How to Connect Yi Action Camera to Zhiyun Gimbal in Minutes

Connect your YI Action Camera to a Zhiyun gimbal in minutes by using a compatible mounting adapter and ensuring your gimbal firmware is up to date. Secure the camera, power on both devices, and enable Bluetooth pairing for seamless stabilization and control—no complex tools or settings required.

Key Takeaways

• Check compatibility first: Ensure your YI camera model works with Zhiyun gimbals.
• Use the right mount: Attach the camera securely with the correct adapter plate.
• Balance the gimbal: Adjust the camera position before powering on the gimbal.
• Connect via USB-C: Link the camera to the gimbal for control and power.
• Enable pairing mode: Activate Bluetooth on both devices for quick syncing.
• Update firmware: Keep gimbal and camera software current for seamless integration.

Why You Should Consider Connecting Your Yi Action Camera to a Zhiyun Gimbal

If you’re into action filming, you already know that shaky footage is the enemy of professional-looking videos. Whether you’re mountain biking, surfing, or filming your kid’s soccer game, a smooth, stable shot can make all the difference. That’s where a gimbal comes in. I remember the first time I tried to film a skateboard trick with my Yi Action Camera—the footage looked like it was shot during an earthquake. After that, I knew I needed stabilization, and that’s when I discovered the magic of pairing my Yi with a Zhiyun gimbal.

Zhiyun is a big name in the gimbal world, known for their reliable, user-friendly designs. Meanwhile, Yi Action Cameras offer great value with solid 4K recording and compact builds. But here’s the catch: they don’t always play nice together out of the box. I’ve been there—frustrated, tangled in cables, wondering if I’d ever get the two to talk. The good news? It’s absolutely possible, and once you get them connected, the results are stunning. This guide will walk you through every step, from choosing the right gear to troubleshooting common hiccups. No jargon, no fluff—just real, practical advice to get you filming smooth, cinematic shots in minutes.

Understanding Compatibility: Is Your Yi Camera and Zhiyun Gimbal a Good Match?

Check Your Yi Camera Model

Not all Yi cameras are built the same, and compatibility depends on your specific model. The most common Yi models that work well with Zhiyun gimbals include:

• Yi 4K – Released in 2016, this was a game-changer with 4K/30fps and a 2.19-inch touchscreen. It’s lightweight and fits most Zhiyun handheld gimbals.
• Yi 4K+ – A slight upgrade with improved image stabilization and better battery life. Slightly heavier, but still gimbal-friendly.
• Yi Lite – A budget-friendly option with 4K recording. It’s smaller, so it works best with compact gimbals like the Zhiyun Smooth series.
• Yi M1 – A mirrorless-style camera, not an action cam, but still compatible with certain Zhiyun models like the Crane-M2.

Before you buy or set up, double-check your Yi’s dimensions and weight. Most Zhiyun gimbals support cameras up to 200–300g, which covers all the Yi models listed above. If you’re using an older Yi model (like the Yi 1080p), it might be too light—some gimbals need a minimum weight to balance properly.

Choose the Right Zhiyun Gimbal

Zhiyun has several gimbal lines, and not all are ideal for action cams. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Zhiyun Smooth Series (Smooth 4, Smooth 5, Smooth Q3) – Designed for smartphones, but the Smooth 5 and Q3 can handle small action cams with optional mounts. Great for vloggers who switch between phone and camera.
• Zhiyun Weebill Series (Weebill S, Weebill 2) – Mid-sized gimbals built for mirrorless and compact cameras. The Weebill S can support Yi 4K/4K+ with a custom mount.
• Zhiyun Crane Series (Crane 2S, Crane 3S) – Larger, more powerful gimbals for heavier setups. Overkill for most Yi cams, but excellent if you plan to add accessories (like mics or lights).

For most Yi users, the Zhiyun Weebill S or Smooth 5 are the sweet spots. They’re portable, affordable, and have enough payload capacity. I use a Weebill S with my Yi 4K+, and it balances perfectly with a small counterweight (more on that later).

Why Compatibility Matters

Even if your camera physically fits, compatibility affects:

• Balance – Too light or too heavy, and the gimbal motor strains or fails.
• Control – Some gimbals can trigger recording via Bluetooth or USB, but only if the camera supports it.
• Mounting Options – Yi cams use a standard GoPro-style mount, so you’ll likely need an adapter plate.

Pro tip: Check Zhiyun’s official compatibility list on their website. They update it regularly, and it’s the most reliable source for model-specific info.

Step-by-Step: How to Physically Mount Your Yi Camera on a Zhiyun Gimbal

Gather the Right Accessories

You’ll need a few things to get started:

• Your Yi Action Camera (fully charged)
• Zhiyun gimbal (charged and calibrated)
• GoPro-to-1/4-inch adapter plate – Yi cams use a GoPro-style mounting system, but Zhiyun gimbals use 1/4-inch screws. This adapter is essential. I bought a pack of 3 for under $10 on Amazon.
• Small counterweight (optional) – If your Yi is very light (like the Yi Lite), a 20–30g counterweight helps balance the gimbal.
• Microfiber cloth – To keep your camera lens clean during setup.

I keep these accessories in a small pouch so I never lose them during shoots.

Mount the Camera to the Gimbal

Follow these steps:

1. Attach the adapter plate to your Yi – Screw the GoPro-style mount (on the Yi) into the adapter plate. Tighten it securely—loose mounts cause wobble.
2. Mount the adapter to the gimbal – Use the 1/4-inch screw on the gimbal’s quick-release plate. Don’t overtighten; just snug enough to prevent movement.
3. Position the camera – Slide the plate into the gimbal’s mount and lock it in place. Make sure the Yi’s lens is pointing forward, not sideways.
4. Add a counterweight (if needed) – Place it on the opposite side of the camera to balance the weight. For example, if the Yi is on the left, put the counterweight on the right. Test balance by lifting the gimbal—it should stay level.

Here’s a real-world example: When I mounted my Yi 4K+ on the Weebill S, I used a 25g counterweight because the camera was slightly lighter than the gimbal’s ideal payload. Without it, the gimbal tilted forward. After adding the weight, it balanced perfectly.

Balance the Gimbal

This is the most critical step. A well-balanced gimbal extends battery life and reduces motor noise. Here’s how:

• Adjust the roll axis – Loosen the knob on the side, slide the camera left/right until it stays level when released.
• Adjust the pitch axis – Loosen the knob at the back, slide the camera up/down until it stays horizontal.
• Adjust the yaw axis – Loosen the bottom knob, slide the gimbal arm forward/backward until the camera doesn’t tilt left or right.

Pro tip: Do this on a flat surface. I use a kitchen counter—it’s stable and gives me room to move. After balancing, power on the gimbal. It should stabilize within 3–5 seconds. If it vibrates or beeps, recheck your balance.

Connecting and Controlling: Wired vs. Wireless Options

Wired Connection (Best for Reliability)

For stable control, a wired connection is the gold standard. Here’s what you need:

• USB-C to Micro-USB cable – Most Yi cams (4K, 4K+) have a Micro-USB port. The Weebill S has a USB-C port, so you’ll need an adapter or a dual-ended cable.
• OTG (On-The-Go) support – The Yi 4K/4K+ supports OTG, meaning it can act as a USB device when connected to a host (like the gimbal).

Steps:

1. Power on the gimbal and camera.
2. Connect the USB cable between the Yi and the gimbal’s USB-C port.
3. On the gimbal’s app (ZY Play), go to “Camera Settings” > “Control Type” and select “USB Control.”
4. Now you can start/stop recording, adjust settings, and even trigger photo mode from the gimbal’s joystick.

I used this setup during a hiking trip. The wired connection never dropped, even when I was moving fast. The only downside? The cable can get in the way if you’re doing quick movements.

Wireless Connection (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi)

If you hate cables, wireless is a great option—but with caveats.

• Bluetooth – Works with Yi 4K/4K+ and Weebill S. Pair the gimbal with the camera via the ZY Play app. Range: ~10 meters.
• Wi-Fi – Yi cameras have built-in Wi-Fi. You can connect the gimbal to the Yi’s Wi-Fi network for remote control. Range: ~5 meters.

Steps (Bluetooth):

1. Enable Bluetooth on the Yi camera (Settings > Wireless > Bluetooth).
2. Open the ZY Play app, go to “Camera Settings,” and select your Yi model.
3. Follow the prompts to pair. You’ll see a confirmation on the gimbal’s screen.

Steps (Wi-Fi):

1. Turn on Wi-Fi on the Yi camera and note the network name/password.
2. On the gimbal, go to Wi-Fi settings and connect to the Yi’s network.
3. Open the ZY Play app—it should detect the camera automatically.

Pros: No cables, easier to move.

Cons: Signal drops in crowded areas, shorter battery life, and slight lag. I tried wireless during a beach shoot, and the connection dropped twice when I walked too far. Not ideal for action scenes.

Which Should You Choose?

For professional shoots, go wired. For casual use or vlogging, wireless is fine. I use both: wired for important projects, wireless when I’m filming solo and want more freedom.

Calibration and Fine-Tuning for Smooth Footage

Calibrate the Gimbal

Even with perfect balance, your gimbal needs calibration to work at its best. Here’s how:

• Auto-Calibration – Most Zhiyun gimbals (Weebill S, Crane 2S) have a one-touch auto-calibration. Press and hold the mode button for 3 seconds. The gimbal will move through its axes to reset.
• Manual Calibration – If auto fails, use the ZY Play app. Go to “Gimbal Settings” > “Calibration” and follow the on-screen guide. This takes 2–3 minutes.

I calibrate every time I change the camera or add accessories. It’s a small step, but it makes a huge difference in stability.

Adjust Follow Speed and Sensitivity

Different shots need different gimbal responses. The ZY Play app lets you tweak:

• Follow Speed – How fast the gimbal turns when you move. For smooth pans, set it to 20–30%. For tracking fast action, go 60–80%.
• Sensitivity – How easily the gimbal reacts to small movements. Lower sensitivity = smoother footage. I use 30% for walking shots, 50% for running.
• Deadband – The “no-response” zone. Set it to 10–15° to ignore small hand shakes.

