Mi Action Camera App Review Features Tips and Tricks

The Mi Action Camera App delivers seamless control and enhanced functionality for Xiaomi’s action cameras, making it a must-have for adventure enthusiasts. With intuitive features like real-time preview, customizable settings, and quick sharing, the app transforms your smartphone into a powerful remote control and editing hub, elevating your action-packed content creation effortlessly.

Key Takeaways

• Master the interface: Spend 5 minutes exploring menus to unlock hidden settings.
• Enable Pro Mode: Adjust ISO, shutter speed, and white balance manually.
• Use voice commands: Start/stop recordings hands-free with simple voice prompts.
• Customize quick settings: Add frequently used features to the home screen.
• Sync via Bluetooth: Transfer files faster by pairing with the Mi app.
• Shoot in 4K/60fps: Ensure “High Bitrate” is enabled for crisp footage.

Why the Mi Action Camera App Is a Must-Have for Adventure Enthusiasts

If you’ve ever found yourself chasing a sunrise, racing down a mountain trail, or diving into the ocean waves, you know how fleeting those moments can be. Capturing them isn’t just about snapping a photo or hitting record—it’s about preserving the energy, the emotion, and the story behind the action. That’s where the Mi Action Camera app steps in. As someone who’s tested countless action camera apps, I was initially skeptical. Could this free app from Xiaomi really stand up to the big names like GoPro’s Quik or DJI’s Mimo? Spoiler: It absolutely can—and in some ways, it’s even better. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a weekend warrior, the app transforms your Mi action camera into a storytelling powerhouse.

But let’s be real: Not all action camera apps are created equal. Some are clunky, others drain your phone’s battery like a vampire, and a few feel like they’re stuck in 2010. The Mi Action Camera app, however, strikes a balance between simplicity and functionality. It’s intuitive enough for first-time users but packed with features that power users will love. In this review, we’ll dive into what makes this app special, how to get the most out of it, and the little-known tips and tricks that’ll make your footage look pro-level. No fluff, no hype—just honest insights to help you decide if this is the right tool for your next adventure.

Getting Started: Setup and First Impressions

Download and Installation

First things first: The Mi Action Camera app is free to download on both iOS and Android. No surprise there—most action camera apps are. But what stood out to me was how quickly it installed and how lightweight it felt. Unlike some competitors that take up gigabytes of space, this app is lean and mean (under 100MB). Once installed, open the app, and you’ll be greeted by a clean, minimalist interface. The setup process is straightforward:

• Pair your camera: Turn on your Mi action camera, enable Wi-Fi, and scan the QR code in the app. Done in 30 seconds.
• Firmware updates: The app automatically checks for camera updates—a nice touch to keep everything running smoothly.
• Permissions: Grant access to your phone’s storage and location (optional but helpful for geotagging).

One minor gripe? The app doesn’t support older Mi action cameras (pre-2020). If you’re rocking a Mi 4K or newer, you’re golden. Older models? You’ll need to stick with the manufacturer’s app.

Interface and Navigation

The app’s layout is refreshingly simple. At the bottom, you’ve got three tabs: Live View, Gallery, and Settings. No clutter, no hidden menus. Here’s what I loved:

• Live View: See exactly what your camera sees in real time. Latency is minimal—maybe a half-second delay, which is standard for Wi-Fi connections.
• Gallery: Browse your camera’s SD card remotely. Thumbnails load quickly, and you can preview clips without downloading them to your phone.
• Settings: Tweak camera settings (resolution, frame rate, etc.) without touching the camera itself. Huge time-saver!

Pro tip: Tap and hold on the Live View screen to lock exposure and focus. This is a game-changer if you’re shooting in tricky lighting (e.g., sunset or backlit scenes).

Core Features: What the App Can (and Can’t) Do

Real-Time Control and Remote Shooting

The Mi Action Camera app shines when it comes to remote control. Need to mount your camera on a helmet, bike, or surfboard? The app lets you start/stop recording, take photos, and even adjust settings from your phone. Here’s how it works in real-world scenarios:

• Bike rides: Mount the camera on your handlebars, then use your phone (in a pocket or bike mount) to start recording when you hit the trail. No fumbling with tiny buttons!
• Surfing: Stick the camera to your board, then use the app to capture wipeouts or perfect waves without paddling in.
• Group photos: Set up a shot, join the group, and trigger the camera remotely. No more sprinting back to the tripod.

One limitation: The app uses Wi-Fi, which has a range of about 30 feet. Great for most adventures, but don’t expect it to work from your beach towel if your camera’s on a cliff.

Video and Photo Modes

The app unlocks all your camera’s shooting modes, including:

• 4K/60fps video: Crisp, smooth footage for cinematic shots.
• Slow motion: Up to 1080p/120fps. Perfect for capturing a skateboard trick or a dog shaking off water.
• Time-lapse: Great for sunsets, traffic, or growing plants. The app lets you adjust interval settings (e.g., 1 photo every 5 seconds).
• Photo burst: Capture 10 shots per second—ideal for fast-moving subjects.

Example: On a recent hiking trip, I set the camera to time-lapse mode to film the sunrise over a valley. The app let me adjust the interval remotely, so I didn’t have to wake up at 4 AM to tweak settings.

Stabilization and Image Quality

Mi action cameras use electronic image stabilization (EIS), and the app plays a key role in fine-tuning it. In the Settings tab, you can toggle:

• EIS On/Off: Turn it off for smoother motion in stable conditions (e.g., on a tripod).
• Stabilization strength: Choose between “Standard” (minimal crop) and “Enhanced” (maximum smoothness).

Real talk: The stabilization isn’t magic, but it’s solid for most situations. On a bumpy mountain bike ride, “Enhanced” mode smoothed out the jitters without making the footage look too artificial. For extreme sports, you might still need a gimbal.

Limited Audio Controls

Here’s where the app falls short: You can’t adjust audio settings remotely. Want to disable the mic during a loud event? Or boost gain for interviews? You’ll need to do that on the camera itself. Not a dealbreaker, but it’s a missed opportunity for a pro-level app.

Editing Tools: Turn Raw Footage into Masterpieces

Basic Editing Features

Once you’ve captured your footage, the app’s built-in editor lets you polish it without leaving your phone. Here’s what you can do:

• Trim clips: Cut the boring bits. The timeline is intuitive—just drag the edges.
• Adjust speed: Slow down for dramatic effect or speed up for a hyperlapse.
• Add filters: Choose from 10 presets (e.g., “Vivid,” “Cinematic,” “Black & White”). They’re not as robust as Instagram’s, but they’re a quick way to add mood.
• Rotate/crop: Fix crooked horizons or reframe shots.

Example: I filmed a kayaking trip and used the editor to speed up the calm sections and slow down the whitewater rapids. The result? A dynamic, engaging video in under 5 minutes of editing.

Auto-Editing and Templates

The app’s Auto-Edit feature is a hidden gem. Upload a few clips, pick a music track, and the app stitches them together with cuts, transitions, and effects. It’s not perfect—sometimes it cuts mid-action—but it’s a lifesaver if you’re short on time. The Templates tab offers themed edits (e.g., “Adventure,” “Travel,” “Sports”) with pre-set music and transitions. I used the “Adventure” template for a hiking video, and it felt professional without any effort.

Export and Sharing

Finished editing? Export your video in resolutions up to 4K. The app supports direct sharing to:

• Instagram, YouTube, TikTok (with aspect ratio presets)
• WeChat, WhatsApp, and other social platforms
• Local storage (for archiving or further editing in apps like CapCut)

One quirk: Exporting 4K videos can take time (and drain your battery). I recommend doing it when your phone is charging and connected to Wi-Fi.

Pro Tips and Tricks: Hidden Features Most Users Miss

Use the App as a Remote Viewfinder

Mounting your camera in a hard-to-reach spot? The app’s Live View acts as a remote viewfinder. Here’s a pro move: Enable Grid Lines in the settings to help with composition. Overlay a rule-of-thirds grid or a horizon line to keep shots level. I used this trick when filming a drone shot—the grid helped me align the camera perfectly with the horizon.

Custom Presets for Quick Shooting

The app lets you save custom camera settings as presets. For example:

• Preset 1: 4K/30fps, EIS Enhanced, Auto White Balance (for general use)
• Preset 2: 1080p/120fps, EIS Off, Manual Exposure (for slow-motion sports)
• Preset 3: Time-lapse, 1 photo every 10 seconds (for sunsets)

Switching between presets takes seconds. No more digging through menus mid-adventure!

Battery-Saving Hacks

Using the app drains both your phone and camera batteries. Try these tricks:

• Lower screen brightness: The Live View screen is a battery hog. Reduce brightness in your phone’s settings.
• Use airplane mode: Turn on airplane mode and re-enable Wi-Fi. This disables Bluetooth and cellular data, saving power.
• Limit Live View time: Only use Live View when framing shots. Turn it off when recording.

On a full charge, my phone (Samsung Galaxy S22) lasted 3 hours with the app open—plenty for a half-day shoot.

Geotagging and Metadata

Enable location services in the app to add GPS data to your photos/videos. This is great for:

• Mapping your adventures (e.g., using Google Earth)
• Organizing footage by location
• Adding context to social media posts

Note: Geotagging only works if your phone has a GPS signal. For underwater or indoor shoots, it won’t register.

Limitations and Areas for Improvement

Battery Drain and Connectivity Issues

No app is perfect, and the Mi Action Camera app has a few pain points:

• Battery drain: As mentioned, Live View is a battery killer. Carry a power bank if you’re shooting all day.
• Wi-Fi drops: The connection can be finicky in crowded areas (e.g., festivals). If it disconnects, just re-pair the camera.
• No Bluetooth control: Unlike GoPro’s app, you can’t use Bluetooth for basic controls (start/stop). Wi-Fi is required for everything.

These aren’t dealbreakers, but they’re worth noting if you’re comparing apps.

Lack of Advanced Editing Tools

The built-in editor is great for quick fixes, but it lacks:

• Multi-clip editing (e.g., picture-in-picture)
• Keyframe adjustments (for smooth zooms/pans)
• Color grading (e.g., LUTs)

For pro-level edits, you’ll still need desktop software like DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere.

No Cloud Storage Integration

Want to back up your footage to Google Drive or iCloud? The app doesn’t support it. You’ll need to manually transfer files to your computer or use a third-party app.

Data Table: Mi Action Camera App vs. Competitors

Feature	Mi Action Camera App	GoPro Quik	DJI Mimo
Remote Control	Wi-Fi (30ft range)	Wi-Fi + Bluetooth (50ft range)	Wi-Fi + Bluetooth (65ft range)
Editing Tools	Basic (trim, speed, filters)	Advanced (auto-edits, templates)	Advanced (story templates, keyframes)
Stabilization	EIS (Standard/Enhanced)	HyperSmooth	RockSteady
Export Options	4K, social presets	4K, cloud backup	4K, social presets
Price	Free	Free + Premium ($2.99/month)	Free + Premium ($4.99/month)

As you can see, the Mi Action Camera app holds its own—especially for free. It may not have the bells and whistles of paid competitors, but it’s more than enough for most users.

Final Verdict: Is the Mi Action Camera App Worth It?

Let’s wrap this up with a straight answer: Yes, the Mi Action Camera app is worth it—if you own a compatible Mi camera. It’s not perfect, but it delivers where it counts: remote control, real-time adjustments, and easy editing. For casual users, it’s a no-brainer. For pros, it’s a reliable tool that won’t break the bank (since it’s free!).

Here’s my final advice: If you’re all-in on the Xiaomi ecosystem (Mi camera, phone, etc.), the app is a seamless addition. If you’re comparing it to GoPro or DJI, the decision comes down to your priorities. Need longer Wi-Fi range and Bluetooth controls? GoPro wins. Want advanced editing? DJI’s Mimo has more depth. But if you value simplicity, cost, and decent performance, the Mi Action Camera app is a winner.

At the end of the day, the best app is the one you’ll actually use. And this one? It’s so intuitive, so fast, and so practical that I’ve found myself reaching for it even when I’m not filming adventures. Whether you’re capturing a mountain bike race, a family hike, or a lazy afternoon at the beach, this app helps you tell your story—without the tech headaches. Give it a try. Your next great video might just be a few taps away.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mi Action Camera App and how does it work?

The Mi Action Camera App is a companion mobile application designed to control Xiaomi’s action cameras remotely via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It allows users to adjust settings, preview shots, and transfer media directly to their smartphone for quick sharing.

Can I live stream using the Mi Action Camera App?

Yes, the Mi Action Camera App supports live streaming to popular platforms like YouTube and Facebook. Ensure your camera model is compatible and connected to a stable internet source for optimal performance.

How do I transfer videos from my Mi Action Camera to my phone?

Open the app, connect to your camera via Wi-Fi, and select the “Gallery” tab to view and download media. Files transfer quickly, and you can edit or share them directly from your phone.

Why won’t my Mi Action Camera App connect to the camera?

First, check that both devices are charged and within 10 meters of each other. Restart the camera and phone, then re-pair them through the app’s connection settings.

Does the app offer any editing tools for action camera footage?

Yes, the Mi Action Camera App includes basic editing features like trimming, filters, and speed adjustments. For advanced edits, export clips to third-party video editors after downloading.

Are there any hidden tips for better performance with the app?

Enable “Auto-Connect” in settings for faster pairing and use the app’s grid overlay for improved framing. Regularly update the app and camera firmware to access new features and bug fixes.