Transferring a Xiaomi camera to a new Wi-Fi network: instructions with photos and tips

Reconnecting the camera Xiaomi Connecting to another Wi-Fi network is a challenge many users face when changing their router, moving, or updating their internet password. Unlike smartphones or laptops, smart devices (especially budget models like Mi Home Security Camera 360° or Xiaomi Mi Home Camera 2K) don't support automatic reconnection and require manual configuration. Without the correct steps, you risk ending up with a camera that doesn't recognize the new network or constantly drops the connection.

In this article we will look at all current methods Transferring the camera to another Wi-Fi: from the standard method via the app Mi Home to alternative solutions for problematic cases (for example, if the camera does not respond to a reset or does not find a new network). We will pay special attention typical mistakes, which cause the connection to fail halfway through the process, and we'll provide a checklist for checking the network before setup. If your camera Xiaomi Released before 2020, some steps may differ—we'll warn you about that in advance.

Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions. We'll start with preparation—this step is often skipped, which is a shame: it accounts for 60% of successful connections.

1. Preparing for reconnection: what to check before starting

Before you take the camera, make sure your new Wi-Fi network meets its requirements. Most models Xiaomi (except for flagship lines) support only networks 2.4 GHz and don't work with 5 GHzIf your router broadcasts both frequencies under the same name (SSID), the camera simply won't see the network. Also check:

• 🔄 Router operating mode: must be enabled 802.11 b/g/n (look for the parameter in the router settings Wireless Mode or Network Mode).
• 🔒 Encryption type: only WPA2-PSK (AES). If you have WPA3 or mixed mode, the camera will not connect.
• 📶 Signal level: the camera should be no further than 5 meters from the router during the setup phase (it can be moved to a permanent location later).
• 📱 Mi Home app: update it to the latest version in App Store or Google Play — Older versions may not support new camera models.

If you change not only the network but also the country in the app Mi Home (for example, when moving), please note: some camera features (such as cloud storage or facial recognition) may become unavailable due to regional restrictions. Xiaomi. Cameras purchased in China are tied to servers in that region and cannot be moved to a different country without losing functionality.

⚠️ Attention: If your router uses 160 MHz channel width (often found in newer models) ASUS or TP-Link), temporarily switch it to 20/40 MHzWide channels may cause compatibility issues with devices. Xiaomi.

2. Standard method: reconnecting via the Mi Home app

This is the official method, which works for 90% of models. You'll need a smartphone with the app installed. Mi Home and access to the old network (if the camera is still connected) or the ability to physically reset the settings.

Step 1: Removing the camera from the old network

1. Open the app Mi Home and go to the section with your camera.
2. Tap the three dots in the upper right corner → Device Settings → General → Remove device.
3. Confirm the deletion. The camera will flash yellow, indicating it has been reset to factory settings.

Step 2: Adding a camera to a new network

1. In the app, click Add a device (the "+" icon in the upper right corner).
2. Select a category Cameras and find your model. If it's not listed, select Other.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions: the app will prompt you to connect to the camera's temporary network (the name will be something like Xiaomi_XXXX).
4. Go back to the main Wi-Fi menu on your phone, connect to that network, then go back to Mi Home.
5. Select a new Wi-Fi network from the list and enter the password. Wait for the process to complete (the camera should flash blue).

Make sure your router is operating in 2.4 GHz mode|

Disable VPN on your phone|

Check that Bluetooth is enabled on your phone (required for some models)|

Camera charge is at least 50%|

The router is not overloaded (disable torrents, online games) -->

If at the stage of connecting to a temporary network Mi Home gives an error "Unable to connect", try:

• 🔄 Reboot the router and camera (turn off the power for 30 seconds).
• 📱 Use another smartphone (on Android 10+ or iOS 14+).
• 🌐 Manually enter the camera's IP address in the router settings (if it doesn't receive it automatically).

3. Alternative method: reset the camera to factory settings

If the standard method doesn't work (for example, the camera doesn't respond to commands from the app or the indicator doesn't blink), you'll have to do hard resetThis method is suitable for all models. Xiaomi, including Mi Home Camera 1080p And Xiaomi Mi Outdoor Camera.

Reset instructions:

1. Find the button on the camera body Reset (usually it is hidden in a small hole next to the power connector).
2. Take a paper clip or a toothpick and press and hold the button 10-15 secondsuntil the indicator starts flashing yellow.
3. Release the button. The camera will beep (on some models) and reboot.
4. Now you can add it to Mi Home as a new device (see Step 2 from the previous section).

After resetting, all camera settings (including cloud recordings, detection zones, and schedules) will be deleted. If you linked your account Xiaomi, it will also have to be restored.

What to do if the Reset button does not work?

If the reset button does not respond when pressed, check:

1) Power the camera - connect it to another power supply (original, 5V/1A or 5V/2A).

2) The integrity of the button - if pressed hard, it may fall into the case (relevant for Mi Home Camera 360° 1080p).

3) Alternative reset method: turn off the power for 30 seconds, then hold the button Reset when turned on.

If nothing helps, the control board may be faulty - in this case, contact the service center.

⚠️ Attention: On some router firmware (for example, Keenetic with alternative firmware) temporary camera network (Xiaomi_XXXX) may be blocked by the security system. In this case, temporarily disable Protection against connection of unauthorized devices in the router settings.

4. Troubleshooting: Why the camera won't connect to the new network

Even with the correct router settings, the camera may refuse to connect. Let's consider the most common mistakes and ways to eliminate them:

If your camera Xiaomi released before 2019 (for example, Mi Home Camera 720p), it may not support modern Wi-Fi standards. In this case:

• 🔧 Try connecting it to your old network, then manually change the Wi-Fi settings in the app (if the option is available).
• 🔄 Use your router in access point mode (AP Mode), if the main router is incompatible.
• 📡 Buy an inexpensive additional router (for example, TP-Link TL-WR840N) only for the camera, setting it to 2.4 GHz With WPA2.

5. Transfer the camera to another Xiaomi account (if necessary)

Sometimes reconnecting to a new network coincides with changing an account Xiaomi (for example, when selling a camera or transferring it to another family member). In this case, simply deleting the device is not enough—it needs to be unlink from old account.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Log in to your old account Xiaomi in the app Mi Home.
2. Go to camera settings → General → Unlink the device (or Share Device → Remove).
3. Confirm the action. The camera will be reset.
4. Now a new user can add it to their account through Add a device.

If you don't have access to your old account, the only way is to hard reset (cm. Section 3). However, some models (for example, Xiaomi Mi Home Camera 2K Pro) may remain bound to the original region even after a reset. In this case:

• 📧 Contact support Xiaomi (via the app or website) by providing proof of purchase.
• 🔧 Use alternative firmware (for example, Hack Mi Home Cameras), but this will void the warranty.

6. Configuring the router for stable camera operation

Even after a successful connection, the camera may still perform erratically: it may lose connection, freeze, or fail to send notifications. This is most often due to router settings. Here's what to check:

• 🔄 Wi-Fi channel: use a fixed channel (eg 6 or 11) instead of AutoAutomatic selection may result in frequent reconnections.
• 🛡️ MAC address filtering: If it is enabled, add the MAC address of the camera to the whitelist (you can find it in the camera settings in Mi Home).
• ⚡ Power saving mode: disable it for the camera (some routers have an option Wi-Fi Power Save).
• 🌐 DNS servers: If the camera does not connect to the cloud, try using 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).

For router owners Xiaomi (For example, Xiaomi Router 4A or AX3600) there is an additional setting:

1. Go to the router's web interface (192.168.31.1).
2. Go to Wi-Fi → Additional settings.
3. Enable the option Xiaomi device support (if any).
4. Turn it off Smart Connect (if it interferes with the work on 2.4 GHz).

7. Frequently asked questions and answers

Is it possible to connect a Xiaomi camera to Wi-Fi without the Mi Home app?

Officially, no. All cameras. Xiaomi require an app for initial setup. However, there are unofficial methods:

• Use alternative firmware (for example, OpenIPC), but it is difficult and risky.
• Connect to the camera via RTSP (if the model supports this protocol), but for this you still need to configure it at least once through Mi Home.

For models Xiaomi Mi Home Camera 360° and newer there is a web interface at http://[IP cameras], but it only opens after configuration through the app.

The camera connects but doesn't record to the cloud. What should I do?

The problem may be:

• 🔄 Account region: Cloud storage is not available in all countries. Check your region in Mi Home (in profile).
• 💳 Subscription: The free plan may not include recording. Go to Camera Settings → Cloud.
• 🌐 Traffic blocking: some providers (eg Rostelecom) restrict access to servers XiaomiTry using mobile internet for setup.

How to transfer camera from Android to iPhone (or vice versa)?

The process is independent of the phone's operating system. The main points are:

1. Make sure the app is installed on your new phone Mi Home with the same account.
2. If it is a different account, first unlink the camera from the old one (see Section 5).
3. On iPhone may need to be resolved Mi Home access to local network (in phone settings).

On Android Sometimes clearing the app cache helps Mi Home before connecting.

Is it possible to connect a Xiaomi camera to public Wi-Fi (in a cafe, hotel)?

Technically yes, but with some caveats:

• 🔐 Networks with portal authentication (where you need to enter login/password in the browser) are not supported.
• 🔄 Networks with MAC address restriction will block the camera in a few minutes.
• 📡 Download speed must be at least 2 Mbps, otherwise there will be a lot of lag.

It is better to use a mobile hotspot (smartphone with the hotspot turned on) Modem mode).

How do I reset my camera if I forgot my Wi-Fi password?

The Wi-Fi password doesn't affect the camera reset—it's only needed to connect to a new network. To reset the camera:

1. Press and hold the button Reset (cm. Section 3).
2. After the reset, connect the camera to any available network (such as a mobile hotspot).
3. Find out the password for your main Wi-Fi (look at the router sticker or in the web interface).
4. Reconfigure the camera via Mi Home, using the correct password.