Xiaomi Doorbell: full instructions for setting up from scratch

The Xiaomi Doorbell smart video call is not just a guest alert device, but a full-fledged security feature for your home, which not only allows you to see who is coming to the door, but also communicates with visitors via two-way audio, receives notifications on your smartphone, and even records video when you detect movement. However, many users face difficulties already at the initial setup stage, from connecting to Wi-Fi to integrating with other Xiaomi devices.

In this article, we will discuss the entire process of setting up Step-by-step, from unpacking the box to fine-tuning notifications and storing records. Particular attention will be paid to typical errors (for example, problems with connecting to the 5 GHz network or incorrect operation of the motion sensor) and how to solve them. If you just purchased a Xiaomi Doorbell 3, Xiaomi Doorbell 2 or earlier model, this guide will help you avoid common difficulties and make the most of all the features of the device.

1.Preparation for installation: what is included in the kit and what will be needed additionally

Before you start setting up, make sure you have everything you need. The standard set of Xiaomi Doorbell (as exemplified by the Xiaomi Smart Doorbell 3) includes:

• 🔧 Video call itself with camera and microphone
• 🔌 Fixed bracket and screws (for installation on a wall or door joint)
• 🔋 Battery (in models with self-powered) or power supply (for wired versions)
• 📜 A short user guide (often in several languages, but without detailed instructions)
• 🔄 Double-sided Scotch (for temporary fastening during testing)

In addition, you may need:

• 📱 Smartphone on Android (version 6.0 and higher) or iOS (version 10.0 and higher) with the Mi Home app installed (you can download from Google Play or App Store).
• 🌐 Stable Wi-Fi connection (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks are supported, but with nuances - see the section below).
• ⚡ Screwdriver (for fastening the bracket) and, if necessary, a drill (if the wall is concrete or brick).
• 📡 Router with protocol support IEEE 802.11 b/g/n (Older routers may not be suitable).

If you plan to connect the call to a wired network (Xiaomi Doorbell Pro models or similar), make sure you have access to 8–24V (alternating current) wiring. For stand-alone models, charge the battery to 100% before installation - it will take about 4–5 hours.

2. Installation and physical installation: where and how to fix the call

Proper placement of the Xiaomi Doorbell affects video quality, motion detection range and communication stability.

• 📍 Height: optimally 1.2-1.5 m from the floor. If you fasten too high, the faces of visitors will be poorly visible, too low - increase the risk of vandalism.
• 🔄 Viewing angle: Turn the camera around to cover the entire area in front of the door (usually 160).° Avoid direct sunlight in the lens, which will cause light to shine.
• 📶 Wi-Fi signal: Check the signal level at the installation site with your smartphone. -70 dBm, consider using a Wi-Fi repeater.
• 🚪 Weather protection: most models of Xiaomi Doorbell have a protection class IP65, Avoid outdoor installation without a visor (rain or snow can damage the speaker).

For editing:

1. Apply the bracket to the wall and mark the drilling area with a pencil.
2. Drill holes (diameter depends on the dowels in the kit, usually 6 mm).
3. Secure the bracket with screws and set a call on it (the click of the fixator should be heard).
4. If you use bilateral tape, degrease the surface with alcohol before fastening.

⚠️ Warning: If you place a call on a metal door or wall, the Wi-Fi signal may be shielded, in which case use an external antenna for the router or move it closer to the door.

3. Connection to the Mi Home application: step-by-step instructions

Once the physical installation is complete, you need to link the call to the Mi Home app, which may vary depending on the model, but the overall scheme is as follows:

1. Open the Mi Home app and log in (if you haven’t already). Make sure your account is tied to the Russia region (or another one where Xiaomi devices are available) – this is important for cloud functionality to work properly.
2. Click + → Add the device in the upper right corner.
3. Choose the category of Smart Home → Video calls and find your model (e.g. Xiaomi Smart Doorbell 3).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen: the application will ask to bring the smartphone to the call for scanning QR-code (located on the back panel or in documentation).
5. Connect the call to a Wi-Fi network. Here it is important: Use a 2.4 GHz network (even if your router supports 5 GHz - many Xiaomi Doorbell models are unstable at high frequency). Make sure that the network name does not have Cyrillic symbols or spaces - this can cause a connection error. If the call is not connected, try temporarily disabling the protection. WPA3 in the router settings (use) WPA2-PSK).

Wait until the setup is completed (it can take up to 2-3 minutes). Once the connection is successfully connected, the call will emit an audible signal.

Critical feature: If you use a dual-band router with a common network name for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (Smart Connect feature), temporarily separate networks. Many Xiaomi devices cannot connect properly to such routers.

4. Set up the main parameters: video, sound, notifications

After connecting to Mi Home, go to the call settings to optimize its operation.

Pay special attention to setting up notifications:

• 🔔 Turn on the “Movement Notifications” option and select which events should alert you (for example, only when someone walks to the door rather than passing by).
• 📱 In the Mi Home app settings, check if notifications are allowed to call in the smartphone system settings (path: Settings) → Annexes → Mi Home → Notifications).
• ⏱ Set a “Notification Schedule” if you do not want to receive alerts at night (for example, from 23:00 to 7:00).

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If you often have a motion sensor triggered from insects or falling leaves, reduce the sensitivity to Low and narrow the detection area in the camera settings.

5.Integration with other Xiaomi devices and voice assistants

One of the key benefits of the Xiaomi Doorbell is that it can work in the Xiaomi ecosystem, and you can link it to other script automation devices.

• 💡 If you detect movement at the door will be switched on smart lamp Yeelight.
• 🔊 The call can be broadcast to a Xiaomi Smart Speaker or a TV with Mi. TV.

To set up the automation:

1. Open the Mi Home app and go to Automation (Icon) ⚙️ bottom-line).

Xiaomi Doorbell also supports voice assistants:

• 🤖 Alice (Yandex): Connect through the skill "Xiaomi Smart Home" in the Yandex app. After that you can say: "Alice, show the camera at the door".

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For stable automation, all devices (bells, lamps, speakers) must be connected to one Mi Home account and be on the same Wi-Fi network.

6. Cloud and local record storage: what to choose

Xiaomi Doorbell offers two options for storing video recordings: in the cloud Xiaomi Cloud or on a local microSD card (if the model supports a slot for a memory card).

To set up cloud storage:

1. In the Mi Home app, go to call settings and select Storage Records → Cloud.
2. Choose a plan (the free trial period is usually 7 days).
3. Activate the option "Record by motion" or "Continuous recording" (the second option quickly consumes space).

For local storage:

1. Buy a class microSD card UHS-I U3 (recommended volume - 32-128 GB).
2. Insert the card into the slot on the back of the call (pre-turn off the device!).
3. In the application settings, select Storage of Records → Local and format the map.

⚠️ Note: If you use local storage regularly (once in a week) 1–2 Remove the card and check it for errors using the utility chkdsk (Windows) or fsck (macOS/Linux). Memory cards in a permanent recording wear out faster.

7. Solving common problems and errors

Even after setting up properly, users may experience problems, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:

• 🔴 Call does not connect to Wi-Fi: Check that the router is running in mode 802.11n (not 802.11ac Turn off the "Band Steering" function in the router settings. Reset the call by holding the reset button for 10-15 seconds.
• 📵 No image or black screen: Check to see if the camera lens is covered with dirt or spider webs. Make sure the app settings do not turn on Privacy mode (turns off the camera). Update the call firmware to the latest version (path: Settings) → About the device → Update of the PO).
• 🔔 No notifications: Check your smartphone settings to see if notifications for Mi Home are turned off. Make sure the call settings have "Push Notifications" enabled. Try reinstalling the Mi Home app.
• 🔋 Battery discharges quickly (for standalone models): Reduce the frequency of motion checks (setting "Survey Interval"). Turn off "Continuous Recording" in favor of event recording. Check ambient temperature - in the cold below -10°C battery discharges faster.

If the problem is not solved, try resetting the call to factory settings:

1. On the back, find a small hole with the inscription RESET.
2. Insert a paper clip into it and hold for 15-20 seconds until you hear the beep.
3. After resetting, repeat the setup process from scratch.

8 Additional Features: What else does Xiaomi Doorbell know?

In addition to the basic features, Xiaomi Doorbell supports a number of useful options that many users are unaware of:

• 🎤 Voice messages: You can record a welcome message that will be played when you press the call button, such as: "I'll open it now, wait a minute".
• 👤 Facial recognition: Some models (such as the Xiaomi Doorbell 3) have a familiar facial recognition feature, which requires you to upload photos of family members to the Mi Home app to activate it.
• 📅 Visitor log: history of all events (pressing a button, detecting movement) with time and date is kept up to 30 days.
• 🔄 Backup: MicroSD card records can be archived to a computer via FTP-server (additional configuration required).
• 🌐 Remote Access: If you are on vacation, you can provide temporary access to the camera to relatives or neighbors through the Sharing feature in Mi Home.

To activate facial recognition:

1. In the Mi Home app, go to the call settings and select Face Recognition.
2. Click Add Face and upload the photo (preferably full-face and with good lighting).
3. Set notifications for recognized individuals (e.g., “Ivan at the door”).

⚠️ Attention: Facial recognition only works in good light and if the person is looking directly at the camera. In the dark or in high light, accuracy drops to 30-40%.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions