Xiaomi Yi as a DVR: A Complete Guide to Setup and Use

Xiaomi Yi action cameras (especially Yi models) 4K, Yi 4K+ And Yi Lite, which is a very popular outdoor activity, is something that few people know can be adapted to use in cars -- as a full-fledged DVR. DVR, Yi cameras offer high-detailed video (up to and including the 4K@30fps), But there are pitfalls, from the lack of cycling out of the box to power problems from the lighter.

In this article, we will analyze how to turn Xiaomi Yi into an auto recorder with minimal costs, what accessories you will need for this, and whether it is worth doing this instead of buying a classic one. DVR. You'll know:

• 🔧 Technical capabilities of Yi cameras for recording in the machine (resolution, viewing angle, stabilization).
• ⚡ Power schemes from the lighter and battery, including solutions for round-the-clock parking.
• 🔄 Setting up cyclic recording and automatic switching on when starting the engine.
• 🚗 Comparisons with Classic Registrars (Pros and Cons of Each Approach).

Important: Not all Xiaomi Yi models are equally well suited for cars. 4K+ And the budget Yi Lite will require additional costs for accessories.

1.Why can Xiaomi Yi be used as a DVR?

At first glance, the action camera and the auto recorder are different devices, but the Xiaomi Yi has several key advantages that make it competitive:

• 🎥 Video quality: even old models (Yi) 1080p) They are better than many budgets. DVR, yi 4K fixes the number of cars at a distance of up to 20 meters.
• 🔭 Angle of view: 155° yi 4K+ vs. standard 120-140° Registrars have a wider range than 80% of the models on the market.
• 💰 Price: Yi used camera 4K You can buy for 3-5 thousand rubles - cheaper than the average registrar with a similar resolution.
• 🔄 Flexibility: The same camera can be used for shooting in a car, for a bicycle, and for underwater video.

Of course, there are serious shortcomings:

• ❌ No built-in cyclic recording (you will have to manually configure or use scripts).
• ❌ No G-sensor for fixing shocks (but it is solved by software).
• ❌ Short battery life (maximum 2 hours on the battery).
• ❌ Additional accessories are needed (mounting, power cable, memory card).

⚠️ Warning: If you want a set-and-forget registrar with automatic video saving in an accident, Xiaomi Yi is not the best choice. It is suitable for those who are willing to take the time to set up and do not mind periodically checking the recording.

For comparison, the classical registrar (for example, 70mai Dash Cam is already out of the box:

• 🔄 Automatically re-write old files.
• 🚨 Record the impacts and block important files.
• 🔌 Work from a lighter without additional adapters.

2.What Xiaomi Yi models are suitable for cars?

Not all Yi cameras are equally good for use in a car, and we tested 5 popular models and ranked them for auto photography:

Recommendation: The best choice - Xiaomi Yi 4K+. It gives the best value for money and its electronic stabilization (EIS) It's good at handling vibrations on rough roads. If you're on a budget, take Yi. 4K (It’s 20–30 percent cheaper or Yi 2, but be prepared for a shaking picture.

Tip: Before buying, check if your model supports cycling through firmware or third-party applications. 4K+ patched Yi4K_Cyclic_Recording, which adds to the function.

3. What do I need to buy for use in the car?

To turn the Xiaomi Yi into a full-fledged DVR, you will need additional accessories.

• 🔌 Power adapter 5V/2A plug-in USB Type-A: A normal smartphone charger won't work, you need a stabilized current.
• 📱 Fixing on the windshield (preferably on the suction cup with a suction cup). 3M-It's a universal for action cameras or a special one for Yi.
• 💾 Class memory card UHS-I U3 or V30 (at least 64 GB). 4K Video better than 128GB.
• 🔄 Automatic switch (optional): a device that triggers the camera when power is supplied from the lighter.

For advanced users:

• 🎤 External microphone (if clean sound recording is important).
• 🔋 Power Bank with Passthrough function (for round-the-clock registration in the parking lot).
• 📡 Wi-Fi adapter for remote video viewing on a smartphone.

⚠️ Warning: Don't use cheap Chinese power adapters without voltage protection! 14.5V, It's better to pay for an adapter with a built-in stabilizer (for example, Baseus or Anker).

Critical detail: a round-the-clock parking record will require a separate power solution, as the camera cannot automatically go to sleep when the ignition is turned off. Power users assemble a circuit with a relay and an additional battery, but this requires electrical skills.

Check the compatibility of the mount with your Yi model

Buy a memory card with a write speed of at least 30 MB / s

Choose a power adapter with surge protection

Make sure the cable is long enough (at least 2 meters)

If you need a record in the parking lot, prepare an external battery-->

4.Setting up Xiaomi Yi to record in the car

Now, the most important thing is to set up the camera for auto mode, and it depends on the model, but the general principles are the same.

Step 1: Update the firmware

First, update your firmware to the latest version through the official Yi Action app. This will fix bugs and add new features. 4K+ Custom firmware is also available (for example, Yi4K_Plus_Firmware), add:

• 🔄 Cyclical.
• 🚗 Auto-start when power is served.
• 📁 Separation of files by date.

Firmware instructions:

1. Download the firmware file (for example, with 4PDA).
2. Format a memory card in FAT32.
3. Place the file. firmware.bin card-root.
4. Insert the card into the camera and turn it on – the update will start automatically.

Step 2: Set up the shooting parameters

The best settings for the car:

• 🎞️ Permission: 2.7K@30fps or 1080p@60fps (Balance between quality and file size).
• 🔄 Cyclical Recording: 3 or 5 minutes (so you don’t lose a lot of data in an accident).
• 🎤 Sound: Turn off if not needed (saves space on the map).
• 🌓 Exposition: Manually expose EV -0.3 for better shadowing.

Step 3: Automatic start-up

To turn the camera on when starting the engine:

1. Connect the power adapter to the lighter (which only power when the ignition is turned on).
2. In the camera settings, activate the Auto Power On option (if any).
3. For models without auto-start, use a delay relay or special USB-Hub with Power On Delay function.

💡

If the camera does not turn on automatically, check the settings. BIOS In your car, some cars turn off the lighter 10 minutes after the ignition is turned off, in which case an external battery with Passthrough function will help.

Step 4: Fastening and angle of shooting

Set the camera:

• 📍 Position: Behind the rear-view mirror attachment (so as not to close the view).
• 🔄 Angle: Tilt slightly down to grab the hood (for distance estimate).
• 🧲 Fixing: Use it 3M-glue for reliable fixation (suction cup can fall off in the heat).

💡

The most common mistake of beginners is to set the camera too high, which leads to the oncoming car numbers falling into the illumination zone from the headlights, the optimal height is 10-15 cm from the top edge of the windshield.

5. Comparison of Xiaomi Yi and classic DVRs

To understand whether to mess with the setup Xiaomi Yi, compare it with popular registrars (for example, 70mai Pro or BlackVue DR750S).

The bottom line: Xiaomi Yi wins in price and daytime video quality, but loses in convenience and nighttime shooting.

• 🚗 Those who want a budget solution with good video quality.
• 🎬 People who want to use the camera in their car.
• 🛠️ Those who are willing to tinker with the settings.

A classic registrar is best chosen if you need:

• 🚨 Reliable fixation of accidents (G-sensor, file locking).
• 🌙 Nice night shot.
• 🔄 Minimum participation (set and forgot).

Frequent problems and their solutions

When using Xiaomi Yi in the car, users face typical problems.

Problem 1: The camera overheats and turns off

Reasons:

• 🔥 Direct sunlight on the windshield.
• 🚗 Lack of ventilation (camera in a closed case).
• 🔋 Power from a cheap adapter (overload).

Decisions:

• 🌑 Use a sunscreen for your windshield.
• 💨 Remove the camera case (if any).
• ⚡ Buy an adapter with overheating protection (e.g. Baseus) CCYGA).

Problem 2: Video 'trembles' on the bumps

Reasons:

• 🚗 Lack of stabilization (in models without any EIS).
• 🔧 Incorrect attachment (camera hanging out).

Decisions:

• 🎬 Enable electronic stabilization (if available in settings).
• 🔧 Use a hard mount on the 3M-glue (not sucker).
• 📐 Reduce the viewing angle to 120° — It'll reduce the effect of jelly".

Problem 3: The camera doesn’t automatically turn on

Reasons:

• ⚡ The lighter shall be switched off when the ignition is switched off.
• 🔌 There is no Auto Power On feature in the firmware.

Decisions:

• 🔌 Use it. USB-Delayed-input hub (e.g. Orico) UH-V2).
• 🔧 Sweat custom firmware with auto-start.
• 🔋 Connect the camera to an external battery with Passthrough.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi Yi for insurance, make sure that the video is saved with the correct date and time, otherwise the recording may not be accepted as evidence by the traffic police or insurance company. To sync your time, connect your camera to Yi Action before each trip.

7. Alternative ways to use Xiaomi Yi in cars

In addition to the main camera, the Xiaomi Yi can be used for other tasks in the car:

1. Rear-view camera

If your car does not have a regular rear view camera, Yi can be adapted to:

• 🔧 Buy a waterproof case and mount on the license plate.
• 📶 Connect the camera to a Wi-Fi monitor in the cabin (for example, 70mai Rear View Mirror).
• ⚡ Take food from the rear lights (through the relay).

2. Registrar for motorcycle or bicycle

Xiaomi Yi is ideal for two-wheeled transport:

• 🏍️ Fastening on a helmet or steering wheel.
• 🔋 Works from Power Bank in a backpack.
• 🎬 Writes in 4K wide-angled.

3. Round-the-clock video recorder for parking

For parking record:

• 🔋 Use an external battery with a capacity of 20,000 mAh.
• 🔄 Set up a cyclic record with segments of 1 minute.
• 📡 Connect. 3G/4G-Remote access modem (optional).

Example of a round-the-clock recording scheme:

Lighter → Relay delay → USB-hub → Xiaomi Yi


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External battery (20,000 mAh)

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions