Why transfer video from Xiaomi camera to PC and what difficulties arise
Xiaomi cameras are among the most popular video surveillance devices, thanks to their combination of price, quality and functionality. However, many users are faced with the problem of how to effectively view the archive of records on a large computer screen, rather than on a smartphone with a diagonal. 5-6 This is especially true for camera owners with resolution. 2K/4K, where detail is important for analyzing events.
The main difficulties when transferring video from the cameras Xiaomi Mi Home Security, Xiaomi Home Camera 360Β° or Xiaomi Mi Camera 2K PCs are connected to a closed ecosystem, unlike traditional manufacturers. IP-Xiaomi devices often require authorization through Mi Account, and direct file transfer over the local network is blocked by default. 1080p) not support recording on microSD without additional settings, which complicates access to the archive.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to transfer video from Xiaomi cameras to your computer β from official methods through the Mi Home app to advanced solutions using the use of Xiaomi cameras. FTP and ADB. We will pay special attention to bypassing the restrictions on downloading records older than 7 days in Xiaomi cloud storage, as well as optimizing the process for cameras with support. ONVIF.
Method 1: Export video via Mi Home (official method)
The easiest and safest way to do this is to use the official Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Home for new models), which is suitable for all Xiaomi cameras, including the Mi Home Security Camera 360.Β°, Mi Camera 2K Pro and Xiaomi Smart Camera C400. The main limitation: video can only be downloaded in the last 7 days (for a free account).
Step-by-step:
- π± Open the Mi Home app and log in to your Mi Account.
- π₯ Select your camera from the device list and go to the Records section (or Cloud Storage for cloud video).
- π Find the desired fragment of the record. To speed up the search, use the filter by date and time.
- β¬οΈ Click on the video and select Download (down arrow icon) the file will be saved in the smartphone gallery.
- π» Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable and copy the video to the desired folder.
If there is no video in the app, check:
- π Cloud storage: free rate only keeps records for 7 days. to extend the term will require a subscription Mi Cloud Storage (from 99) β½/month).
- π Local Storage: If the camera supports microSD, make sure the memory card is inserted and formatted through the camera settings.
β οΈ Warning: When downloading video via Mi Home, quality may automatically decrease to 720p, even if the camera is recording 1080p/2K. To obtain original permission, use alternative methods (see section on the subject of the article). FTP).
Method 2: Access video via microSD card (for cameras with local storage support)
If your Xiaomi camera is equipped with a microSD slot (e.g. Mi Home Camera) 2K Xiaomi Smart Camera C300), You can take out the memory card and connect it to your computer through a card reader, which will get around the limitations of cloud storage and access all the records, not just the last 7 days.
Algorithm of action:
- π Turn off the camera power (take the power supply out of the socket). Removing the memory card when the device is on can damage the file system.
- π Carefully remove the microSD card from the slot (usually located on the bottom or side panel of the camera).
- π» Put the card in the card reader and connect it to the computer, and the system must automatically identify it as a removable disk.
- π Go to the file. DCIM Or Record -- all the video files are stored here, and they can be broken down into fragments. 5-15 minute.
Important nuances:
- π File format: Videos are usually saved to.mp4 or.264 (H.264). To view.264, you will need a player with codec support, for example. VLC Media Player.
- π Folder structure: records are sorted by date in format YYYY-MM-DD. Inside each folder can be subfolders by time of day.
- π If the card is formatted in exFAT and your computer canβt see it, install an official Windows update or use an adapter that supports this format.
βοΈ Preparing the microSD for extraction
β οΈ Note: Some Xiaomi cameras (such as Mi Home Security Camera Basic) do not support recording on microSD. Before buying a memory card, check the model specifications on the official website or in the instructions.
Method 3: Setup FTP-server on camera for direct access to files
For advanced users, the best option is to configure FTP-This will allow you to access live video or download archived records without time constraints.The method works for most Xiaomi cameras, including the Mi Home Camera 360.Β° 1080p Xiaomi Mi Camera 2K Pro, but requires the inclusion of the developer mode.
Instructions for setting up FTP:
- π± In the Mi Home app, go to the camera settings β General settings β Developer mode.
- π§ Turn on the option. FTP-Server (may be called Network Disk or Remote Access).
- π Write down the data for connection: π FTP-address (usually) ftp://[IP-camera]). π€ Login and password (by default may match the data from Mi Account). π Port (standard β 21).
ftp://[IP-camera]
FileZilla
π Enter your username/password when you request it. Once connected, you'll see video folders similar to those stored on a microSD.
Advantages FTP-access:
- π Direct file transfer without intermediaries (cloud, smartphone).
