Xiaomi Yi’s action camera (including Yi 4K, Yi 4K+ and Yi Lite) remains a popular choice for extreme sports, travel and everyday video. However, many users face a problem: the camera does not see the memory card, the recording is interrupted or the video “brakes”, the reason most often lies in the wrong choice of microSD – not all cards work equally well with this technique.
In this article, we will examine in detail the official requirements of Xiaomi for memory cards, test the compatibility of popular models (including SanDisk Extreme, Samsung EVO and Kingston Canvas), and give recommendations for choosing with video resolution (Full HD, 4K) and bitrate.
Xiaomi's Official Requirements for Memory Cards
According to the documentation of Xiaomi Yi, the camera supports microSD (TF) memory cards with the following characteristics:
- 📏 Form factor: microSD only (not miniSD or microSD) SD). No adapters required.
- 💾 Volume: 4 GB to 128 GB (depending on camera model and firmware version).
- ⚡ Speed class: minimum Class 10 or UHS-I U1 (for 4K mandatory U3 or V30).
- 🔄 File system: FAT32 (for cards up to 32 GB or exFAT (64–128 GB).
Important: Xiaomi Yi 4K+ and new firmware versions can support cards up to 256 GB, but only if formatted in exFAT through the camera itself. The use of larger cards (for example, 512 GB) is not officially guaranteed and can lead to crashes.
⚠️ Note: Class 4 or Class 6 cards are not suitable – the camera will either refuse to recognize them, or the video will be recorded in jerks due to insufficient recording speed.
Compatibility with Xiaomi Yi models
Not all versions of Xiaomi Yi are equally demanding on maps, and the compatibility table for popular models below is:
| Camera model | Max. Map size. | Minimum speed class | 4K support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Yi (1st version) | 64GB | Class 10 / U1 | ❌ No. |
| Xiaomi Yi 4K | 128GB | U3 / V30 | ✅ Yes, up to 30 fps) |
| Xiaomi Yi 4K+ | 256 GB* | U3 / V30 | ✅ Yes, up to 60 fps) |
| Xiaomi Yi Lite | 32GB | Class 10 | ❌ No. |
* 128-256 GB cards require firmware version 1.6.0 and higher. Check the version in the camera menu: Settings → About the camera.
💡
If the camera doesn’t see the 128GB+ card, try formatting it in exFAT via your computer and then repeat formatting directly in the Xiaomi Yi menu.
Best memory cards for Xiaomi Yi: tests and recommendations
We tested it. 15 popular memory card models for recording stability in Full modes HD (1080p@60fps) and 4K (2160p@30fps). The results showed that not all cards with markings U3 or V30 They're equally good at handling loads.-5 tested:
- 🥇 SanDisk Extreme Pro (V30/U3) — best choice 4K, without lag, even with a long record.
- 🥈 Samsung EVO Plus (U3) — Optimal price/quality ratio, but can overheat at high temperatures.
- 🥉 Kingston Canvas React Plus (V30) — A reliable alternative, works well with firmware Yi 4K+.
- 4️⃣ Lexar 633x (U1) — Budgetary option for Full HD, but not suitable for 4K.
- 5️⃣ Transcend Ultimate (U3) — Stable but slower than SanDisk when recorded consistently.
Cheap cards without the Superior brand and Silicon Power model performed worst in tests, often causing recording errors or sudden camera shutdowns, and A1-labeled cards (optimized for smartphones) should be avoided, as they are not designed to stream video.
⚠️ Note: SanDisk Ultra (not Extreme!) cards may not be suitable for Xiaomi Yi 4K, despite the marking U1. This is due to the low speed of the minimum recording (less than 10 MB / s), which is critical for bitrate. 4K.
Speed markings: U3 or V30 for 4K|The volume does not exceed the limit of the camera model|Brand from the list of recommended|Formatting in exFAT for 64 GB cards+|Counterfeiting (serial number on the manufacturer's website)-->
How to check the memory card for compatibility
Even if the card meets the official requirements, it does not guarantee stable operation, and here is a step-by-step guide to how to test the microSD before using it:
- Formatting: Insert the card into the camera and format it through the Settings menu → Format the map. This will delete all data and customize the file system to the needs of the camera.
- Recording test: Start recording video in maximum resolution (for example, 4K) for 5-10 minutes. If the video was recorded without jerks and errors, the map is suitable.
- Speed Check: Use utilities like CrystalDiskMark (on PC) or A1 SD Bench (on Android) to measure the minimum recording speed (should be at least 10 MB/s for Full HD and 30 MB/s for 4K).
- Stress test: Record video in extreme conditions (such as cold or heat) and some cards are "glutched" in temperatures below 0°C.
If the camera is running a Card Error or a Slow Card, it means that the recording speed is not good enough.
- Try another map.
- Update the camera firmware (instruction below).
- Reduce the video resolution to 1080p.
What if the camera doesn’t see the map at all?
Update firmware to support large maps
Older versions of Xiaomi Yi firmware (up to 1.4.0) do not support cards larger than 64 GB. To unlock support for 128-256 GB, you need to update the software.
- Download the latest firmware from the official Xiaomi Yi website (Support section).
- Copy the firmware file (for example, yi_4k_firmware.bin) root-catalog.
- Put the card in the camera and turn it on. The update will start automatically (the indicator will flash yellow).
- After updating, format the map through the camera menu.
If the official firmware doesn’t solve the problem, you can try custom versions (such as Yi Hack), which extend card support to 512 GB and add new features, but this requires unlocking the bootloader and can be unwarranted.
⚠️ Warning: When updating the firmware, do not remove the card or turn off the camera until the process is complete (about 2-3 minutes.
💡
The firmware update is the only official way to unlock support for 128GB+ cards in older Xiaomi Yi models.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even with the right memory card, Xiaomi Yi users are faced with errors.
| Mistake. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Card Error | Incompatible file system or damaged card | Formatting to exFAT via camera |
| Slow Card | Low recording speed (class below U3) | Replace the card with a faster or lower video resolution |
| Video is being recorded in jerks | The card overheats or fails to cope with bitrate | Let the card cool down or use a model with a radiator (for example, SanDisk Extreme Pro) |
| The camera turns off when you record. | Insufficient speed or damaged sectors on the map | Test the card on PC with H2testw or replace it |
If neither of these methods worked, check the card on another device (like a smartphone or laptop), and if it doesn't recognize it there, it's likely that the card has failed, and you can recover it with programs like Recuva or PhotoRec, but the odds depend on the extent of the damage.