Yi Action Camera Bluetooth Remote Review Top Features and Performance

The Yi Action Camera Bluetooth Remote delivers seamless, long-range control (up to 10 meters) for effortless photo and video capture. With its rugged, water-resistant design and intuitive one-button operation, it ensures reliable performance in any adventure—perfect for hands-free shooting on the go.

Key Takeaways

• Seamless pairing: Connects instantly with Yi Action Cameras for quick setup.
• Long-range control: Operates reliably up to 30 feet away.
• One-touch recording: Start/stop videos instantly with a single button press.
• Photo capture mode: Easily take stills without touching the camera.
• Compact and portable: Lightweight design fits in pockets or on gear.
• Battery efficient: Lasts months on a single CR2032 battery.

Why the Yi Action Camera Bluetooth Remote Is a Game-Changer for Adventurers

Let’s be honest: capturing the perfect action shot is tough. Whether you’re scaling a mountain, shredding down a snowy slope, or biking through a forest trail, your hands are usually too busy to fumble with your camera. That’s where the Yi Action Camera Bluetooth Remote comes in—a tiny, unassuming device that quietly transforms how you record your adventures. I first got my hands on this remote during a weekend hiking trip. I was tired of missing golden moments because I had to stop, pull out my camera, and press record. The remote changed that. With just a tap on my wrist, I could start and stop recording without breaking stride. It felt like having a personal camera operator—except it cost less than a fancy coffee and weighed next to nothing.

But does it really live up to the hype? After months of testing in rain, snow, and dusty trails, I’ve got thoughts. This isn’t a flashy gadget with a million features. Instead, it’s a focused tool built for one thing: making your life easier when using your Yi action camera. In this review, we’ll dive deep into what it does well, where it could improve, and whether it’s worth adding to your gear kit. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time vlogger, this little remote might just become your new best friend.

Design and Build Quality: Simple, Sturdy, and Ready for Anything

Minimalist Design That Just Works

The Yi Action Camera Bluetooth Remote is about the size of a large watch face—compact, lightweight, and designed to be worn on your wrist or attached to a handlebar or backpack strap. It’s not flashy, but that’s the point. The matte black finish resists fingerprints and blends in nicely with outdoor gear. The single large button is easy to find and press, even with gloves on. I’ve used it while skiing in -10°C weather, and my fingers were numb, but the button still responded instantly. That’s a big win for winter sports fans.

The strap is made of a soft, adjustable silicone material that fits comfortably on wrists of all sizes. I’ve worn it for 8-hour hikes, and it never irritated my skin. It’s also easy to remove and reattach, which is handy when you want to switch from wrist to handlebar mounting. The remote comes with a small carabiner-style clip for attaching to gear, and it’s surprisingly secure. I’ve clipped it to my mountain bike’s handlebars, and it stayed put over bumpy terrain—no rattling, no slipping.

Water and Dust Resistance: Built for the Wild

Yi claims the remote has an IP67 rating, meaning it can survive immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. I haven’t dunked it on purpose, but I’ve used it in heavy rain and snow, and it’s held up perfectly. The button doesn’t get sticky, and the Bluetooth connection stays stable even in damp conditions. One time, I accidentally left it outside overnight during a storm. The next morning, it was soaked, but after a quick towel dry, it worked like new.

Dust resistance is just as impressive. I’ve used it in desert hikes and off-road biking, where fine dust is everywhere. The seams are tight, and there are no ports or openings that could let grit in. I wipe it down with a damp cloth after muddy trips, and it’s always ready for the next adventure.

Battery Life: Long-Lasting and Easy to Maintain

The remote uses a standard CR2032 coin cell battery, which is easy to find and replace. Yi claims up to 18 months of battery life under normal use. In my experience, it’s closer to 12–14 months if you’re using it daily. That’s still impressive for a device this small. The battery compartment is sealed with a rubber gasket, which helps maintain the water resistance. Replacing the battery takes less than a minute—just unscrew the back, swap the cell, and you’re good to go.

One small gripe: there’s no low-battery indicator. The remote just stops working one day. It’s not a dealbreaker, but I’d love a subtle LED blink or app notification when the battery is low. For now, I just keep a spare battery in my gear bag—better safe than sorry.

Pairing and Connectivity: Fast, Reliable, and Hassle-Free

Bluetooth 4.0: Simple Setup, Strong Signal

Pairing the Yi Action Camera Bluetooth Remote with your camera is as easy as it gets. Turn on the remote (press and hold the button), then go into your Yi camera’s Bluetooth settings and select the remote. It usually connects within 10–15 seconds. I’ve paired it with the Yi 4K+, Yi Lite, and even older models like the Yi 1080p—it works flawlessly across the board.

