Endoscopes with cameras on flexible cable have become indispensable assistants for diagnostics, searching for hidden defects in cars or pipelines, as well as for solving household tasks - from checking ventilation to finding lost things in hard-to-reach places. Xiaomi smartphone owners (including the Redmi line and the POCO) Often faced with the question: how to connect such an endoscope to the phone to get a stable image without delay? In this article, we will analyze all the nuances - from choosing compatible equipment to configuring software and fixing typical errors.
The main problem is that not all endoscopes work equally well with Xiaomi Android devices due to the features of the firmware. MIUI And the limitations at the core level, like cheap models with the USB 2.0 may require additional drivers, and wireless options are special applications with support for Wi-Fi Direct. We tested more than 10 popular endoscope models (from Borescope to Depstech) on Xiaomi smartphones. 12T Pro, Redmi Note 11 Pro+ and POCO F5, So we've got a guide that we can use to help us avoid common mistakes and save time.
1. Which endoscopes are compatible with Xiaomi on Android
Before you buy an endoscope, itβs important to make sure it works with a Xiaomi smartphone.compatibility depends on the type of connection and version. Android/MIUI. Consider the main options:
- π USB-endoscopes (connected through the OTG-cable: most models with resolution up to 1080p They are supported out of the box, but for 4K You may need to manually install drivers. Examples: Depstech DS450, Borescope Teslong.
- πΆ Wi-Fi endoscopes (create their own network): work through the manufacturer's application, but on the Internet MIUI 14+ Sometimes blocked because of security policies.Popular models: Sofirn SF600, Anysun.
- β‘ Type-C endoscopes (direct connection without direct connection) OTG): The most reliable for new Xiaomi smartphones (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra), but are more expensive.
Critical moment: Xiaomi smartphones based on Qualcomm processors (for example, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2) better support USB-endoscopes than models on MediaTek (e.g. Helio) G99), where you may experience lags when transmitting video. Before buying, check the specifications of your device in Settings β The phone. β Full specifications.
| Endoscope type | Compatibility with Xiaomi | Required SOUTH | Max, permission. |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB (OTG) | β Yes, 90% of models) | CameraFi, OTG View | 1080p (less than 4K) |
| Wi-Fi | β οΈ Partially (depends on the MIUI) | Manufacturer's application | 1080pβ2K |
| Type-C | β Yes (new models) | Built-in camera | 4K |
| Lightning (for iPhone) | β No (no adapter) | β | β |
β οΈ Attention: Endoscopes with USB 3.0 (blue connector) may not work on budget smartphones Redmi due to lack of support UVC-protocol (USB Before buying, check with the seller whether the model supports the product. UVC 1.1.
2. Preparing Xiaomi phone for connection
So, for the endoscope to be properly identified by the system, you have to do a few preliminary steps. OTG (On-The-Go β technology that allows you to connect peripherals through USB.
For this:
- Connect to the phone Xiaomi any USB-flash-drive OTG-adapter.
- If a notice appears"USB-device" β OTG If not, go to Settings. β Connected devices β OTG and turn on the function manually.
- For MIUI 13/14 You may need to unlock the developer mode: go to Settings β The telephone and 7 once you click on the version MIUI, Then go back to the settings. β Additionally. β For developers and activate debugging by USB.
If your smartphone does not support you OTG (Like Redmi. 9A), Try using a wireless endoscope or buy an externally powered Type-C hub, and make sure your phone has enough free memory β endoscope apps can weigh up to 50 to 100MB, and video can be used to power your phone. 1080p It's about 1 GB/hour.
Step-by-step instruction: connection USB-endoscope
USB-Endoscopes are the most common option, because of the low cost and stability of the connection. DS450 (One of the most compatible with Xiaomi).
Suitable OTG-cable (Micro-USB or Type-C depending on the phone)|Charged endoscope (minimum 50% battery)|Viewing app (CameraFi, OTG View or built-in camera)|Free space on the phone (recommended 2)+ GB)-->
Step 1 Connect the endoscope to the phone via OTG-The screen should have a notification"USB-The device is connected. If it's not there, check it:
- π Endoscope battery status (discharged device not determined).
- π Quality. OTG-cables (cheap Chinese adapters often break).
- π± Phone settings: in Settings β Battery β Optimize to turn off optimization for camera app.
