How to turn on Xiaomi soapbox correctly: from charging to the first shooting

Xiaomi cameras — whether they're the MiJia compact soapboxes, YI Technology (a brand partner) or hybrid models — are often the choice of those looking for a balance between price and quality. But even with a simple device, beginners are asking: how do you turn on the camera if it doesn't respond to a button? Why does the indicator flash but the screen stays black? And what do you do if the battery is dead?

In this article, we will look at all the ways Xiaomi soaps can be enabled, from standard procedures to emergency situations, how to charge the device correctly before first starting, which buttons are responsible for powering different models, and what to do if the camera is “hang” after updating the firmware, and secret combinations for resetting and diagnosing malfunctions.

Important: The instructions are suitable for most Xiaomi compact cameras, including the MiJia 4K, YI 4K+, Mi Compact Camera and others. If your model is different, check its name in the documentation or on the box.

Preparation for the first inclusion: charging and checking of the complete set

Before pressing the power button, make sure the camera is ready to go.A common mistake is trying to turn on the device with a discharged battery or without a memory card (if required for recording).

In addition to the soapbox Xiaomi usually go:

• 🔋 Battery (sometimes already installed in the device)
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C/Micro-USB (model)
• 📄 Short instructions (often without details on inclusion)
• 💾 Memory card (not always – check your model’s requirements)

If the battery is removable, insert it into the compartment, following the labels on the case. Make sure the contacts are not contaminated or deformed. Make no effort to install - if the lid does not close, check that the battery is correctly positioned.

Use the original cable and power adapter (if it came with it) to charge. Connect the camera to the outlet or USB-Charging indicator (usually red or orange) should catch fire. Full charge time is 1.5 to 3 hours (depending on model).

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If the light isn't on, try another cable or adapter. USB-port of the computer - it is better to use a charger from a smartphone (5V/2A).

2. Standard on: Where is the power button?

In most Xiaomi soaps, the power button is located on the top or sidebar.

• 🔘 Separate keyboard with the inscription POWER symbol ⏻
• 📷 Combined with the shutter button (press and hold). 2-3 seconds)
• 🔄 Built into the control joystick (turn or tap the center)

Incorporation algorithm:

1. Make sure the battery is charged (the indicator does not flash red).
2. Press and hold the power button for 2-3 seconds until the screen lights up.
3. If the camera is sounding, wait until the self-testing is completed.

On some models (e.g. YI 4K Action Camera), you need to press the MODE button and hold it for 5 seconds to turn on, which is due to protection against accidental switching on in the backpack.

3. Soap does not include: diagnosis of problems

If nothing happens after pressing the power button, check the following points:

Critical information: if the Xiaomi MiJia 4K camera turns on when it crashes, DO NOT try to turn it on again! This is a sign of damage to the lens, and further attempts can lead to irreversible damage to the matrix.

If none of these methods worked, try a hardware reset (described in the next section), but note that this will remove all settings and possibly files on the memory card.

4. Resetting settings: when and how to do?

Resetting to factory settings helps in cases where the camera:

• 🔄 Hangs on the Xiaomi logo when turned on
• 🚫 Does not respond to control buttons
• ⚙️ After updating the firmware is not working properly

There are two ways to discharge:

1. Software reset (via menu): Turn on the camera (if possible). Go to Settings → System system → Reset settings. Confirm action (may require input) PIN-code, if it has been installed).
2. Hardware reset (if the camera doesn't turn on): Remove the battery and memory card (if any). Press and hold the POWER button for 15-20 seconds (discharge the residual charge of the capacitors). Put the battery back in and try turning the camera on.

For some models (e.g. YI Action Camera), there is a hidden combination:

1. Turn off the camera.


2. Press the POWER + MODE buttons for 10 seconds.




3. Release when the indicator starts flashing blue.

Turn off the camera from charging | Remove the memory card (save data) | Record the current settings (if you have access to the menu) | Have a charged battery at hand-->

5. Features of inclusion of popular models

Different Xiaomi soaps may have unique inclusion nuances. Let's look at the most common models:

Xiaomi MiJia 4K Action Camera:

• 🔋 Hold the button to enable POWER 3 seconds.
• 📱 You can manage it through the application. YI Action (connection to Wi-Fi).
• ⚠️ If the camera does not turn on after the update, try rolling back the firmware via PC (instructions on the site) YI Technology).

Xiaomi Mi Compact Camera:

YI 4K+:

• 🎥 There are two modes of inclusion: standard (retention) POWER) and fast (double pressing).
• 🔌 Supports charging from powerbank, but only with output 5V/2A.
• ⚡ At low battery charge, the camera can be turned on in "economical mode" (limited functions).

If your model is not listed, check the instructions on the official website or in the Mi Home app (if the camera supports a connection to the Xiaomi ecosystem).

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For touchscreen cameras (such as the YI M1), turning on may require the display to be calibrated after reset.

6.Inclusion after prolonged downtime

If the Xiaomi soapbox has been lying idle for several months, follow the following steps before turning on:

1. Check the battery for swelling or corrosion. If there's damage, don't use it!
2. Charge the camera for at least 2 hours, even if the indicator shows full charge.
3. If the camera is turned on, but quickly discharged - perform 2-3 cycles of full discharge / charging to "train" the battery.

After a long downtime, you may need to update the firmware.

• 🌐 Connect your camera to Wi-Fi via the Settings menu → Network.
• 🔄 Select the Software Update and follow the instructions.
• ⚠️ Do not interrupt the update process – this can lead to the “bricking” of the device.

⚠️ Warning: If the camera was stored at a lower temperature 0°C, before turning it on, let it heat to room temperature (1-2 Condensation within the housing may cause short circuits!

7. Alternative management practices

Some Xiaomi soapboxes support remote switching on and control, which is convenient if the physical buttons don’t work or the camera is installed in a hard-to-reach place.

Remote incorporation methods:

• 📱 Install Mi Home or Install Mi Home YI Action (depending on model) Connect your camera to Wi-Fi (click on) MODE + Wi-Fi to activate the access point. In the application, select the device and use the option "Remotely enable".
• 🎮 From the remote control (if supported): Point the remote to the IR receiver of the camera (usually in the front). POWER Make sure there are no obstacles between the remote and the camera.

For voice-enabled cameras (such as YI Home Camera), you can use commands via Alice or Google Assistant.

"Okay, Google, turn on the Yi camera in the living room."

⚠️ Warning: Remote switching only works if the camera is connected to a Wi-Fi network and has sufficient battery power. If the battery is discharged, remote control is impossible!

Frequent Questions (FAQ)