How to Connect Yi Action Camera to App in 5 Easy Steps

Connect your YI Action Camera to the app in just 5 simple steps by enabling Wi-Fi on the camera and opening the YI Action app on your smartphone. Ensure both devices are paired via the app’s “Add Device” option to unlock live preview, remote control, and instant media sharing—making setup fast and frustration-free.

Key Takeaways

• Download the YI Action App from your device’s app store first.
• Enable Wi-Fi on your camera before attempting to connect.
• Open the app and select “Add Camera” to start pairing.
• Enter the camera’s Wi-Fi password shown on its screen.
• Wait for the confirmation that devices are successfully linked.
• Use the app to control recording and adjust camera settings.

How to Connect Yi Action Camera to App in 5 Easy Steps

So you just got your hands on a Yi Action Camera—maybe the Yi 4K, the Yi Lite, or one of their rugged outdoor models—and you’re ready to start capturing your adventures in stunning detail. But before you can share those epic mountain views or underwater dives with friends, you need to connect your Yi Action Camera to the app. Trust me, I’ve been there: excited, camera in hand, only to realize that syncing it with my phone felt like solving a puzzle without the box.

Don’t worry. It’s not as tricky as it seems. In fact, once you know the steps, connecting your Yi Action Camera to the app takes less than five minutes. Whether you’re planning to use the camera for vlogging, hiking, biking, or even as a dashcam, the Yi app unlocks powerful features like remote control, live preview, firmware updates, and instant sharing. And the best part? You don’t need to be tech-savvy to do it. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process step-by-step, using real-life examples and practical tips so you can get up and running fast—no headaches required.

1. Download and Install the Right Yi App

The first step might seem obvious, but it’s also one of the most common stumbling blocks: downloading the correct app. There are several Yi-branded apps floating around app stores, and using the wrong one can lead to frustration, failed connections, and even security concerns.

Why App Choice Matters

Not all Yi cameras use the same app. For example:

• The Yi Action Camera (4K+, 4K, Lite, etc.) uses the “Yi Action” app.
• Older models like the Yi 1080p may require the “Yi Home” app, but this is less common.
• Some third-party knockoffs use fake apps—always download from official sources.

I once downloaded a generic “Yi Cam” app that looked legit but kept crashing. After 20 minutes of failed pairing attempts, I realized it wasn’t the real deal. That’s why I always recommend going straight to the source.

Where to Get the Official App

To avoid confusion, here’s how to find the right app:

• For Android: Go to the Google Play Store and search for “Yi Action”. Look for the developer “YI Technologies” with a blue camera icon.
• For iPhone: Open the App Store and search for “Yi Action”. The official app has over 100,000 downloads and regular updates.

Pro tip: Check the app reviews. If you see complaints about connectivity issues or missing features, make sure you’re not downloading a counterfeit version. The real app is free, ad-supported, and updated quarterly.

App Permissions You Need to Allow

Once installed, open the app and grant these essential permissions:

• Camera access – So you can take photos directly from the app.
• Location (GPS) – Helps tag your footage with location data.
• Storage/Media – To save and transfer videos and photos.
• Bluetooth & Wi-Fi – Critical for device pairing.

On Android, you’ll get pop-up prompts during setup. On iOS, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Permissions after launching the app. Skipping these now can cause connection failures later—so don’t skip them!

2. Charge and Prepare Your Yi Action Camera

Before you try to connect anything, make sure your Yi camera is ready to go. A low battery or outdated firmware can silently sabotage your connection attempt.

Charge the Battery Fully

Plug your camera into a USB wall charger or power bank using the included cable. Most Yi models take about 90–120 minutes to charge fully. While it charges, check the battery icon on the screen:

• A full bar means it’s ready.
• If the screen flickers or shuts off, it’s too low—keep charging.

I once tried pairing my Yi 4K while it was at 15%. The app kept saying “searching for device,” but nothing showed up. Once I plugged it in and waited 30 minutes, it connected on the first try. Lesson learned: always charge first.

Turn On Wi-Fi and Reset if Needed

Most Yi cameras have built-in Wi-Fi that broadcasts a unique network name (SSID). To enable it:

1. Power on the camera.
2. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > Enable.
3. Wait 10–15 seconds for the network to appear.

If your camera was previously paired with another phone, you might run into issues. To fix this, reset the Wi-Fi settings:

• Go to Settings > Reset > Reset Wi-Fi.
• This clears saved networks and restarts the broadcast.

You’ll know it worked when the SSID changes slightly (e.g., from “YICAM_1234” to “YICAM_5678”). This is especially helpful if you’re borrowing a camera or buying used.

Update Firmware Before Pairing

An outdated firmware version can cause compatibility problems with newer app versions. To check:

• Go to Settings > System > Firmware Version.
• If it shows “Update Available,” connect to a known Wi-Fi network and install the update.

Note: You can’t update firmware through the app before connecting, so do this step early. I recommend doing a manual update via the Yi website if the camera won’t connect to any Wi-Fi. Download the latest .bin file, copy it to the SD card, and reboot the camera to apply it.

3. Pair the Camera via Wi-Fi Direct

Now comes the magic moment: connecting your camera to your phone. Yi uses a Wi-Fi Direct method, which means the camera acts as its own wireless hotspot. Your phone connects directly to it—no router needed. This is perfect for remote locations like ski slopes, beaches, or hiking trails.

Step-by-Step Wi-Fi Connection

1. On your phone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
2. Look for a network starting with “YICAM_” followed by numbers/letters (e.g., YICAM_ABCD).
3. Tap it and enter the default password: 12345678. (Yes, really—it’s the same for all Yi cameras.)
4. Wait for “Connected” to appear.

⚠️ Important: Once connected, your phone will lose internet access because it’s now linked to the camera’s network. Don’t panic—this is normal. You’ll reconnect to your regular Wi-Fi later.

Open the Yi Action App

With the camera connected via Wi-Fi, open the Yi Action app. You should see a prompt like:

“Found a nearby Yi device. Tap to connect.”

Tap it. If everything is working, the app will load a live preview within 5–10 seconds.

If nothing appears, try this:

• Close and reopen the app.
• Toggle your phone’s Wi-Fi off and on.
• Reboot the camera and repeat steps 1–4.

Still no luck? See the troubleshooting section below. But in most cases, this direct connection works flawlessly—especially if you followed the prep steps above.

Why Wi-Fi Direct Works So Well

Unlike Bluetooth, which has limited range and bandwidth, Wi-Fi Direct allows high-speed data transfer. That means you can:

• View 4K video previews in real time.
• Download large files quickly.
• Use remote control features without lag.

I’ve used this setup to preview a ski jump from 100 feet away—crisp, smooth, and responsive. No buffering, no delays. It’s a game-changer for action shooters.

4. Use the App to Control, Preview, and Transfer Media

Congratulations! You’ve successfully connected your Yi Action Camera to the app. Now what? This is where the fun begins. The Yi Action app isn’t just a remote shutter—it’s a full-featured control center.

Live Preview and Remote Control

Once connected, you’ll see a live feed from your camera. Use the app to:

• Start/stop recording.
• Take photos remotely (great for selfies or group shots).
• Switch between modes: video, photo, time-lapse, slow motion.
• Adjust settings like resolution, frame rate, and field of view.

For example, I set my Yi 4K to 1080p at 60fps for a mountain biking trail run, then used the app to start recording while I was already on my bike. No need to reach for the camera—just tap “Record” on my phone and go.

Download and Organize Media

After shooting, you can transfer files directly to your phone:

1. In the app, tap “Album” or “Media”.
2. Select the clips or photos you want to download.
3. Tap “Download” and choose a destination (e.g., Camera Roll).

Transfer speeds vary based on file size, but a 1-minute 4K video usually takes 20–30 seconds. Smaller files (like 1080p) are much faster.

💡 Pro tip: Use the “Select All” option to batch-download entire sessions. I once recorded 30 minutes of kayaking and downloaded everything in under 3 minutes.

Edit and Share Instantly

The app includes basic editing tools:

• Trim clips.
• Adjust brightness/contrast.
• Add music (from your phone).
• Apply filters.

When you’re done, share directly to Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or Facebook. I’ve posted raw 4K clips to Instagram Stories seconds after recording—perfect for live updates or vlogs.

Manage Camera Settings Remotely

You can tweak advanced settings without touching the camera:

• Set up motion detection alerts.
• Change audio recording levels.
• Enable GPS tagging.
• Switch between NTSC/PAL standards.

This is especially useful for dashcam use. I set my Yi camera to record continuously while driving and used the app to enable loop recording and emergency lock—all from my phone.

5. Troubleshoot Common Connection Issues

Even with perfect preparation, things can go wrong. Here are the most common problems—and how to fix them.

Problem: Camera Not Showing Up in Wi-Fi List

Symptoms: No “YICAM_” network appears on your phone.

Solutions:

• Make sure Wi-Fi is enabled on the camera (Settings > Wi-Fi > Enable).
• Reset the Wi-Fi (Settings > Reset > Reset Wi-Fi).
• Move closer—Wi-Fi Direct has a range of about 30–50 feet.
• Turn off Bluetooth on your phone (can interfere with Wi-Fi).

I once couldn’t see the network because my phone was in airplane mode. Simple fix, but easy to overlook!

Problem: App Says “Connection Failed”

Symptoms: You connect to the Wi-Fi, but the app won’t pair.

Solutions:

• Force close the app and restart it.
• Restart your phone and camera.
• Check if the app needs an update (Google Play/App Store).
• Try a different phone. Sometimes iOS/Android versions cause bugs.

One user reported that iOS 17 broke their connection. Downgrading wasn’t an option, but updating the Yi app to v4.2 fixed it.

Problem: Live Preview is Laggy or Freezing

Symptoms: Video preview stutters or freezes every few seconds.

Solutions:

• Reduce camera resolution to 1080p (4K preview uses more bandwidth).
• Move closer to the camera.
• Close other apps running in the background.
• Ensure your phone has at least 50% battery (low power mode disables Wi-Fi).

I tested this on a crowded beach with lots of Wi-Fi noise. Switching to 1080p made the preview smooth again.

Problem: Can’t Download Files

Symptoms: Download button is grayed out or fails.

Solutions:

• Check storage space on your phone (need at least 1GB free).
• Grant app access to Photos/Media (Settings > Apps > Permissions).
• Format the SD card if it’s corrupted (use camera’s built-in tool).
• Try downloading one file at a time.

Also, avoid using microSD cards slower than Class 10 or UHS-I. I once had a $5 knockoff card that caused constant transfer errors—switched to a SanDisk Extreme and it worked perfectly.

Bonus Tips for Smarter Yi Camera Use

Now that you’re connected, here are a few extra tricks to get the most out of your Yi Action Camera and app.

Use a Phone Mount or Tripod

Since you’re controlling the camera remotely, you need a way to keep your phone steady. A simple phone tripod mount lets you place your phone nearby while you operate the camera. Great for vlogging or time-lapse sequences.

Enable GPS Tagging for Adventure Tracking

In the app, go to Settings > GPS > Enable. This embeds location data into your videos—perfect for mapping hikes, bike rides, or road trips. I love looking back at old footage and seeing exactly where I was.

Schedule Firmware Updates

Yi releases updates every few months to improve stability and add features. Set a reminder to check Settings > System > Firmware quarterly. Or subscribe to Yi’s newsletter for update alerts.

Use the App as a Remote Monitor

Need to film yourself? Use the app as a monitor. Set the camera on a tripod, walk into frame, and use the live preview to adjust your position. I used this trick to record a cooking tutorial—no second person needed.

Keep the App Updated

Older app versions may not support newer camera features. Enable auto-updates in your app store, or check manually every month.

Here’s a quick comparison of popular Yi models and their app compatibility:

Camera Model	App Used	Wi-Fi Frequency	Max Resolution (via app)	Special Features
Yi 4K+	Yi Action	2.4 GHz	4K @ 30fps	GPS, voice control
Yi 4K	Yi Action	2.4 GHz	4K @ 30fps	Touchscreen, EIS
Yi Lite	Yi Action	2.4 GHz	1080p @ 60fps	Budget-friendly, compact
Yi 1080p (Older)	Yi Home	2.4 GHz	1080p @ 30fps	Basic model, limited app features

As you can see, the newer models work best with the Yi Action app and support higher-quality streaming. If you’re upgrading, consider the 4K+ for the best app experience.

Connecting your Yi Action Camera to the app might feel daunting at first, but once you’ve done it a few times, it becomes second nature. Think of it like learning to tie your shoes—awkward at first, then automatic. The key is preparation: charge the battery, install the right app, reset Wi-Fi if needed, and follow the steps in order.

What I love most about the Yi ecosystem is how it bridges the gap between professional gear and everyday users. You don’t need a film degree to capture stunning footage. With the app, you get remote control, instant sharing, and smart settings—all from your phone. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a content creator, or just someone who loves documenting life, this setup empowers you to shoot, edit, and share like a pro.

So go ahead—grab your Yi camera, fire up the app, and start recording. Your next adventure is waiting. And now, you’ve got the tools to capture it perfectly.

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. Turn on your camera, enable Wi-Fi in the settings, and follow the in-app prompts to pair them.

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

This issue often occurs due to incorrect Wi-Fi settings or outdated app versions. Ensure your camera is in pairing mode, your phone’s Wi-Fi is enabled, and both devices are updated to the latest firmware.

What is the default password to connect Yi Action Camera to the app?

The default Wi-Fi password for most Yi Action Cameras is “1234567890”. Enter this when prompted during the connect Yi Action Camera to app process. Change it later for security.

Can I connect multiple Yi cameras to the same app?

Yes, the Yi Action app supports connecting multiple cameras. Use the “Add Device” option in the app and repeat the pairing steps for each camera. Switch between them seamlessly within the app.

Does the Yi Action Camera app work with older models?

Most older Yi models (e.g., Yi 4K, Yi Lite) are compatible with the app. Check the app description or Yi’s website to confirm if your specific model supports the connect Yi Action Camera to app feature.

How do I fix a “Connection Failed” error on the Yi app?

Restart both the camera and your phone, then reattempt pairing. If the error persists, reset the camera’s Wi-Fi settings or reinstall the app to resolve software glitches.