How to make a Xiaomi Yi webcam: a complete guide from connection to fine-tuning

Action cameras Xiaomi Yi has long gained popularity due to the combination of affordable prices and high quality shooting. But not all users know that these devices can be adapted to the role of a full-fledged webcam - for Zoom-conferencing, streaming on Twitch, recording video lessons or even video surveillance systems. Unlike standard webcams, Yi offers a wide viewing angle, good light transmission and the ability to shoot in the camera. 1080p or 4K (model-wise).

The main problem is that there is no native support for webcam mode in firmware, but you can get around this limitation with third-party software, special firmware or hardware adapters. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to convert Xiaomi Yi (including the Yi Action Camera, Yi models). 4K, Yi 4K+ and Yi Lite) in a webcam for Windows, macOS and Linux, and also consider the nuances of settings for different use cases - from streaming to video surveillance.

What Xiaomi Yi models support webcam mode

Not all Xiaomi Yi cameras are equally well suited for use as a webcam. Here are the key differences:

• 🔹 Yi Action Camera (1-I'm a generation, 2015) — Supported, but requires firmware with modified software. Maximum resolution in webcam mode: 1280×720.
• 🔹 Yi 4K (2016) — Best option for streaming due to the ability to output 1080p@60fps. Works with most programs without lags.
• 🔹 Yi 4K+ (2017) — similarly 4K, But with improved stabilization. 4K@30fps in webcam mode (with sufficient PC performance).
• 🔹 Yi Lite – budget model with limitations: maximum resolution — 960×720, Possible delays in video transmission.

Yi Home Camera (Home Camera) IP-Cameras are not included in this category – there are other methods of integration with PCs (for example, through the use of a computer). RTSP-It is also worth noting that Yi cameras with a 5GHz Wi-Fi module (e.g. Yi) 4K+) They may conflict with some USB-Adapters, if they do not support high-speed mode UVC.

How to connect Xiaomi Yi to a computer

There are three main methods of converting Xiaomi Yi into a webcam:

1. Through USB (UVC-mode) - the easiest way, but requires modified firmware or special software.
2. Through HDMI-Capture is a universal method that works with any model, but requires additional equipment (capture fee).
3. Wi-Fi (wireless stream) - suitable for streaming, but can cause delays.

Let us examine each of them in detail.

1. Connection by USB (regime UVC)

The method is based on activation in the mode chamber USB Video Class (UVC), It allows the device to be defined by the computer as a standard webcam:

• 🔌 Cable USB-MicroUSB/USB-C (model-wise).
• 💻 Supported firmware UVC (For example, Yi Hack or Kolorist).
• 🛠️ A firmware utility (e.g. Yi Hack Tool).

Firmware process:

1. Download the current version of the firmware with support UVC with GitHub, for example, Yi_Hack_Allwinner_v5.0).
2. Unpack the archive and copy the files to the microSD card (format) FAT32).
3. Insert the card into the camera off, hold the Power button for 5 seconds to start the firmware mode.
4. Connect the camera to the PC by USB Wait until the process is complete (the indicator on the camera will stop blinking).

Download the firmware with support UVC|Formatting MicroSD in FAT32|Copy firmware files to a map|Make sure the camera is 100-charged%|Prepare the cable. USB PC-connect-->

⚠️ Warning: Third-party firmware will void the warranty and may lead to unstable work.Before you start, backup the original firmware through the Yi Hack Tool (Backup option).

After a successful firmware:

1. Connect the camera to the PC via USB.
2. In Device Manager (Windows) or System Information (macOS), check if the camera is defined as a device. USB Video Device.
3. Select Xiaomi Yi in the webcam settings in Zoom, OBS Studio or other.

2. Connection through HDMI-grab

If the firmware seems complicated or you are afraid of losing the warranty, an alternative way is to use a capture board. HDMI (For example, Elgato Cam Link 4K, Magewell USB Capture HDMI AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus works with any Xiaomi Yi model, as it does not require firmware modification.

Equipment required:

• 📺 The capture fee HDMI→USB (supportive 1080p60 or 4K30).
• 🔌 Cable Mini-HDMI/HDMI (depending on the camera model).
• 💡 The power supply for the camera (as a result of the HDMI feedless).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Xiaomi Yi to the capture board via HDMI.
2. Connect the charge to the PC by USB.
3. Turn on the camera and put it in mode. HDMI Output (in the settings select) HDMI Out: On).
4. In the streaming program (OBS, Streamlabs) add the Video Capture Device source and select your capture fee.

⚠️ Attention: Cheap capture cards (such as EasyCap) often suffer from high latency and artifacts when moving. For streaming or video calls, it is recommended to use devices with a Magewell or Elgato chip.

3. Wireless Wi-Fi connection

If the wires are intruding, you can arrange the video over Wi-Fi.

1. Install firmware on the camera with support RTSP-stream (e.g. Yi Hack).
2. Connect your camera and PC to a single Wi-Fi network.
3. In the camera settings, activate the option RTSP Server and write down the stream address (usually) rtsp://[IP_camera]:554/live).
4. V OBS Add Media Source to Studio and specify URL flow.

Cons of the method:

• 📉 Video delay (~200-500 ms).
• 📶 Possible hangings with a weak Wi-Fi signal.
• 🔋 Fast discharge of camera battery.

💡

To reduce latency when Wi-Fi connection, reduce bitrate in the settings RTSP-stream up to 4000 Kbps and use a router with Wi-Fi 5 support (802.11ac).

Customize video quality for streaming and video calls

Even after successfully connecting Xiaomi Yi as a webcam, you may have problems with picture quality: noise in the dark, overlights, jerks when moving, and the correct configuration of both the camera and the software will help solve them.

Optimal camera settings

Recommended parameters for different scenarios:

To access these settings:

1. Turn on the camera and connect to its Wi-Fi access point (default password: 1234567890).
2. Open the address in the browser http://192.168.42.1.
3. Go to the Settings section → Video and set the necessary parameters.

💡

For streaming in 1080p60 Make sure your PC supports coding H.264 hardware (through NVENC for NVIDIA or AMF for AMD). Otherwise, lags are possible.

Setup at OBS Studio

If you use Xiaomi Yi for streaming, in OBS Studio is recommended:

1. Add a source for Video Capture Device and select your camera.
2. In the properties of the source, establish a permit 1920×1080 and FPS 60 (if the camera supports).
3. In the output settings (Settings) → Output select:

Color Correction

Xiaomi Yi

Example configuration for a weak PC (e.g., a laptop with Intel) UHD Graphics):

Resolution: 1280×720


FPS: 30




Codec: x264




Bitrate: 2,500 Kbps




Preset: veryfast




Color profile: 601 (SD)

Solving common problems

When using Xiaomi Yi as a webcam, users often encounter common errors.

1. The camera is not defined in Windows

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔌 Faulty cable - try another one USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🖥️ No drivers – install Zadig (for Ambarella-based firmware) or libusb driver.
• 🔄 Conflict USB-Ports – Connect the camera to the port USB 2.0 (blue connector) or use an externally powered hub.
• 🛠️ Wrong firmware – check that there is a line in the autoexec.ash file uvc_enable=1.

2. Hanging and lags during streaming

Checklist for elimination:

Check the download. CPU task manager|Disable other programs that use the camera|Reduce the permit to 1280×720|Switch the codec to NVENC/AMF|Check the temperature of the chamber (if overheating, artifacts are possible)-->

If the lags persist, try:

• 📉 Reduce bitrate to 3000 Kbps.
• 🔄 Disable stabilization in camera settings (option) EIS: Off).
• 💡 Use external power (some Yi models brake at a discharge below 50%).

3.Poor video quality in the dark

Xiaomi Yi does not have good light transmission in low-light conditions, but the situation can be improved:

• 🔦 Install an external light (e.g., ring light or LED-panel).
• 📷 In the camera settings, zoom in. ISO before 1600 And put the shutter speed on: 1/30.
• 🎥 V OBS Add a Sharpen filter (value 0.1–0.3) to reduce noise.

⚠️ Attention: When raised ISO It's going to be a lot of noise on the video above 3200, and it's better to use outside light instead of software correction.

Using Xiaomi Yi for video surveillance

Thanks to its compactness and wide viewing angle, the Xiaomi Yi can be adapted to a video surveillance system.

1. Install firmware with support RTSP or ONVIF (Like Yi Hack).
2. Set up a constant power supply to the camera through USB-adapter (e.g, 5V 2A).
3. Connect the camera to the router via Wi-Fi or via Ethernet adapter (for models with a port) USB-C).
4. Use the video surveillance software: 🖥️ Blue Iris (Windows) - Supports RTSP-flow and motion-detection. 🐧 MotionEye (Linux) – free solution with a web interface. 🌐 Synology Surveillance Station for Owners NAS.

Example of configuration for MotionEye:

[Camera 1]


video_device: rtsp://192.168.1.100:554/live




stream_port: 8081




framerate: 15




width: 1280




height: 720

To record by movement in autoexec.ash, add:

motion_detection=on


motion_sensitivity=high




motion_record=on

💡

For round-the-clock surveillance, turn off the camera auto-switch in the power settings (Settings). → Power → Auto Power Off: Never).

Comparison with other webcams

Advantages and disadvantages of Xiaomi Yi compared to classic webcams (e.g. Logitech) C920 Or Razer Kiyo):

Xiaomi Yi wins in viewing angle and maximum resolution, but loses in usability (no autofocus and Plug&Play support).The best option is to use Yi for gameplay streaming (where autofocus is not needed) or video surveillance, and for video calls it is better to choose a specialized webcam.

FAQ: Frequent questions