Why Xiaomi Camera Memory Card and What Models Support It
IP-Xiaomi cameras can record video to the cloud, but without a memory card, you lose key functions: continuous recording, local storage and work without the Internet.
Not all Xiaomi models are equipped with a microSD slot, here is a short list of supported devices (current for the 2020-2026 lineup):
- 📹 Xiaomi Mi Home Security Camera 360° 1080p/2K (version)
- 📹 Xiaomi Smart Camera C300/C400 (including Pro versions)
- 📹 Xiaomi Mi Outdoor Camera 1080p (only the labeled models "SD" titled)
- 🚫 Xiaomi Mi Home Camera Basic 720p — no card slot!
If your model is not on the list, check the specifications on the official website or in the Mi Home application. The slot for the card is usually located under the lid of the case (most often at the bottom of the camera).
Which memory card to choose: requirements and recommendations
Not every microSD is suitable for IP-Xiaomi has very strict requirements for speed and reliability of drives:
- 🔄 Speed class: minimum class 10 (UHS-I/UHS-3 Class cards are preferred. 4/6 lead to lag.
- 📦 Capacity: 16GB to 128GB (maximum depends on the camera model) Some devices don't support 256GB+.
- 🛡️ Brand: SanDisk Ultra, Samsung are recommended EVO Plus, Kingston Canvas. Cheap no-name cards often fail after 2-3 months.
- 🔄 Rewrite cycle: For round-the-clock recording, choose High Endurance cards (e.g. SanDisk High Endurance).
Note that Xiaomi cameras do not work with microSDXC cards with a capacity of more than 128 GB, even if they correspond to the speed class.
| Camera model | Max. Capacity of the map | Recommended grade | Support for High Endurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Home Security Camera 360° 1080p | 128GB | UHS-I (U3) | ✅ Yes. |
| Smart Camera C300 | 256GB | UHS-I (U3) | ✅ Yes. |
| Mi Outdoor Camera 1080p | 64GB | Class 10 | ❌ No. |
⚠️ Attention: Cards with a capacity of 32 GB or less quickly fill up with round-the-clock recording. 1080p 2 Mbit/s will fill 32 GB in 3-4 days.
Step-by-step: how to insert a memory card into the Xiaomi camera
The card installation process takes no more than 5 minutes, but requires care. Turn off the camera before starting - this will prevent damage to the slot contacts.
☑️ Preparation for installation of a memory card
- Remove the cover. Most models (e.g., the Mi Home Security Camera 360°) have it at the bottom of the body. Use a plastic blade or nail to plug the cover — don't use metal objects to avoid scratching the body.
- Remove the memory card tray. In some models (such as the Smart Camera C400), the slot is hidden behind an extra stub. Carefully pull the tray over yourself or press it before you click.
- Install a memory card. MicroSD contacts should be pointed upwards (to the camera lid). Insert the card before the easy click. Don't make any effort -- if the card doesn't come in, check its orientation. ⚠️ WRONG: Contacts down → slot-damage! ✅ Correct: contacts up (to the cover)
- Close the lid and turn on the camera. After the power is applied, the camera automatically detects the map. If the indicator flashes red, the card is not recognized (see "What to do if the camera does not see the map").
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If the memory card slot is contaminated, clean it gently with a dry brush or compressed air.
Formatting a memory card: when and how to do it
Xiaomi cameras require the card to be formatted in a FAT32 or exFAT file system. If you use a new card, the camera will prompt you to format it automatically when you first turn it on.
- 🔄 The card was previously used in another device (e.g., a smartphone or camera).
- 🚫 Camera makes a mistake "SD Card Error or "Unsupported Format".
- 📁 Files from the previous camera are left on the map (for example, after updating the firmware).
The map can be formatted in two ways:
- Through the Mi Home app: Open the app and select your camera. Go to Settings → Local Storage → Format the map. Confirm the action. The process will take 1-2 minutes.
- Through computer (if the camera can't see the card): Connect the card to your PC via a card reader. Open This computer (Windows) or Disk utility (macOS). Select a card, right-click → Format. Specify the FAT32 file system (for cards up to 32 GB) or exFAT (for 64 GB+ cards).
⚠️ Attention: Formatting removes all data from the card without recovery. If there were important records on the card, copy them to the computer first.
What if Windows doesn’t offer FAT32 for 64GB+ cards?
Configure the record to the memory card in the Mi Home application
Once the card is installed, it needs to be activated in the camera settings, without which there will be no recording, even if the card is recognized.
- Open the Mi Home app and select your camera.
- Go to Settings → Local Storage (or Storage → Memory Map in newer versions of the application).
- Enable the option "Write to memory card" and select mode: 🔄 Continuous recording – video is written around the clock (fills the map in 3-7 days). 🚨 Recording by event - only when motion / sound is detected (saves space). 🔒 Scheduled recording – setting recording intervals (e.g., only at night).
Set up Cyclical Record (automatically delete old files when you fill out a card) and we recommend you turn this option on so you don’t manually monitor the free space.
Once you save the settings, the camera will start recording to the map, and you can check the status in the same section: if there is a green checkmark next to the card, everything works correctly.
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To save space on the map, set the camera settings Video Quality → Standard (instead of High).This will reduce the bitrate from 4 Mbps to 1-1.5 Mbps without critical quality loss.
What to do if Xiaomi camera does not see the memory card
If you have a “SD Card Not Detected” or “Unsupported Card” error in the Mi Home app, check the following:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Map not determined | Incompatible file system or format | Format your card in FAT32/exFAT via PC or camera |
| "SD Card Error" error | Damaged sectors on the map | Scan the card on the PC utility CHKDSK or replace it |
| The map is determined, but the recording is not | Not included the option of recording in the settings | Check the Settings. → Local storage in Mi Home |
| The camera freezes when reading the map | Low speed card (Class 4/6) | Replace the card with Class 10/UHS-I |
If the card still does not work:
- Try inserting it into another device (like a smartphone) to check if it works.
- Update the camera firmware via Mi Home (Settings → Software Update).
- In rare cases, the problem lies in the camera slot itself. If no cards are identified, contact the service center - you may need to replace the connector.
How to view records from memory card
You can view the card records in two ways: through the Mi Home app or directly from your computer. Let's look at both.
Method 1: Through the Mi Home app
- Open the app and select your camera.
- Go to Local Storage or Records (depending on the version of the application).
- Select date and time – records are sorted by event (movement/sound) or by hour (continuous recording).
- To download the video, click on the three-point menu next to the recording → Save.
Method 2: Through the computer
- For easy viewing, use VLC or PotPlayer players – they support accelerated playback.
When recording an event (only movement) the card is enough for 1-2 months.