Xiaomi Smart Home Integration Failed? Let's Fix It
One of the best features of a Xiaomi smart camera is its ability to integrate with larger smart home ecosystems like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. This allows you to view your camera's feed on a smart display or use voice commands to control it. However, the process of linking your Xiaomi account to these services can sometimes fail, leaving you with a camera that works in the Xiaomi Home app but nowhere else.
This troubleshooting guide will address the most common reasons why Xiaomi smart home integration fails and how you can resolve them.
The Most Common Cause: Server Mismatch
Before we dive into other steps, it's critical to understand the number one reason for failure: regional server mismatch.
Xiaomi's smart home products operate on servers located in different regions around the world (e.g., China, United States, Singapore, Germany). The camera must be connected to the same server region that your Google or Amazon account is based in. If your camera is set up on the 'China' server in the Xiaomi Home app, but you try to link it from the UK, the skill will link, but no devices will be found.
How to check and change your server:
- Open the Xiaomi Home (or Mi Home) app.
- Go to Profile > Settings > Region.
- Note down the current region. If it's not the region you live in, this is likely your problem.
- Important: Changing regions will force you to re-add all your Xiaomi devices. It's a major step, so it's best to choose the correct region from the very beginning when you first set up your products. A region geographically close to you is usually the best choice.
How to Troubleshoot Integration and Linking Issues
If you've confirmed your server region is correct, or you're willing to reset and switch it, follow these steps to get your integration working.
1. Relink the Mi Home Skill/Action
Sometimes the authentication token between the services simply expires or gets corrupted. A fresh start is often the quickest fix.
- In your Google Home or Alexa app: Go to the settings for linked services or skills. Find the "Mi Home" or "Xiaomi Home" skill and select "Unlink".
- Re-add the Skill: Search for the Mi Home skill again and go through the linking process. You will be asked to sign into your Xiaomi account. Use the same credentials and ensure you are logging into the correct server region.
2. Use Simple and Unique Device Names
When you name your camera in the Xiaomi Home app, use a simple, clear name like "Living Room Camera" or "Porch Cam". Avoid special characters or very long names. This makes it easier for Alexa or Google Assistant to discover and recognise the device. After renaming a device, you may need to ask your assistant to "discover new devices".
3. Check for App Updates
Make sure you have the latest versions of all three apps involved: the Xiaomi Home app, the Amazon Alexa app, and/or the Google Home app. An outdated app might have compatibility bugs that have been fixed in a newer version.
4. Reboot Your Devices
A full reboot can often solve mysterious connection issues.
- Unplug your Xiaomi camera from power for 30 seconds.
- Reboot your smart display or speaker (e.g., your Echo Show or Nest Hub).
- Reboot your Wi-Fi router.
5. Be Patient After Linking
Sometimes, after you successfully link the Mi Home skill, it can take a few minutes for the devices to actually appear in your Alexa or Google Home app. Wait for 5-10 minutes and check again before assuming it has failed.
By systematically working through these steps, especially by ensuring your server regions are correctly aligned, you can solve the vast majority of Xiaomi smart home integration problems.