How to Update Firmware on Yi Action Cameras in 2026

Updating firmware on your Yi Action Camera in 2026 ensures peak performance, new features, and critical bug fixes—start by downloading the latest firmware from the official Yi website. Connect your camera via USB, transfer the update file to the root directory, and initiate the update through the camera’s settings menu. Always keep your battery charged and avoid interruptions during the process to prevent permanent damage.

Key Takeaways

• Check compatibility: Ensure your Yi camera model supports the 2026 firmware update.
• Use official sources: Download firmware only from Yi’s verified website or app.
• Charge fully: Keep your camera battery above 50% before starting the update.
• Stable connection: Use a reliable Wi-Fi or USB connection to avoid interruptions.
• Follow instructions: Adhere strictly to Yi’s step-by-step update guide for success.
• Backup data: Save media files externally to prevent loss during the update.

Why Firmware Updates Matter for Your Yi Action Camera

Remember that time your Yi action camera froze mid-adventure? Or maybe the battery drained faster than expected during a crucial recording? These are the kinds of frustrations that firmware updates can solve. As someone who’s relied on Yi cameras for years—from hiking the Rockies to capturing family beach days—I’ve learned that staying current with firmware is like giving your camera a tune-up. It’s not just about shiny new features; it’s about reliability, performance, and sometimes even fixing bugs that could ruin your next big moment.

By 2026, Yi has continued to refine its firmware update process, making it more user-friendly than ever. But let’s be honest: the idea of updating firmware can feel intimidating, especially if you’re not tech-savvy. You might wonder, “Will I lose my footage?” or “What if something goes wrong?” I’ve been there. A few years ago, I almost bricked my Yi 4K+ because I skipped a step. Since then, I’ve developed a reliable method—and I’m here to walk you through it, step by step. Whether you’re using a Yi Lite, Yi 4K+, or the latest Yi 360 VR, this guide covers everything you need to know to update your firmware safely and confidently.

Preparing for the Update: What You’ll Need

Check Your Camera Model and Current Firmware

Before anything else, you need to know your camera’s model and current firmware version. Here’s how:

• Power on your Yi camera and go to Settings > System > About.
• Look for “Firmware Version” or “Software Version.” Write this down—it’s crucial for troubleshooting later.
• If you’re using a Yi smartphone app (like the Yi Action or Yi 360 app), open it and check under your camera’s profile. Some newer models sync firmware info automatically.

Pro tip: Take a screenshot or photo of this screen. It’ll help if you need to contact support or roll back the update.

Gather the Right Tools

You don’t need a degree in engineering, but a few essentials will make this process smooth:

• A fully charged Yi camera (or at least 80% battery).
• A microSD card with at least 8GB of free space (preferably 16GB or higher).
• A reliable internet connection (Wi-Fi or wired).
• A computer (Windows or Mac) with a USB port.
• The original USB cable that came with your camera (or a high-quality third-party one).

Why the full battery? Firmware updates can take 5–10 minutes. If the camera dies mid-update, you risk corrupting the system. I once used a 50% charged camera and had to reset it—lesson learned!

Download the Correct Firmware

This is where many people slip up. Always get the firmware from the official Yi website. Avoid third-party sources—they might contain malware or outdated versions. Here’s how to download safely:

1. Visit yi.com (or your regional site).
2. Navigate to Support > Downloads > Action Cameras.
3. Find your exact camera model. For example, if you have a Yi 4K+ (2024 Edition), don’t download the generic “Yi 4K” firmware.
4. Download the latest firmware file. It’s usually a ZIP folder named something like yi-4kplus-v2.5.1-20260315.zip.

Real-world example: Last month, I updated my friend’s Yi Lite. She had downloaded a file from a forum, thinking it was faster. It wasn’t—and it caused a boot loop. Always go official!

Step-by-Step: Updating via SD Card (Most Reliable Method)

Extract and Transfer the Firmware File

Once you’ve downloaded the ZIP file:

1. Unzip it on your computer. Inside, you’ll find a file with a .bin or .fw extension (e.g., yi_4kplus_update.bin).
2. Insert your microSD card into your computer (use a card reader or adapter).
3. Copy the .bin file directly to the root directory of the card. Don’t place it in any folder—just drag it to the top level.
4. Eject the card safely and insert it into your Yi camera.

Tip: Format your SD card as FAT32 before copying. Yi cameras can be picky about file systems. I once used an exFAT card, and the update failed—reformatting to FAT32 fixed it instantly.

Start the Update Process

Now the fun part:

1. Power off your camera completely.
2. Hold the Mode button (the one with three dots) and press the Power button simultaneously.
3. Keep holding both buttons for 5–10 seconds until the screen flashes or you hear a beep.
4. The camera will boot into “Firmware Update Mode.” You’ll see a progress bar and messages like “Updating… Do Not Power Off.”

This step can feel nerve-wracking. The camera might go dark for 30 seconds—don’t panic! Just wait. My first time, I thought it crashed and unplugged it. Big mistake. Now I set a timer and walk away.

Verify the Update Success

Once the progress bar hits 100%:

1. The camera will restart automatically.
2. Wait for it to fully boot up (you’ll see the Yi logo and home screen).
3. Go back to Settings > System > About and confirm the firmware version matches what you downloaded.

If it doesn’t update? Don’t worry. Try again with a freshly formatted SD card. If it still fails, see the troubleshooting section below.

Alternative Methods: App-Based Updates & Wi-Fi

Using the Yi Action App (For Select Models)

Some newer Yi cameras (like the 2025 Yi 360 and Yi 4K Pro) support OTA (Over-the-Air) updates via the Yi Action app. Here’s how:

1. Install the Yi Action app on your smartphone (iOS/Android).
2. Pair your camera via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
3. Open the app and tap your camera’s profile.
4. If an update is available, you’ll see a “Firmware Update” notification.
5. Tap Update and follow the prompts. The app will download the firmware and push it to your camera.

Pros: No computer needed. Great for quick updates on the go.

Cons: Requires a stable Wi-Fi connection. If your signal drops, the update may fail. Also, not all models support this (e.g., Yi Lite).

Wi-Fi Direct Update (For Advanced Users)

For cameras with Wi-Fi Direct (like the Yi 4K+), you can update directly from your computer:

1. Connect your computer to your camera’s Wi-Fi network (found in Settings > Wi-Fi > Camera Wi-Fi).
2. Open a browser and go to http://192.168.1.1 (the camera’s IP address).
3. Log in with the default password (usually “123456789”).
4. Navigate to the firmware upload section and select your .bin file.
5. Start the update and wait for confirmation.

Caution: This method is faster but riskier. A single Wi-Fi hiccup can corrupt the update. I only use it when I’m near my router and the signal is strong.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

“Bricking” Your Camera

The worst-case scenario: your camera becomes a paperweight. Here’s how to avoid it:

• Never interrupt the update. No unplugging, no turning off, no “accidentally” pressing buttons.
• Use a high-quality SD card. Cheap cards can corrupt mid-transfer. I recommend SanDisk Extreme or Samsung EVO.
• Double-check the firmware file. One typo in the filename (e.g., yi_4kplus_update.bi vs. .bin) can cause a fail.

Real story: A friend once updated her Yi 4K+ while charging via a power bank. The power bank cut out at 90%, and the camera never turned back on. Always use a direct power source or fully charged battery.

Wi-Fi and App Glitches

App-based updates can be finicky. If your Yi Action app freezes:

• Force-close the app and restart it.
• Ensure your phone’s OS is up to date (iOS 17+/Android 13+).
• Forget the camera’s Wi-Fi network and re-pair it.

For Wi-Fi Direct issues, try rebooting both your computer and camera. Sometimes, a simple restart fixes connection hiccups.

Rollback: When You Need to Go Back

What if the new firmware causes problems? Yi doesn’t officially support downgrading, but you can sometimes revert:

1. Download the previous firmware version from the Yi website (if available).
2. Follow the SD card method above.
3. If it fails, contact Yi support. They may provide a “recovery” firmware file.

Note: Rolling back isn’t guaranteed. In 2024, I tried to downgrade my Yi 360 after a buggy update—it worked, but only after Yi sent me a special recovery file.

Post-Update Best Practices

Reset Settings (Optional but Recommended)

New firmware often includes new settings or changes to old ones. To avoid conflicts:

• Go to Settings > System > Reset to Default.
• This clears any glitches caused by old settings.
• Reconfigure your preferences (resolution, Wi-Fi, etc.) afterward.

I reset my Yi 4K+ after a major update and noticed smoother stabilization. Worth the few extra minutes!

Test Key Features

Don’t assume everything works. Test:

• Recording (4K, 1080p, slow motion).
• Wi-Fi connectivity and app pairing.
• Battery life (compare to pre-update performance).
• New features (e.g., if the update added voice control, try it).

My friend updated his Yi Lite and discovered the “Auto Low Light” mode was broken. Testing saved him from a failed night shoot.

Keep Backups and Stay Updated

Firmware updates are released every 3–6 months. To stay ahead:

• Bookmark the Yi downloads page and check it quarterly.
• Save firmware files in a folder on your computer (e.g., “Yi_Camera_Updates”).
• Enable notifications in the Yi Action app (if available).

Proactive updates prevent “update fatigue.” I used to skip them until my camera started glitching. Now, I update within a week of release.

Firmware Update Comparison: Yi Models in 2026

Not all Yi cameras update the same way. Here’s a quick reference for popular 2026 models:

Camera Model	Update Method	SD Card Required?	App Support	Notes
Yi 4K+ (2024)	SD Card, App, Wi-Fi Direct	Yes (for SD method)	Yi Action App	Supports OTA; fastest update via Wi-Fi Direct
Yi Lite 2	SD Card only	Yes	No	No app support; update every 6 months
Yi 360 VR	App (primary), SD Card (backup)	Optional	Yi 360 App	OTA updates recommended; large file sizes
Yi 4K Pro	App, Wi-Fi Direct	No	Yi Action App	Wi-Fi Direct preferred; SD method discontinued
Yi Horizon 4K	SD Card, App	Yes (for SD method)	Yi Action App	Hybrid system; check model number first

Final Thoughts: Make Updates a Habit

Updating your Yi action camera’s firmware isn’t just a technical chore—it’s a way to protect your investment. Think of it like updating your phone: you get better performance, fewer bugs, and sometimes cool new features. I’ve seen firmware updates fix everything from choppy audio to GPS drift. In 2026, Yi’s process is more streamlined than ever, but it still requires care and attention.

Remember: preparation is everything. A charged battery, a reliable SD card, and the correct firmware file are your best friends. If something goes wrong, don’t panic. Most issues are fixable with a reset, a reformat, or a quick support call. And once you’ve updated, take a moment to test your camera. That way, when your next adventure comes, you’ll be ready—not stuck with a frozen screen or a corrupted file.

So, the next time you see a firmware notification, don’t ignore it. Grab your SD card, follow this guide, and give your Yi camera the upgrade it deserves. After all, every epic shot starts with a camera that works flawlessly. Happy filming!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I update the firmware on my Yi Action Camera in 2026?

To update the firmware, download the latest version from the official Yi website or app, transfer it to your camera’s SD card, and follow the on-screen prompts in the camera’s settings menu. Always ensure your battery is fully charged before starting the process.

Where can I find the latest Yi Action Camera firmware updates?

The latest firmware updates for Yi Action Cameras are available on the official Yi website under the “Support” or “Downloads” section. You can also check the Yi Action app, which often provides automatic update notifications for your specific model.

Why is updating the firmware on my Yi Action Camera important?

Updating the firmware ensures optimal performance, fixes bugs, and adds new features to your Yi Action Camera. It also improves compatibility with accessories and software, keeping your device up-to-date in 2026.

Can I update my Yi Action Camera firmware without a computer?

Yes, you can use the Yi Action app to wirelessly download and install firmware updates if your camera supports Wi-Fi. Simply connect your camera to the app, and follow the update prompts directly from your smartphone.

What should I do if my Yi Action Camera firmware update fails?

If the update fails, restart your camera, re-download the firmware file, and ensure the SD card is properly formatted. If the issue persists, contact Yi support for troubleshooting or a manual recovery tool.

How long does a Yi Action Camera firmware update take?

A firmware update typically takes 5–10 minutes, depending on the file size and your camera model. Avoid turning off the camera or removing the SD card during the process to prevent errors.