How to Troubleshoot a Blurry Xiaomi Camera Video Feed
A blurry video feed from your Xiaomi security camera can be a major issue, defeating the purpose of having a high-resolution camera. Whether the image is slightly soft, completely out of focus, or hazy, the problem prevents you from seeing important details.
The good news is that most issues causing blurry video on Xiaomi cameras are easy to fix. This guide will take you through a series of simple checks and adjustments you can make in the Mi Home app and with the camera itself to restore a sharp, clear picture.
Initial Checks for a Blurry Image
Before diving into software settings, let's start with the most common physical causes.
- Remove the Protective Film: This is the number one cause of blurriness on brand-new cameras. Manufacturers place a thin, transparent plastic film over the lens to protect it during shipping. It can be hard to spot, but it needs to be peeled off.
- Clean the Lens: A lens covered in dust, fingerprints, or grime will produce a soft, smeared image. Gently wipe the lens with a clean microfibre cloth.
- Check for Condensation: If the camera has been moved from a cold place to a warm, humid one, moisture can get trapped behind or on the lens. Let the camera sit in a dry, room-temperature environment for a few hours to allow it to dissipate.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing a Blurry Xiaomi Camera
If the initial physical checks didn't solve the problem, it's time to look at your camera's connection and settings.
1. Optimise Video Quality Settings in the Mi Home App
Your camera's output quality is controlled within the Mi Home application.
- Open the Mi Home app on your phone or tablet.
- Select the camera that is experiencing the issue.
- Tap the three-dot menu (•••) in the top-right corner to access the settings.
- Navigate to Camera settings or a similar option.
- Look for Video quality or Image settings.
- Ensure the resolution is set to the highest available option (e.g., '1080p' or '2K').
- If there is a quality setting, make sure it is set to High.
2. Ensure a Strong Wi-Fi Connection
While a poor connection usually causes a pixelated or low-resolution image, it can sometimes be perceived as general blurriness. The camera reduces quality to maintain a connection, which can soften the image.
- Check Signal Strength: In the Mi Home app's settings for the camera, there is usually a 'Network settings' or 'Wi-Fi' section that shows the signal strength. If it's weak, the camera may be too far from your router.
- Move Your Router: Try moving your Wi-Fi router closer to your Xiaomi camera. Even a small change in position can significantly improve the signal.
- Minimise Interference: Keep the camera and router away from other electronic devices, especially microwaves and cordless phones, which can interfere with the Wi-Fi signal.
3. Restart the Camera
A simple reboot can often resolve temporary software glitches that might affect image processing.
- Unplug the Power: Disconnect the camera from its power source.
- Wait 60 Seconds: Leave it unplugged for a full minute to ensure all components have fully powered down.
- Reconnect Power: Plug the camera back in and wait for it to restart and reconnect to your network. Check the live feed to see if the image quality has improved.
4. Update the Firmware
Xiaomi periodically releases firmware updates to fix bugs and improve camera performance.
- In the camera's settings menu within the Mi Home app, look for a Firmware update or Check for updates option.
- If an update is available, proceed with the installation. This can often resolve unforeseen issues, including those related to image quality.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the vast majority of issues causing blurry video on your Xiaomi camera, ensuring you get the high-definition security footage you need.