Xiaomi Yi: How to use an action camera from A to Z

Xiaomi Yi is one of the most popular budget action cameras, which is not inferior in functionality to many flagships. But even experienced users have questions: how to properly set up shooting, connect to a smartphone or update the firmware without the risk of “bricking” the device. In this article, we will analyze all the steps of working with the camera, from unpacking to advanced use cases, including unique chips that are not written in the official instructions.

Despite the simplicity of the interface, the Yi Action Camera hides a lot of possibilities, from manual exposure settings to integration with Xiaomi smart devices, and also the typical beginner mistakes that spoil the first frames, such as why the video turns dark in bright sun or how to avoid the “jelly effect” when shooting from hand.

This article is relevant for all models of the Yi series (including Yi). 4K, Yi 4K+, Yi Lite), but with firmware features in place from 2023 to 2026, if you have a camera older than 2018, some features may not be available, check the version in the Settings menu. → The camera.

1. First Entry and Basic Setup

After unpacking the Xiaomi Yi, many users find that the camera does not turn on or respond to buttons. The reason is most often trivial: a discharged battery. Even if the indicator flashes when connecting to charging, the first turn on can take up to 5 minutes - wait for full charging (green indicator).

To activate the camera:

• 🔋 Connect the camera to the charger (use the original USB-Type-C cable or certified analogue).
• 📱 Hold the Power button 5-7 seconds until the blue light light lights up.
• 🌐 Select the interface language (Russian is available in firmware after 2021).
• ⚙️ Complete the initial setting: date, time, video format (recommended) MP4 compatiblely).

If the camera doesn’t respond to buttons, try resetting:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press the Power buttons. + Wi-Fi for 10 seconds.
3. After vibration release - the camera will restart in factory condition.

⚠️ Warning: Reset removes all user settings, including stored Wi-Fi hotspots and gyroscope calibration. If the camera was used to shoot from drones, after reset, you will need to reset the stabilization settings.

2.Camera Control: buttons, gestures and voice

Xiaomi Yi supports three ways of managing: physical buttons, mobile app and voice commands (starting with firmware). v1.8.6). Let's take it all out.

Buttons on the body:

• 🔘 Power – on/off, confirmation of selection in the menu.
• 📷 Shutter: Start/stop recording or photography (short press) Long press (3 seconds) – Wi-Fi on/off.
• 🔄 Mode – switching between modes (video, photo, timelapse).
• 📶 Wi-Fi – activation of the access point to connect to a smartphone.

Gestures (working in the mode of "Smart management"):

• 👋 Wave your hand in front of the lens – the camera will take a photo.
• 🙌 Clap your hands twice - video recording will begin (sensitivity is adjusted to Settings). → Gestures).

Voice control is activated by the command "Hi, Yi" (in English - "Hi, Yi"), after which you can use the phrases:

• Take a photo - take a photo.
• "Start recording" - start recording;
• Stop recording – stop recording;
• Turn off Wi-Fi – Disable the access point.

⚠️ Warning: Voice commands only work when connected to the Internet (via Wi-Fi or mobile hotspot) and the camera does not recognize speech in offline mode.

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If the camera doesn’t respond to gestures, check the lighting – the infrared sensor only works at a sufficient light level (at least 50 lux).

3. Connect to a smartphone and set up via an app

The official management app for Xiaomi Yi is Yi Action (available for Android and iOS), which allows you not only to remotely control the camera, but also to adjust the shooting options that are not available through the physical menu.

How to connect:

1. Turn on Wi-Fi on the camera (hold the Wi-Fi button for 2 seconds until the blue light flashes).
2. On your smartphone, connect to the YiXXX network (the default password is 1234567890, if not changed).
3. Launch the Yi Action app and select your camera from the device list.

The application may include:

• 📹 Set up video resolution (up to) 4K@30fps or 1080p@120fps model-wise);
• 🎛 Regulate ISO, Manual shutter speed and white balance;
• 🔄 Enable Loop Recording (Cyclical Recording for DVR);
• 📡 Update the firmware (more on this in the next section).

4. Shooting video and photos: modes and secrets of quality

Xiaomi Yi supports more than 10 shooting modes, but most users use only 2-3.

Main regimes:

• 🎥 Video is the standard recording. Choose for smooth video. 1080p@60fps or 4K@30fps (But remember that 4K heats the processor and puts the battery down faster).
• 📸 Photos: single shots or serial shots (up to 7 frames per second). HDR.
• ⏱ Timelapse: Accelerated shooting (0.5 to 60 seconds) ideal for sunset or construction.
• 🔄 Loop Recording – cyclic recording (files by file) 3/5/10 Useful for a DVR.
• 🎭 Slow Motion – Slow Motion (up to the timeline) 720p@240fps yi 4K+).

