How to reset the Xiaomi Yi camera to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Resetting the Xiaomi Yi camera to factory settings is a necessary procedure when selling a device, fixing software failures or preparing for a new firmware. However, not all users know that there are three fundamentally different methods of resetting depending on the model and situation: Some cameras (for example, Yi Action or Yi 4K) support resetting through a physical button, others (like Yi Home Camera 27us/360) require the use of a mobile application, and still others only manual intervention in the system menu.

In this article, you will find detailed instructions for all popular Xiaomi Yi models, including action cameras, IP-We'll also look at the hidden nuances of what to do if the camera doesn't respond to the reset, how to save important settings before cleaning, and why the Mi Home cloud might be lost after the reset. Special attention will be paid to recovery after a failed reset - a problem faced by one in five users.

If your Xiaomi Yi camera starts to glitches — freezes, doesn’t connect to Wi-Fi, or gives an “Unknown firmware” error, factory resets are often the only solution. But before you start, make sure the problem isn’t in the hardware (such as a dead battery or a damaged cable) Reset erases all user data, including memory card records, unless they were pre-copyed.

1. How to determine the Xiaomi Yi camera model and the desired reset method

Before resetting, it's critical to know which Yi model you're holding, which is what recovery methods are available and the potential risks are, like action cameras like Yi. 4K+ or Yi Lite) are reset via a combination of buttons, and home IP-cameras (Yi Home) 1080p, Yi Dome 1080p) — Only through the application or web interface.

To get a look at the model:

• 🔍 Look at the box or sticker on the back of the camera (usually the model is listed next to the serial number).
• 📱 Open the Mi Home or Yi Home app – the model is displayed in the device information.
• 🖥️ Connect the camera to the computer through USB (for action cameras) – the device will specify the model.

Key difference: action cameras Xiaomi Yi (for video shooting) are reset hardware, and IP-Smart home cameras are software-based. If you confuse the methods, you get a brick).

2. Method 1: Hardware reset via buttons (for action cameras Yi Action)

This method is suitable for all Xiaomi Yi action cameras, including the following models:

• 🎥 Yi 4K / Yi 4K+
• 🎥 Yi Lite / Yi Basic
• 🎥 Yi Discovery / Yi Zoom

To reset, follow the following steps:

1. Turn off the camera (press the power button for 3 seconds).
2. Hold the Wi-Fi/Mode button (usually located on the side) and press the power button without letting it go.
3. Keep both buttons clamped for 10-15 seconds until you hear a beep or see a flashing blue light.
4. Release the buttons – the camera will restart and return to the factory settings.

⚠️ Warning: If the camera doesn't turn on or flashes red after reset, it means the firmware is damaged, and you'll need to restore it via MicroSD.

Charge the battery at least 50% |

Remove the memory card (if any) |

Prepare a paper clip to press the Reset button (if the button is recessed)|

Check that the camera is turned off before the procedure begins.-->

3. Method 2: Reset via the Mi app Home/Yi Home (for) IP-camera)

Xiaomi Yi home cameras (e.g. Yi Home Camera 27us, Yi Dome 1080p, Yi Outdoor Camera) are reset via a mobile app, a method that is safer than hardware, as it eliminates the risk of firmware damage.

Instructions for the Mi Home app:

1. Open the app and select your camera.
2. Go to Device Settings → General → Reset settings.
3. Confirm the action (you may need to enter a password from your Xiaomi account).
4. Wait for the camera to restart (it will take 1-2 minutes).

For the Yi Home app:

1. Get in the Devices. → [Your camera] → ⚙️ Settings → Reset.
2. Select Reset to factory settings.
3. Confirm, wait until the process is completed.

⚠️ Warning: After resetting through the app, the camera will automatically unplug your account Mi/Xiaomi. To use it again, you will need to re-add the device as a new one.

Method 3: Reset via memory card (to recover from a crash)

If the Xiaomi Yi camera doesn’t respond to buttons or an app (for example, after a failed firmware update), you can use an emergency reset via MicroSD. This method works for most models, but requires pre-preparedness.

You'll need:

• 📁 Empty memory card (FAT32, 32GB).
• 💻 Computer to create a reset file.
• 🔗 Official firmware for your model (you can download it on the Xiaomi Yi website).

Step-by-step:

1. Format your memory card in FAT32 (use the SD Formatter tool for reliability).
2. Download the firmware for your model and rename the file to firmware.bin.
3. Place the file in the root directory of the memory card.
4. Put the card in the camera that's off.
5. Hold the power button for 10-15 seconds until the recovery process begins (the indicator will flash yellow).
6. Wait until the camera is finished (the camera will restart itself).

5 Frequent errors in resetting and how to avoid them

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems.-5 mistakes and their solutions:

1.The camera is not dropped through the buttons

• 🔋 Check the battery power – at a discharge below 30%, the reset may not work.
• ⏱️ Hold the buttons strictly for 10-15 seconds (no less and no more).
• 🔄 Try another order: first food, then Wi-Fi/Mode.

2.After reset, the camera does not connect to Wi-Fi

• 📶 Make sure the router is running in 2.4GHz mode (Yi cameras don't support 5GHz).
• 🔑 Reconnect the camera as a new device in the app.
• 🔄 Restart your router – sometimes DHCP fails IP-address.

3.The app doesn't see the camera after resetting

• 📱 Remove the camera from the list of devices in the app and add again.
• 🔄 Reinstall the Mi Home or Yi Home app.
• 🌍 Check the region in your account settings (should match the camera region).

💡

If the Xiaomi Yi camera is constantly restarting after reset, this may indicate a damaged firmware, in which case only flashing through the MicroSD with the official file from the manufacturer will help. Do not use firmware from third-party sources - this can permanently disable the camera.

6 How to save important data before resetting

Resetting to factory settings completely erases all user data, including:

• 📹 Memory card records (if not copied).
• ⚙️ Individual settings (resolution, frame rate, motion detection zones).
• 🔗 Related to Mi Home/Yi Home Account.
• 📡 Wi-Fi and cloud storage settings.

To avoid data loss:

1. Copy video and photos from the memory card to your computer (use a card reader).
2. Take a picture of the settings in the application (resolution, motion sensor sensitivity, etc.).
3. Export the cloud configuration (if you are using Mi Cloud or Yi Cloud).
4. Write down your Wi-Fi password to connect quickly after a reset.

💡

If you use a Xiaomi Yi camera for card-write video surveillance, be sure to remove the MicroSD before resetting. In some models (such as the Yi Home 27us), the card is formatted automatically when factory-resetting is done.

7.Recovery after a failed dump

If the camera stopped turning on after trying to reset, don't panic. In 90% of cases, it can be brought back to life.

Step 1: Check the power supply

• 🔌 Connect the camera to another power source (such as charging from a smartphone).
• 🔋 If the battery is removable, try replacing it with a knowingly working one.

Step 2: Forced reset

• 🔄 Hold the power button for 20 to 30 seconds (even if the camera doesn't respond).
• 🔌 Turn off the power for 1 minute, then plug in again.

Step 3: Emergency Firmware via MicroSD

• 📁 Prepare a memory card with a file firmware.bin (as described in the Method 3).
• 🔧 Insert the card into the camera and hold the reset button (if any) or power button for 15 seconds.

Step 4: Contact for Support

• 📧 If nothing helps, contact official support for Xiaomi Yi (attach video problems).
• 🛠️ In extreme cases, contact the service center (but note that repairs can cost half the price of a new camera).

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions