How to use Xiaomi Yi as a webcam USB: guide

Xiaomi Yi action cameras (including Yi Action Camera, Yi) 4K, Yi Lite are known for their excellent value for money, but few know they can be used as a full-fledged webcam for streaming, video calling or conferencing. USB You can do without buying a separate webcam, saving budget and space on the table. However, standard Windows or macOS drivers do not support such a connection out of the box - you need special utilities and settings.

In this guide, we’ll look at all the ways to turn Xiaomi Yi into a webcam, from official methods (for new models) to workarounds for older devices. You will learn what programs you will need, how to adjust the resolution and frame rate, and how to avoid common errors such as image freeze or no sound when connecting via a phone. USB. The instructions are relevant for Windows 10/11, macOS and Linux, with the latest firmware updates 2026 year-end.

What Xiaomi Yi models support webcam mode through USB

Not all Xiaomi Yi action cameras can work like webcams USB. The capability depends on the hardware platform and the firmware version. Below is the compatibility table:

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Yi models based on Ambarella chip A7 (for example, Yi 4K) require manual activation of the mode UVC It's through an engineering menu or custom firmware. H22 (for example, Yi 4K+ 2020) support webcam mode "out of the box", but may require firmware update.

If your model is not on the list, check it out on the official Xiaomi website or in the community. 4PDA — Enthusiasts often find workaround solutions for older devices.

What you need to connect Xiaomi Yi as a webcam

Before you start, prepare:

• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C/Micro-USB → USB-A (The original cable from the kit is preferable, because cheap analogues may not transmit data.
• 💻 Computer with port USB 3.0 (for resolution above) 720p). Nana USB 2.0 possible lags.
• 🛠️ Software: For Windows: Ambarella UVC Driver or Yi Webcam Utility: OBS Studio + plugin UVC Capture. For Linux: v4l2loopback + ffmpeg.
• 🔄 Firmware (if required): download the latest version from GitHub YiHack (for custom modifications).

⚠️ Note: If you are using Xiaomi Yi 4K+ (2020) with official firmware ≥ 1.6.0, no additional drivers are needed – the camera will be defined as UVC-The device is automatic. Older models will need to manually activate the mode. UVC through the engineering menu (instruction below).

Step-by-step: connecting Xiaomi Yi to the PC through USB

Consider the universal method for most models (except Yi). 4K+ 2020, which is enough to simply connect the cable).

Step 1: Activation of the regime UVC (old-model)

1. Turn on the camera and go to Settings → The camera.

2.Click 5 times on the firmware version - the engineering menu will open.

3. Choose. UVC Mode → Enable and confirm.

4.Reset the camera (hold the power button for 10 seconds).

Step 2: Installation of drivers (Windows)

1. Download Ambarella. UVC Driver (Select the version for your model).

2. Connect the camera to the PC turned off (hold the power button until vibration).

3. Run the driver installer on behalf of the administrator.

4. Turn on the camera - the device must appear in Device Manager Ambarella UVC Camera.

Step 3: Set up in the streaming program

Open up. OBS Studio, Zoom or other software and choose Xiaomi Yi as your video source:

• 🎥 V OBS: Source → Video capture device → Xiaomi Yi.
• 📹 At Zoom: Settings → Video → Camera. → Xiaomi Yi.
• 💬 For sound: Use an external microphone – a microphone built into the camera through the USB nontransmittable.

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If the image freezes every 5 seconds, turn off the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth camera settings – they may conflict with the data. USB-connection.

Step 4: Optimizing the quality of video

To avoid lags:

• ⚡ Set the permit. 1280×720 upon 30 FPS (for USB 2.0).
• ⚡ For USB 3.0 try 1920×1080@30fps, But watch out for delays.
• ⚡ Turn off stabilization in camera settings – it increases load.

Solving common problems

If the camera is not detected or the image is distorted, check:

⚠️ If after connecting the camera Xiaomi Yi begins to warm up stronger than usual, this is normal UVC It increases the load on the processor, but if the temperature is above 60,°C (can be checked through Yi Hack App), turn off the camera and let it cool down.

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For stable employment in 4K use USB 3.0 + feed-in. USB 2.0 physically unable to transmit uncompressed flow 4K@30fps.

Alternative ways to use Xiaomi Yi as a webcam

If you connect through USB It doesn’t work, try these methods:

1. Through HDMI-adapter

You'll need an adapter. HDMI → USB (For example, Elgato Cam Link:

• 🎬 Support 4K@60fps lagless.
• 🔊 Sound transmission (if the adapter supports).

Disadvantages: delay ~100ms (critical for streaming).

2. via Wi-Fi (via RTMP)

1. Install Yi Hack and turn it on RTMP-server.

2. V OBS Add a Media Source with an Address rtmp://[IP_camera]/live/stream.

⚠️ Cons: delay up to 2 seconds, dependency on the network.

3. via smartphone (as an intermediary)

Connect the camera to your phone over Wi-Fi and the phone to your PC via DroidCam or EpocCam.The method is suitable for Yi Home, which does not support UVC.

Comparison with other webcams: whether to use Xiaomi Yi

Advantages of Xiaomi Yi as a webcam:

• 💰 Price: Cheaper than specialized webcams (for example, Logitech) C920).
• 🎥 Best picture in the dark thanks to the large sensor.
• 🔄 Universality: Can be used as an action camera, and as a webcam.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Heating: Long-term operation in mode UVC heats up.
• ⚠️ No autofocus: Fixed focus may be uncomfortable for close-up plans.
• ⚠️ Difficulty setting up: It requires more action than a regular webcam.

📊 Xiaomi Yi is suitable for streamers or those who need quality above Full HD For regular calls, it is easier to buy a budget webcam (for example, Xiaomi Webcam). 1080p).

FAQ: Frequent questions about using Xiaomi Yi as a webcam