How to Fix Poor Video Quality on Your Xiaomi Camera
A Xiaomi security camera should provide you with a clear and stable video feed. If you are instead seeing a grainy, pixelated, or constantly lagging image, it can be very frustrating. In most cases, these video quality problems are not caused by a faulty camera but by issues with network connectivity or simple misconfigurations.
This guide will walk you through the most effective steps to troubleshoot and improve the video quality of your Xiaomi camera.
## 1. Check and Adjust In-App Video Quality Settings
The Mi Home app allows you to choose the video quality for your stream. It's possible it has been set to a lower quality to save bandwidth.
- Open the Live View: In the Mi Home app, select the camera you want to adjust.
- Find the Quality Setting: On the live video screen, look for a button that may be labelled "HD", "SD", "Smooth", or show a resolution like "1080p".
- Select High Quality: Tap this button and ensure you have selected the highest quality option available (e.g., "HD" or "High Definition"). Note that this will require a more stable internet connection to work smoothly.
## 2. Improve Your Wi-Fi Connection
A weak or unstable Wi-Fi signal is the number one cause of poor video performance. When the signal is weak, the camera automatically lowers the video quality to prevent the stream from disconnecting completely.
- Check Signal Strength: While there isn't always a simple signal meter in the app, a good test is to see how well your smartphone's Wi-Fi works in the exact same spot as the camera. If your phone struggles to load a webpage, your camera is also struggling.
- Move Your Router: The simplest solution is often to move your Wi-Fi router closer to the camera. Reducing the number of walls and large objects between them can dramatically improve the signal.
- Use a Wi-Fi Extender: If you cannot move your router, a Wi-Fi extender placed halfway between the router and the camera can boost the signal and provide a more stable connection.
- Restart Your Router: Unplug your router from power for 60 seconds and then plug it back in. This can clear up temporary network issues that may be slowing down your connection.
## 3. Clean the Camera Lens
A blurry, hazy, or soft-looking image can often be traced back to a dirty lens. Dust, fingerprints, and grime can accumulate and obstruct the view.
- Use a Microfibre Cloth: Power off the camera and gently wipe the lens with a clean, dry microfibre cloth (the type used for eyeglasses).
- Avoid Chemicals: Do not use harsh cleaning solutions or abrasive materials, as they can permanently damage the lens.
## 4. Update Your Firmware and App
Xiaomi frequently releases software updates that can improve performance and fix known bugs that might be affecting your video stream.
- Mi Home App: Check the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to ensure you are running the latest version of the Mi Home app.
- Camera Firmware: In the camera's settings menu within the app, look for a "Firmware Update" option. Install any available updates to ensure your camera is running the latest software.
By addressing these key areas—app settings, Wi-Fi stability, lens cleanliness, and software updates—you can significantly improve your camera's video quality and get the clear picture you expect.