Xiaomi Home video surveillance owners often face the need to choose how to store their records. Local recording on a microSD card has its limitations, such as the risk of media theft or physical wear, which is why many users are considering switching to cloud technologies that ensure data is safe even if the camera itself is damaged.
The cost of cloud services is a key issue in security budgeting, and subscriptions depend on the plan you choose, the length of payment you pay, and the region you link to, and in this article, we will look at how much you actually pay for peace of mind and what options the Mi Home ecosystem offers.
It’s worth noting that the company’s pricing policies may change, and the terms of service access vary for global and Chinese versions of devices. Cloud storage is not just a server space, but a comprehensive service that includes encryption and easy access through the application. Understanding the cost structure will help avoid unpleasant surprises when automatically renewing.
Principles of operation of cloud service Mi Home
The system is built on the transmission of video stream from the camera to the company's secure servers. When the motion sensor detects activity or engages a permanent recording mode, the video files are encrypted and sent to the Internet. The encryption technology provides privacy, making viewing available only to the account holder.
Unlike a memory card, the cloud does not require a user to be physically present near the device to retrieve the archive.You can access the recording from any smartphone that has access to the network, which is especially important for situations where the camera was dismantled by attackers immediately after the intrusion began.
⚠️ Attention: For stable operation of cloud storage requires high-speed Internet connection with good returns (upload speed), otherwise delays or gaps in the archive may occur.
The service runs in the background and doesn't require constant human intervention. The AI algorithms on the server can analyze what's happening, distinguishing people's movement from curtains swinging or pet movements, saving space and not overpaying for unnecessary gigabytes of empty video.
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Use a 5GHz Wi-Fi network for cameras that support this standard to ensure that video streams to the cloud seamlessly without loss of quality.
Available tariff plans and their cost
The company offers a flexible charging system that allows you to choose the best option for specific needs. Basic plans usually include storing records for the last 7 or 30 days with motion detection, the cost of subscription is based on the amount of space provided and the depth of the archive.
There are several basic levels of access to the service: users can pay monthly or subscribe for an annual subscription, which is often more profitable in terms of one month, and the price of cloud storage can also vary depending on the number of connected cameras within a single account.
- 📦 Basic plan: 7 days of event storage, suitable for entry monitoring.
- 📦 Extended plan: 30 days archive, multi-camera support and increased quality.
- 📦 Premium plan: maximum shelf life, priority support and additional AI features.
It is important to consider that prices are quoted in US dollars or euros for international accounts, but when paying through local app stores (Google Play, App Store), the amount is converted at the exchange rate of the platform.
Comparison of tariffs: Characteristics table
To make the choices easier, we've systematized the basic parameters of popular rates, so you can see the difference in price and functionality between different service levels, and then you can use a comparative analysis to figure out what you're paying for.
| Parameter | 7 Days (Basic) | 30 Days (Standard) | 30 Days (Chamber) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storage period | 7 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Number of cells | 1 camera | 10 cameras | 1 camera |
| Type of record | On the occasion. | On the occasion. | Continuing/Events |
| Approximate price (mo) | ~$3.99 | ~$9.99 | ~$5.99 |
The figures in the table are indicative and can vary depending on stocks and regional features. Flexible rates allow you to scale costs as your security system grows. Always check the current information directly in the application before buying.
When choosing a tariff, you should pay attention not only to the price, but also to the terms of automatic renewal. Subscription can be renewed without additional notice, unless this feature is manually disabled, this is standard practice for digital services.
Payment and methods of activating subscriptions
The payment process is simplified and integrated into the interface of the Mi Home mobile application. To activate the service, you need to go to the settings of a specific camera and select the cloud storage tab.
Payment is made through standard mobile platforms, which means that the money will be debited from a bank card linked to your Google or Apple account, and the security of transactions is provided by the payment systems of the giants, not directly by the camera manufacturer.
☑️ Pre-payment checks
⚠️ Note: When you change your Mi Home account region, previously purchased subscriptions may become unavailable because they are tied to the geographic area of the server.
In some cases, promo codes or trial periods are available to test the functionality for free. The test period usually lasts from 7 to 30 days and requires a payment method to be tied. If you do not plan to use the service further, you must cancel your subscription before the end of the trial period.
Alternatives to Xiaomi Cloud Storage
If regular payments are not part of your plans, there are alternative ways to organize your archives, and the most popular method is to use a microSD card that is installed directly into your camera, and local storage does not require a monthly payment, but it has its own risks.
Another option is to set up network storage NAS (Network Attached Storage. Xiaomi cameras can send video streams to FTP or SMB server on your local network. This requires a separate device (computer or router from your local network). USB-Portal, but gives full control of the data.
- 💾 Memory card: one-time purchase, risk of failure of the carrier.
- 💾 NAS server: high reliability, requires technical skill setup.
- 💾 Video recorder: professional solution for large systems.
The choice between cloud and on-premises storage often comes down to a balance between convenience and cost of ownership: Cloud services benefit from the reliability of data retention when hardware is stolen, whereas memory cards are more economical in the long run.
Can I use third-party clouds?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are the answers to some of the most popular questions about the cost and use of cloud services, which will help you quickly navigate the nuances of the service without looking for additional documentation.
Can Xiaomi Pay for Cloud with a Russian Bank Card?
What happens to the records after the subscription ends?
Does cloud recording affect internet speed?
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Cloud storage is data insurance: even with the complete physical loss of the camera, video of the moment of the invasion will remain available in the personal account.
To sum up, Xiaomi’s cloud storage costs are justified by the level of security and convenience it provides, and the specific tariff you choose depends on your individual requirements for archive depth and the number of locations you control.