How to avoid poor quality:

• 🌞 Use Shading in exposure settings or shoot against the sun (but not in the frame!).
• 🌀 "The Jell-Off Effect: Turn off Electronic Stabilization (EIS) When shooting from hand - it distorts the edges of the frame.
• 🔊 Wind Noise: Turn on the Wind Filter in the microphone settings or use an external microphone (the 3.5mm connector is available in Yi) 4K+).

For shooting in water (with a waterproof case) it is necessary:

1. Check the tightness of the case - whether there is sand or hairs on the seal.
2. Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which cause interference underwater.
3. Use the Underwater mode (available in Yi Action), which automatically adjusts the white balance.

5. Update firmware: step-by-step instructions without risks

Xiaomi Yi firmware is responsible for stability, new features and compatibility with accessories. You need to update it only through official software - third-party firmware (for example, from Kolor) can block access to certain functions.

Refreshment methods:

1. Through the Yi Action app: Connect your camera to Wi-Fi. Open the app and go to Settings → Software Update. If a new version is available, click Update.

⚠️ Warning: If the camera turns off during the upgrade (the battery runs out or the power goes off), it may stop turning on. USB-debugging (instruction below).

What to do if the camera is “smooth”:

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Always update your firmware with at least 50% battery charge. If the camera runs out during the process, the chance of recovering without losing data is less than 30%.

Accessories and empowerment

Xiaomi Yi supports dozens of accessories that will transform it from a simple action camera into a multifunctional device.

• 🔋 External battery: Increases shooting time to 8 For example, Xiaomi Power Bank 10000 mAh exiting 5V/2A).
• 🎤 External microphone: For clean sound (recommended by Boya) BY-M1 3.5 mm adapter → USB-C).
• 🔦 LED panel: For shooting in dark rooms (e.g. Godox) LEDP120C).
• 🚁 Adapter for drones: Allows you to attach the camera to the DJI Mavic or Xiaomi Fimi.
• 💧 Waterproof case: For underwater shooting at depths up to 40 meters (check the tightness before diving!).

To attach the camera to a helmet, bicycle or car, use universal holders with an interface. 1/4" (standard for all Xiaomi Yi. Popular options:

• 🚴 Xiaomi Yi Chest Mount – breast fastening;
• 🏍 Yi Handlebar Mount – for bicycle/motorcycle steering;
• 🚗 Yi Suction Cup – a suction cup for the glass of the car.

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If shooting is conducted on the go (bicycle, running), turn on SuperView in the settings - this mode expands the viewing angle and reduces the jitter of the edges of the frame.

7. File Storage and Transfer: Memory Cards and Cloud

Xiaomi Yi supports microSD cards up to 128 GB (format) FAT32 But not all cards are equally good -- cheap models can slow down recording. 4K-video.

Recommended memory cards:

How to transfer files to your PC or smartphone:

• 🖥 Through USB: Connect the camera to your computer with a Type-C cable → USB-A. Turn on the mode. USB-camera-storage.
• 📱 Wi-Fi: Connect to the camera via Yi Action and download files to the smartphone gallery.
• ☁️ In the cloud: Yi Action can automatically upload files to Google Drive or Mi Cloud (subscription required).

⚠️ Note: If the memory card is 90 full%+, The camera can start to brake or spontaneously reboot. Always leave at least 10 GB of free space.

8. Frequent problems and their solutions

Even with the most reliable technology, sometimes there are failures. TOP-5 Xiaomi Yi User Problems and How to Fix Them:

• 🔴 Camera won't turn on: Check battery power (plug it into 10 minutes) If the indicator isn't on, try another cable or power supply. Reset settings (Power buttons) + Wi-Fi for 10 seconds).
• 📶 Not connected to Wi-Fi: Make sure your smartphone is off VPN Reset the camera and the smartphone. Reset the network settings on the camera (Settings) → Network → Wi-Fi reset).
• 🎥 Video slows down when viewing: Use a class memory card U3 or V30. Convert the video to H.264 It's through HandBrake. USB — Cheap cables can limit the speed of transmission.
• 🔊 No sound in the video: Check if the microphone is silenced in the settings (Settings) → Sound. → Microphones. Clean the microphone hole from dust (use compressed air). If you use a waterproof case, the sound will be muffled, that's normal.
• 🔋 Battery goes down fast: Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use. Reduce video resolution to 1080p@30fps. Use an external battery for long-term photography.

If the problem is not resolved, check the official support of Yi Technology or contact the service center. For cameras older than 3 years, repairs may not be cost-effective (the cost of spare parts often exceeds the price of a new camera).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions