Xiaomi Yi Action Camera App Download 2026 Update Guide

The Xiaomi Yi Action Camera app is essential for unlocking your camera’s full potential in 2026, enabling seamless control, live preview, and instant media sharing. Download the latest version directly from the official Xiaomi website or trusted app stores to ensure compatibility, security, and access to new features like enhanced stabilization and AI-powered editing tools.

Key Takeaways

• Download the official app: Always use the Xiaomi Yi Action Camera app from trusted sources.
• Update firmware regularly: Ensure your camera’s firmware is up-to-date for optimal performance.
• Check compatibility first: Confirm your device supports the 2026 app version before installing.
• Enable remote control: Use the app to control your camera remotely via Wi-Fi.
• Access editing tools: Edit and share videos instantly using the app’s built-in features.
• Secure your connection: Always disconnect Wi-Fi after use to prevent unauthorized access.

Why the Xiaomi Yi Action Camera App Matters in 2026

Remember that time you captured the perfect wave, only to realize you couldn’t review the footage on your phone? Or when you tried to adjust camera settings on the fly, but had to fumble with tiny buttons while the moment slipped away? If you’ve ever used an action camera, you know how frustrating it can be to manage settings, transfer files, or preview your shots without the right tool. That’s where the Xiaomi Yi Action Camera app steps in—your digital sidekick for a seamless shooting experience.

As of 2026, the Xiaomi Yi ecosystem has evolved beyond basic hardware. While the original Yi cameras (like the Yi 4K and Yi Lite) still hold strong in the budget action cam market, their true power lies in the companion app. Whether you’re a vlogger, outdoor adventurer, or just someone who loves capturing life’s wild moments, the app unlocks features that make shooting, editing, and sharing easier than ever. And yes—despite Xiaomi shifting focus to newer models, the Yi app remains a vital tool for legacy and current users alike.

Understanding the Xiaomi Yi Action Camera App in 2026

What Is the Xiaomi Yi App?

The Xiaomi Yi Action Camera app is a free mobile application developed by Xiaomi to pair with its line of action cameras. It acts as a remote control, media gallery, and settings hub—all from your smartphone or tablet. Think of it as your camera’s brain, but on your phone. It connects via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, allowing real-time preview, remote shutter control, firmware updates, and instant file transfer.

While Xiaomi has rebranded many of its products under the “Xiaomi” or “Mi” names, the Yi app still supports the original Yi-branded cameras, including:

• Yi 4K+
• Yi 4K
• Yi Lite
• Yi 1080p (older models)

Even though newer Xiaomi action cams like the Xiaomi Mi Action Camera 4K may use a different app (like Mi Home or Mi Cam), the original Yi app remains relevant for users who own or have inherited older Yi models—still popular in the secondhand market.

Why You Still Need It in 2026

You might wonder: “Why use the Yi app in 2026 when newer models exist?” Great question. Here’s the truth: not everyone needs the latest hardware. Many users still rely on older Yi cameras because they’re affordable, reliable, and produce excellent 4K footage. But without the app, you’re missing out on:

• Remote control: Start/stop recording, change modes, or adjust ISO—all from your phone.
• Live preview: Frame your shots perfectly without guessing.
• Fast file transfer: Download videos and photos directly to your phone in seconds (not minutes).
• Firmware updates: Keep your camera secure and optimized.
• Geotagging: Automatically add location data using your phone’s GPS.

For example, during a recent hiking trip in the Rockies, I used my Yi 4K with the app to remotely start a time-lapse of sunrise over the peaks. Without the app, I’d have had to manually press the shutter button—risking camera shake and missing the golden hour.

How to Download the Xiaomi Yi Action Camera App (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Check Device Compatibility

Before downloading, make sure your smartphone or tablet is compatible. The Yi app works with:

• Android: Version 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher
• iOS: iOS 10.0 or later (iPhone 5s and newer)

Pro tip: If you’re using an older Android device (like a 2015 phone), consider updating the OS or using a newer secondary device just for camera control. I once tried using a 2014 tablet—it connected, but the app crashed every 10 minutes. Lesson learned.

Step 2: Download from Official Sources

Never download the Xiaomi Yi Action Camera app from third-party sites. Fake apps often contain malware or steal your data. Stick to:

• Google Play Store: Search “Yi Action Camera” or “Xiaomi Yi Camera”
• Apple App Store: Search “Yi Action Camera”

The official app is published by “Xiaomi Inc.” and has over 5 million downloads on Android. Look for the blue-and-white camera icon with the Yi logo. As of 2026, the app is still actively updated, though less frequently than Xiaomi’s newer camera apps.

Step 3: Install and Set Up

After downloading, follow these steps:

1. Open the app and grant permissions (Wi-Fi, location, storage).
2. Turn on your Yi camera and enable Wi-Fi (usually in Settings > Wi-Fi).
3. On your phone, go to Wi-Fi settings and connect to the camera’s network (e.g., “Yi_Cam_1234”).
4. Return to the app—it should auto-detect the camera.
5. Enter the default password if prompted (usually “123456789” or “12345678”).

Common issue: If the app doesn’t connect, try restarting both devices and ensuring the camera’s Wi-Fi is active (check for the Wi-Fi icon on the screen).

Step 4: Troubleshoot Connection Problems

Wi-Fi interference or outdated firmware can cause connection drops. Here’s how to fix it:

• Reduce distance: Keep your phone within 10 feet of the camera.
• Switch to 5GHz (if supported): The Yi 4K supports dual-band Wi-Fi—use 5GHz for faster, more stable connections.
• Update camera firmware: Open the app > Settings > Firmware Update.
• Reset Wi-Fi: In camera settings, forget the network and reconnect.

During a mountain bike race, my connection dropped mid-race because I was 15 feet away. I switched to 5GHz mode in the app settings—problem solved!

Key Features of the Xiaomi Yi App (2026 Edition)

Remote Control & Live Preview

The app’s biggest win? Remote control. You can:

• Switch between photo, video, burst, and time-lapse modes
• Adjust resolution (1080p, 2.7K, 4K)
• Set white balance, exposure, and ISO
• Start/stop recording with a single tap

The live preview is smooth (around 15–20 fps), which is enough for framing shots. It’s not perfect—there’s a slight delay—but it’s far better than guessing. I used it to capture a close-up of a hummingbird in my garden. Without the preview, I’d have missed the shot entirely.

Media Gallery & File Transfer

The app lets you browse all photos and videos stored on the camera’s microSD card. You can:

• Preview thumbnails
• Download files directly to your phone
• Delete unwanted clips (saves storage space)
• Share to social media (Instagram, YouTube, etc.)

File transfer speed depends on your Wi-Fi connection. On 5GHz, a 1-minute 4K video transfers in about 10 seconds. On 2.4GHz, it can take up to 30 seconds. Tip: Always use a high-speed microSD card (UHS-I or U3) to avoid bottlenecks.

Firmware Updates & Settings Customization

The app is the only way to update your camera’s firmware. Updates fix bugs, improve stability, and add new features. For example, a 2025 update added HDR support to the Yi 4K+.

You can also customize settings like:

• Auto power-off time
• Beep volume
• Wi-Fi password (change the default for security)
• GPS tagging (uses your phone’s location)

One user told me they changed their Wi-Fi password after a friend accidentally connected and started recording. A small change, but it highlights the importance of app security.

Time-Lapse & Burst Mode Control

Love time-lapses? The app lets you set intervals (2s, 5s, 10s, etc.) and duration. You can even preview the sequence in real-time.

Burst mode (up to 7 shots per second) is great for action shots. Use the app to set burst duration and review results instantly. I used this for a skateboarding video—caught every trick in perfect clarity.

Common Issues and Fixes for the Yi App in 2026

App Crashes or Freezes

If the app crashes when opening or connecting:

• Clear the app’s cache (Settings > Apps > Yi App > Storage > Clear Cache)
• Update your phone’s OS
• Reinstall the app (backup settings first, if possible)

Real story: A friend’s app kept crashing on iOS 15. After updating to iOS 16, it worked flawlessly.

Wi-Fi Connection Drops

Frequent disconnections? Try these fixes:

• Turn off other Wi-Fi devices (microwaves, baby monitors)
• Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app to find less crowded channels
• Switch to Bluetooth (for basic control, not preview)

The Yi 4K+ supports Bluetooth pairing for power and shutter control—useful when Wi-Fi is unstable.

Slow File Transfer or Buffering

Slow transfers? It’s usually due to:

• Low battery (camera or phone)
• Weak Wi-Fi signal
• Old microSD card (replace with a U3 card)

I once used a Class 4 card—transfers took 3x longer than with my U3 card. Lesson: invest in quality storage.

