How to turn Xiaomi Yi Camera into a webcam: a complete guide with settings and life hacks

Xiaomi Yi Cameras (including Yi Home Cameras) 1/2/3, Yi Dome and Yi Outdoor were originally designed as video surveillance devices, but their high quality and affordable price make them an excellent alternative to traditional webcams. 2020–2026 In the years since the demand for remote work, online learning and streaming has increased dramatically, we will explore all the possible ways to use Xiaomi Yi Camera as a webcam, from simple methods with a mobile application to advanced solutions through the use of a mobile app. RTSP-flow OBS Studio.

The main problem is that the manufacturer did not provide native support for the webcam mode (UVC) However, thanks to enthusiasts and third-party developers, workarounds have appeared - from modified firmware to specialized software. We tested all current methods on the models Yi Home Camera 2 (2018), Yi Dome 1080p (2019) and Yi Outdoor Camera (2021) to provide proven instructions.

Important: Not all Xiaomi Yi models are equally well suited for the role of a webcam. for example, Yi Home Camera 1 (2015) has a weak processor and low resolution (720p), And that makes it very inefficient for modern applications. 1080p Yi Cloud Dome with Full Resolution HD and support for rotary mechanism can compete with top webcams like Logitech C920. Below we will discuss in detail which models should be chosen, and which ones are better left for video surveillance.

What Xiaomi Yi models are suitable for use as webcams

Not all Yi cameras are equally good at being a webcam.

• 🔍 Permission: minimum 1280×720 (HD), better 1920×1080 (Full HD) streaming.
• 🔄 Support RTSP: without this protocol, it is difficult to organize streaming in Zoom or OBS.
• 📡 Wi-Fi standard: 802.11n (2.4 GHz) or newer for stable video transmission.
• 🔌 Nutrition: USB-Ports are preferred over proprietary connectors (simplifies PC connection).

The table below compares popular models by key parameters:

Best choice for webcam - Yi Dome 1080p thanks RTSP "Out of the box, the rotary mechanism and Dual-Band Wi-Fi. Yi Home Camera 1 and Yi Outdoor models require additional manipulations (firmware, adapters), which can scare off beginners.

Method 1: Use the official Yi Home app (the easiest method)

If you need to quickly organize video streaming without complex settings, you can do with the standard Yi Home application (available for Android and iOS).

• 📱 Video calls in WhatsApp, Skype or Telegram (via the broadcast of the smartphone screen).
• 🎥 Short streams on Instagram Live or Facebook Live.
• 👨‍💻 Online meeting in Google Meet (via virtual camera on PC).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the Xiaomi Yi camera to a Wi-Fi network through the Yi Home app.
2. Run the broadcast in the application (Live button in the upper right corner).
3. On a PC or smartphone, open a video calling program (such as Zoom).
4. In the video settings, select the Screen/Window option and specify the window with the broadcast from Yi Home.

⚠️ Note: This method will cause a noticeable delay in video (1-3 seconds) due to double stream encoding (camera) → attachment → For professional streaming, this is not a good way to do it.

💡

If you have an iPhone, use ReplayKit to stream the screen from Yi Home to Zoom: Settings → Broadcast management → Yi Home.

Method 2: Connecting through RTSP-stream (for Zoom, OBS, VLC)

Protocol RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol, which allows you to stream video directly from camera to PC without middleware, is the most versatile method supported by most streaming and video conferencing programs:

• 🔧 Supported firmware RTSP (For the Yi Home Camera 1/2).
• 🌐 Local area network (camera and PC must be on the same Wi-Fi network).
• 🖥️ Player software (VLC, OBS Studio, PotPlayer or Support RTSP in the target software (Zoom, Skype).

Instructions for models with support RTSP (Yi Dome 1080p, Yi Outdoor Camera):

1. Turn it on. RTSP In camera settings: Yi Home settings → Camera. → Additionally. → RTSP → Insert Standard RTSP-URL: rtsp://[IP_camera]/live/ch00_0 (where [IP_cameras] - local IP-address of the device, for example, 192.168.1.100).
2. V OBS Add a new Media Source source and paste it. RTSP-URL.
3. In Zoom, use a virtual camera through the OBS Virtual Camera or Plugin IP Camera for Zoom.

For Yi Home Camera 1/2 You'll need custom firmware (e.g. yi-hack). RTSP activated by the team:

rtsp_server -s

⚠️ Warning: Third-party firmware voids warranty and may cause the device to "brick" and is recommended to be used only on cameras removed from warranty service.

Find out. IP-router|Update the firmware to the latest version|Open port 554 on the router (if you need external access)|Check the stability of the Wi-Fi connection-->

Method 3: Virtual webcam via DroidCam (for the Windows/Linux)

If RTSP It seems too complicated to use DroidCam, which converts stream from Xiaomi Yi into a virtual webcam for PC. RTSP, requires:

• 📱 Android smartphone (as an intermediate link).
• 🖥️ PC Windows/Linux and installed by DroidCam Client.
• 🔌 USB-cable or stable Wi-Fi connection.

Algorithm of action:

1. Install DroidCam on your smartphone and PC.
2. Connect your smartphone to the camera through the Yi Home app and start the broadcast.
3. In DroidCam on your smartphone, select the source of Screen Capture.
4. On a PC in the DroidCam client, connect to your smartphone via Wi-Fi or USB.
5. In the video settings of your program (Zoom, OBS) Select a DroidCam Source Virtual Camera.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ It works on all Xiaomi Yi models (even without them). RTSP).
• ✅ Minimum delay (~0.5 seconds USB-connection).
• ✅ Support for microphone (if you need sound from the camera).

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Additional device (smartphone) is required).
• ❌ Video quality depends on smartphone performance.

Method 4: Direct connection to USB (modified firmware only)

The most reliable way is to use the Xiaomi Yi camera as a standard. UVC-device (USB Video Class, which is recognized by the PC as a regular webcam, but this method requires that you use it:

• 🔧 Supported bone firmware UVC (For example, yi-hack-allwinner).
• 🔌 USB-Data-enabled cables (not all charging cables are suitable!).
• 🖥️ Drivers for Windows (Linux/MacOS usually recognize UVC automatically).

Step-by-step:

1. Swipe the camera with custom firmware (instructions on the GitHub project).
2. Connect the camera to the PC via USB-port.
3. In Windows Device Manager, check that the camera is defined as USB Video Device.
4. In programs (Zoom, OBS, Select Xiaomi Yi as a source of video.

Advantages UVC-regime:

• 🚀 Minimum delay (<0.1 seconds).
• 🔧 No dependence on Wi-Fi (stable connection).
• 🎛️ Full compatibility with any software (recognized as a standard webcam).

⚠️ Note: After custom firmware is installed, some features of the original Yi Home app (such as cloud storage or motion detection) may stop working!

💡

USB-Connectivity is the only method that guarantees video stability without artifacts and delays.

Solving common problems

When using Xiaomi Yi Camera as a webcam, users often encounter typical errors, and we have collected the most common problems and ways to solve them:

If your problem is not described in the table, check:

• 🔌 Powering the camera: some models (Yi Outdoor) require POE-adapter for stable operation.
• 📶 Wi-Fi signal strength: for RTSP You need a stable signal no lower. -60 dBm (checked in Yi Home).
• 🔄 Router settings: turn off IGMP Proxy and Multicast Filtering if you have problems with the RTSP.

Comparison with traditional webcams: pros and cons

Before you finally switch to Xiaomi Yi Camera as a webcam, it is worth weighing the pros and cons. Below is a comparison with popular webcams like Logitech. C920 Or Razer Kiyo:

When to choose Xiaomi Yi:

• 💰 Budget is limited, but you need full HD.
• 🏠 The camera is already at home (no additional investment required).
• 🔄 A wide viewing angle is needed (for example, for streams from desktop displays).

When is the best time to buy a traditional webcam:

• 🎤 Quality sound (for podcasts, interviews).
• 🔍 Autofocus (for example, to show small details).
• 🖥️ Plug & Play is required without settings (for beginners).

💡

Xiaomi Yi Camera wins in price and viewing angle, but loses in connectivity and microphone quality.Optimal for temporary use or streaming where sound is not critical.

FAQ: Frequent questions about using Xiaomi Yi as a webcam