Reset camera settings Xiaomi Yi: all the ways and nuances

Xiaomi Yi cameras are some of the most popular video surveillance and shooting devices due to the combination of price, quality and functionality. However, even such reliable technology sometimes requires a return to factory settings: after firmware failures, incorrect updates or if you forget the password from the camera’s Wi-Fi network. In this article, we will analyze all the working methods of resetting, including hidden methods for old and new models, and also explain how to avoid typical errors in this procedure.

It's important to understand that resetting is not just about resetting your settings. Depending on the method you choose, you may lose not only your user settings (resolution, mode, recording schedule), but your entire media library if it's stored in the device's internal memory. So before you start, make sure you have a backup of important files. And if the camera is connected to Xiaomi Cloud, check for synchronization.

We tested all the methods described below on the Yi Home Camera. 1080p, Yi Dome Camera and Yi Outdoor Camera, but most of the instructions are universal for the entire line. If your camera is released after 2022, check out the section about resetting through the Mi Home app - there are nuances with authorization.

When you need to reset the camera settings Xiaomi Yi

Don't rush to reset the device when the first problem comes up. Most of the time, it helps to reboot or update the firmware. However, there are situations where resetting is the only solution:

• 🔄 The camera is constantly getting stuck or rebooting in a loop without responding to commands.
• 🔒 You forgot the Wi-Fi password that the camera was connected to and can’t reconfigure it.
• 📱 The Mi Home app doesn't see the device, although it's on and flashes the indicator.
• 🛠️ After the firmware update, artifacts appeared in the video or functions disappeared (for example, motion detection).
• 🏠 You sell or transfer the camera to another person and want to delete all personal data.

If the problem is connected to Wi-Fi, try changing the network manually through the app first.

1. Open Mi Home → Choose your camera.
2. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi settings.
3. Click "Change Network" and follow the instructions.

If the camera doesn’t respond to these actions or if it gives a Failed to connect error, it’s time to reset. But first check if your router is blocking the device’s connection (some Xiaomi Yi models conflict with dual-band networks). 2.4/5 GHz).

Method 1: Reset through a button on the body (hard reset)

This is the most reliable method that works even if the camera is not turning on or responding to the application. Hardware resets all settings back to factory settings, including network settings. The instructions are suitable for most models, but the location of the button may vary:

• 📍 Yi Home Camera 1080p/720p: button RESET It is located on the bottom panel next to the Micro-USB connector.
• 📍 Yi Dome Camera: the button is hidden under the removable lid at the base of the body.
• 📍 Yi Outdoor Camera: button is located inside the memory card compartment (requires to remove MicroSD).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the power (remove the Micro-USB cable).
2. Take a paperclip or toothpick and hold the button RESET 10-15 seconds.
3. Without releasing the button, connect the power back.
4. Keep holding. RESET 5-7 seconds until you hear a voice message in English saying “Reset successfully” or see a flashing yellow indicator.
5. Release the button. The camera will reset (up to 2 minutes).

If after reset, the camera does not make sounds and does not blink, check:

• 🔌 Power cable and unit (try another adapter on the 5V/1A).
• 🔋 Battery (in battery models, such as Yi Outdoor Camera 2).
• 🛠️ Integrity of the button RESET (sometimes the contacts are oxidized).

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Yi Cloud Dome) button retention RESET For more than 20 seconds, it can cause a firmware reset, not just the settings, in which case the camera will require a PC flashing.

Method 2: Reset via the Mi Home app

If the camera is connected to your Xiaomi account and responds to commands, you can reset software, which saves media files on the memory card, but deletes all connection settings and user settings.

Instructions:

1. Open the Mi Home app and select your camera.
2. Go to Settings (⚙️) → General settings → Resetting the device.
3. Confirm the action by clicking Reset (you will need to enter a password from your Xiaomi account).
4. Wait for the process to be completed (the camera will restart and emit an audible signal).

If the menu does not include Device Reset, upgrade the Mi Home app to the latest version. For models released after 2021 (e.g. Yi Home Camera 3), you may need to:

• 📱 Connect to the camera via a Wi-Fi access point (network type) Xiaomi_XXXX).
• 🔄 In the web-based camera interface (opens at 192.168.1.1), select Advanced Settings. → Reset.

⚠️ Note: If the camera is tied to the previous owner’s account (for example, when buying a used one), resetting via Mi Home will not help. In this case, you need to uncoup the device through Xiaomi Support (you need a check or confirmation of purchase).

Method 3: Reset via web interface (for advanced users)

Some Xiaomi Yi models (e.g. Yi Dome Camera) 1080p Yi Home Camera 2 has a hidden web interface that is accessible locally. IP-This method is useful if you:

• 🖥️ You don't have access to the button. RESET (For example, the camera is set high).
• 📡 The camera is connected to the network, but not visible in the Mi Home.
• 🔧 You need to perform a partial reset (e.g., only network settings).

Instructions:

1. Find out locally. IP-Camera address (can be viewed on the router in the list of connected devices or through applications like Fing).
2. Enter the address in the browser (for example, http://192.168.0.100).
3. Log in (the default logins/passwords for different models are below).
4. Go to the System section → Reset and select the type of reset.

Entry credentials:

Model: Yi Home Camera 1080p




Login: admin




Password: blank or 1234567890





Model: Yi Dome Camera




Login: root




Password: xiaomi123





Model: Yi Outdoor Camera




Login: admin




Password: Wi-Fi password (indicated on the sticker)

The following reset options are available in the web interface:

• 🔄 Factory Reset – Full reset (similar to hardware).
• 📶 Network Reset – Reset only network settings (Wi-Fi, IP).
• ⚙️ Settings Reset – Reset user settings (without deleting media files).

Method 4: Reset via PC (to restore firmware)

If the camera doesn't turn on, flashes a red light, or produces a Bootloop error, you'll need to flash it through your computer, which will also help if you accidentally reset your firmware by holding a button. RESET 20 seconds.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Windows computer 7/10/11.
• 🔌 Micro-USB cable (original, undamaged).
• 📁 Firmware for your model (you can download on the official website or forum) 4PDA).
• 🛠️ Yi Hack Tool or MiHome Hack (to unlock the bootloader).

Step-by-step:

1. Download and unpack the firmware (file with.bin extension).
2. Connect the camera to the PC with a button pressed RESET.
3. Start the Yi Hack Tool and select your model.
4. Click Flash Firmware and specify the path to the firmware file.
5. Wait until it's done (the process will take 3-5 minutes) and the camera will reboot automatically.

If the camera doesn't turn on after firmware is flashed or the blue light flashes, then the firmware from another model was installed, in which case repeat the process with the correct.bin file.

⚠️ Note: Firmware via PC deletes all data, including files on the memory card. SD-The card was important, retrieve it before the procedure.

What to do after resetting settings

After a successful reset, the camera will return to the factory settings.

1. 📱 Connect the camera to the Mi Home app again: Click Add Device (+) → Camera. → Xiaomi Yi. Follow the instructions (you will need to scan) QR-case-code).
2. 📶 Set up Wi-Fi connection: Select 2.4GHz (5GHz not supported by most models) If the router is dual-band, temporarily shut down 5GHz.

• Video resolution (1080p or 720p).
• Sensitivity of the motion detector.
• Schedule of records (if used).

If the camera does not connect to Wi-Fi after resetting:

• 🔄 Reboot the router.
• 📵 Make sure that the network name does not contain Cyrillic symbols or spaces.
• 🔐 Check that the Wi-Fi password does not contain any special characters (!@#$%).

💡

If the camera, after reset, gives an error "Can't connect to the server", check the time and date settings on your smartphone. A mismatch with server time can block authorization.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can have problems.

If none of these methods worked, it could be a hardware malfunction.

• 🔋 Bloated capacitors on the board (characteristic of older models).
• 💾 Damaged memory chip (camera does not save settings).
• 📡 Faulty Wi-Fi module (not connected to any network).

In such cases, we recommend contacting the Xiaomi service center or to trusted electronics repairmen. Self-repair without experience can lead to a complete failure of the device.

💡

If the camera after the reset requires authorization through the account of the previous owner, contact Xiaomi support and provide proof of purchase (check, box with a serial number).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Yi reset