Once paired, the connection is rock-solid. The remote uses Bluetooth 4.0, which isn’t the latest tech, but it’s more than enough for this use case. The range is about 10 meters (33 feet) in open air, which is plenty for most scenarios. I’ve used it while skiing, where I was 20 feet away from my chest-mounted camera, and it never missed a beat. Even in crowded areas (like festivals or busy trails), the signal stays strong.

Real-World Use: No Lag, No Frustration

The best part? There’s almost no lag. When you press the button, the camera responds within a second. That’s crucial when you’re trying to capture a fleeting moment—like a jump, a wave, or a wildlife encounter. I’ve tested it side-by-side with a GoPro remote, and the Yi remote is just as fast, sometimes faster.

One practical tip: if you’re using the remote for the first time, pair it in a quiet area. Bluetooth can get confused in places with lots of devices (like gyms or tech stores). Once it’s paired, though, it remembers the connection. Even if you turn off the remote and camera, they reconnect automatically when you power them back on.

Multi-Camera Control: A Hidden Gem

Here’s a feature most people don’t know about: the remote can control multiple Yi cameras at once. I’ve used it during group shoots, where I had a chest mount on one camera and a helmet mount on another. With a single press, I could start/stop recording on both. It’s a huge time-saver and eliminates the need to sync footage manually. Just go into the Yi app, enable multi-camera mode, and assign the remote to both devices. It’s not perfect—sometimes one camera lags by half a second—but it’s still a game-changer for content creators.

Core Features: What You Can (and Can’t) Do

Start/Stop Recording: The Bread and Butter

The main function of the Yi Action Camera Bluetooth Remote is simple: start and stop recording. A single press starts the camera; another press stops it. It’s reliable, intuitive, and works whether you’re in video, photo, or time-lapse mode. I’ve used it to capture everything from mountain bike jumps to family beach days, and it’s never failed me.

One cool trick: double-pressing the button in photo mode takes a burst of 3 photos. I use this for fast-moving subjects, like birds or kids playing. It’s not a full burst mode (like 10 fps), but it’s better than nothing.

Photo Capture: One-Tap Simplicity

Press and hold the button for 1 second to take a photo. The camera beeps (if audio is on), and you’re done. It’s great for quick snapshots when you don’t want to record video. I’ve used it to document trail markers, gear setups, and even wildlife from a distance. The only downside? No zoom or framing help. You have to rely on the camera’s fixed field of view. But that’s not the remote’s fault—it’s just how action cameras work.

Time-Lapse and Burst Mode: Limited but Useful

The remote supports time-lapse and burst modes, but the options are basic. You can start/stop time-lapse sequences, but you can’t adjust the interval remotely. Same with burst—you can trigger it, but you can’t change the number of shots. For advanced settings, you still need to use the camera or the Yi app. That’s a minor limitation, but it keeps the remote simple and focused.

Pro tip: set up your time-lapse or burst mode on the camera first, then use the remote to trigger it. It’s perfect for sunrise shots or capturing a full bike race without touching the camera.

What’s Missing: A Few Nice-to-Haves

The remote doesn’t have a screen, which means no preview or playback. You can’t check if your shot was in focus or if the lighting was right. It also doesn’t support voice commands or GPS tagging. And while it works with most Yi cameras, it’s not compatible with other brands (like GoPro or DJI). If you’re using a mixed setup, you’ll need multiple remotes.

Still, for what it does, the remote excels. It’s not trying to be a full-featured controller—it’s a simple, reliable tool for one job.

Performance in Real-World Scenarios: Where It Shines (and Where It Doesn’t)

Winter Sports: A Must-Have for Skiers and Snowboarders

As a frequent skier, this is where the Yi Action Camera Bluetooth Remote truly shines. I’ve used it on chairlifts, during jumps, and while riding through trees. The glove-friendly button is a lifesaver—no need to remove your mittens or fumble with the camera. I’ve captured some of my best runs thanks to the remote. One time, I was doing a backcountry descent, and a sudden snowstorm rolled in. I was able to start recording with a quick tap, even as snowflakes hit my face. The camera stayed stable, and the remote never missed a beat.

The only issue? Cold weather can slow down Bluetooth slightly. In sub-zero temps, the connection sometimes takes 2–3 seconds to establish. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to be aware of. Keep the remote close to your body (like under your jacket) to maintain signal strength.

Water Adventures: Kayaking, Surfing, and More

The IP67 rating makes this remote a great choice for water sports. I’ve used it while kayaking in choppy rivers and surfing in the Pacific. The silicone strap stays secure, even when wet. I’ve also clipped it to my paddle for hands-free recording—super useful when navigating rapids.

One caveat: if you’re using a waterproof housing with a thick case, the Bluetooth signal can weaken. I’ve had moments where the remote didn’t respond, only to realize the camera was in a heavy-duty dive case. For shallow water, it’s fine. For deep dives, stick to the camera’s physical controls.

Everyday Use: Hiking, Biking, and Family Outings

For casual users, the remote is a no-brainer. I’ve used it during family hikes, where my kids are too young to operate the camera. I wear the remote on my wrist, and when they do something cute, I just tap the button. No missed moments. I’ve also used it on my road bike—attached to the handlebars, it’s perfect for recording commutes or scenic rides. The only downside is wind noise. If you’re riding fast, the audio will be terrible, but that’s a camera issue, not the remote’s fault.

Low-Light and Night Use: Not Ideal, But Workable

The remote doesn’t have a backlight, so it’s hard to use in the dark. I’ve tried to record nighttime campfires or stargazing sessions, and I ended up fumbling with the button. A small LED would help, but it’s not a dealbreaker. For night shots, I just use the camera’s timer mode or set up a time-lapse in advance.

Comparisons and Alternatives: How It Stacks Up

Yi Remote vs. GoPro Smart Remote

The GoPro Smart Remote is the most direct competitor. It’s more expensive, has a screen, and supports voice commands. But it’s also bulkier, less water-resistant (IPX7), and requires a separate charging cable. The Yi remote wins on simplicity, battery life, and price. If you want a no-nonsense tool, go with Yi. If you need advanced features, GoPro is better.

Yi Remote vs. DJI Osmo Action Remote

The DJI remote is sleek and has a color screen, but it’s only compatible with DJI cameras. It also has a shorter battery life (6 months). The Yi remote is more versatile (works with multiple Yi models) and lasts longer. For pure reliability, Yi is the winner.

Third-Party Options: Are They Worth It?

There are cheaper third-party remotes on Amazon, but I’d avoid them. I tried one that cost $15—it had terrible lag, poor range, and died after 3 months. The Yi Action Camera Bluetooth Remote might cost $30–$40, but it’s built to last. You get what you pay for.

Final Verdict: Is the Yi Action Camera Bluetooth Remote Worth It?

After months of testing, I can confidently say: yes, the Yi Action Camera Bluetooth Remote is worth every penny. It’s not perfect—it lacks a screen, has no low-battery warning, and doesn’t work with non-Yi cameras—but for what it does, it’s exceptional. It’s simple, reliable, and built for the real world.

Who should buy it? Anyone who uses a Yi action camera regularly. If you’re into skiing, hiking, biking, or just want to capture family moments without missing a beat, this remote is a game-changer. It’s also a great gift for adventure lovers who already have a Yi camera.

Who should skip it? If you only use your camera occasionally, or if you’re using a different brand, you might not need it. But if you’re serious about capturing your adventures, this little device will pay for itself in missed moments avoided.

Final tip: buy an extra battery and keep it in your gear bag. That way, you’ll never be caught with a dead remote when the action starts. Happy filming!

Feature	Details	Performance
Compatibility	Yi 4K+, Yi Lite, Yi 1080p, and other Bluetooth-enabled Yi models	Excellent—works with all tested models
Range	Up to 10 meters (33 feet)	Strong and stable, even in crowds
Battery Life	CR2032 (12–18 months)	Long-lasting, but no low-battery alert
Water Resistance	IP67 rating	Survived rain, snow, and accidental submersion
Multi-Camera Support	Yes (via Yi app)	Useful for group shoots, minor sync lag
Price	Approx. $35–$40	Great value for the build and reliability

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the standout features of the Yi Action Camera Bluetooth Remote?

The Yi Action Camera Bluetooth Remote offers key features like one-touch recording, photo capture, and a wristband design for easy access. Its Bluetooth connectivity ensures reliable control within a 30-foot range, making it ideal for hands-free operation during sports or adventures.

How does the Yi Action Camera Bluetooth Remote improve usability?

This remote simplifies action camera control by allowing users to start/stop recordings or take photos without touching the camera. The lightweight, waterproof design ensures durability and convenience in outdoor environments.

Is the Yi Action Camera Bluetooth Remote compatible with all Yi cameras?

The remote is primarily designed for Yi 4K, Yi 4K+, and Yi Lite action cameras, with seamless Bluetooth pairing. For older models, check compatibility before purchasing to ensure functionality.

How long does the battery last on the Yi Action Camera Bluetooth Remote?

The built-in rechargeable battery provides up to 6 months of standby time and 100+ hours of active use, depending on frequency. Charging is quick via the included USB cable.

Can I use the Yi Action Camera Bluetooth Remote underwater?

Yes, the remote is waterproof up to 3 meters (10 feet), making it suitable for snorkeling or light water activities. However, it’s not recommended for deep diving or prolonged submersion.

Does the Yi Action Camera Bluetooth Remote have any connectivity issues?

Most users report stable Bluetooth connectivity within the advertised 30-foot range. For best results, avoid interference from other wireless devices and keep the camera and remote within line of sight.