App Not Recognizing Camera

If the app shows “No camera found”:

• Ensure the camera’s Wi-Fi is on
• Restart both devices
• Forget the network and reconnect
• Check if the camera is in “App Mode” (not playback mode)

One user had their camera stuck in playback mode. Switching to “Camera Mode” fixed it instantly.

Comparing the Yi App to Alternatives (2026 Market)

Yi App vs. GoPro Quik

GoPro’s Quik app is more polished, with AI-powered editing and cloud storage. But it requires a subscription for full features. The Yi app is free, with no paywalls—ideal for budget users.

Yi App vs. DJI Mimo

DJI Mimo offers advanced features like gesture control and ActiveTrack. However, it only works with DJI cameras. The Yi app supports a wider range of Yi models, including older ones.

Yi App vs. Xiaomi Mi Cam

Xiaomi’s newer Mi Cam app is sleeker and integrates with Mi Home. But it doesn’t support older Yi cameras. If you own a Yi 4K, you’re stuck with the Yi app.

Feature Comparison Table

Feature	Xiaomi Yi App	GoPro Quik	DJI Mimo
Free to use	Yes	Yes (premium features paid)	Yes
Remote control	Yes	Yes	Yes
Live preview	Yes (15–20 fps)	Yes (30 fps)	Yes (60 fps)
File transfer	Yes	Yes (with cloud)	Yes
Firmware updates	Yes	Yes	Yes
AI editing	No	Yes	Yes
GPS tagging	Yes (via phone)	Yes	Yes
Supports older cameras	Yes	Yes (GoPro only)	Yes (DJI only)

As you can see, the Xiaomi Yi Action Camera app holds its own—especially for users who value simplicity, affordability, and compatibility with legacy gear.

Final Thoughts: Is the Yi App Still Worth Using in 2026?

After years of using action cameras, I’ve learned that the hardware is only half the story. The app is what turns a good camera into a great one. The Xiaomi Yi app, despite being around for nearly a decade, remains a solid, reliable tool—especially for those who own older Yi models or prioritize cost over cutting-edge features.

It’s not perfect. The interface feels a bit dated compared to GoPro or DJI. Live preview isn’t as smooth. And it lacks AI editing. But what it lacks in flash, it makes up for in functionality, stability, and no subscription fees. For adventurers, travelers, and everyday creators, that’s a big deal.

If you’re downloading the Xiaomi Yi Action Camera app in 2026, you’re not behind—you’re smart. You’re leveraging a mature, well-tested platform that just works. Whether you’re capturing a sunset, a mountain descent, or your kid’s first bike ride, the app ensures you don’t miss a moment.

So go ahead—download it from the official store, pair it with your camera, and start shooting. And remember: the best camera is the one you have with you. With the Yi app, that camera just got a whole lot smarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I download the Xiaomi Yi Action Camera app in 2026?

To download the Xiaomi Yi Action Camera app, visit the official Xiaomi website or trusted app stores like Google Play or Apple App Store. Ensure your device is compatible and running the latest OS version for optimal performance.

Is the Xiaomi Yi Action Camera app download free?

Yes, the official Xiaomi Yi Action Camera app is completely free to download and use. Avoid third-party sites offering “premium” versions, as they may contain malware or violate terms of use.

Why won’t the Xiaomi Yi Action Camera app connect to my camera?

Connection issues often stem from outdated app versions, weak Wi-Fi signals, or camera firmware incompatibility. Update both the app and camera firmware via the settings menu, and ensure they’re paired correctly via Wi-Fi.

Can I use the Yi Action Camera app with non-Xiaomi cameras?

The app is designed specifically for Xiaomi Yi cameras and may not support third-party models. For other brands, check their proprietary apps or verify cross-compatibility in the app’s official documentation.

What features does the 2026 Xiaomi Yi Action Camera app update include?

The 2026 update adds AI-powered editing tools, 4K live streaming, and enhanced stabilization controls. It also improves battery optimization for longer remote shooting sessions.

Where can I find troubleshooting help for the Yi Action Camera app?

Visit Xiaomi’s support portal or the app’s “Help & Feedback” section for guides and community forums. For unresolved issues, contact Xiaomi customer service with your camera model and app version details.