How to Connect Yi Action Camera to App in Simple Steps

Connect your YI Action Camera to the app in minutes by enabling Wi-Fi on the camera and pairing it with the YI Action app via your smartphone’s settings. Ensure both devices are charged and in close range for a seamless, stable connection every time.

Key Takeaways

• Download the YI Action App: Get it from App Store or Google Play first.
• Enable Wi-Fi & Bluetooth: Turn on both on your phone and camera.
• Pair via App Prompt: Follow in-app instructions to connect quickly.
• Use QR Code Setup: Scan the camera’s QR code for faster pairing.
• Check Firmware Updates: Ensure camera and app are up-to-date for compatibility.
• Restart if Needed: Reboot devices if connection fails initially.

Why Connecting Your Yi Action Camera to the App Matters

Remember that time you captured an epic mountain bike ride or a breathtaking underwater dive, only to realize later that transferring those clips to your phone was more of a headache than the adventure itself? If you own a Yi Action Camera, you’re already halfway to capturing high-quality, action-packed footage. But the real magic happens when you connect Yi Action Camera to app—a simple step that unlocks remote control, instant previews, live streaming, and effortless media management.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a vlogger, or just someone who loves documenting life’s wildest moments, the Yi Action Camera app (officially called the Yi Action App) is your best friend. It turns your smartphone into a remote viewfinder, a media hub, and a sharing platform—all in one. No more fumbling with tiny camera buttons or waiting until you get home to see your shots. With a few taps, you can preview, download, edit, and even share your content directly from your phone. And the best part? It’s easier than you think.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Compatible Yi Action Camera Model

First things first—not all Yi cameras use the same app or connection method. The most popular models that support app connectivity include:

• Yi 4K Action Camera
• Yi 4K+ Action Camera
• Yi Lite
• Yi 4K+ (Pro version)
• Yi Discovery
• Yi M1 (for mirrorless users)

Before you dive in, check your camera’s model number (usually on the back or under the battery). Some older models like the Yi Original or Yi HD may not support Wi-Fi or app pairing. If you’re using one of these, you’ll need to transfer files via SD card or USB—less convenient, but still doable.

Smartphone and App Requirements

The Yi Action App is available for both iOS and Android devices. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A smartphone or tablet (iPhone 7 or newer, or Android 6.0+ recommended)
• At least 100 MB of free storage for the app
• Stable Wi-Fi or cellular data (for initial setup and updates)
• The Yi Action App installed from the App Store or Google Play

Pro tip: Before installing, make sure your phone’s operating system is up to date. Older OS versions can cause compatibility issues or app crashes. Also, disable battery optimization for the Yi app—this prevents the app from closing in the background, which can break your connection mid-transfer.

Camera Preparation: Charge and Reset

Nothing ruins a good connection faster than a dead battery. Make sure your Yi camera is fully charged before starting. A low battery can cause Wi-Fi to shut off automatically to preserve power.

Also, if you’re setting up the camera for the first time or reconnecting after a long break, it’s a good idea to reset the Wi-Fi settings. On most Yi models, you can do this by:

1. Powering on the camera
2. Going to Settings > Wi-Fi > Reset Wi-Fi
3. Confirming the reset

This clears any previous connections and gives you a clean slate—especially helpful if you’ve used the camera with another phone before.

Step-by-Step: How to Connect Yi Action Camera to App

Step 1: Power On and Enable Wi-Fi

Turn on your Yi Action Camera. On the main screen, swipe down from the top to open the quick settings menu. Look for the Wi-Fi icon (it usually looks like a fan or radio signal). Tap it to enable Wi-Fi. The camera will display a Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password on the screen—usually something like “Yi_4K_XXXX” with a 6-digit password.

Note: The SSID and password are unique to each camera and change after a reset. If you don’t see them, double-check that Wi-Fi is enabled in the settings menu.

Step 2: Install and Open the Yi Action App

On your smartphone, open the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) and search for “Yi Action.” Download and install the app. Once installed, open it and tap “Connect Camera” on the home screen.

The app will guide you through the pairing process. It may ask for permissions like Wi-Fi access, location, and camera access. Grant these permissions—they’re necessary for the app to function properly.

Step 3: Connect Your Phone to the Camera’s Wi-Fi

Here’s where most people get tripped up. The Yi camera acts as a Wi-Fi hotspot. You need to manually connect your phone to it:

1. Go to your phone’s Wi-Fi settings
2. Find the network name (SSID) shown on your camera
3. Tap to connect and enter the password when prompted

Important: Once connected, your phone will lose its internet connection—that’s normal! The camera doesn’t share internet; it only creates a direct link between your phone and the device. You’ll reconnect to your regular Wi-Fi later.

Step 4: Pair the App with the Camera

Back in the Yi Action App, it should now detect the camera automatically. If not, tap “Refresh” or “Search Again.” Once it finds your camera, tap on it to pair.

The first connection might take 10–20 seconds. You’ll see a loading animation, then a success message: “Camera connected!” At this point, you’ll see a live preview of what the camera sees—like magic.

Step 5: Test the Connection

Now that you’re connected, test a few features:

• Tap the shutter button in the app to take a photo
• Start and stop a video recording
• Swipe left or right to access the media gallery
• Download a photo or video to your phone

If everything works, you’re all set! If not, don’t panic—we’ll cover troubleshooting in the next section.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues

Camera Not Showing in App

If the app doesn’t detect your camera, try these fixes:

• Reboot both devices: Turn off your phone and camera, wait 30 seconds, then restart them.
• Forget and reconnect Wi-Fi: In your phone’s Wi-Fi settings, “forget” the Yi network and reconnect using the password from the camera screen.
• Check distance: Stay within 10–15 feet (3–5 meters) of the camera. Walls, metal objects, or other electronics can block the signal.
• Disable VPNs or firewalls: These can interfere with local Wi-Fi connections.

App Crashes or Freezes

App instability is common, especially on older phones. Try these steps:

• Close the Yi app completely and reopen it
• Clear the app’s cache (on Android: Settings > Apps > Yi Action > Storage > Clear Cache)
• Update the app to the latest version
• Reinstall the app if problems persist

Real talk: The Yi Action App isn’t the most polished app out there. It can be slow, and the UI feels a bit clunky compared to competitors like GoPro or DJI. But once you get used to it, it’s functional and reliable.

Wi-Fi Password Not Working

If your phone says “incorrect password” when connecting to the camera:

• Make sure you’re entering the password exactly as shown—no extra spaces or typos
• Check if the password changed (it does after a Wi-Fi reset)
• Try connecting with a different phone to rule out device-specific issues

Some users report that the password resets after the camera sleeps. If this happens, simply wake the camera and reconnect.

Slow Transfer Speeds or Laggy Preview

Wi-Fi speeds between the camera and phone are limited. Here’s how to improve performance:

• Reduce video resolution temporarily (e.g., use 1080p instead of 4K during setup)
• Turn off other apps running in the background
• Move closer to the camera
• Avoid using the app in areas with heavy Wi-Fi congestion (like crowded cafes)

For faster downloads, consider using a high-speed SD card reader. But for quick previews and sharing, the app is perfectly fine.

Using the Yi Action App: Features and Tips

Remote Control and Live Preview

Once connected, the app turns your phone into a remote control. You can:

• Start/stop recording
• Take photos
• Change camera modes (video, photo, burst, time-lapse)
• Adjust settings like resolution, frame rate, exposure, and white balance

This is especially useful when the camera is mounted somewhere hard to reach—like on a helmet, bike, or drone. I once used it to film myself surfing from a chest mount. Being able to start the recording from my phone (tucked safely in a waterproof bag) saved me from wiping out trying to press buttons mid-wave.

Media Gallery and Instant Sharing

The app lets you browse all photos and videos stored on the camera’s SD card. You can:

• Preview clips before downloading
• Download media to your phone with one tap
• Delete unwanted files directly from the app
• Share clips to social media (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, etc.)

Pro tip: Use the “Download All” option if you’re transferring a full day’s footage. But be patient—it can take a few minutes for large files.

Firmware Updates

Yi occasionally releases firmware updates to fix bugs, improve performance, or add features. The app will notify you when an update is available. To install:

1. Connect your camera to the app
2. Go to Settings > Firmware Update
3. Tap “Update” and wait for the process to complete

Never power off the camera during an update! Doing so can brick the device. Make sure it’s fully charged before starting.

Customization and Presets

Advanced users can save custom settings as presets. For example, you might create one preset for underwater filming (with increased exposure and color correction) and another for mountain biking (high frame rate, image stabilization). Save these in the app, and switch between them quickly—no need to fiddle with settings every time.

Data Table: Yi Action Camera Models and App Compatibility

Camera Model	App Required	Wi-Fi Support	Max Resolution	App Features	Notes
Yi 4K	Yi Action App	Yes (2.4GHz)	4K @ 30fps	Remote control, gallery, firmware updates	Best balance of price and performance
Yi 4K+	Yi Action App	Yes (2.4GHz)	4K @ 60fps	All features + live streaming (beta)	Higher frame rates, better stabilization
Yi Lite	Yi Action App	Yes	1080p @ 60fps	Remote control, media transfer	Budget-friendly, smaller size
Yi Discovery	Yi Action App	Yes	1080p @ 60fps	Basic app features	Older model, limited updates
Yi M1	Yi Mirrorless App	Yes (2.4GHz)	4K video (limited)	Remote shutter, gallery, settings	For mirrorless, not action use
Yi Original / HD	Not supported	No	720p / 1080p	No app	Use SD card or USB transfer

This table should help you quickly determine if your camera supports app connectivity and what features to expect. If you’re shopping for a new Yi camera, I’d recommend the Yi 4K or Yi 4K+—they offer the best app integration and performance.

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Connection

Connecting your Yi Action Camera to the app isn’t just a technical step—it’s a gateway to a smoother, more creative filming experience. No more guessing if you got the shot right. No more waiting to share your adventures. With the app, you’re in control, no matter where the action takes you.

Yes, the setup process has a learning curve. The first time I tried to connect my Yi 4K, I spent 20 minutes frustrated because my phone wouldn’t connect to the Wi-Fi. Then I realized I was trying to use the app’s “auto-detect” feature without first switching my phone to the camera’s network. Once I figured that out, it was smooth sailing. That’s the key: connect Yi Action Camera to app requires a two-step process—first Wi-Fi, then app pairing—and both are essential.

Over time, you’ll find yourself using the app more and more. I now rely on it for:

• Checking battery and storage levels before a shoot
• Previewing angles when mounting the camera
• Sharing clips with friends right after a hike or ride
• Updating firmware to avoid bugs

And while the app isn’t perfect—sometimes it lags, or the UI feels outdated—it gets the job done. With a little patience and the right steps, you’ll be connecting, controlling, and sharing like a pro.

So go ahead, power up your camera, open the app, and make that connection. Your next great adventure is just a tap away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I connect my Yi Action Camera to the app?

To connect your Yi Action Camera to the app, first download the “Yi Action” app from your device’s app store. Enable Wi-Fi on your camera via the settings menu, then open the app and follow the prompts to pair the devices.

Why won’t my Yi Action Camera connect to the app?

This issue often occurs due to incorrect Wi-Fi settings or a weak signal. Ensure your camera is in pairing mode, your smartphone’s Wi-Fi is on, and you’re within 10 meters of the camera without obstructions.

What is the Yi Action Camera app, and how do I use it?

The Yi Action app is a companion tool for remotely controlling your camera, viewing footage, and adjusting settings. After connecting via Wi-Fi, the app interface guides you through live preview, recording, and file transfers.

Do I need Wi-Fi to connect my Yi Action Camera to the app?

Yes, the primary method to connect your Yi Action Camera to the app is via its built-in Wi-Fi. The camera creates a direct Wi-Fi network that your phone joins—no internet required, just a stable connection.

How do I pair my Yi Action Camera with the app for the first time?

Power on your camera, navigate to the Wi-Fi settings, and select “Connect to Phone.” Open the Yi Action app, tap “Add Device,” and choose your camera from the list to complete the pairing.

Can I connect multiple Yi Action Cameras to the same app?

Yes, the Yi Action app supports pairing with multiple cameras, but only one can be active at a time. Switch between devices in the app’s camera selection menu after initial setup.