How to Update Xiaomi Yi: A Complete Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions

Introduction: why update the firmware on Xiaomi Yi cameras

Xiaomi Yi cameras are among the most popular video and monitoring devices for their combination of price, quality and functionality. However, like any smart appliance, they require regular firmware updates. In new versions, the manufacturer fixes critical security vulnerabilities, adds support for modern codecs (such as H.265 to save space), optimizes battery life and eliminates bugs that interfere with stable recording.

Updating the firmware can solve typical problems: sudden camera freezes, Wi-Fi connection errors, audio distortions or artifacts on low-light video. For example, the firmware for Yi Action Camera 4K+ version 1.8.6 fixed the FPS drop when shooting at 4K@30fps, and for Yi Home Camera 3, the problem with false motion sensor positives. But it is important to understand that an incorrect update can turn the camera into a “brick.” So before starting the process, you should carefully study the instructions and prepare backups of the settings.

Preparing for the update: what to do before the start

Before you start updating your firmware, follow a few mandatory steps to minimize the risks of crashes and data loss:

• 🔋 Battery Charge: Make sure the camera's charge level is not lower 50%. For models with removable battery (Yi Action) 1/2/3) Connect the device to the network through the original adapter.
• 📱 Backup of settings: Save current settings (resolution, bitrate, Wi-Fi settings) manually or through the Yi app Action/Yi Home. After the upgrade, they may reset.
• 📡 Stable connection: If you update by air (OTA), Connect the camera to a 2.4 GHz network - 5 GHz is often not supported. SD-card use the class memory card UHS-I (U3) higher.
• 🖥️ Compatibility Check: Download firmware ONLY from the official Xiaomi Yi website or trusted sources (e.g., Xiaomi Yi, 4PDA). Yi Action 2’s firmware won’t work for Yi 4K!

For example, Yi Home Camera 2 has separate files for Chinese (CN) and international (Global) versions, and installing the wrong firmware can lead to loss of Russian language in the interface or the inoperability of cloud services.

Ways to update firmware: which to choose

There are three main methods to upgrade Xiaomi Yi cameras, each suitable for different situations, depending on the device model, current firmware version and available hardware.

For most users, the best option is to update through SD-This is a universal technique that works even when the system area is damaged, but if your camera is connected to the Internet and is stable, it's easier to use it. OTA-update.

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If the Xiaomi Yi camera doesn’t turn on after a failed update, try holding the Reset button (usually located next to the Micro-USB connector) for 15 seconds. This will reset to factory settings, but won’t remove the firmware.

Update by Air (OTA): Step-by-step instruction

OTA-Updating is the easiest way, but it requires a stable internet connection.Instructions are suitable for Yi Home cameras 2/3, Yi Dome and other models with support for cloud services.

1. Open the Yi Home app (for surveillance cameras) or Yi Action app (for action cameras) on your smartphone.
2. Select your camera from the list of devices and go to its settings (icon) ⚙️).
3. Find the Firmware Update section (in some versions of the application - System Settings → Update).
4. Click Check Updates. If a new version is available, follow the instructions on the screen. Don't interrupt the process!

The upgrade process will take 5 to 15 minutes depending on the speed of the Internet, the camera will reboot automatically. Do not turn off the power or press the buttons at this time. If it hasn’t changed, repeat the process or try an alternative method (e.g., through a different method). SD-map).

⚠️ Attention: If after OTA-Update: Yi Home 3 has stopped connecting to Wi-Fi, reset your network settings. Hold the Reset button for 5 seconds until you hear the voice message "Waiting for connection».

Update through SD-Map: A reliable method for all models

This is a good option for all Xiaomi Yi cameras, including Yi Action. 1/2/4K, where OTA-The update may not be available. You'll need to:

• 📁 SD-card up to 32 GB, formatted in FAT32 (not exFAT!).
• 💻 Computer for downloading and unpacking firmware.
• 🔗 Official firmware for your model (you can download it on the Xiaomi Yi website).

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware archive and unpack it. Inside it should be a file with the.bin extension (for example, a file with a.bin extension, yi_action_4k_1.8.6.bin).
2. Connect. SD-map to the computer and format it in FAT32 (Use standard Windows tools or utility SD Formatter).
3. Copy the.bin file into the root directory SD-The card (not in the folder!) does not need to rename the file.
4. Put the card in the camera turned off. Hold the Power button, connect the camera to charge. After 5-10 seconds, release the button and the update will begin (the indicator will flash red).
5. Wait until it's finished (the camera will restart itself). Delete the.bin file from SD-Maps to avoid re-updating.

If the Yi Action camera 4K after updating SD-The card gives a file error, check the integrity of the downloaded file (compare its hash with the official one) and repeat the process with another memory card.

Update via PC: for experienced users

This method takes more time and skill, but allows you to flash custom firmware (such as RTSP for Yi Home Camera) or restore the camera after a major crash.

• 🖥️ Windows computer 7/10/11.
• 🔌 Micro-USB cable (for Yi Action) or USB-Type-C (for newer models).
• 🛠️ Yi Hack Tool or Ambarella Flash Tool (for cameras on an Ambarella chip).

The following is a step-by-step guide for Yi Action 4K+:

1. Download and install drivers for the camera with GitHub (Drivers section).
2. Connect your camera to your PC in Fastboot mode (hold Power + Wi-Fi when you connect to USB).
3. Run the Ambarella Flash Tool and select the firmware file (.amb or.bin).
4. Press Start and wait until it is completed (don't turn off the cable!) The camera will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Note: Firmware through a PC can lead to a loss of warranty if you use unofficial software. Hi3518E It is not recommended to stitch through modified firmware – this often causes problems with cloud connection.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, please contact Xiaomi Yi with the following:

• 📝 Camera and current firmware models (find in settings or on a sticker under the battery).
• 📋 Error Log (if the camera is giving out a code, for example, E0001).
• 📸 Video of the update process (if the error is repeated).

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If the Xiaomi Yi camera after a failed update emits an audio signal every 3 seconds, this indicates damage to the bootloader, in this case, only firmware through the PC in Fastboot mode using official software from Xiaomi will help.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions