Xiaomi Yi firmware update: all ways for Action, Home and Dash cameras

Xiaomi Yi cameras are some of the most popular devices for video, monitoring and recording traffic, but their stable operation depends on the relevance of the firmware. Outdated software can cause recording failures, problems with connecting to Wi-Fi or even complete failure of the device. In this article, we will discuss all the official and informal methods for updating firmware for the Yi Action, Yi Home and Yi Dash Cam lines, and also explain how to avoid typical errors.

It's important to understand that the upgrade process differs depending on the model and firmware version. 4K/4K+ You need to manually upload files via MicroSD, whereas Yi Home requires you to download files manually. 1080p/2K We will describe each scenario in detail, including step-by-step photo instructions, compatibility tables and tips for recovering from a failed upgrade.

Why should I update the firmware on Xiaomi Yi?

Regular software updates solve a number of problems:

• 🔧 Bug fix: fixing video recording errors, interface hangs, or network connection failures.
• 🛡️ Security: Closing vulnerabilities that can be used to hack the camera (relevant to Yi Home with Internet access).
• 📹 New features: Adding support for new permissions (e.g, 2.7K@60fps yi 4K+), Improved stabilization or voice control.
• 🔋 Optimizing energy consumption: increasing battery life for action cameras and DVRs.

Updating the firmware on Xiaomi Yi cameras older than 2018 may result in the loss of functionality of some third-party firmware (e.g. Yi Hack).If you use custom software, check the compatibility of the new version on forums like XDA Developers.

⚠️ Warning: Yi Action Camera and Yi Home Camera firmware are not interchangeable! Installing an inappropriate file will cause the device to "brick.

How to check the current version of the firmware?

Before updating, you need to know the current version of the software. The methods differ depending on the type of camera:

For Yi Action Camera (4K/4K+/Lite/2/1):

1. Turn on the camera and go to the menu with the Menu button.
2. Select System Settings → About → Version.
3. Write down the firmware number (for example, 1.8.13 for Yi) 4K).

For Yi Home Camera (1080p/2K/3):

1. Open the Mi Home app (or Yi Home for older models).
2. Select your camera and go to Settings → About the device → Firmware version.
3. Compare the version with the latest releases on the official website.

For Yi Dash Cam (Video Recorders):

The firmware version can be seen in the device menu: Settings → System Info → Firmware Version. For display models (e.g. Yi Smart Dash Camera), information is displayed directly on the screen when turned on.

Official ways to update firmware

The manufacturer offers several methods of software upgrade. The choice depends on the model and the available features.

1. Update via app (for Yi Home and some Dash Cam)

The easiest way that does not require additional actions:

1. Connect the camera to Wi-Fi.
2. Open the Mi Home app (or Yi Home for older devices).
3. Select your camera and go to Settings → Firmware update.
4. If a new version is available, click Update and wait for the process to complete (the camera will restart automatically).

⚠️ Warning: If the Yi Home camera is connected to the cloud, disconnect it from power for 10 seconds before upgrading – this will reset the cache and reduce the risk of errors.

Manual update via MicroSD (for Yi Action and Dash Cam)

This method is suitable for devices without support OTA (You're gonna need it:

• 📁 MicroSD memory card (formatted in FAT32).
• 💻 Computer for downloading firmware.
• 🔌 Charged camera (at least 50% battery).

Instructions:

1. Download the firmware from the official website (select your model exactly!).
2. Unpack the archive and rename the firmware file to firmware.bin (for Yi Action or home.bin (For Yi Home).
3. Copy the file to the MicroSD root (not to the folder!).
4. Insert the card into the camera turned off, turn it on and wait for the update to automatically start (the indicator will flash yellow).

Download the firmware for an accurate model|Formatting MicroSD in FAT32|Rename the file to firmware.bin|Charge the camera at least to 50%|Do not remove the card until the process is completed-->

3. Update through USB (For some, Dash Cam)

Some DVRs (e.g. Yi Smart Dash Camera) support the upgrade via USB-PC-connection:

1. Download Yi Dash Cam Updater from the support website.
2. Connect the registrar to the computer through USB-cable (use the port on the back of the device!).
3. Launch the utility and follow the instructions on the screen.

This method is less common and only suitable for newer models with support. USB Mass Storage.

Alternative (unofficial) firmware

If you don't like the official software (for example, because of resolution or bitrate restrictions), you can consider custom firmware like Yi Hack or AutoExec.

• 🎥 Support for permits 4K@30fps or 2.7K@60fps old-model.
• 🔄 Ability to disable watermarks and recording time limits.
• 📡 Improved Wi-Fi connectivity and FTP-server.

However, there are risks:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the device is warranty, it is better to use official software).
• ⚠️ Possible bugs, as custom firmware is developed by enthusiasts.
• ⚠️ Difficulty rolling back to stock firmware.

If you decide to install alternative software, follow the instructions on the GitHub repository of the project.

1. Formatting MicroSD in FAT32.
2. Copying autoexec.ash files and yi-hack-v5.x.x.zip card-root.
3. Launch the camera with a Wi-Fi button pressed (for Yi Action).

Common Update Errors and Solutions

Even when following instructions, users face problems. Consider the most common ones:

If the camera stopped responding to buttons after a failed update, try a hardware reset:

• For Yi Action Camera: Press the Power + Mode for 15 seconds.
• For Yi Home Camera: Hold the Reset button (on the bottom panel) for 30 seconds.
• For Yi Dash Cam: Remove the memory card and plug in to charge for 1 hour.

💡

If the Yi Home camera is constantly restarting after the update, try to disconnect it from the Xiaomi cloud in the Mi Home app settings. Often the problem is with a conflict of server settings and new software.

How to roll back the firmware to the previous version?

If the new firmware is unstable, you can return the old version, but the process is more complicated than a regular update.

1. Find the archive with the desired firmware version (for example, on the 4PDA).
2. Rename the file to firmware_old.bin (for Yi Action or home_old.bin (For Yi Home).
3. Copy it to a formatted MicroSD.
4. Turn on the camera with the Wi-Fi button pressed (for Yi Action) or Reset (for Yi Home).

For Yi Dash Cam, rollback is possible only through the official Yi Dash Cam Updater utility (if the manufacturer provides archival versions).

⚠️ Note: Running back firmware on Yi Home Camera 3 and later may block access to cloud features. Xiaomi restricts older versions of software from running their servers.

Where to download firmware for Xiaomi Yi?

Official sources:

• 🌐 Xiaomi Yi Support Site – The Latest Versions for All Models.
• 📦 Mi Home App – Automatic Update for Yi Home.
• 📧 Official Support: Write to Support@yitechnology.com model and serial number.

Unofficial sources (at your own risk)

• 💬 Forum 4PDA — Discussions, custom firmware and archival versions.
• 🐙 GitHub Yi Hack – Firmware with Extended Features.
• 📥 Techmoan – reviews and links to alternative software.

Check before loading. MD5-hash of the file (for example, through a utility) WinMD5Free). This will help to avoid installing damaged or modified firmware.

💡

Always download firmware only from trusted sources. Files from torrent trackers or little-known sites may contain malicious code that will open access to your camera to third parties.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Yi update