Master How to Use Yi Action Camera App in Minutes

Unlock the full potential of your Yi Action Camera in minutes by mastering the Yi Action Camera app—connect via Wi-Fi, customize settings like resolution and field of view, and control recordings remotely with ease. Effortless pairing, real-time preview, and instant sharing make this app essential for capturing and managing your adventures like a pro.

Key Takeaways

• Download the YI Action App: Install it from your device’s app store for seamless camera pairing.
• Pair via Wi-Fi/Bluetooth: Enable connectivity on both devices to link the camera and app quickly.
• Adjust settings remotely: Use the app to tweak resolution, frame rate, and field of view effortlessly.
• Preview and record: Frame shots and start/stop recording directly from your smartphone screen.
• Transfer files wirelessly: Download photos/videos to your phone with one tap for easy sharing.
• Use time-lapse mode: Set intervals and durations through the app for creative video projects.

Why the Yi Action Camera App is a Game-Changer

Let me share something cool I discovered while traveling through the Swiss Alps last year. I was hiking up a mountain trail, camera in hand, when a sudden rainstorm hit. I quickly pulled out my Yi Action Camera, but the real hero wasn’t the device itself—it was the Yi Action Camera app on my phone. Within seconds, I was previewing shots, adjusting settings, and even starting a time-lapse, all without touching the camera. That moment taught me how powerful a good companion app can be.

If you’re new to action cameras or have just bought a Yi model (like the Yi 4K+ or Yi Lite), the app might seem overwhelming at first. But trust me, once you know how to use the Yi Action Camera app, it transforms your entire shooting experience. Whether you’re capturing epic mountain bike trails, family vacations, or underwater adventures, this app puts control right in your pocket. And the best part? You don’t need to be a tech wizard to master it—just follow along, and I’ll walk you through everything step by step.

Getting Started: Download, Pair, and Connect

Step 1: Download the Right App

The first thing to know is that there are two Yi apps floating around: Yi Action and Yi Home. The Yi Action Camera app is specifically for action cameras like the Yi 4K, Yi 4K+, Yi Lite, and Yi 360 VR. Don’t download the wrong one—Yi Home is for security cameras and won’t work with your action cam.

Head to your phone’s app store (Google Play or Apple App Store), search “Yi Action Camera,” and download the official app. Make sure it’s from “Yi Technology” to avoid third-party clones. I once downloaded a fake version that drained my battery in 20 minutes—lesson learned!

Step 2: Turn On Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Before you open the app, enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your phone. The Yi camera doesn’t use standard Wi-Fi networks—it creates its own private network. So, your phone needs to connect directly to the camera’s built-in hotspot.

Here’s a quick tip: If your camera’s battery is low, the Wi-Fi may not turn on. Always charge it fully before pairing. Also, make sure the camera is in Wi-Fi mode (usually indicated by a blinking Wi-Fi icon on the screen or LED).

Step 3: Pair the Camera and Phone

Open the Yi Action Camera app. Tap “Connect Camera.” The app will search for nearby Yi devices. Select your camera from the list. If it doesn’t show up, press and hold the Wi-Fi button on your camera for 3–5 seconds until the LED flashes blue.

Once connected, you’ll see a live preview of what the camera sees. It might take 10–15 seconds for the video feed to stabilize, especially in low light. Don’t panic—this is normal. I’ve had moments where the feed lagged during a ski run, but once I adjusted the resolution to 720p, it smoothed out perfectly.

Pro Tip: Save Connection Time

After your first successful connection, the app remembers your camera. Next time, just turn on the camera’s Wi-Fi, open the app, and it should auto-connect. I use this trick every time I film my kids’ soccer games—no fumbling with settings mid-game!

Navigating the App Interface: Your Dashboard Explained

Live Preview and Basic Controls

The main screen of the Yi Action Camera app is your command center. At the top, you’ll see the live preview—a real-time view from your camera. Below it are quick-access buttons:

• Shutter Button: Tap to take a photo or start/stop recording.
• Mode Switch: Toggle between photo, video, time-lapse, slow motion, and burst mode.
• Settings Gear: Opens advanced options (more on this later).
• Gallery Icon: Access your media library directly from the app.

I love how intuitive this layout is. During a kayaking trip, I switched to slow motion mid-paddle by just tapping the mode button—no need to stop or touch the camera.

Understanding the Mode Wheel

Swipe up from the bottom to open the mode wheel. This is where you choose your shooting style:

• Photo: Standard single-shot mode.
• Video: Records in your selected resolution (1080p, 4K, etc.).
• Time-Lapse: Captures frames at intervals (e.g., 1 photo every 5 seconds).
• Slow Motion: Great for action scenes (up to 120fps on 1080p).
• Burst: Takes 10–30 photos in a second—perfect for sports.

One thing to note: Not all modes are available on every Yi model. For example, the Yi Lite doesn’t support 4K time-lapse. Always check your camera’s specs before assuming a mode exists.

Quick Settings Panel

Swipe down from the top to reveal the quick settings panel. Here, you can adjust:

• Resolution & Frame Rate: 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, etc.
• Field of View (FOV): Choose narrow, medium, or wide.
• Photo Format: JPEG or RAW (if supported).
• Auto Low Light: Automatically adjusts exposure in dim settings.

I always set FOV to “medium” for hiking videos—it keeps the horizon level and reduces fisheye distortion. For vlogging, “wide” works better to include more of your surroundings.

Advanced Features: Unlock the Camera’s Full Potential

Manual Controls (For Pro Shots)

Tap the Settings icon, then go to “Manual Mode.” Here’s where the Yi Action Camera app shines for advanced users. You can adjust:

• ISO: Lower for bright days (100–200), higher for low light (800+).
• Shutter Speed: Fast (1/1000s) to freeze motion; slow (1/30s) for motion blur.
• White Balance: Auto, sunny, cloudy, or custom (great for underwater shots).
• Exposure Compensation: Brighten or darken the image (+1.0 to -1.0).

During a sunset shoot, I set ISO to 100, shutter to 1/60s, and white balance to “cloudy” to capture warm tones. The result? A cinematic golden-hour video that looked like it was graded in post!

Time-Lapse and Interval Recording

Want to turn a 2-hour hike into a 30-second clip? Use time-lapse mode. In the app:

1. Select “Time-Lapse” from the mode wheel.
2. Choose interval: 1s, 3s, 5s, 10s, 30s, or 60s.
3. Set duration: 10min, 30min, 1hr, or unlimited.
4. Start recording. The app automatically compiles frames into a video.

Pro tip: Use a tripod or mount. Even slight camera shake ruins time-lapses. I once tried a handheld time-lapse of a sunrise—it looked like an earthquake scene!

Gyro Stabilization and Horizon Leveling

Some Yi cameras (like the 4K+) have electronic image stabilization (EIS) and horizon leveling. In the app, go to Settings > Stabilization and toggle them on. This is a game-changer for action shots.

I tested this while mountain biking. With EIS off, the footage was shaky. With it on, the trail looked smooth as butter. Just remember: EIS reduces resolution slightly (e.g., 4K becomes 3.7K), so balance quality and stability based on your needs.

Remote Control and Voice Commands (Newer Models)

If you have a Yi 4K+ or newer, try voice commands via the app. Tap the microphone icon and say “Take a photo” or “Start recording.” It works best in quiet environments, but I’ve used it successfully on quiet trails.

For remote control, the app lets you pan/tilt the camera (if mounted on a gimbal) or trigger the shutter from 30+ feet away. I used this to film a selfie video while surfing—just placed the camera on a rock and controlled it from my board!

Transferring and Managing Media

Downloading Photos and Videos

Tap the Gallery icon in the app. You’ll see all media stored on the camera’s SD card. To download:

• Select files (tap and hold to multi-select).
• Tap “Download” or “Save to Phone.”
• Files save to your phone’s default photo/video folder.

Download speeds depend on resolution and Wi-Fi signal. A 4K video takes about 1–2 minutes per GB. For faster transfers, use a high-speed microSD card (U3 class) and keep your phone close to the camera.

Deleting and Organizing Files

Accidentally record a blurry shot? Delete it directly from the app. Tap a file, then tap the trash icon. No need to remove the SD card and use a computer.

For organization, the app auto-groups media by date. But for long trips, I recommend creating folders in the app (if your model supports it). Label them “Hiking Day 1,” “Beach Sunset,” etc. It saves hours when editing later.

Sharing Directly to Social Media

Tap a downloaded video or photo, then tap “Share.” You can post directly to Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or save to cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox).

One caveat: The app compresses videos slightly for faster uploads. For high-quality sharing, transfer files to your computer first, then upload. I learned this the hard way when a 4K video looked pixelated on YouTube.

Troubleshooting Common Issues (And How to Fix Them)

Wi-Fi Connection Drops

This is the most common problem. If the app disconnects:

• Check battery levels (camera and phone).
• Move closer to the camera (Wi-Fi range is ~30 feet).
• Restart the camera and app.
• Forget the camera in the app, then re-pair.

I once lost connection during a waterfall shoot. I turned off Bluetooth on my phone (which was interfering with Wi-Fi) and reconnected instantly.

App Crashes or Freezes

If the app crashes:

• Close all background apps.
• Update the app and your phone’s OS.
• Reinstall the app (back up media first).

Older Android phones sometimes struggle with the app’s processing. I upgraded to a newer phone, and the lag vanished.

Live Preview Lag or Glitches

For smooth previews:

• Lower the preview resolution in Settings > Live View.
• Turn off “High Quality Preview” (saves battery).
• Use 720p instead of 4K for real-time monitoring.

During a fast-moving skateboard video, I switched to 720p preview, and the feed became buttery smooth.

Data Table: Yi Camera Models and App Features

Camera Model	Max Resolution	Stabilization	Voice Control	Manual Mode	Time-Lapse
Yi 4K+	4K@60fps	EIS + Horizon Leveling	Yes	Yes	Yes
Yi Lite	1080p@60fps	None	No	No	Yes
Yi 360 VR	5.7K@30fps (360°)	360° Stitching	No	Yes	Yes
Yi 4K (2016)	4K@30fps	EIS	No	Yes	Yes

Final Thoughts: Make the Most of Your Yi App

When I first started using the Yi Action Camera app, I thought it was just a remote control. But after months of real-world use—filming everything from thunderstorms to birthday parties—I realized it’s so much more. It’s a creative tool that helps you capture moments you’d otherwise miss.

Yes, there are quirks. The app isn’t perfect—Wi-Fi drops happen, and the interface could be more intuitive for beginners. But compared to other action camera apps (like GoPro’s or DJI’s), Yi’s strikes a great balance between simplicity and advanced features. And with a little practice, you’ll wonder how you ever filmed without it.

So, whether you’re a weekend adventurer or a content creator, take the time to explore the Yi Action Camera app. Adjust those manual settings, try time-lapse, experiment with stabilization, and don’t be afraid to delete a few bad shots. Every pro was once a beginner, fumbling with buttons and cursing at Wi-Fi. But with patience and a sense of play, you’ll master it in minutes—and your footage will never be the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

To connect your Yi Action Camera to the app, ensure your camera’s Wi-Fi is turned on, then open the Yi Action Camera app and follow the on-screen prompts to pair via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Make sure your phone’s Wi-Fi is enabled and within close range of the camera.

Can I use the Yi Action Camera app to control my camera remotely?

Yes, the Yi Action Camera app allows you to control your camera remotely, including starting/stopping recordings, adjusting settings, and taking photos. This feature is especially useful for hands-free operation during adventures.

How do I update my Yi Action Camera firmware using the app?

Open the Yi Action Camera app while connected to your camera, and if a firmware update is available, you’ll receive a notification. Follow the in-app instructions to download and install the update directly to your device.

Why isn’t the Yi Action Camera app showing a live preview?

If the live preview isn’t working, check that your camera and phone are properly paired and that your Wi-Fi connection is stable. Restarting both the app and the camera often resolves the issue.

How do I transfer videos from my Yi Action Camera to my phone using the app?

After connecting your camera to the Yi Action Camera app, navigate to the “Album” section, select the videos you want, and tap the download icon. The files will save directly to your phone’s gallery.

What are the best settings to adjust in the Yi Action Camera app?

The Yi Action Camera app lets you customize resolution, frame rate, and field of view for optimal performance. For action shots, use 4K/60fps with image stabilization enabled for the smoothest footage.