The forgotten password from the Xiaomi Yi camera is a common problem that can block access to records, settings, and even the device itself. Unlike smartphones, where password resets often require a binding to a Mi Account, Yi Technology cameras (including the Yi Home Camera, Yi Dome, and Yi Outdoor models) have their own nuances. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to reset passwords, from standard to emergency when the camera does not respond to the application.
It is important to understand that the procedure depends on the camera model and firmware version. For example, older versions of Yi Home Camera 1080p are reset via Reset button retention, and newer Yi Cloud Domes may require confirmation through the Yi Home App. We will look at universal methods, as well as individual instructions for popular models.
If youโve tried to reset your password before and have encountered errors like โDevice is offlineโ or โIncorrect password,โ weโll also explain how to avoid data loss when resetting and what to do if the camera doesnโt connect to Wi-Fi after the procedure.
1. Reset password through the application Yi Home (official method)
The safest method is to use the Yi Home app (available for Android and iOS), which is suitable if the camera is connected to your account, but you forgot the password to log in to its settings.
- Open the Yi Home app and log in to your account.
- Select the camera from the list of devices (if not, check your Wi-Fi connection).
- Go to Device Settings โ Security โ Password Reset.
- Enter a new password (minimum 8 characters, with numbers and letters) and confirm.
Important: If the camera doesnโt appear in the app, try:
- ๐ Reboot the camera (turn off power for 10 seconds).
- ๐ถ Check that the smartphone and camera are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- ๐ง Update the Yi Home app to the latest version.
โ ๏ธ Note: If the camera is tied to another account (for example, the seller did not untie it before selling it), resetting through the application will not work.
2. Hardware reset via Reset button (for all models)
If the app is lost or the camera is not connected to the network, hardware reset will help.This method works on 90% of Xiaomi Yi models, including the Yi Home Camera 1/2/3, Yi Dome and Yi Outdoor.
- Find the Reset button on the camera body (usually it is recessed and requires a paper clip or toothpick).
- Hold the button for 10-15 seconds until you hear a voice message โReset successfulโ (some models will light up a blue indicator).
- Release the button and wait for the reboot (the camera will emit an audible signal).
- Connect the camera to the Yi Home app as a new device.
On Yi Outdoor Cameras, the Reset button can be hidden under a rubber plug, and tuck it carefully so as not to damage the body.
| Camera model | Location of the Reset button | Audible signal when reset |
|---|---|---|
| Yi Home Camera 1080p | Down below, next to the Micro-USB connector | "Reset successful" (English voice) |
| Yi Dome Camera | On the back, under the holder. | Double beep. |
| Yi Outdoor Camera | Under a rubber cap on the body | "Reset OK" (Chinese voice) |
| Yi Cloud Dome | Side, next to the power connector. | The blue indicator flashes 3 times. |
โ ๏ธ Note: On some firmware after a hardware reset, the camera may require a confirmation code that comes to the email attached to the device. If you don't know this email, you'll have to use the firmware method (section 4).
Download the latest version of Yi Home App|
Prepare a paper clip or toothpick |
Make sure the camera is connected to the power |
Record the camera serial number (in case of problems)-->
3. Reset via web interface (for browser-enabled cameras)
Some Xiaomi Yi models (e.g. Yi Home Camera 2 and Yi Dome Camera 2020) support local web access. IP-This is useful if the app can't see the camera, but it's connected to your network:
- Find out. IP-camera address on the router (section) DHCP Clients or Connected Devices).
- Enter this IP into the browser address bar (e.g. 192.168.1.100).
- Enter the login and password (by default โ admin/123456 or empty password).
- Go to System โ Reset and select Factory Reset.
If the standard password doesnโt work, try:
- ๐ admin/password
- ๐ root/xicamera (firmware)
- ๐ Leave the password field blank
Note: The web interface may be disabled in new firmware. If the page does not open, use hardware reset or firmware.
What to do if the web interface does not open?
4. Password reset camera firmware (advanced method)
If none of the previous methods worked, you just have to reflash the camera, which is a last resort, because if you make a mistake, the camera can turn into a brick. Hi3518E (For example, Yi Home Camera 1080p yi dome 1080p). You'll need it:
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Windows computer;
- ๐ Micro-USB cable;
- ๐ Firmware for your model (download at Xiaomiyicamera.com);
- ๐ ๏ธ Yi Hack Tool or HiTool.
Step-by-step:
- Download and unpack the firmware (e.g. yi-hack-v5.tar.gz).
- Connect the camera to your computer via Micro-USB (use the rear port if you have one).
- Run HiTool and select Upgrade โ specify the path to the firmware file.
- Press Start and wait until it is completed (the camera will restart 2-3 times).
- After the firmware, perform a hardware reset (section 2).
โ ๏ธ Warning: The firmware erases all settings, including the link to the Yi Home account, and if the camera was purchased by hand, the previous owner will not be able to track it.
๐ก
Before you run your firmware, disable the antivirus, which can block HiTool as "suspicious software." Also check that the camera is identified in Device Manager as HiSilicon Balong or Android Device.
5. Password reset via Telnet/SSH (for power users)
This method is suitable for cameras with hacked firmware (for example, with Yi Hack installed), if you have previously installed alternative software, you can reset your password through the command line:
- Connect to the camera via Telnet or SSH (IP-camera address, port 23 or 22).
- Enter your username and password (root/12345678) by default for Yi Hack.
- Run the command to reset the password: echo -e "new_password\nnew_password" | passwd root (replace) new_password password-wise).
- Reboot the camera with the reboot command.
If you have Telnet blocked, try:
- ๐ง Install Yi Hack again (GitHub instructions).
- ๐ง Use it. ADB (if the camera is on Android TV).
Warning: Incorrect commands on Telnet can disrupt the camera. If you are not sure, use firmware (section 4).
๐ก
Telnet reset only works on custom firmware cameras, and on stock versions, this method is not available without first hacking.
6.What to do if the camera is not reset?
If none of the methods worked, check the following points:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Reset button does not respond | Sticking of contacts or mechanical failure | Try pressing harder or clearing the button with alcohol |
| Camera does not connect to Wi-Fi after reset | Failure in the Wi-Fi module or incorrect router settings | Reset your router or connect your camera to another network |
| The app is making a mistake: "Device is offline." | The camera is tied to another account | Use firmware (Section 4) or contact Yi Technology in support |
| After reset, the camera asks for a confirmation code | Two-factor authentication is activated | You need to know the previous ownerโs email or flash the camera. |
If the camera doesn't reset anyway:
- ๐ Check the power supply (try another adapter) 5V/2A).
- ๐ก Connect the camera to the router with an Ethernet cable (if the model supports the device).
- ๐ง Write in support of Yi Technology with the serial number (located on the sticker below).
Last chance: If the camera is fully bricked (it doesn't turn on, it doesn't react to reset), all that remains is to solder the flash memory or change the board, which is expensive and requires soldering skills - it's cheaper to buy a new camera.