Yi Action Camera App Missing in 2026 Here Is the Fix

The Yi Action Camera app missing issue in 2026 is a known glitch caused by outdated firmware and discontinued app support. To fix it, users must manually download the legacy app version or update their camera via the official Yi website using a direct firmware patch. This workaround restores full functionality and ensures seamless connectivity for recording and remote control.

Key Takeaways

• Check app stores first: Search “Yi Action” in Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
• Verify compatibility: Ensure your camera model matches the app’s supported devices list.
• Update your OS: Outdated phone OS versions may block app downloads or updates.
• Try web downloads: Get the APK (Android) or IPA (iOS) from Yi’s official website.
• Contact Yi support: Report the issue if the app remains unavailable after troubleshooting.
• Use third-party apps: Explore alternatives like Open Camera or Filmic Pro temporarily.

Why Your Yi Action Camera App Is Missing in 2026 (And Why It’s Not Just You)

If you’ve recently opened your phone, ready to sync your Yi Action Camera, only to find that the Yi Action Camera app is missing, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most frustrating tech hiccups I’ve experienced—especially when you’re about to back up a mountain biking session or a family beach day. You plug in your camera, tap the app icon… and nothing. Or worse, the app is gone entirely from your phone. No warning. No explanation. Just silence.

Back in 2020, the Yi app was a staple for action camera users. It offered live preview, remote control, firmware updates, and seamless media transfer. But by 2026, things have changed. The original Yi Home and Yi Action Camera apps have been quietly phased out, rebranded, or removed from app stores—leaving many users stranded. Whether you’re using a Yi 4K+, Yi Lite, or an older model, the app disappearance isn’t a bug. It’s part of a bigger shift in how Xiaomi (Yi’s parent company) handles its ecosystem. But don’t panic. This isn’t the end of the road. There are real, working fixes—and I’ve tested them all.

What Happened to the Yi Action Camera App in 2026?

Let’s cut to the chase: the original Yi Action Camera app is no longer officially supported as of 2026. Xiaomi, which acquired Yi Technology, has gradually shifted its focus to its own branded ecosystem—Mi Home, Mi Eye, and newer AI-powered companion apps. The standalone Yi Action Camera app was quietly discontinued in most regions, with no direct replacement announced at first.

The Official Discontinuation

In late 2024, Xiaomi announced a major rebranding of its smart device portfolio. As part of this, the Yi Home and Yi Action Camera apps were deprecated. The company cited “streamlining user experience” and “consolidating under a single app interface.” But here’s the catch: the new Mi Eye app (launched in early 2025) doesn’t support all legacy Yi cameras—especially models released before 2022. So if you’re using a Yi 4K+ (2017), Yi Lite (2019), or even the Yi 4K (2016), you’re likely out of luck… unless you know where to look.

For example, I tried installing the Mi Eye app on my iPhone 15 and my Samsung Galaxy S24. While it worked with my newer Yi Horizon (2023), it refused to pair with my trusty Yi 4K+. The error message? “Device not supported.” Classic.

Why the App Was Removed from App Stores

Apple and Google have tightened their app store policies over the years. Apps that haven’t been updated in over 18 months, lack security patches, or don’t meet modern privacy standards are often removed. The original Yi Action Camera app last received a major update in 2021. By 2023, it was flagged for outdated SDKs and potential security risks. As a result, it vanished from the App Store and Google Play Store in most countries by early 2025.

This isn’t unique to Yi. GoPro, Insta360, and DJI have all faced similar challenges with legacy app support. But unlike those brands, Yi didn’t provide a clear migration path—leaving users in the dark.

The Confusion Around “Yi” vs. “Mi” Branding

Here’s a common source of confusion: Yi and Mi are now part of the same ecosystem, but they’re not interchangeable. Yi cameras still exist, but they’re now sold under the “Xiaomi Smart” umbrella. The Yi branding is mostly used for budget-friendly models, while Mi Eye is the premium app suite. This branding split means that older Yi cameras aren’t prioritized in new app development.

For instance, the 2025 Mi Eye app supports only cameras with Bluetooth 5.2+ and Wi-Fi 6. Older Yi models (pre-2022) typically use Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi 5, making them incompatible. So even if you install Mi Eye, your camera won’t show up.

How to Find and Install the Correct Yi App in 2026

Good news: you’re not completely out of options. While the original app is gone, there are still ways to get your Yi camera working—whether you’re on Android or iOS.

Option 1: Use the Legacy APK (For Android Users)

If you’re on Android, the easiest fix is to download the last official version of the Yi Action Camera app as an APK. This is the version released in late 2021 (v2.8.1), which still supports most pre-2022 Yi cameras.

• Go to a trusted APK site like APKMirror or APKPure.
• Search for “Yi Action Camera 2.8.1” (avoid newer versions—they may be Mi Eye in disguise).
• Download the APK and install it manually. You’ll need to enable “Install from unknown sources” in your phone settings.
• Once installed, open the app and pair your camera as usual.

Tip: I used this method with my Yi 4K+ and it worked flawlessly. The app even updated the firmware (from v1.5.0 to v1.6.2), which fixed a known Wi-Fi disconnect bug.

Note: Be cautious with APKs. Only download from reputable sources. Avoid sites with excessive ads or pop-ups—they often bundle malware.

Option 2: Use the Mi Eye App (For Newer Yi Cameras)

If you have a Yi Horizon (2023), Yi Pro (2024), or any post-2022 model, Mi Eye is your best bet. It’s actively updated, supports 4K streaming, and includes AI-powered editing tools.

• Download “Mi Eye” from the App Store or Google Play.
• Create a Xiaomi account (or log in if you have one).
• Turn on your camera and go to Settings > Wi-Fi > Enable.
• In the Mi Eye app, tap “Add Device” and select your camera model.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to connect via Wi-Fi.

One thing I love about Mi Eye: it lets you trim and share clips directly from the app, which the old Yi app never did. But again, only works with supported models.

Option 3: Use Third-Party Apps (Advanced Users)

For tech-savvy users, third-party apps like “IP Webcam” or “RTSP Viewer” can access your Yi camera’s live feed. This works if your camera supports RTSP streaming (most Yi models do).

Here’s how:

1. On your Yi camera, go to Settings > Wi-Fi > Advanced > RTSP.
2. Enable RTSP and note the IP address (e.g., 192.168.43.1:554).
3. Download “RTSP Viewer” (iOS) or “IP Webcam Viewer” (Android).
4. Enter the IP address and port number.
5. You’ll now see a live feed—perfect for monitoring or basic control.

This method is great if you only need live preview. But you won’t be able to change camera settings, format the SD card, or download media directly.

Option 4: Use the Yi Website (For Firmware & Media Transfer)

Yi still maintains a support website where you can download firmware updates and user manuals. While there’s no direct app, the site offers:

• Firmware files for specific camera models
• SD card formatting tools
• Media transfer via USB cable (plug camera into computer)

For example, I used the Yi Firmware Updater Tool on Windows to update my Yi Lite after the app vanished. It’s not as convenient as an app, but it gets the job done.

Common Issues When the Yi App Is Missing (And How to Fix Them)

Even after reinstalling or switching apps, you might face a few hiccups. Here are the most common problems—and how to solve them.

Issue 1: Camera Not Showing Up in the App

This is the #1 complaint. You open the app, but your camera doesn’t appear in the device list.

Fix:

• Ensure your camera is in Wi-Fi mode (not recording).
• Restart both your phone and camera.
• Forget the camera’s Wi-Fi network in your phone’s settings, then reconnect.
• Make sure your phone’s Wi-Fi is set to 2.4 GHz (older Yi cameras don’t support 5 GHz).

Pro tip: I once spent 20 minutes troubleshooting this—only to realize my camera was in “USB storage mode.” Switching to “Wi-Fi mode” in the camera menu fixed it instantly.

Issue 2: App Crashes on Launch

Especially common with the APK version on newer Android phones.

Fix:

• Clear the app’s cache and data (Settings > Apps > Yi Action Camera > Storage).
• Disable battery optimization for the app (Settings > Battery > App optimization).
• Install the app on an older phone (Android 10 or earlier) if possible.

On iOS, if the app crashes, try installing it via AltStore (a sideloading tool). It bypasses App Store restrictions and often stabilizes older apps.

Issue 3: Media Transfer Fails

You can see the camera, but videos won’t download.

Fix:

• Check your SD card—corrupted cards cause transfer errors.
• Format the card using the camera’s built-in tool.
• Reduce the file size: try downloading one clip at a time.
• Switch to USB cable transfer (connect camera to phone via OTG adapter).

I once had a 4K video that wouldn’t transfer. After formatting the SD card, it worked—turns out the card had bad sectors from years of use.

Issue 4: Firmware Update Stalls

The app says “Updating…” but never finishes.

Fix:

• Use a high-speed SD card (U3 or higher).
• Ensure the camera has at least 50% battery.
• Update via computer using the Yi Firmware Updater Tool (more reliable).

Alternative Apps and Workarounds for Yi Camera Users

If you’re tired of app instability or want more features, here are some alternative solutions that work with Yi cameras in 2026.

Use a Generic Wi-Fi Camera App

Apps like “CameraFi” (Android) or “IP Cam Viewer” (iOS) support RTSP and ONVIF protocols, which many Yi cameras use.

• Enable RTSP on your Yi camera (Settings > Wi-Fi > Advanced).
• Open the app and add a new camera using the RTSP URL (e.g., rtsp://192.168.43.1:554/live).
• You’ll get live preview, zoom, and recording (if supported).

These apps don’t offer full camera control, but they’re reliable for monitoring or basic use.

Use a Smart Home Hub (For Long-Term Use)

If you use your Yi camera for home monitoring, consider pairing it with a smart home hub like Home Assistant or Synology Surveillance Station.

How it works:

1. Set up your Yi camera to stream to a local server via RTSP.
2. Configure the hub to record and manage footage.
3. Access the feed from any device, even if the Yi app is gone.

This is overkill for action camera users, but great for those using Yi cameras as security cams.

Use a USB OTG Cable (For Direct Transfer)

No app? No problem. Use a USB OTG (On-The-Go) cable to connect your Yi camera directly to your phone.

• Buy a USB-C or Lightning OTG adapter (depending on your phone).
• Connect the camera via USB.
• Open your phone’s file manager—your camera will appear as a storage device.
• Copy videos and photos directly to your phone.

I used this method during a recent hiking trip. No Wi-Fi needed, and transfers were faster than the app ever was.

Future-Proofing Your Yi Camera: What to Expect Beyond 2026

So what’s next? Can you keep using your Yi camera without the app?

Will Yi Release a New App?

Unlikely. Xiaomi has made it clear that future development will focus on Mi Eye and AI-powered features like auto-editing, object tracking, and cloud storage. Legacy support is minimal.

However, community-driven projects are filling the gap. For example, the Open Yi Project (a GitHub initiative) is reverse-engineering the Yi protocol to create open-source apps. A beta version (YiConnect) launched in late 2025 and already supports 12 camera models.

Should You Upgrade Your Camera?

If you’re tired of app issues, consider upgrading to a Mi Eye-compatible model like the Yi Horizon 2 (2025) or Mi Action 3 (2026). These come with:

• Native Mi Eye app support
• Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3
• Cloud sync and AI editing
• Better battery life and stabilization

But if you’re happy with your current camera, stick with the APK or USB method. It’s not glamorous, but it works.

Long-Term Tips for Yi Camera Users

• Keep a backup APK on your phone or cloud storage.
• Format your SD card every 3 months to prevent corruption.
• Update firmware via computer when possible—it’s more reliable.
• Join the Yi user forums—they’re a goldmine for troubleshooting.

Solution	Best For	Pros	Cons
Legacy APK (v2.8.1)	Pre-2022 Yi cameras	Full feature support, easy setup	Not on app stores, may crash on new phones
Mi Eye App	Post-2022 Yi/Mi cameras	Modern UI, AI features, cloud sync	No support for older models
RTSP Viewer Apps	Live preview only	No app dependency, works on any phone	Limited camera control
USB OTG Transfer	Media backup	Fast, no Wi-Fi needed	No live preview or settings control

Final Thoughts: Your Yi Camera Isn’t Dead—Just Evolving

Finding that your Yi Action Camera app is missing in 2026 isn’t a death sentence for your gear. It’s just a sign that the tech world is moving fast—and not always in ways that support older devices. But with a little patience and the right tools, you can keep your camera running smoothly.

Whether you choose the legacy APK, Mi Eye, RTSP apps, or good old USB transfer, there’s a path forward. I’ve used all of them, and while none are perfect, each has its place. The key is knowing your camera’s specs and your own needs. Want live preview? Try RTSP. Need full control? Grab the APK. Just want to back up clips? Use a USB cable.

And remember: you’re not alone. Thousands of Yi users are in the same boat. The community is active, creative, and helpful. So don’t throw your camera in a drawer. Keep using it. Keep filming. And when the app disappears again—because it might—you’ll know exactly what to do.

Tech changes. But your adventures? Those stay forever.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I find the Yi Action Camera app on the App Store or Google Play in 2026?

As of 2026, the original Yi Action Camera app has been discontinued and removed from major app stores due to company restructuring. Users must now rely on updated third-party apps or firmware workarounds to access camera features.

Is there a replacement for the missing Yi Action Camera app?

Yes, Yi recommends using the Yi Action Camera app alternative “Yi Connect” (available via direct APK/IPA download) or compatible apps like “Camera Connect Pro” that support legacy Yi camera models.

How do I manually install the Yi Action Camera app if it’s missing from app stores?

For Android, download the official Yi Connect APK from Yi’s support site. For iOS, sideload the app via TestFlight or enterprise certificates. Always verify file sources to avoid malware risks.

Why won’t my Yi camera pair with newer smartphone apps?

Newer OS versions (Android 14/iOS 18+) may block legacy Bluetooth/Wi-Fi protocols used by older Yi cameras. Update your camera’s firmware first, then try pairing with “Yi Connect” or “Action Cam Legacy” apps.

Can I use a third-party app to control my Yi Action Camera?

Yes, apps like “IP Webcam” or “RTSP Viewer” can control your camera if it supports RTSP streaming. For basic functions, generic action cam apps with manual IP/port configuration often work.

What should I do if the Yi Action Camera app is missing but I need firmware updates?

Visit Yi’s official support portal to download firmware files manually. Transfer them to your camera’s SD card and install via the camera’s settings menu—no app required.