How to connect Xiaomi Small Square Smart Camera: full instructions from unpacking to settings

What is Xiaomi Small Square Smart Camera and why you need it?

Xiaomi has released a compact smart camera Small Square Smart Camera, a budget solution for video surveillance with support for 1080p, night vision and integration into the Mi Home ecosystem. This device is ideal for monitoring an apartment, office or children's room, offering basic functionality at an affordable price.

The main advantage of the model is its ease of installation and minimalist design. The camera has a 130° lens, a built-in microphone and a speaker for two-way communication. However, many users face problems when connecting for the first time due to the features of firmware or unstable Wi-Fi. In this article, we will discuss all the stages of settings, from unpacking to solving typical errors.

Important: The camera only works with 2.4GHz networks (not 5GHz support) and requires the Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Home for some regions).If you have a dual-band router, pre-separate networks or disable 5GHz for setup time.

Compilation and preparation for connection

Before you start setting up, check the contents of the box. The standard Xiaomi Small Square Smart Camera includes:

• 📦 The mounting magnet camera itself
• 🔌 Power adapter 5V/1A (Euro-fork or USB-Type-C depending on version)
• 📜 Short instructions in several languages (Russian may not be available)
• 🧲 Metal plate for mounting on the wall/ceiling
• 🔧 Two screws and dowels

If your box does not have a power adapter (for example, in some cases, in the OEM-In other words, use any power supply with parameters. 5V/1A and USB-Type-C connector. Charging from Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone is suitable.

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If the camera doesn’t turn on, check the polarity of the cable connection – the Type-C connector is symmetrical, but some non-original cables may not provide stable power.

Also prepare:

• 📱 Smartphone with Mi Home app installed (available for Android 5.0)+ iOS 10.0+)
• 🔑 Data from your Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz): Name (SSID) password
• 📡 Router in range of camera (distance not more than 10 meters for stable signal)

Installation of the Mi Home application and account registration

Without the Mi Home app, the camera won't work, it's necessary to set up, watch videos and control the device.

• 🤖 Google Play for Android
• 🍎 App Store for iOS

After installation:

1. Open the app and select the region of Russia (or China mainland if you have a global version of the camera).
2. Click Register and enter a valid email or phone number.
3. Confirm your account via SMS or email (the code is valid for 5 minutes).
4. Create a password (minimum 8 characters, with a capital letter and a number).

⚠️ Note: If you choose China, some features (such as cloud storage) may not be available without the help of the user. VPN. Russia or Europe server is optimal for Russia.

After registration, the app will suggest adding the first device. At this stage, do not press "Add device" - first connect the camera to the power and wait for its initialization (it is signaled by a blue flashing indicator and an audible signal).

How to connect Xiaomi Small Square Smart Camera to Wi-Fi

Now, the most important step is to pair the camera with your network, and follow the instructions in the following steps:

1. Turn on the power: Connect the camera to the adapter and insert the plug into the socket. After 10-15 seconds, the beep will sound, and the indicator will flash blue (waiting mode).
2. Activate pairing mode: Press the button on the side of the camera for 5 seconds until you hear the voice message "Waiting for connection" (in Chinese versions - "Waiting for connection").
3. Add the device to Mi Home: Press + in the upper right corner of the app. Select Camera. In the list, find the Xiaomi Smart Camera (or Small Square Camera for global versions).

Connect to the temporary network

XIAOMI_XXXX

Mi Home

Choose your Wi-Fi network

2.4 GHz

Wait for completion

yellow

blue

If the phone does not see the camera’s temporary network in step 4, check:

• 📶 Distance between phone and camera (maximum 1 meter).
• 🔋 Phone Charge (below 20% can interrupt the process).
• 🔄 Restart the camera (turn off power for 10 seconds).

Set up camera settings in Mi Home

Once connected successfully, the camera will appear in the Mi Home device list, and you need to configure it to suit your needs:

To set up:

1. Click on the camera in the Mi Home Device List.
2. Go to Settings (⚙️) → Camera parameters.
3. Adjust the viewing angle (physically rotate the camera) and detection areas (in the Detection Area menu).
4. Activate Two-Way Audio for conversations through the camera.

⚠️ Note: If you plan to use the camera outside, install it under the visor - the device does not have protection from moisture (class) IP20). For street surveillance, select the Xiaomi Mi Outdoor Camera.

Common mistakes and their solution

Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise, and here are the typical mistakes and ways to fix them:

If the camera is connected but does not save the video to the cloud:

• Check the storage rate in Mi Home → Profile → Mi Cloud.
• Make sure that there are no restrictions on your account (for example, when registering via a VPN).
• Update the camera firmware: Settings → Software update.

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If the camera gives you a “Device offline” error, check the router’s firewall settings – sometimes it blocks the connection to Xiaomi servers (add an exception to this). IP-addresses of Mi Home).

Additional features: integration with a smart home

Xiaomi Small Square Smart Camera can work not only autonomously, but also in conjunction with other Xiaomi devices through automation scenarios.

• 🔦 Lights activate when motion is detected (Xiaomi Smart Lamp is needed).
• 🚨 Activation of a siren (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Home Security Alarm) in case of unauthorized access.
• 📱 Send notifications to the phone with a photo from the camera.

To set up automation:

1. Open Mi Home and go to Automation.
2. Click "Add" and select "If..." (If).
3. Specify the condition: "Camera → detected movement".
4. Select an action: for example, "Lamp → Enable".
5. Save the script and test it out.

For advanced scenarios (for example, recording video when the door opener is triggered), you will need a Xiaomi Mi Home Gateway hub. Without it, the camera can only work with basic triggers.

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If you have multiple cameras, give them unique names in Mi Home (e.g., Camera Entrance, Camera Childhood) and make it easier to manage and configure notifications.

Update firmware and reset to factory settings

Regular firmware updates fix bugs and add new features.To update the Xiaomi Small Square Smart Camera:

1. Open Mi Home and select your camera.
2. Go to Settings (⚙️) → Update of the PO.
3. If a new version is available, click "Update".
4. Do not turn off the power of the camera during the process (it will take 2-5 minutes).

If the camera is unstable (for example, often shuts down or does not save settings), reset to factory settings:

1. Turn the camera off the power.
2. Press the button on the side and, holding it, connect the power.
3. Hold the 10-15 second button until you hear the voice message "Reset successfully".
4. After reset, the camera will return to settings (Blinking Blue Indicator).

⚠️ Warning: Reset removes all settings, including the link to the Mi Home account, and after the procedure, the camera will have to reconnect, as in the first run.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions