Xiaomi cameras are not only built-in modules in smartphones, but also individual devices: action cameras, IP-Smart home cameras, webcams, and even professional branded cameras, but without specialized software, their functionality remains limited. In this article, we will discuss how to install official and third-party applications for managing Xiaomi cameras, avoiding typical errors.
The installation process may vary depending on the type of camera (e.g. Mi Home Camera, Xiaomi Action Camera or Mi Smart Webcam) and the smartphone model. We will look at universal methods for Android and iOS, as well as solutions for cases where the application does not install or recognize the device, and pay special attention to setting permissions and synchronization with the Mi Account, without which some functions may not be available.
What apps are needed for Xiaomi cameras
Before you start installing, it is important to determine what software is required for your model. Xiaomi produces several types of cameras, and for each there is a different application:
- π± Mi Home is a universal application for smart devices, including IP-The camera is called the Home Camera 360.Β°, Mi Home Security Camera Supports cloud storage and motion notifications.
- π₯ Mi Action Camera β for action cameras (Xiaomi MiJia) 4K, Xiaomi Mi Action Camera 4 allows you to control shooting, view real-time video and adjust recording settings.
- π₯οΈ Mi PC Suite β for connecting cameras to a computer (relevant for webcams and some models of action cameras).
- π The side of the application, for example, TinyCam Pro or IP Webcam for advanced features (requires manual configuration).
If youβre not sure which app is right for your camera, check the model on Xiaomiβs official website or in the documentation. for example, for Xiaomi Mi Home Security Camera 2K You will need a Mi Home and Xiaomi MiJia 4K Action Camera β Mi Action Camera.
Also keep in mind that some cameras (e.g. Xiaomi Cybershot or Xiaomi Smart Camera) C400) They may require proprietary software from the manufacturer if they are released under another brand (for example, Mijia.
Preparation of the smartphone before installation
To avoid problems with installing and operating the application, follow a few preliminary steps:
- Update the operating system. Outdated versions of Android (below 8.0) or iOS (below 12.0) may not support the latest versions of Xiaomi apps.
- Free up memory. Camera applications (especially those with video recording) take up a lot of space, and it's recommended to have at least 1-2 GB of free space.
- Check compatibility. Some apps (like Mi Action Camera) don't officially support iOS or older devices.
- Set up geolocation and Bluetooth. The initial camera setup may require access to location and wireless modules.
Pay particular attention to permissions. Once installed, the app will need access to:
- πΈ Camera and microphone (for recording and recording sound).
- π‘ Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (to connect to the camera).
- π Storage (to save photos and videos).
- π Geolocation (for some features, such as geotags in Mi Action Camera).
Update the OS to the latest version
Free up 1-2 GB of memory
Check the compatibility of the camera and OS model
Enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Download official software from the Xiaomi website-->
If you are using Android, it is also recommended to disable battery optimization for the camera app, which will prevent the program from automatically closing in the background.
- Go to Settings. β Annexes β [Title of the annex] β Battery.
- Choose Unlimited or Not Optimized.
Downloading of the official annex
The most reliable way to get Xiaomi camera software is to download it from official sources, which ensures that there are no viruses and compatibility with the device, let's see where and how to do this.
For Android.
1. Open the Google Play Market and search for the name of the app (e.g. Mi Home or Mi Action Camera).
2.Make sure that the developer is listed as Xiaomi Inc. or Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software Co., Ltd. are official accounts.
3. Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
If the app is not available in your area, download it from the official Xiaomi website:
- Go to the Xiaomi downloads page.
- Select the application you want (e.g. Mi Home for the app). IP-camera).
- Download the.apk file and install it manually, allowing installation from unknown sources (Settings) β Security β Unknown sources).
For iOS.
1. Open the App Store and find the app by name.
2. Check the developer - it should be Xiaomi.
3. Press Download.
Please note: some apps (such as Mi Action Camera) may not be available for iOS.In this case, use alternative solutions such as TinyCam Pro or connect the camera via Mi. PC Suite on your computer.
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If the app is not in your region, try changing country from your Google Play or App Store account. VPN a new account with an address in a supported country (e.g. India or China).
Installation and initial setup
After downloading the application, follow the following steps to configure it:
- Launch the app and log into your Mi Account (or create a new one if you don't have one).
- Add a camera. Most apps do it through a button. + Or Add Device. Select the camera type from the list.
- Connect the camera to Wi-Fi. This may require:
Wait for synchronization.
2-5 minutes
If the camera is not connected, check:
- π Correct power connection (the indicator on the camera should burn or flash).
- πΆ Wi-Fi signal (camera should be no further than 5-10 meters from the router).
- π Password from the network (make sure you enter it without errors).
- π± Application version (update it if an update is available).
For action cameras (Xiaomi MiJia) 4K) The connection process may be different:
- Turn on the camera and activate Wi-Fi mode (usually by holding the power button).
- In the Mi Action Camera app, select Connect the camera.
- Connect to the Wi-Fi network the camera creates (the name of the network usually starts with the camera). Xiaomi_XXXX).
- Return to the app and follow the instructions on the screen.
What if the camera is not connected to Wi-Fi?
Solving common problems
Even after a successful installation, users often encounter errors, and let's look at the typical problems and ways to solve them.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The app doesn't see the camera | The camera is not in connection mode or is too far from the router. | Restart the camera, bring it closer to the router, check the indicators |
| "Unable to connect" error | Incorrect Wi-Fi password or incompatible network mode (5 GHz) | Check the password, switch the router to 2.4 GHz, turn off VPN |
| The app flies off at launch | An outdated version of the OS or a conflict with other programs | Update the OS, clean the app cache, reinstall it |
| No sound when watching the video | No permission to access the microphone or codec problems | Check the permissions, update the app, try another player |
| The camera shuts down in a few minutes. | Energy-saving settings of the OS or overheating of the camera | Turn off battery optimization, check camera ventilation |
If none of the solutions worked, try resetting the camera to the factory settings.
- Find the Reset button on the camera body (usually it is recessed and requires a paper clip).
- Hold it for 10-15 seconds until the indicator starts to blink.
- After resetting, repeat the connection procedure again.
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If the Xiaomi camera does not connect to the app, 90% of the time the problem lies in the Wi-Fi settings (5 GHz mode, weak signal) or an outdated version of the camera firmware.
Alternative applications for Xiaomi cameras
Official apps don't always have all the features you need, and in some cases, users prefer third-party programs for advanced management, and let's look at the most popular alternatives.
- π¬ TinyCam Pro supports most of the IP-Xiaomi cameras, allows you to view video from multiple cameras at the same time, record on the camera. SD-map and adjust motion notifications. Suitable for Android and iOS.
- πΉ IP Webcam β Turns a smartphone into a IP-The camera can also connect to some Xiaomi models via the RTSP-Useful for integration with smart home systems.
- π₯οΈ Blue Iris β Windows software that supports Xiaomi cameras ONVIF or RTSP. Suitable for creating a video surveillance system.
- π Home Assistant is a smart home platform that can integrate with Xiaomi cameras through plugins.
To connect the camera to a third-party application, you will need:
- Find out. IP-camera address in the local network (can be found in the router or official application).
- Enter data for connection (usually) RTSP-URL or ONVIF-data).
- Set up flow parameters (resolution, bitrate, FPS).
Example RTSP-URL Xiaomi Mi Home Camera 360Β°:
rtsp://[IP_ Cameras]/live/ch00_0Where [IP_The cameras are local. IP-address of the device (e.g, 192.168.1.100).
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To improve safety when using RTSP-Change the standard username and password of the camera (usually) admin/123456) more complex in the settings of the official application.
Update the firmware of the camera through the application
Regular firmware updates improve the stability of the camera, add new features and close vulnerabilities.
For Mi Home:
- Open the app and select your camera.
- Go to Settings β Update firmware.
- If a new version is available, click Update.
- Don't interrupt the process! The camera will reboot automatically.
For the Mi Action Camera:
- Connect the camera to the app.
- Go to Settings. β Update of the PO.
- Download and install the update (the camera must be charged at least 50%).
If the update is hanging:
- π Do not disconnect the camera from power for 10-15 minutes β the process may take longer than indicated.
- π Restart the camera if the update is not completed after 30 minutes.
- π₯ Download the firmware manually from the official website and install it through Mi PC Suite.
Where can I download the firmware manually?
Security and privacy when using Xiaomi cameras
Xiaomi cameras, like any device with access to the network, can be the target of hackers. To protect your data, follow these recommendations:
- π Change the standard password. Many cameras have simple passwords by default (admin, 123456). Set a complex password (at least 12 characters with letters, numbers and characters).
- π Update the firmware. Outdated versions may contain vulnerabilities.
- π‘οΈ Turn off remote access if you don't need it. β The device β Security settings can only be restricted to local area network.
- π Use two-factor authentication for your Mi Account.
- π‘ Set up a separate network for cameras. Create a guest Wi-Fi network on your router and connect only smart devices to it.
Also pay attention to the privacy settings in the application:
- Turn off Cloud Storage if you donβt plan to use it.
- Restrict access to geolocation (if the function is not required).
- Check what data the application collects (Settings) β Confidentiality).
Xiaomi Cameras with Cloud Storage Support (e.g. Mi Home Camera) 2K) By default, you can upload videos to Xiaomi servers in China. To disable this feature, go to Camera Settings β Cloud storage β Shut down.
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Even if you donβt use cloud storage, the camera can send metadata (such as turn on/off time) to Xiaomi servers, and you can only completely turn off this feature by blocking the cameraβs access to the Internet via the router.