) Home/Dome)

The easiest method is to use the branded Mi Home app (now Xiaomi Home) if your camera belongs to the Yi Home or Yi Dome lineup.This method does not require firmware or third-party programs, but only works for models that support the Yi Home line. RTSP-flow.

Algorithm of action:

• 📱 Install the Xiaomi Home app on your smartphone (Android/iOS) Add the camera to the system via Wi-Fi.
• 🖥️ Download the program on PC VLC Media Player or iSpy for observation).
• 🔗 In the camera settings in the Xiaomi Home app, turn on the option RTSP-stream (path: Camera settings) → Additionally. → Network flow).
• 📹 V VLC Choose Media. → Open up. URL and enter the flow address (example: rtsp://[IP_camera]:554/live/ch00_0).

⚠️ Note: New Yi Home Camera firmware versions (after 2021) option RTSP It can be hidden. To activate it, you will need to roll back the firmware or use alternative methods (see Method 3).

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ No need to disassemble the camera or solder.
• ✅ It works on Wi-Fi (no binding to the USB-cable).
• ✅ Supports sound and two-way communication (for models with microphones).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Video delay up to 1-2 seconds (critical for streams).
• ❌ Not all programs support RTSP (For example, Zoom or Skype require additional plugins).

2. Method 2: Firmware for webcam mode (Yi Action Camera)

For owners of Yi Action Camera (all generations) there are special custom firmware that allow you to use the device as a device. USB-The most popular is Yi Hack (or Yi Hack Allwinner for new models). UVC-protocol that is recognized Windows/Linux/Mac webcam-like.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware: 🔗 For Yi Action Camera (Ambarella): Yi Hack Allwinner. 🔗 For Yi. 4K/4K+: Yi Hack 4K.
2. Prepare a memory card: 📁 Format microSD in the FAT32. 📄 Copy the firmware files to the root of the card (autexec.ash and script files).
3. Install the firmware: 🔌 Insert the card into the camera, connect it to the PC through USB and turn on. 🔄 Wait for the blue indicator to flash (the process takes up) ~2 minutes).

Activate the webcam mode:

• 🖥️ Select from the camera menu USB Mode → Webcam.
• 🔄 Connect the camera to the PC – it will be defined as Xiaomi Yi UVC Camera.

Download the correct version of Yi Hack for your model|Formatting a microSD in FAT32|Copy firmware files into the root of the card|Charge the camera to at least 50%|Connect the camera to the PC through the original USB-cable-->

Important: After firmware has been installed, some features of the original software (e.g. stabilization or HDR) They may not work properly, and they may also have cameras with an Ambarella processor. 1080p/4K) Requires manual permission settings through file config.json, Otherwise, the image will be cut off.

3. Method 3: Use RTSP-Flow for all models (advanced)

If the first two methods don’t work (for example, you have an old firmware or camera that doesn’t support the device). UVC), You can arrange the transmission of video through RTSP-This method is universal for all Xiaomi Yi models, but requires network configuration and additional software.

Instructions:

1. Turn it on. RTSP camera-wise: 📱 In the Xiaomi Home app, go to the camera settings → Additionally. → Network flow. 🔧 Turn it on. RTSP-stream and write down the address (usually) rtsp://[IP_camera]:554/live/ch00_0).

Set up the PC:

• 🖥️ Download. OBS Studio (for streams) or VLC (viewable).
• 📡 Make sure your PC and camera are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• Add the source to OBS: 1. OBS press "+" in the "Sources" section. 2. Select "Media Source." 3. In the "Local File" field, insert RTSP-Address 4. Set the flag "Use hardware decoding".

To reduce video delay in RTSP-flow:

• 📶 Use a router with 5 GHz Wi-Fi support.
• 🔄 Reduce bitrate in camera settings (optimum: 4-6 Mbps).
• 🖥️ On PC, disable other programs that consume traffic (torrents, cloud synchronizations).

