Is Your Xiaomi Camera Not Saving Videos to the SD Card?
One of the key features of Xiaomi security cameras is the ability to save video recordings locally to a Micro SD card, avoiding the need for a cloud subscription. When this feature fails, it can be a major problem, leaving you with no recorded footage of events.
If your camera isn't recognising your SD card, failing to record clips, or showing errors in the Mi Home app, this guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
The Most Common Culprit: The SD Card Itself
In the vast majority of cases, problems with local recording are directly related to the Micro SD card you are using.
Key SD Card Requirements:
- Type and Class: You must use a Class 10 (or higher, e.g., U1/U3) Micro SD card. Slower cards cannot handle the constant writing required for video recording.
- Capacity: Most Xiaomi cameras officially support cards from 16GB up to 64GB. While larger cards might work, they can sometimes cause instability.
- Authenticity: This is critical. The market is full of counterfeit SD cards with fake capacities and slow speeds. A fake 64GB card might only have 8GB of real storage, causing it to fail once that limit is reached. Always buy from a reputable brand and an authorised retailer.
- Condition: SD cards have a limited lifespan. Constant recording wears them out, and they can become corrupted or fail.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Local Recording Issues
Let's get your camera saving footage again.
1. Check and Format the SD Card in the App
Before anything else, you must format the card using the camera itself. This ensures it has the correct file system.
- Insert the Micro SD card into the camera's slot (ensure the camera is powered off first, then power it on).
- Open the Mi Home app and select your camera.
- Navigate to Settings (usually via the three-dot menu in the top right).
- Find Storage Settings or Manage Storage.
- You should see the status of the SD card. If it says 'Abnormal' or 'Unformatted', tap on it.
- Select the 'Format storage card' option. This will erase all data on the card.
- Once formatting is complete, the status should change to 'Normal'.
2. Configure Your Recording Settings
After formatting, you need to tell the camera when to record.
- In the Storage Settings menu, you will find recording options.
- Choose between 'Record video only when motion is detected' or 'Continuous video recording'.
- Ensure the 'Status' toggle for SD card recording is turned ON.
3. Test the SD Card in a Computer
If the camera still fails to recognise the card or record after formatting, the card itself is likely faulty.
- Safely remove the card from your camera.
- Use an SD card adapter to plug it into your computer.
- Check if the computer recognises it. If the computer also shows an error or says the card needs formatting, it's a strong sign the card is corrupt.
- Try a different, known-good SD card. Testing with a brand new, genuine card is the fastest way to determine if the problem is with your old card or the camera itself. If a new card works, you've found your problem.
4. Update Firmware and Reboot
- Check for Firmware Updates: In the camera's settings, go to 'General Settings' and check for a 'Firmware update'. Keeping the camera's software up to date can resolve bugs.
- Reboot the Camera: A simple power cycle (unplugging the camera for 30 seconds and plugging it back in) can sometimes resolve temporary glitches that prevent the SD card from being recognised.
By following these steps, you can almost always resolve issues with local SD card recording on your Xiaomi camera. Remember, starting with a high-quality, genuine SD card is the most important step for reliable performance.