Your Guide to Fixing a Xiaomi Camera That's Not Working
It can be incredibly frustrating when your Xiaomi security camera stops working, leaving your home's security compromised. Whether it's completely unresponsive, failing to connect to your Wi-Fi, or not showing up in the Mi Home app, many common issues can be resolved with some straightforward troubleshooting. This guide is designed to walk you through the most likely causes and their solutions in a professional yet empathetic way, helping you get your camera back online.
This article uses British English and is written from a second-person perspective to make the steps as clear as possible for you.
## Step 1: Basic Power and Connection Checks
Before diving into more complex solutions, it's essential to start with the basics. Power and connectivity issues are the most common culprits when a camera suddenly stops working.
### Check Your Power Supply
The first and most crucial check is the power source. A camera can't function without a stable supply of electricity.
- Inspect the Cable: Ensure the micro-USB or USB-C cable is securely plugged into both the camera and the power adapter. Check the cable for any visible signs of damage, such as fraying or kinks.
- Verify the Adapter: Plug the power adapter firmly into the wall socket. To be certain the socket is working, try plugging another device into it.
- Test Alternatives: If possible, try using a different USB cable and a different power adapter that you know are working. This helps you isolate whether the original cable or adapter has failed.
### Examine the LED Indicator Light
The small LED light on your Xiaomi camera is a vital diagnostic tool.
- No Light: If the LED is off, it almost certainly indicates a power issue. Double-check all the power supply steps above.
- Solid Blue Light: This typically means the camera is powered on and connected to Wi-Fi successfully. If you still can't view the feed, the problem likely lies with your app or phone.
- Flashing Orange/Yellow Light: This is the most common indicator of a Wi-Fi connection problem. The camera has power but cannot reach your network.
- Flashing Blue Light: This usually means the camera is in pairing mode or attempting to connect.
## Step 2: Troubleshooting Wi-Fi and Network Connectivity
If the LED light suggests a network problem, or if the camera shows as 'Offline' in the Mi Home app, follow these connectivity troubleshooting steps.
### Restart Your Equipment
The classic "turn it off and on again" solution is remarkably effective for resolving temporary network glitches.
- Restart Your Camera: Unplug your Xiaomi camera from the power source. Wait for at least 30 seconds to allow it to discharge fully. Then, plug it back in and wait a few minutes for it to boot up and attempt to reconnect.
- Restart Your Router: Unplug your home's Wi-Fi router from the power. Wait for about a minute, then plug it back in. It can take 5-10 minutes for your network to come back online fully. Once it has, see if your camera reconnects automatically.
### Check Your Wi-Fi Signal
Your camera needs a strong and stable Wi-Fi signal to function correctly.
- Distance: Is the camera too far from your router? Walls, floors, and other electronic devices can weaken the signal. Try moving the camera closer to the router temporarily to see if the connection stabilises.
- Network Band: Most Xiaomi cameras operate on the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band. Ensure your router is broadcasting a 2.4GHz network and that your camera is connected to it, not a 5GHz-only network.
## Step 3: Addressing App and Software Issues
If power and Wi-Fi seem fine, the problem could be with the software, either on the camera itself (firmware) or your phone (the Mi Home app).
### Update Everything
Manufacturers regularly release updates to fix bugs and improve performance.
- Mi Home App: Go to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and check if there is an update available for the Mi Home app.
- Camera Firmware: Open the Mi Home app, select your camera, and go to Settings > General Settings > Check for firmware updates. Install any available updates.
### Re-add the Camera to the App
If the camera is still showing as offline or not responding, you may need to remove it from your Mi Home account and set it up again.
- In the Mi Home app, go to the device's settings.
- Scroll to the bottom and select 'Delete device'.
- Confirm the deletion.
- Follow the in-app instructions to add a new device, which will involve resetting the camera (see below).
## Step 4: The Final Resort - A Factory Reset
If you have tried all the steps above and your Xiaomi camera is still not working, a factory reset is the final option. Be aware that a factory reset will erase all your custom settings, including Wi-Fi details and motion detection zones, and restore the camera to its original state.
- Locate the Reset Button: This is usually a small, recessed button in a pinhole. You will need a paperclip or a SIM ejector tool to press it.
- Press and Hold: With the camera powered on, press and hold the reset button for about 5-10 seconds.
- Wait for Confirmation: The camera will typically provide an audio cue (like a beep or voice prompt) or the LED light will change its pattern to confirm the reset is complete.
- Set Up Again: Once reset, the camera will be in pairing mode. You will need to go through the entire setup process in the Mi Home app again, just like you did when it was new.
By systematically working through these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue preventing your Xiaomi camera from working.