How to Reset Xiaomi Yi Settings: The Complete Guide

Xiaomi Yi action cameras have been a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts for several years, but over time users may face software failures that require drastic measures. If your device begins to behave unpredictable, freezes or stops seeing the memory card, standard reboot methods may not help. In such situations, the only right solution is a complete reset that will return the gadget to the factory state.

The process of restoring the Xiaomi Yi camera does not require complex hardware or deep knowledge of programming. However, it is important to understand the differences between a simple reboot, reset via the mobile app menu and hardware reset. Wrong actions can lead to the loss of important videos or even damage to the firmware, so you need to carefully study all the nuances before starting the procedure.

In this article, we will take a look at all the ways you can reanimate your Xiaomi Yi Action Camera, how to prepare your device, what tools you will need, and how to avoid common bugs, and following the instructions will allow you to fix most software malfunctions yourself without going to the service center.

Preparation for the procedure of restoring factory settings

Before you start taking action, you need to make sure you're fully prepared for the process. Setting resets are a destructive operation that permanently deletes user data. So the first step should always be to back up important materials if the camera is still partially functional and capable of transferring files.

You will need to make sure that the battery is at least 50-60% charged. Suddenly turning off power during formatting or reinstalling system files can cause the camera to turn into a brick and stop turning on. It is also highly recommended to remove the microSD card before you start manipulating the buttons to avoid accidental formatting of the media, if this is not your goal.

⚠️ Warning: Before starting a reset, be sure to remove the memory card unless you plan to format it with the camera.Accidentally erasing the archive of photos and videos can be an unpleasant surprise.

Check for the original USB-cable or charger, as in some cases, a connection to a power source may be required to enter recovery mode. Make sure you have access to a smartphone with the Yi Action app installed, as some settings are easier to change through the software interface.

Soft reset: reboot via the app menu

If the camera is working but you have Wi-Fi connection failures or settings that are not working properly, you can try a software reset. This method is the most secure and does not require physical intervention. Open the Yi Action app on your smartphone and connect to the camera.

In the main settings menu, find the section that covers the general settings of the device. You'll need to find the reset option. The interface may vary depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same: search for "Reset" or "Reset"; this action will return all parameters (resolution, interval shooting, audio settings) to factory values, but will not affect the files on the memory card.

This method is useful if you are simply confused in the settings or the camera refuses to connect to the phone after changing the Wi-Fi password.

• 📱 Open the Yi Action app and enter Preview mode.
• ⚙️ Click on the settings icon (cog) in the top corner of the screen.
• 🔄 Scroll down to “Reset Settings” or “Reset Settings».
• ✅ Confirm the action and wait for the camera to restart.

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Before resetting your settings through the application, take a picture of the current parameters on the phone - this will help you quickly restore the usual configuration after restarting.

Hard Reset (Hard Reset) button

When the camera freezes dead and doesn't respond to the software commands, a hardware reset comes to the rescue. The Xiaomi Yi case has a special button for this purpose. It is usually hidden in a small recess next to a USB port or memory card slot to prevent accidental pressing.

To do Hard Reset, you'll need a thin object, like a paper clip or a special needle. The camera needs to be on. Press and hold the reset button for 5-10 seconds. The indicators on the case will flash, signaling the start of the process. After that, the device will reboot itself.

It is important to distinguish between short and long press. Short pressing is often responsible for turning Wi-Fi on/off or switching modes, while long retention (more than 5 seconds) initiates a deep reset. If the camera is off, holding the reset button when power is connected can trigger Recovery Mode.

Once the procedure is completed, the camera will return to the factory Wi-Fi settings. The standard network name and password will be restored (usually indicated on the sticker below the battery).

Formatting a memory card as a method of eliminating errors

Often, the Xiaomi Yi’s work problems are not with the camera itself, but with the memory card file system. Data fragmentation, sector errors, or format incompatibility can cause cyclical reboots or video recording failures. Formatting through the camera’s menu is the best way to fix these problems.

Insert the memory card into the camera slot. In the settings menu, find "Format" or "Format." The camera will suggest formatting the card into the FAT32 file system, which is the most compatible for these devices. The process will take several minutes, during which the indicator will flash.

*Note: Early-release cameras may not work properly with cards larger than 32GB without first reprogramming the card controller.

If the camera can’t format the map or the process is stalling, try formatting on your computer. However, Xiaomi Yi prefers formatting using the camera itself, as it creates the necessary folder structure for recording video correctly.

⚠️ Note: Use of low quality memory cards or fakes is the main reason for unstable action cameras. Use only original cards from proven brands (SanDisk, Samsung, Kingston).

Solving firmware problems and Recovery mode

In more complex cases, when the camera does not load or flashes the indicator constantly, you may need to reinstall the firmware. For Xiaomi Yi, there is a recovery mode that allows you to update or restore system software even when the main system is broken.

To enter this mode, you usually need to turn off the camera, press the Wi-Fi button (or reset button, depending on the model), and, holding it, turn on the camera. The indicator should light up orange or start flashing in a specific way.

Copy the firmware file (usually with the.bin extension) into the root of the camera's internal drive. Once rebooted, the device will automatically detect the file and begin the update process, at which time it is strictly forbidden to turn off the camera or remove the battery.

• 📥 Download the current version of the firmware for your model.
• 💾 Copy the firmware file into the root of the camera memory.
• 🔄 Reboot the camera to start auto-update.
• ⏳ Wait for the process to be completed (the indicator will stop blinking).

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Installing the official firmware is the only safe way to restore the software part of the camera in case of serious system failures.

Frequent errors and ways to fix them

Even following the instructions, users may encounter unforeseen difficulties, and one of the common problems is that the camera can't see the memory card after the reset, in which case make sure the card is formatted in FAT32, not in exFAT or NTFS.

Another common mistake is not being able to connect to Wi-Fi after resetting, and remember that when you reset your Wi-Fi password, it goes back to the factory password, and if you've changed it before, you'll have to re-enter the standard code on the battery label.

If the camera is heated or discharged quickly after reset, the recovery process may have been incorrect or the problem is hardware (wear and tear of the battery), in which case the software methods may be powerless.