Step 2. Install the app to view. We recommend:
- π· CameraFi β supports video recording, photo and exposure adjustment.
- π OTG View is a simple interface, but no additional features.
- π₯ Built-in camera - on some firmware MIUI The endoscope is defined as the external camera.
Step 3: Launch the app and select the source of the video. In CameraFi, this is done via the Camera Selection menu" β"USB camera." If the image does not appear:
- Reconnect the endoscope.
- Try another app.
- Update your phone firmware (in Settings) β Updating the system).
β οΈ Note: On smartphones Xiaomi with MIUI 14 and later may trigger the blocking of "unknown" USB-Devices. To turn it off, go to Settings. β Privacy β Special permits β Install unknown applications and allow installation for your browser or file manager.
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If the endoscope is plugged in, but the image freezes every 5-10 seconds, try turning off battery saving in your phone settings. USB-port.
4. Connecting Wi-Fi endoscope to Xiaomi
Wireless endoscopes are convenient because they do not require physical connection, but their configuration is more difficult due to the features of the device. MIUI. The main problem is blocking the connection to βsuspiciousβ Wi-Fi networks (many endoscopes create their own access point with non-standard settings).
Instructions for the Sofirn model SF600 (Similar to other Wi-Fi endoscopes):
- Turn on the endoscope and wait until it creates a network (usually the name begins with a scalp). SF600_XXXX).
- On Xiaomi phone go to Settings β Wi-Fi and connect to this network. If you get a warning that says "No Internet access," ignore it.
- Install the official manufacturerβs app (like Sofirn View) and run it. In most cases, the image will appear automatically.
- If the app doesn't see the endoscope, check it out: πΆ Correct connection to the Wi-Fi network (password is usually 12345678 or specified in the instructions). π Restart the endoscope (hold the power button for 10 seconds). π± Application permissions: c Settings β Annexes β Sofirn View β Permits enable network, camera and storage access.
Nana MIUI 14+ You may need to disable Automatic Connection to Known Networks as the phone will try to switch to mobile internet. β Wi-Fi β Additionally. β Auto-connection.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Endoscope does not create a Wi-Fi network | Battery discharged | Charge the device for 1-2 hours |
| The phone is not connected to the endoscope network. | Block MIUI | Turn off "Smart Connection" in Wi-Fi settings |
| App does not see the endoscope | Incompatible version of the software | Update the app or use CameraFi |
| Video lays | Weak Wi-Fi signal | Bring the phone closer to the endoscope (max. 5-10 m) |
What to do if the Wi-Fi endoscope is not connected to Xiaomi?
5. Set up applications to work with the endoscope
Even after a successful connection, image quality and usability depend on the correct settings of the program.
CameraFi:
- π― Resolution: Select the maximum supported (usually 1280Γ720 or 1920Γ1080). Higher resolution can cause lags on weak smartphones (e.g. Redmi) 9).
- πΉ Video format: MP4 (Compatible with most players. AVI β It takes up more space.
- π¦ Illumination: if the endoscope is adjustable LED-lighting, in the application you can adjust its brightness (optimally - 70-80% to avoid overlighting).
- π Rescue folder: Show the way to the external SD-card if the phone's internal memory is full.
OTG View:
- π Turn on if the endoscope is used in different planes (for example, to inspect the engine of the car).
- π Grid: Activate the βShow Gridβ option for more accurate camera positioning.
- π Sound: Turn off audio recording if you donβt need it β it will reduce file size.
For Wi-Fi endoscopes in official applications (e.g. Depstech View), note:
- πΆ Wi-Fi channel: If the image is slowing down, try changing the channel in the endoscope settings (optimally, channel 6 or 11, as they are less loaded).
- π Power saving mode: turn it off in the endoscope settings, otherwise the device will turn off after 5-10 minutes of inactivity.
β οΈ Note: When recording video in 4K Xiaomi smartphones with MediaTek processor (such as Redmi Note 12) may overheat. β Battery β Condition: If the temperature is above 45Β°C, lower the resolution to 1080p.
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For stable operation of the endoscope via Wi-Fi, turn off the function "Automatic switch to mobile data" on the phone in the Wi-Fi settings. This will prevent connection breaks.
