Introduction: Why connect an endoscope to a smartphone?
The endoscope is a compact device with a camera on a flexible cable that allows you to look into hard-to-reach places, from car engines to the insides of household appliances. Connecting it to Xiaomi Redmi turns your smartphone into a portable diagnostic center. But how do you do it right to avoid errors and get a quality image?
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of connecting (USB-C, OTG, Wi-Fi, consider compatibility with different models of Redmi (from Note 10 to Note 10) K60 Ultra, as well as give recommendations for setting up the software. Particular attention will be paid to typical problems - for example, why the endoscope camera is not detected or the image is transmitted with a delay.
If you plan to use an endoscope for repairs, communications, or even medical purposes (such as examining the ear), this guide will help you avoid common mistakes and save time.
Which endoscopes are compatible with Xiaomi Redmi?
Not all endoscopes work equally well with Xiaomi smartphones.
- 🔌 Type of connection: USB-C (native), Micro-USB (requires adapter), Lightning (incompatible without adapter), Wi-Fi (universally).
- 📱 Support OTG: All Redmis since Note 7 support OTG, on budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) There may be current restrictions.
- 🎥 Camera resolution: Endoscopes with higher resolution 1280×720 can be braked on weak chipsets (for example, Snapdragon) 4xx).
- 🔋 Power: Some endoscopes require an external power source (e.g., Power Bank) as Redmi may not provide enough current through the power supply. OTG.
The table below shows the proven models of endoscopes and their compatibility with popular Xiaomi smartphones:
| Endoscope model | Type of connection | Compatible Redmis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Depstech DS450 | Wi-Fi / USB-C | All models. | It requires the installation of proprietary software. It works without OTG. |
| Borescope Teslong NTS500 | USB-C (OTG) | Note 11, K50, K60 | On the Redmi. 10 can brake under permission 1920×1080. |
| Sofirn SF600 | Micro-USB (adapter) | Note 8 Pro, 9T | You need to turn on the Developer Mode → Debugging by USB. |
| YINAMA 5.5mm | USB-C | All from USB-C. | Supports video recording, but the sound is transmitted with a delay. |
Important: Endoscopes with a Lightning connector (for example, for iPhone) are incompatible with Xiaomi without an adapter USB-C → Lightning, which often works unstablely.
Method 1: Connecting the endoscope through USB-C (OTG)
The fastest and most reliable way is to connect directly through the port. USB-C. For that:
- Make sure your Redmi supports you. OTG (Check in the settings → The phone. → Specifications).
- Connect the endoscope to your smartphone via cable USB-C → USB-C (or USB-C → Micro-USB with adapter).
- If the endoscope requires power, connect it to Power Bank via a Y-cable (spunter).
- A notification of connection will appear on the screen USB-Devices. Press Allow access to data.
If the image does not appear:
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and endoscope.
- 🔧 Check if the mode is on. OTG In Settings → Additionally. → Functions OTG.
- 📱 Install an app to work with the camera (for example, USB Camera or OTG View).
Check the support OTG phone-specification|
Charge the endoscope (if the battery is rechargeable)|
Connect the Y-Cable for Power (if necessary)|
Install an application to work with USB-camera-->
⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) A1) OTG It may not work due to firmware limitations, in which case try connecting via Wi-Fi or upgrade. MIUI last-minute.
Method 2: Wi-Fi connection (for wireless endoscopes)
Wireless endoscopes (e.g., Depstech) DS450 Vansky. WF029>) Connect to your smartphone via your own Wi-Fi hotspot:
- 📶 No port binding – can be used simultaneously with charging.
- 🎮 Less heat on your phone (relevant for long sessions).
- 📱 Compatible with all Redmi models, including older ones (e.g. Redmi 5).
Step-by-step:
- Turn on the endoscope (press the power button for 3 seconds).
- On your smartphone, open Settings → Wi-Fi and connect to the endoscope network (type name) DS450_XXXX).
- Run a proprietary application (such as Depstech or WiFi Endoscope).
- Press Connect – the image should appear within 5-10 seconds.
If the connection is not established:
- 🔄 Restart the endoscope (turn off and turn on again).
- 📶 Check that the smartphone is not connected to another Wi-Fi network (turn off the mobile Internet).
- 🔧 Update the endoscope firmware via PC (instructions are usually included in the package).
💡
If the image is lagging when connected over Wi-Fi, reduce the resolution in the settings of the endoscope application to 640×480 — This will reduce the load on the smartphone processor.
Method 3: Micro-USB connection (for older endoscopes)
If you have an endoscope with a Micro-USB connector (e.g. Sofirn) SF600), You'll need an adapter. USB-C → Micro-USB (OTG). Features of this method:
- ⚡ Additional power may be required (some Redmis don't deliver enough current through the adapter).
- 🛠️ Redmi Note 9 and later sometimes require you to turn on Developer Mode → Debugging by USB.
- 📉 Image quality may be worse due to signal conversion losses.
Instructions:
- Connect the endoscope to the adapter USB-C → Micro-USB.
- Insert the adapter into the smartphone.
- If there is a request for access to USB-device, allow me.
- Run a camera application (such as CameraFi).
⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 8A Other budget adapters Micro-USB → USB-C It may not work due to the limitations of the controller. USB. In this case, the only way out is to buy an endoscope with native USB-C.
Setting up software to work with the endoscope
Even if the endoscope is physically connected, without the right software, it won’t work.
| Annex | Type of connection | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB Camera | OTG (USB) | Simple interface, recording support | Advertising, no manual exposure settings |
| OTG View | OTG (USB) | Works with most endoscopes. | Paid version for video recording |
| Depstech | Wi-Fi | Support 4K, stable-joint | Depstech Endoscopes Only |
| CameraFi | OTG/Wi-Fi | Universal, there are filters | Paid (free version with watermarks) |
Adjustment recommendations:
- 🎛️ Enable Developer Mode → Do not turn off the screen so that the image does not go out during operation.
- 📸 In the endoscope camera settings, set the white balance → Car for better color reproduction.
- 🔊 Turn off the camera sounds in the app if they interfere (for example, when inspecting the engine).
How to turn on the developer mode on Xiaomi Redmi
Typical problems and their solution
Even with the right connection, you can get errors.
1.The endoscope is not detectable.
Reasons:
- 🔌 Faulty cable or adapter.
- 📱 Lack of support OTG (Redmi Go and other ultra-budget models).
- 🔧 Endoscope firmware needs to be updated.
Solution: Try another cable, check it out OTG in the phone specifications, update the endoscope software via PC.
2. The image is braking or tearing.
Reasons:
- 📉 Weak processor (e.g., Snapdragon 439 in Redmi 9).
- 🎥 The camera resolution is too high (for example, 1080p budget-based).
- 📶 Poor Wi-Fi connection (for wireless endoscopes).
Solution: Reduce the resolution in the application settings, close the background programs, connect to the endoscope via cable instead of Wi-Fi.
3.The endoscope is warming or discharged quickly
Reasons:
- 🔋 Inadequate nutrition (especially when used) OTG).
- 🌡️ Long-term work on maximum brightness of the backlight.
Solution: Use a Y-cable with a connection to Power Bank, reduce the brightness of the backlight in the endoscope settings.
💡
If the endoscope is not working through OTG, If you don't use Wi-Fi, check it on another device (PC or other smartphone) and if the problem persists, the endoscope itself is defective.