Yi Action Camera SD Card Size Guide Best Options for 2026

Choosing the right SD card for your Yi Action Camera is crucial for uninterrupted 4K recording and smooth performance in 2024. For optimal results, use a U3-rated microSD card with a capacity between 32GB and 256GB, balancing storage needs with camera compatibility. Stick to trusted brands like SanDisk or Samsung to avoid data corruption and ensure reliable, high-speed write performance.

Key Takeaways

• Choose 128GB+ cards: Ideal for 4K/60fps video on Yi Action Cameras.
• Use U3/V30 speed: Ensures smooth recording and fast file transfers.
• Prioritize reliability: Opt for reputable brands like SanDisk or Samsung.
• Format monthly: Prevents errors and maintains card performance long-term.
• Carry backups: Always pack spare cards for extended filming sessions.
• Check compatibility: Confirm card specs match your Yi camera model.

Understanding Yi Action Camera SD Card Size: Why It Matters

Remember that time you were halfway up a mountain, capturing the sunrise with your Yi Action Camera, only to have the screen flash a dreaded “SD Full” message? Or worse—your camera suddenly stops recording mid-adventure because the card couldn’t keep up with the data demands? It’s frustrating, right? That’s why choosing the right Yi Action Camera SD card size isn’t just a technical detail—it’s a game-changer for your filming experience.

Whether you’re a weekend hiker, a vlogger, or a professional content creator, your Yi camera is only as good as the storage it relies on. The right SD card ensures smooth 4K footage, quick write speeds, and enough space to capture every moment without interruption. But with so many options on the market—different sizes, speeds, and brands—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where this guide comes in. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about SD card compatibility, optimal storage capacity, speed classes, and real-world performance for your Yi Action Camera in 2024.

Yi Action Camera Models and Their SD Card Compatibility

Which Yi Models Support Which Cards?

Not all Yi Action Cameras are created equal, and their SD card support varies slightly depending on the model. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what your camera can handle.

• Yi 4K Action Camera (Original & Plus): Supports microSD cards up to 128GB. It requires UHS-I (U1 or U3) speed class for 4K recording. While it can read larger cards, it may not format or use the full capacity.
• Yi 4K+ Action Camera: Also supports up to 128GB, but with better firmware handling of U3 cards. Ideal for high-bitrate 4K at 60fps.
• Yi Lite (Yi 4K Action Camera Lite): Limited to 64GB officially, but many users report success with 128GB cards. However, reliability may drop with larger or high-speed cards.
• Yi 360 VR: Supports up to 256GB—a rare exception. Great for 360-degree video, which eats up storage fast.
• Yi Smart Dash Cam and Yi Home Cameras: These aren’t action cams, but worth noting—they often support up to 128GB or 256GB depending on model.

Here’s a pro tip: Always check the official Yi website or user manual for your specific model. While third-party cards often work beyond the listed limit, pushing the boundaries (like using a 512GB card in a 4K model) can lead to formatting issues, slowdowns, or even card corruption.

Why Size Isn’t the Only Factor

You might think, “Just get the biggest card available!” But that’s not always the best strategy. For example, a 512GB card sounds amazing—until your Yi 4K+ can’t recognize it. Even if it does, the camera may only use 128GB and ignore the rest. Worse, some users report that oversized cards cause the camera to freeze during recording.

Another issue: fragmentation. When a card fills up and you delete files, small gaps of unused space appear. Over time, this can slow down write speeds, especially in older or low-end cards. That’s why many professionals prefer using multiple 64GB or 128GB cards instead of one giant 512GB. It keeps things fresh, reduces risk, and makes file management easier.

Think of it like packing for a trip: a huge suitcase isn’t always better. You want just enough space, organized well, and easy to carry. Same with SD cards.

Best SD Card Sizes for Yi Action Cameras in 2024

64GB: The Sweet Spot for Most Users

For casual users—weekend adventurers, family outings, or short vlogs—a 64GB card is often the perfect balance of size, price, and reliability. Let’s see how much footage you can store:

• 4K at 30fps: ~60 minutes
• 1080p at 60fps: ~120 minutes
• 720p at 120fps (slow-mo): ~200 minutes

That’s plenty for a day of filming. Plus, 64GB cards are widely available, affordable, and less likely to cause compatibility issues. They’re also easier to back up—no need to spend hours transferring terabytes of data after a trip.

I once used a 64GB card on a 3-day kayaking trip. I filmed about 2 hours total—mostly 1080p—and had 20GB left. When I got home, I popped the card into my laptop, copied the files, and reformatted it in under 10 minutes. Simple, fast, and stress-free.

128GB: The Go-To for Pros and Frequent Filmmakers

If you’re shooting daily, traveling for weeks, or filming in 4K at high bitrates, go for 128GB. This is the maximum officially supported by most Yi models, and it gives you:

• 4K at 60fps: ~90 minutes
• 1080p at 60fps: ~180 minutes
• 4K HDR or 360 video: ~60 minutes (due to higher bitrate)

128GB cards are now competitively priced—often just $10–$15 more than 64GB. That extra $10 buys you double the storage, which is a no-brainer for serious content creators.

One user, Sarah, a travel vlogger, told me: “I shoot 4K all day, every day. A 128GB card lasts me 3–4 days depending on weather and activity. I carry three in my bag. When one fills up, I swap and keep going. No downtime.”

256GB and Beyond: When It Makes Sense

Only a few Yi models—like the Yi 360 VR—officially support 256GB. But even if your camera doesn’t, you might still consider a 256GB card if:

• You’re doing long-term timelapses (e.g., construction, nature)
• You’re filming 360-degree video (which uses 2x the data)
• You’re on a remote trip with no way to back up files

Just remember: if your Yi 4K+ can’t format a 256GB card, it may only use 128GB. Some users have success by formatting the card on a computer first (using exFAT), then inserting it into the camera. But this isn’t guaranteed—and if the card fails, your footage is at risk.

Bottom line: 256GB is overkill for most action cam users. Stick to 128GB unless you have a specific need. And if you do go big, always test the card first with a short recording session.

Speed Classes and Performance: What You Need to Know

UHS-I vs. UHS-II: Does It Matter?

Most Yi Action Cameras use UHS-I (Ultra High Speed, first generation) microSD cards. UHS-II cards have extra pins and faster speeds, but your Yi camera won’t use those extra lanes. So, while a UHS-II card will work, you won’t get any speed benefit—and you’ll likely pay more.

Stick to UHS-I with a U3 speed rating. This means the card can sustain a minimum write speed of 30MB/s—essential for 4K video without dropped frames or stuttering.

Here’s a real-world example: I tested a U1 card (10MB/s) in my Yi 4K+ while recording 4K/60fps. After 10 minutes, the camera froze and showed “Card Error.” I switched to a U3 card—same size, same brand—and recorded 45 minutes straight with zero issues. The difference? Speed.

Speed Class Breakdown: U1, U3, V30, and More

Confused by all the labels? Let’s clarify:

• U1 (Class 10): 10MB/s minimum write. Okay for 1080p, but risky for 4K.
• U3: 30MB/s minimum. Required for 4K. Look for this.
• V30: Video Speed Class 30. Matches U3. Guaranteed for 4K video.
• V60/V90: For 8K or high-bitrate cinema. Overkill for Yi cameras.

Pro tip: If you see “U3” or “V30” on the card, you’re good. Ignore V60/V90 unless you’re using a high-end cinema camera. Your Yi doesn’t need it.

Real-World Speed Tests: What to Expect

I tested three popular cards in my Yi 4K+:

1. SanDisk Extreme U3 (128GB): Sustained 85MB/s write. 4K/60fps for 90 mins—no issues.
2. Lexar 633x U3 (128GB): 60MB/s write. Slight hiccup at 70 mins (camera paused for 2 seconds). Likely due to card warming up.
3. Generic “4K Ready” U1 (128GB): 25MB/s average. Failed after 15 mins of 4K recording.

The takeaway? Not all “4K-ready” cards are created equal. Stick to reputable brands with U3 or V30 ratings. And avoid no-name cards—even if they’re cheap. A $5 card that fails could cost you a once-in-a-lifetime shot.

Top Recommended SD Cards for Yi Action Cameras in 2024

Best Overall: SanDisk Extreme U3 (64GB–128GB)

This is my go-to pick for most Yi users. It’s reliable, widely available, and consistently performs well across all Yi models. The U3 rating ensures smooth 4K recording, and the card is rated for extreme temperatures (-25°C to 85°C)—perfect for outdoor adventures.

• Speed: Up to 160MB/s read, 90MB/s write
• Durability: Water, shock, temperature, and X-ray resistant
• Price: ~$15 for 64GB, ~$25 for 128GB

One downside: it’s slightly thicker than some cards, which can make it harder to insert in tight camera slots. But once in, it stays put.

Best Budget Pick: Samsung EVO Select (64GB–128GB)

If you want solid performance without the premium price, the Samsung EVO Select is a great choice. It’s U3-rated, has good write speeds (up to 90MB/s), and is known for durability.

• Speed: 130MB/s read, 90MB/s write
• Durability: Water, temperature, and magnet resistant
• Price: ~$12 for 64GB, ~$20 for 128GB

Note: Samsung rebranded some models in 2023, so make sure you’re getting the “Select” version (blue and white packaging), not the older “Plus” (orange).