- π Access to all recordings stored on the camera without time limit.
- π Ability to configure automatic backup on PC.
| Camera model | Support for FTP | Max. permission for transmission | MicroSD is required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Home Security Camera 360Β° 1080p | Yes (in developer mode) | 1080p | No. |
| Xiaomi Mi Camera 2K Pro | Yes. | 2K (2304Γ1296) | Yes. |
| Xiaomi Smart Camera C400 | Yes (firmware only) CN) | 2K | Yes. |
| Mi Home Security Camera Basic | No. | β | No. |
π‘
If the camera doesn't connect to FTP, Check that it is on the same network as the computer (for example, both devices are connected to the same router). Also disable the Windows firewall or add an exception to the Windows firewall. FTP-connection.
Method 4: Use ONVIF Integration with video surveillance programs
Xiaomi cameras with protocol support ONVIF (For example, Xiaomi Smart Camera C400 Mi Camera 2K Pro) can be connected to third-party video surveillance programs such as Blue Iris, iSpy or Synology Surveillance Station, which will allow not only watching video on a PC, but also configuring advanced features such as motion detection, scheduling and notifications.
How to set up ONVIF:
- π± In the Mi Home app, go to the camera settings β Additionally. β ONVIF.
- π§ Turn on the protocol. ONVIF and write down the login/password (often by default) admin/Empty password or data from Mi Account).
- π Find out locally. IP-camera address in router settings or via Fing app.
- π» In a video surveillance program (e.g. iSpy), add a new device by selecting a type of device. ONVIF. Enter. IP-address, port (80 or 554), login and password.
- π After connecting, configure the video streams: main (Main Stream) for viewing in high resolution and additional (Sub Stream) for saving traffic.
The benefits of ONVIF:
- π― Centralized management of multiple cameras from one interface.
- πΉ The ability to record video directly to the hard drive of the PC, bypassing the cloud.
- β‘ Support PTZ-control (turn/tilt) for cameras with a motorized platform.
β οΈ Not all Xiaomi models are officially supported ONVIF. For cameras without this feature (such as Mi Home Security Camera Basic), you can try alternative firmware, but this deprives you of warranty and can lead to unstable operation.
How to know if your camera supports ONVIF?
Method 5: Alternative methods (ADB, Cloud services, screencasting)
If the standard methods don't work, you can use alternative solutions that are suitable for specific scenarios, such as when the camera doesn't support the camera. FTP or ONVIF, When you need to access video without removing the microSD.
Method 1: Use of the ADB Android-based TV
Some Xiaomi cameras (e.g. Mi Home Camera 360)Β° Android TV) allow you to connect through ADB (Android Debug Bridge and copy files directly:
- π» Install. ADB Tools on your computer (download from the Android developer site).
- π Connect the camera to the PC via USB (need OTG-cable).
- π In the command line, do: adb devices adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/ C:\Camera_Videos\
Method 2: Cloud services (Google Drive, Yandex Disk)
If the video is small, you can upload them to the cloud from your smartphone and then download them to your PC:
- π± Download the video via Mi Home to your phone.
- βοΈ Upload the file to Google Drive or Yandex Disk.
- π» Open the cloud on your computer and save the video.
Method 3: Screencasting from phone to PC
For urgent viewing (without saving the file), you can broadcast the screen of the smartphone to the computer:
- π± Install ApowerMirror or TeamViewer QuickSupport on your phone.
- π» Connect to your phone from PC via the same app.
- π₯ Run the video in Mi Home β the image will be duplicated on the computer screen.
π‘
ADB And cloud services are temporary solutions. For constant access to video, you better configure it. FTP or ONVIF.
Common mistakes and their solution
When transferring video from Xiaomi cameras to PCs, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The video is not downloaded via Mi Home | Expired storage period in the cloud (more than 7 days) | Use a microSD or FTP file-access |
| Computers can't see microSD cards | Card formatted in exFAT or damaged | Format the map in FAT32 Using the camera or using an exFAT-enabled adapter |
| FTP-connection interrupted | An unstable network connection or firewall blocks port 21 | Connect the camera and PC to the router via cable, turn off the firewall |
| Video is played without sound | Codecs are not supported by player | Install K-Lite Codec Pack or use VLC Player |
| ONVIF is not connected | Protocol disabled in camera settings | Turn it on. ONVIF In Mi Home and reboot the camera |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- π Camera power: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Home Camera 2) turn off recording on microSD at low voltage.
- πΆ Network connection: for FTP and ONVIF The camera and the PC must be on the same network.
- π Firmware updates: legacy software can block access to files. Check the relevance of the version in Mi Home.