Which app to connect the camera Xiaomi: the complete guide

Smart home ecosystem owners often face confusion when setting up their security devices first, and the question of which app to connect a Xiaomi camera to arises from the existence of several official programs and different firmware versions. Choosing the right software is critical, as it affects functionality, access to cloud archives and the stability of notifications.

The main management tool is the IoT platform, which unites dozens of hardware manufacturers. However, depending on the year of release of the gadget and the region of its sale, the system can redirect the user to different interfaces. Xiaomi Home and Mi Home are the names of the same application, but with different history and logic of work.

Modern models released in recent years require the use of updated client software. Older versions of programs may not support new encryption protocols or video formats. Therefore, before installing it, it is recommended to check the relevance of the distribution in the official store.

If you've just unpacked your device, take your time to sign up for an account. First, identify your camera model. Budget lines like Mijia or Imilab sometimes require separate partner apps, although integration into a shared control center remains a company priority.

Main app: Xiaomi Home (formerly Mi Home)

The main answer to the question of users is the application Xiaomi Home. This software product is the central hub for managing the entire ecosystem. It was formerly known as Mi Home, and many old instructions can be found exactly this name. In 2023-2026, there was a forced transition to a new interface that combined disparate services.

The app is available for Android and iOS platforms, and a key feature is the ability to create scripts, such as the camera can automatically start recording when a smart lock tells you a door is closed, or turn on the light when a movement is detected.

⚠️ Note: When registering an account in the Xiaomi Home app, be sure to select the region corresponding to yours. SIM-card or place of residence, if the camera is made for the Chinese market (CN Version, and the account is created in the region “Russia” or “Europe”, the device may not be added to the list.

The interface has changed dramatically, and now the camera is controlled in a separate horizontal widget, with detection settings, microSD card management and two-way audio management, and stable operation requires constant network access.

Importantly, the app requires permission to work in the background, and the smartphone settings must prohibit energy saving for this process, otherwise the video stream will stop, a common problem on the shells of MIUI and HyperOS.

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For stable notifications from the camera add the Xiaomi Home app to the “Stop” list and remove background activity restrictions in your smartphone battery settings.

Specialized applications for specific brands

While the ecosystem is striving for unification, some sub-brands and partners use their own software solutions, which are due to the specific server architecture of specific vendors, such as Imilab, 360 Security and Aqara (partially).

For example, Imilab cameras often require a separate Imilab Home app to be installed to initially configure and access advanced AI features. Although later the device can be linked to the main Xiaomi Home account, full functionality is often only available in native software.

The 360 brand cameras (the 360 Smart Camera series) may also require the 360 Security app of the same name to be downloaded, tailored to their specific object tracking algorithms and cloud storage services, and trying to connect them directly through a standard interface can result in limited functionality.

• 📱 Imilab Home – Required for Imilab Cameras C20, C21, EC3 access to the full settings menu.
• 🛡️ 360 Security – required for cloud and face detection in 360 brand cameras.
• 🏠 Aqara Home – used for Aqara cameras, although basic integration is possible through Mi Home.

Using multiple apps on one smartphone can cause notification conflicts. If a camera is already added to one app, trying to add it to another may require resetting the device to factory settings.

Compatibility issues: Global and Chinese versions

One of the most painful topics for users is the difference between the Global Version and the Chinese Version: Cameras designed for the domestic market in China often have the "CN" marking in the model name. They are physically identical to the global one, but their software is "sharpened" for servers in China.

When you try to connect a Chinese camera to an account with the region "Russia" or "Germany" in the Xiaomi Home app, you will get an error adding the device. The system will report that the device is not found or incompatible.

There are two ways to solve this problem: One is to change the region of the account in the app settings to China, which will add the device, but can slow down the interface and change the language of some elements to Chinese, and the second way is to use third-party integrations.

⚠️ Warning: Changing the AkkaMi Home region to China may result in the loss of data stored in the previous region’s cloud and the change of the list of available smart devices in your profile.

Also, Chinese versions of the cameras can have a Type A power plug (flat) and instructions exclusively in Chinese.

Instructions: How to properly connect the camera

The process of connecting the camera to the Xiaomi Home app is standardized, but requires attention to detail. Sequence disruption is the most common cause of failure. Before you start, make sure that the smartphone is connected to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network.

Modern routers often combine 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies under one name. Xiaomi cameras do not support 5 GHz. If the connection fails, try temporarily splitting networks in the router settings or disabling 5 GHz during setup.

The following actions should be followed:

1. Open the Xiaomi Home app and press “+” in the top right corner.
2. The app will automatically start searching for the devices, and if the camera is not found, manually select it from the list by Camera and Security.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen. You usually need to press the reset button on the camera body before a voice message or an indicator flashes.
4. Enter your Wi-Fi password, and the app will transmit that data to the camera.

Scanning may be required during the adjustment process QR-So you can use a code that will appear on your smartphone screen by holding the camera lens up to it, or you can scan the code on the camera body with your phone.

Typical discharge sequence:


1. Find the Reset hole on the body.




2. Press the paperclip and hold for 5-7 seconds.




3. Wait for the "Waiting to be connected" beep.

Once connected successfully, it is recommended to update the device’s firmware immediately. Firmware update often contains security patches and improves connection stability. This process can take several minutes, at which time the camera cannot be turned off.

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The key to success is using a 2.4GHz network. Xiaomi cameras don’t physically see a 5GHz network, so splitting frequencies on a router often solves 90% of connection problems.

Comparison of application functionality

We will discuss in more detail how the control options differ depending on the software chosen, and understanding these differences will help you choose the best use case for your tasks.

As the table shows, specialized apps often provide more detailed access to the settings of this particular line of cameras, but lose out on the ability to create complex automations with other smart home devices.

Third-party apps are justified if you need specific features, such as baby crying recognition or specific sensitivity settings, which are cut out of the global version of the main app.

Alternative ways of connecting and ONVIF

For advanced users who do not want to depend on the manufacturer’s cloud servers, there is the possibility of connecting via the ONVIF protocol. This is a standard that allows you to stream a video stream to any compatible DVR or to a program like VLC, Home Assistant or Blue Iris.

To activate this mode, you need to go to the camera settings inside the Xiaomi Home application, find the "Storage settings" or "Additional" section and turn on the ONVIF switch.

⚠️ Attention: Incorporation of the protocol ONVIF It opens up a video stream to access the local network, and you have to set a complex password, otherwise your cameras can be accessed by unauthorized persons over the Internet.

This method allows you to bypass the limitations of regional servers and use the Chinese version of cameras in any video surveillance applications, but the two-way communication and push notifications will not work in this case, as they depend on proprietary Xiaomi servers.

There is also the possibility of integration through the Home Assistant platform using the Xiaomi Miio component, which requires a technical mindset and server configuration, but gives full control of the device without intermediaries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)