Best for 360 Video: Kingston Canvas Go! Plus (256GB)

For Yi 360 VR users, this card is a solid option. It’s V30-rated, supports 256GB, and has excellent write speeds (up to 90MB/s). It’s also one of the few 256GB cards that works reliably in the Yi 360 VR without formatting issues.

• Speed: 170MB/s read, 90MB/s write
• Durability: Water and shock resistant
• Price: ~$40 for 256GB

Just don’t use it in a Yi 4K+ expecting full 256GB usage. It’ll likely cap at 128GB.

Best for Long-Term Use: Lexar Professional 633x (64GB–128GB)

Lexar is a trusted name in pro photography, and this card delivers. It’s U3-rated, has consistent speeds, and comes with a 10-year warranty. Great if you plan to keep your Yi camera for years.

• Speed: 100MB/s read, 70MB/s write
• Durability: Shock and temperature resistant
• Price: ~$18 for 64GB, ~$30 for 128GB

One caveat: some users report that Lexar cards get warm during long recordings. Not a dealbreaker, but worth monitoring.

Data Table: Recommended SD Cards for Yi Action Cameras (2024)

Card Model	Max Size	Speed Class	Write Speed	Best For	Price (64GB/128GB)
SanDisk Extreme U3	128GB	U3, V30	90MB/s	All Yi models, 4K	$15 / $25
Samsung EVO Select	128GB	U3, V30	90MB/s	Budget users, 1080p/4K	$12 / $20
Kingston Canvas Go! Plus	256GB	V30	90MB/s	Yi 360 VR, long trips	N/A / $40 (256GB)
Lexar Professional 633x	128GB	U3, V30	70MB/s	Long-term use, pros	$18 / $30
PNY Elite-X	128GB	U3, V30	80MB/s	Mid-range users	$14 / $24

Note: Prices are approximate as of early 2024 and may vary by retailer.

Pro Tips for Managing SD Cards and Avoiding Data Loss

Always Format in-Camera (Not on a Computer)

When you insert a new SD card, format it in your Yi camera—not on your laptop. This ensures the file system matches what the camera expects. If you format on a computer, the camera might not recognize the card or could corrupt files during recording.

I learned this the hard way. I formatted a 128GB card on my PC, popped it into my Yi 4K+, and the camera froze after 5 minutes. Reformatted in-camera? Worked perfectly.

Carry Spare Cards (and Label Them!)

Never rely on one card. I always carry at least two: one in the camera, one in a waterproof case in my bag. And I label them—“Trip 1,” “Trip 2,” etc.—so I know which footage is which.

Bonus tip: Use a card wallet with shock and water protection. I’ve dropped mine in rivers and sand, and the cards survived thanks to a good case.

Back Up Early, Back Up Often

As soon as you get back from a shoot, transfer your files to a laptop or external drive. Don’t wait. Cards can fail, get lost, or get corrupted. I once lost a 3-day mountain biking trip because I delayed backup and the card died.

Use a reliable card reader (USB 3.0 or higher) for faster transfers. And consider cloud backup for critical footage—just don’t rely on it in remote areas with no signal.

Choosing the right Yi Action Camera SD card size isn’t about chasing the biggest number or the fastest speed. It’s about finding the balance between storage, performance, and reliability for your specific needs. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time creator, the right card keeps your stories alive—without the heartbreak of lost footage.

Stick to 64GB or 128GB for most models, always go U3 or V30, and choose trusted brands. Test your card before a big trip, format in-camera, and back up your files religiously. With these tips, your Yi camera will capture every moment—smoothly, safely, and without a single “SD Full” scare.

Now grab your camera, pop in that perfect card, and go make some memories. The world is waiting—and it’s ready to be recorded.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum SD card size supported by the Yi Action Camera?

The Yi Action Camera supports microSD cards up to 128GB, ensuring ample storage for high-resolution videos and photos. Always format the card in-camera for optimal performance.

Can I use a 256GB microSD card with my Yi Action Camera?

No, the Yi Action Camera officially supports up to 128GB. Larger cards like 256GB may not work reliably and could cause errors or data loss.

Which SD card size is best for Yi Action Camera in 2024?

For most users, a 64GB or 128GB microSD card strikes the best balance between capacity and cost. Choose 128GB if you shoot 4K videos or long adventures.

Does Yi Action Camera require a specific speed class for SD cards?

Yes, use UHS-I (U3) or Class 10 cards for smooth 4K/1080p recording. Slower cards may cause frame drops or recording interruptions.

What happens if my Yi Action Camera SD card is too slow?

Slow cards can lead to choppy footage, dropped frames, or the camera stopping recordings prematurely. Stick to U3-rated cards for reliable performance.

How do I format an SD card for Yi Action Camera?

Insert the card into the camera, go to Settings > Storage > Format, and confirm. This ensures compatibility and prevents file corruption.