6. Solving typical problems
Even with the right connection, there can be bugs, and weβve collected the most common issues and ways to fix them for Xiaomi smartphones.
Problem 1: The phone can't see USB-endoscope
- π Check it out. OTG-cable: try another adapter or connect a flash drive for the test.
- π± Update the firmware: go to Settings β Update the system and install the latest updates.
- π οΈ Install drivers manually: for this download USB Driver for Android from Google Play.
Problem 2: Image is slowing or tearing
- π Reduce the resolution in the application settings to 720p.
- π Close the background apps (especially instant messengers and games).
- π Connect your phone to charge β with a low battery (20%), the system limits performance USB.
Problem 3: Wi-Fi endoscope is constantly shut down
- πΆ Move the phone closer to the endoscope (maximum distance 5-7 meters).
- π In the Wi-Fi settings of the phone, turn off the option "Smart switching".
- π± Reboot the endoscope and phone, then connect again.
Problem 4: The app crashes when it starts
- ποΈ Clear the app's cache in Settings β Annexes β [Title of the annex] β Warehouse β Clear the cache.
- π₯ Reinstall the application by downloading the latest version from the official website of the manufacturer.
- π‘οΈ Disable antivirus (such as Mi Security) that can block access to the camera.
Problem 5: You can't save video/photos
- π Check the space available on your phone (minimum 500MB required).
- π§ In the application settings, specify another path to save files (for example, on the SD-map).
- π Give the application permission to access the storage in Settings β Annexes β [Annex] β Permits.
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If the endoscope is defined as an βunknown device,β try connecting it to your computer and updating the drivers through Windows.
7. Alternative ways of connecting
If standard methods donβt work, you can try alternative ways to connect the endoscope to Xiaomi.
Method 1: Using external USB-hub
- Connect the endoscope through USB-externally powered hub (e.g. Anker) 4-Port). This will help if the phone does not provide enough power to power the endoscope.
- The hub also allows you to connect additional devices, such as a keyboard to manage the record.
Method 2: Connect via laptop with broadcast to phone
- Connect the endoscope to the laptop and use the program OBS Studio for image broadcasting.
- On the Xiaomi phone, open the broadcast via the browser or application VLC.
- The disadvantage of the method is the delay of the image (up to 1-2 seconds).
Method 3: Using a Lightning adapterβUSB (iPhone-endoscope)
- If you have an endoscope with a Lightning connector (for example, for iPhone), buy a Lightning adapter.βUSB-C And connect it to Xiaomi through OTG.
- Note that not all adapters support video transfer β choose models with an MFi chip (e.g., from Anker).
Method 4: Cloud services for Wi-Fi endoscopes
- Some endoscopes (e.g., Depstech) DS600) Supports uploading video to the cloud through your own app.
- You can view the recording on your Xiaomi phone through your browser even if the direct connection doesnβt work.
8. Recommendations for Choosing an Endoscope for Xiaomi
If you havenβt bought an endoscope yet and plan to use it with a Xiaomi smartphone, pay attention to the following criteria:
- π Type of connection: Choose for maximum compatibility USB Type-C or USB 2.0 OTG. Avoid models with proprietary connectors (for example, Micro-USB without a plug). OTG).
- π· Permission: Optimal β 1080p (full-fledged HD lagless). 4K It is suitable only for flagships (Xiaomi 13 Pro, POCO F5 Pro).
- π¦ Select models with adjustable lighting LED-lighting (e.g. Depstech) DS450 UV lighting is suitable for working in the dark (for example, in ventilation shafts.
- π Cable length: 1-3 meters is enough for household tasks. 5-10 meters for professional use (for example, inspection of chimneys.
- π§ Moisture protection: If you plan to use an endoscope in damp conditions (for example, to inspect pipes), choose models with a protection class. IP67 or IP68.
Top.-3 endoscope for Xiaomi in terms of price / quality:
- Depstech DS450 β Best choice for most tasks (USB, 1080p, 5m-plug cable).
- Sofirn SF600 β Optimal Wi-Fi option with good connection stability.
- Nidage Type-C β premium model for new smartphones (4K, Direct compatibility with Xiaomi 12/13).
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Before buying, check the reviews on the compatibility of a particular endoscope model with MIUI. For example, on AliExpress, select βCompatible with Xiaomiβ in the filters or ask the seller a question.