Yi Action Camera App iOS 13 Tips and Tricks 2026

Unlock the full potential of your Yi Action Camera with the latest iOS 13 app updates in 2026, featuring seamless Bluetooth 5.2 pairing and real-time 4K preview. Master pro-level controls like voice commands, HDR mode, and instant social sharing to elevate your adventure footage effortlessly.

Key Takeaways

• Update the app: Ensure the Yi app is iOS 13 compatible for optimal performance.
• Enable notifications: Get real-time alerts for firmware updates and new features.
• Use manual controls: Adjust exposure and white balance for pro-level shots.
• Pair quickly: Connect via Wi-Fi with one-tap QR code scanning.
• Save battery: Disable auto-preview to extend camera and phone usage time.
• Edit instantly: Trim and share clips directly in the app post-recording.

Getting the Most Out of Your Yi Action Camera with iOS 13

Remember that moment when you captured the perfect wave or nailed that backflip on your first try? You rushed home, excited to relive the moment—only to realize your footage was blurry, poorly framed, or worse, not synced to your phone at all. I’ve been there. That’s why the Yi Action Camera app iOS 13 experience matters so much. It’s not just about connecting your camera; it’s about unlocking its full potential with your iPhone.

Whether you’re a weekend adventurer, a vlogger, or a parent documenting your kid’s first bike ride, the Yi Action Camera app (officially called Yi Action) is your bridge between the rugged, high-quality world of your Yi camera and the sleek, user-friendly interface of your iPhone. But here’s the catch: iOS 13 brought a wave of updates that changed how apps interact with devices. Some users struggled with connectivity, while others discovered hidden gems. In this guide, we’ll walk through practical, real-world tips and tricks to make your Yi Action Camera app iOS 13 experience smoother, faster, and more fun—no tech degree required.

Why the Yi Action Camera App Matters on iOS 13

Let’s start with the basics: Why does the app matter so much? Your Yi camera shoots great footage, but without the app, you’re stuck transferring files manually via Wi-Fi or memory card. That’s slow, clunky, and easy to mess up. The Yi Action Camera app iOS 13 version changes all that. It turns your phone into a remote viewfinder, a live preview screen, a settings hub, and even a quick editor.

But here’s the twist: iOS 13 introduced stricter privacy controls, background app refresh limits, and new Bluetooth/Wi-Fi handling. These weren’t bugs—they were features meant to improve security and battery life. However, they also broke some older app behaviors. The Yi Action app had to adapt, and while it did, some users faced hiccups. The good news? Most of these are easy to fix once you know what to look for.

iOS 13’s Impact on App Connectivity

One of the biggest changes in iOS 13 was how apps access Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Before, apps could silently connect to devices. Now, iOS 13 requires explicit user permission. If you’ve ever opened the Yi Action app and seen a “Connection Failed” message, this is likely why.

• Tip: When you first open the app, iOS may prompt you to “Allow Yi Action to join Wi-Fi networks.” Always tap “Allow.” If you accidentally denied it, go to Settings > Wi-Fi > [Your Yi Camera’s Network] > “Auto-Join” and toggle it on.
• Another common issue: the app disconnects when you lock your phone. This happens because iOS 13 limits background app activity. To fix it, go to Settings > Yi Action > Background App Refresh and make sure it’s enabled.

Pro tip: If you’re filming in a remote area (like a hiking trail), keep your phone awake. Use Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock and set it to “Never” during shoots. This prevents the phone from sleeping and cutting the connection.

Why You Should Update (But Be Cautious)

The Yi team released several updates for iOS 13 compatibility. Version 2.4.1, for example, fixed a bug where the app wouldn’t reconnect after a dropped Wi-Fi signal. But—and this is important—some updates introduced new issues. For instance, version 2.5.0 caused laggy previews on older iPhones.

So what’s the move? Check your app version first. Go to App Store > Updates and see if Yi Action has pending updates. But if you’re using an iPhone 7 or earlier, consider staying on version 2.4.1. It’s stable, reliable, and doesn’t overload your device. You can download older versions via third-party tools (like iMazing), but only if you’re comfortable with the risks.

Step-by-Step: Connecting Your Yi Camera to iOS 13

Let’s get practical. You’ve got your Yi camera, your iPhone running iOS 13, and you’re ready to go. But the connection keeps failing. Here’s a foolproof method I’ve used with friends and family—even my tech-averse dad got it working in 5 minutes.

Step 1: Reset Your Camera’s Wi-Fi

Sometimes, the camera’s Wi-Fi gets stuck in a loop. To reset it:

• Turn on your Yi camera.
• Go to Settings > Network > Reset Wi-Fi Settings.
• Confirm the reset. The camera will restart.

Now, the camera will broadcast a new Wi-Fi network (e.g., “YDXJ_1234”). Note the password (usually 12345678)—you’ll need it in a sec.

Step 2: Connect Your iPhone

On your iPhone:

• Open Settings > Wi-Fi.
• Look for your camera’s network (e.g., “YDXJ_1234”).
• Tap it and enter the password (12345678).
• Wait for the “Connected” status. Don’t open the Yi Action app yet!

Why wait? Because iOS 13 sometimes takes a moment to fully establish the connection. If you open the app too early, it may time out.

Step 3: Launch the Yi Action App

Now:

• Open the Yi Action app.
• It should auto-detect your camera and show a live preview.
• If it doesn’t, tap the “Refresh” icon (circular arrow) in the top-right corner.

Still no connection? Try this: Close the app, turn off your iPhone’s Wi-Fi, wait 10 seconds, turn it back on, and reconnect to the camera’s network. Then reopen the app.

Bonus: Use QR Code Pairing (New in 2.4.1)

The latest update added a QR code pairing option. Here’s how:

• In the Yi Action app, tap “+” > “Add Camera” > “Scan QR Code”.
• On your Yi camera, go to Settings > Network > QR Code.
• Hold your iPhone over the camera’s screen. The app will scan and pair instantly.

This method bypasses manual Wi-Fi entry and is way less error-prone. It’s my go-to when setting up a new camera or helping a friend.

Mastering Live Preview and Remote Control

Once you’re connected, the real magic begins. The Yi Action app turns your iPhone into a high-resolution viewfinder. But it’s not just about seeing what your camera sees—it’s about controlling it remotely.

Live Preview: What You’re Missing

The live preview is your best friend. It shows:

• Current resolution (e.g., 4K 30fps).
• Battery level on both camera and phone.
• Storage space remaining.
• Exposure and white balance settings.

But here’s what most people don’t realize: You can pinch to zoom. This is huge for framing shots. For example, if you’re mountain biking and your camera is mounted on your helmet, you can zoom in to check if your face is in frame—without touching the camera.

Remote Shutter and Settings

The app’s remote control lets you:

• Start/stop recording with a single tap.
• Switch between photo and video modes.
• Adjust ISO, shutter speed, and white balance (on supported models like the Yi 4K+).
• Set up time-lapse or slow-motion modes.

Pro tip: Use the “Touch Focus” feature. Tap any spot on the preview screen to focus there. This is perfect for macro shots (like insects or flowers) or isolating a subject in a busy scene.

Advanced: Using the App as a Director’s Monitor

For vloggers and filmmakers, the Yi Action app can act as a director’s monitor. Here’s how:

• Enable “Grid Lines” in the app’s settings. This helps with the rule of thirds.
• Turn on “Exposure Zebras” (if available). These highlight overexposed areas.
• Use the “Flip Screen” option to mirror the preview—great for self-recording.

I used this setup while filming a friend’s wedding. The camera was on a gimbal, and I controlled it from my phone while directing the couple. The live preview let me check framing and exposure in real time, saving me hours of editing later.

Transferring and Editing Footage Like a Pro

You’ve filmed an epic adventure. Now what? The Yi Action app makes it easy to transfer clips to your phone, but there are smarter ways to do it.

Smart Transfer: Quality vs. Speed

When you transfer a video, the app gives you two options:

• Original Quality: Full resolution (e.g., 4K). Takes longer but preserves detail.
• Proxy Quality: Compressed (e.g., 720p). Faster, but lower quality.

Here’s the trick: Use proxy for quick previews, original for final edits. For example, if you’re hiking and want to check a clip, transfer it in proxy mode. When you’re back home and ready to edit, re-transfer it in original quality.

Editing on the Go

The Yi Action app includes a basic editor. You can:

• Trim clips (cut start/end points).
• Adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation.
• Add music (from your phone’s library).
• Export in 1080p or 720p.

But here’s a warning: The editor is basic. It lacks advanced features like keyframing or color grading. I recommend using it for quick social media clips (e.g., Instagram Stories), but for serious projects, export the original files and edit in iMovie or LumaFusion.

Organizing Your Library

Over time, your “Yi Album” in the app gets cluttered. To stay organized:

• Delete unwanted clips directly in the app. This frees up phone storage.
• Use the “Favorites” feature to tag important clips.
• Export full-resolution files to your computer regularly. I do this weekly using iTunes File Sharing or AirDrop.

One more tip: The app doesn’t sync with iCloud Photos by default. To enable it, go to Yi Action > Settings > Auto-Save to Photos and toggle it on. Now, transferred clips will appear in your regular Photos app.

Hidden Features and Advanced Settings

The Yi Action app has a few secret features that most users never discover. Let’s uncover them.

Custom Presets for Different Scenarios

You can save custom settings for different activities. For example:

• “Surfing” Preset: 4K 60fps, auto exposure, wind reduction.
• “Vlogging” Preset: 1080p 30fps, face tracking, flip screen.

To create a preset:

• Set your desired settings in the app.
• Tap “Save” (floppy disk icon).
• Name it (e.g., “Night Sky”).

Now, when you switch activities, just load the preset—no manual adjustments needed.

Low-Light and Night Mode Hacks

Yi cameras aren’t the best in low light, but you can improve results:

• Use “Night Mode” (available on Yi 4K+). It combines multiple exposures for less noise.
• Lower the ISO to 100-200. This reduces grain.
• Use a small external light (like a phone flashlight) to add fill light.

I tested this while filming a campfire scene. Without Night Mode, the footage was too dark. With it, the faces were visible, and the flames looked natural.

Using the App as a GPS Tracker

Here’s a fun one: The app can log your location during filming. To enable it:

• Go to Yi Action > Settings > GPS Tagging > On.
• Now, when you record, the app embeds your GPS coordinates into the video.

This is great for travel vlogs or documenting hiking trails. Later, you can use tools like Google Earth to map your route.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Even with the best setup, things go wrong. Here are the most common Yi Action Camera app iOS 13 issues—and how to fix them.

“Camera Not Found” Error

This usually means:

• Your camera and phone are on different Wi-Fi networks.
• The camera’s Wi-Fi is disabled.
• iOS 13’s network permissions are blocking the connection.

Fix:

1. Ensure both devices are connected to the camera’s Wi-Fi network.
2. On the camera, check Settings > Network > Wi-Fi is on.
3. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi > “Ask to Join Networks” > “Ask”.

Laggy or Frozen Preview

This happens when:

• The camera is recording in a high-resolution mode (e.g., 4K 60fps).
• Your iPhone is low on storage or RAM.

Fix:

• Lower the camera’s resolution to 1080p for smoother streaming.
• Close other apps on your iPhone.
• Restart both devices.

App Crashes on Launch

This is often due to:

• Corrupted app data.
• iOS 13 compatibility issues.

Fix:

• Delete and reinstall the Yi Action app.
• If it still crashes, try the older version (2.4.1) via iMazing.

Issue	Likely Cause	Quick Fix
“Camera Not Found”	Network mismatch	Reconnect to camera’s Wi-Fi; check permissions
Laggy Preview	High resolution or low phone RAM	Lower resolution; close other apps
App Crashes	Corrupted data	Reinstall app
No Audio in Transferred Files	Microphone disabled	Enable mic in camera settings
Slow Transfer Speed	Weak Wi-Fi signal	Move closer to camera

Final Thoughts: Is the Yi Action App Worth It?

After months of testing, troubleshooting, and real-world use, here’s my verdict: The Yi Action Camera app iOS 13 experience is a mixed bag—but mostly good. The app delivers on its core promise: turning your iPhone into a powerful tool for controlling, previewing, and managing your Yi camera footage. The live preview is sharp, the remote controls are responsive, and the transfer system is reliable once you learn its quirks.

But it’s not perfect. The iOS 13 compatibility issues (especially around Wi-Fi permissions and background refresh) can be frustrating. The editing tools are basic, and the app occasionally crashes on older iPhones. Still, for the price—free—it’s an incredible value. The tips and tricks in this guide will help you avoid the pitfalls and unlock the app’s full potential.

So, what’s next? If you’re just starting out, focus on mastering the connection process and live preview. If you’re a pro, dive into custom presets and GPS tagging. And if you’re hitting a wall? Remember: Most issues have simple fixes. A quick reset, a permission check, or a version rollback often does the trick. Your Yi camera is a powerful tool—and with the right app know-how, your iPhone becomes its perfect partner.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I connect my Yi Action Camera to the app on iOS 13?

To connect your Yi Action Camera to the app on iOS 13, ensure your camera’s Wi-Fi is enabled and open the Yi Action Camera app. Select your device from the list and follow the on-screen pairing instructions. Make sure Bluetooth is also turned on for smoother connectivity.

Why isn’t the Yi Action Camera app working properly on my iOS 13 device?

The app may fail due to outdated software or compatibility issues with iOS 13. Update both the app and your device’s OS, then restart the app. If problems persist, reinstall the app or check the Yi support site for known issues.

Can I edit 4K videos directly in the Yi Action Camera app on iOS 13?

Yes, the Yi Action Camera app for iOS 13 supports basic 4K video editing, including trimming, filters, and speed adjustments. However, complex edits may require transferring files to a more robust editing app due to iOS processing limitations.

How do I fix lag or stutter in the Yi Action Camera app on iOS 13?

Lag often occurs due to background apps or low storage. Close unused apps and free up space on your device. Also, lower the camera’s preview resolution in the app settings to reduce strain on iOS 13.

Does the Yi Action Camera app for iOS 13 support live streaming?

Yes, the app allows live streaming to platforms like YouTube via iOS 13. Connect your camera, tap the “Live” option, and log in to your streaming account. Ensure a stable Wi-Fi connection for uninterrupted streaming.

How do I save and share footage using the Yi Action Camera app on iOS 13?

After recording, tap the gallery icon in the app to access your files. Select a clip, then use the share button to save it to your iOS 13 Photos app or upload directly to social media platforms.