Modern video surveillance systems are no longer the domain of professionals, and Xiaomi device owners can easily activate cloud storage for their cameras, a solution that allows you to save video archives in a secure remote space, providing access to records even in the event of theft or damage to the device itself, and many users miss this opportunity by relying solely on local memory cards, which is not always reliable.
The process of activating the service requires minimal technical knowledge, but has its own nuances related to the regional features of the account and the choice of a tariff plan. Cloud synchronization significantly improves the level of security of your home or office. In this article, we will analyze each step of setting up, consider the available options and answer frequent questions.
To get started, make sure your camera is already connected to a Wi-Fi network and added to the Mi Home app. Without initial setup of basic functionality, you won’t be able to move to cloud services. Also check that the device’s firmware is updated to the latest version, as older encryption algorithms may not be supported by new servers.
Preparation of equipment and account Mi
The first step is to verify your account. Xiaomi Cloud services are closely integrated with the brand ecosystem, so the region chosen when registering your account is critical. If you change your country of residence or initially choose the wrong region, the camera functionality may be limited or completely unavailable.
Make sure that the Mi Home app displays the correct region, go to the user profile and check the settings, and users often find that a camera purchased in China does not see cloud services with a Russian or European account.
⚠️ Warning: Changing the region in the Mi Home app may cause previously added devices and smart home scenarios to disappear.Before changing settings, make sure you have the option to re-tether your gadgets.
It is also worth checking the stability of the Internet connection. To upload video to the cloud requires a stable channel with a good rebound speed. If the router is far from the camera, there may be errors when trying to download the archive or set up streaming.
Selection of tariff plan and subscription
The service offers multiple levels of storage access, each geared to different user needs. Basic rates typically include storing records for the last 24 hours or 7 days with cyclical overwriting; more expensive packages allow you to store the archive for up to 30 days and provide access to records in higher resolution.
Payment for subscriptions is made through Apple’s App Store or Google Play, or through a linked bank card depending on the region. It is important to note that prices can vary significantly for users from different countries due to exchange differences and local policies of the company.
Hidden Limitations of Free Period
When choosing a plan, consider the number of cameras you can connect to a single subscription, and some rates allow you to stream images from only one device, while family packages cover up to 5-10 cameras at a time, an important parameter for owners of large homes or small offices.
| Parameter | Basic plan | Plan plus. | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storage period | 24 hours. | 7 days | 30 days |
| Video quality | SD (480p) | HD (720p) | Full HD (1080p) |
| Number of cameras | 1 | Up to 5. | 10. |
| AI detection | No. | Basic | Expanded |
The process of activating the cloud service
Setup starts directly in the Mi Home app interface. Open the home page, find your camera in the device list, and click on the three-dot icon in the top right corner to enter the settings menu, which is where key storage management options are hidden.
You can find a cloud-related item in the menu that opens, which can be called Cloud Storage, Cloud Storage, or have a corresponding cloud icon, and click on it, and you can see the current subscription status and offer to activate a trial period or buy full access.