⚠️ Attention: If RTSP-The stream is not enabled in the app, check the region of the camera. For some models (for example, Yi Home Camera 3), the option is only available when selecting China region in the settings of the Xiaomi Home application. → Region.

4. Solving typical problems

Even when you set it up properly, users are faced with errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If the image is reversed after Yi Action Camera firmware:

1. Connect the camera to the PC and open the file config.json memory-card.
2. Add the line: "flip": "true."
3. Save the file and restart the camera.

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For streamers: if you use Yi Action as a webcam in the OBS, Add a color correction filter to remove the characteristic yellowish hue that appears in artificial lighting.

5. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of connection depends on your camera model, technical skills and usage goals.

Selection recommendations:

• 🎮 For streams (Twitch, YouTube): Optimal Method 2 (firmware) UVC) — Minimum delay and stable operation.
• 🏠 For home observation: suitable method 1 or 3 (RTSP) — You can stream to multiple devices at the same time.
• 💻 For video calls (Zoom, Skype): Use Method 2 (UVC), Because most programs do not support RTSP directly.

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If you want maximum compatibility with programs (Zoom, Discord, Skype), choose a method with firmware. UVC. For surveillance or streaming from multiple cameras — RTSP-flow.

6.Alternative programs to work with Xiaomi Yi

Besides the standard ones VLC and OBS Studio, there is specialized software to work with Xiaomi Yi as a webcam:

• 🎥 iSpy: Free video surveillance software with support RTSP It allows you to record video on a schedule and send notifications.
• 📡 Blue Iris: Advanced video surveillance system (paid) with support for artificial intelligence for facial recognition.
• 💻 ManyCam: a utility for virtual cameras that allows you to impose effects on the stream with Xiaomi Yi before transferring to the camera Zoom/Skype.
• 🎮 DroidCam: if you want to use the camera as a webcam for PC through an Android device (suitable for Yi Home with smartphone binding).

For streamers, a plugin will be useful OBS-NDI, It allows you to stream video from Xiaomi Yi over a local network without loss of quality:

1. Download. OBS-NDI and set.
2. V OBS add the source NDI Source.
3. In another program (for example, in vMix) select Xiaomi Yi as NDI-source.

7. Modifications to improve quality

If you are not satisfied with the standard image quality, you can make hardware or software improvements:

• 🔧 Lens replacement: Wide-angle or macro lenses are sold for Yi Action Camera (e.g., 720).° Fish-Eye, which are attached to standard thread.
• 🎛️ Manual exposure setting: You can edit a file in Yi Hack firmware config.json, adding the parameters: "exposure": "auto", "white_balance": "sunny", "sharpness": 5
• 🔌 External microphone: Any microphone with a 3.5 mm connector is suitable for Yi Action (requires an adapter for the device). USB-C).
• 📶 Wi-Fi Enhancement: For Stable RTSP-stream use a Wi-Fi repeater or connect the camera via a Powerline adapter.

⚠️ Note: When replacing your lens with a Yi Action Camera, avoid cheap Chinese lenses without anti-reflective coatings, which can cause strong glare when shooting against light).

8.Security when using Xiaomi Yi as a webcam

Connecting your camera to a network or PC opens up potential vulnerabilities.

• 🔒 Change the standard password: In the Xiaomi Home app, go to Camera Settings → General. → Password and set a complex password (minimum 12 characters).
• 🌐 Disable Cloud Access: If the camera is only used locally, deactivate the option Cloud Storage in the settings.
• 🛡️ Update your firmware: Check updates regularly in Xiaomi Home – new versions will close vulnerabilities RTSP-flow.
• 🔌 Use it. VPN for RTSP: If you are streaming outside the local network, set up VPN-server (e.g. WireGuard) for encrypting traffic.

To check if your camera is hacked:

1. Open Shodan and enter IP-address.
2. If the search results show information about your device - urgently change the password and turn off access from the Internet.

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To completely block access to the camera from the outside, add a firewall rule in the router settings that prohibits incoming connections to port 554 (RTSP).

FAQ: Frequent questions