Example: When filming a bike ride, I set follow speed to 70% and sensitivity to 50%. The gimbal kept up with sharp turns without overreacting to bumps.

Use the Right Mode

Zhiyun gimbals have multiple modes:

• Pan Follow – Only the yaw axis moves. Great for horizontal tracking.
• Lock Mode – All axes locked. Perfect for static shots.
• POV (First-Person View) – All axes follow your movement. Ideal for immersive action shots.

I use POV mode for hiking videos—it makes the viewer feel like they’re right there with me.

Data Table: Recommended Setup for Yi + Zhiyun Combinations

Yi Camera Model	Recommended Zhiyun Gimbal	Required Adapter	Counterweight Needed?	Best Control Method
Yi 4K	Weebill S or Smooth 5	GoPro-to-1/4-inch plate	Yes (20–25g)	Wired (USB)
Yi 4K+	Weebill S or Crane 2S	GoPro-to-1/4-inch plate	Yes (25–30g)	Wired (USB) or Bluetooth
Yi Lite	Smooth 5 or Smooth Q3	GoPro-to-1/4-inch plate	Yes (20g)	Bluetooth or Wi-Fi
Yi M1	Crane-M2 or Weebill 2	Standard 1/4-inch screw	No	Wired (USB) or Bluetooth

Troubleshooting Common Issues (And How to Fix Them)

Gimbal Vibrates or Beeps

Cause: Unbalanced camera or low battery.

Fix: Recheck balance. Charge both devices. If it persists, recalibrate.

Camera Doesn’t Respond to Controls

Cause: Wrong control type selected or connection issue.

Fix: In the ZY Play app, go to “Camera Settings” and ensure the correct control type (USB/Bluetooth/Wi-Fi) is selected. Reconnect the cable or re-pair wirelessly.

Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Drops Frequently

Cause: Interference from other devices or weak signal.

Fix: Move closer to the camera. Turn off other wireless devices. Use wired connection as backup.

Footage Is Still Shaky

Cause: High sensitivity or incorrect mode.

Fix: Lower sensitivity to 20–30%. Use Lock or Pan Follow mode instead of POV for smoother shots.

I once had a shoot ruined because the gimbal kept vibrating. Turns out, I’d forgotten to tighten the adapter plate. After fixing it, the footage was buttery smooth. Always double-check your gear!

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Yi + Zhiyun Combo

Connecting your Yi Action Camera to a Zhiyun gimbal isn’t just about smoother footage—it’s about unlocking your creative potential. I’ve used this combo to film everything from family trips to extreme sports, and the results always impress. The key is patience. Take the time to balance, calibrate, and test before your shoot. A few minutes of setup can save you hours of editing.

Remember, no setup is perfect. You’ll have hiccups—cables that snag, Wi-Fi that drops, gimbals that overheat. But every problem teaches you something. And once you get it right? The smooth, cinematic shots make it all worth it. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this combo gives you professional tools at a fraction of the cost.

So go ahead—grab your Yi, your Zhiyun gimbal, and start filming. The world is full of stories waiting to be told, one smooth frame at a time. And if you ever get stuck, just come back to this guide. I’ve been there, and I’ve got your back.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I connect my Yi Action Camera to a Zhiyun gimbal?

To connect your Yi Action Camera to a Zhiyun gimbal, first ensure both devices are charged and powered off. Use the appropriate mounting plate to secure the camera to the gimbal, then power on the gimbal and enable Bluetooth pairing via the Zhiyun app.

Can I pair my Yi Action Camera with a Zhiyun gimbal wirelessly?

Yes, most Zhiyun gimbals (like the Smooth series) support Bluetooth pairing with the Yi Action Camera. Open the Zhiyun Play app, select your gimbal model, and follow the on-screen instructions to sync the camera via Bluetooth.

Why isn’t my Yi Action Camera connecting to the Zhiyun gimbal?

If your Yi Action Camera isn’t connecting, check that Bluetooth is enabled on both devices and they’re within close range. Restart both devices and reattempt pairing—older Yi models may require a firmware update for compatibility.

What Zhiyun gimbals are compatible with the Yi Action Camera?

Popular Zhiyun gimbals like the Smooth 5, Crane M3, and Weebill series support Yi Action Cameras. Verify compatibility in the Zhiyun app or user manual, as some models may require specific mounting accessories for optimal balance.

How do I control my Yi Action Camera with a Zhiyun gimbal?

Once connected, use the gimbal’s control wheel or app to start/stop recording or adjust settings. For full functionality, ensure the Yi Action Camera is set to remote control mode in its settings menu.

Do I need the Zhiyun app to connect my Yi Action Camera to the gimbal?

Yes, the Zhiyun Play app is essential for initial pairing and firmware updates. It also unlocks advanced features like motion control and timelapse, making it a must-have for seamless integration.