Xiaomi Camera Unauthorized Access: Secure Your Device

Securing Your Xiaomi Camera Against Unauthorized Access

A smart home camera from Xiaomi offers fantastic peace of mind, allowing you to check in on your home from anywhere. However, as with any internet-connected device, it's vital to take proactive steps to protect it from unauthorized access. Hearing strange voices from the speaker or noticing settings have changed are clear signs that your security may have been compromised.

This guide will walk you through the essential security practices to lock down your Mi Home account and camera, ensuring that only you and your trusted family members have access.

## Signs of a Compromised Camera

Be alert for any unusual behaviour from your camera or Mi Home account. These are red flags that demand immediate attention.

• Unexpected Camera Movement: If you have a PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera, like the Mi 360°, and it moves or repositions on its own.
• Unfamiliar Noises: Hearing voices, music, or other sounds coming from the camera's two-way audio speaker that you don't recognise.
• Changed Settings: Finding that the camera's name, motion detection settings, or video quality has been altered without your knowledge.
• Suspicious Login Alerts: Receiving emails or notifications from Xiaomi about logins to your Mi account from unfamiliar locations or devices.
• Camera Light On: The camera's status LED turns on, indicating it's being viewed, when no one you know is watching the stream.

## Essential Steps to Secure Your Xiaomi Camera

If you've noticed any of the signs above, or simply want to be proactive, follow these steps immediately.

### 1. Change Your Mi Home Account Password

This is the most critical first step. A strong, unique password is your primary line of defence.

• Create a Strong Password: Your new password should be at least 12-16 characters long and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not reuse a password you use for any other service (like email or banking).
• How to Change It: Open the Mi Home app, navigate to Profile > Security > Password, and follow the instructions to set a new password. After changing it, be sure to log out of all devices and log back in with the new credentials.

### 2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds a powerful second layer of security. Even if someone steals your password, they won't be able to log in without access to your phone.

• How it Works: When 2FA is enabled, logging in will require both your password and a temporary code sent to your phone or generated by an authenticator app.
• Enable in the App: Go to Profile > Security in the Mi Home app. Look for an option like "Two-step verification" and follow the setup process.

### 3. Review Account Login History

Check for any suspicious activity that has already occurred.

• Check Recent Logins: In the Security section of the app, you can often find a log of recent devices that have accessed your account. Look for any locations or device types you don't recognise. If you see a suspicious entry, you can often force it to log out.

### 4. Secure Your Home Wi-Fi Network

Your camera is only as secure as the network it's connected to.

• Strong Wi-Fi Password: Ensure your home Wi-Fi network uses a strong, unique password with WPA2 or WPA3 encryption.
• Change Default Router Login: Make sure you have changed the default administrator username and password for your Wi-Fi router itself.

### 5. Keep Your Firmware Updated

Manufacturers release firmware updates to patch security vulnerabilities and improve performance.

• Check for Updates: In the Mi Home app, select your camera, go to its Settings menu (often three dots), and find the Firmware update option. Install any updates that are available.

By treating the security of your smart camera with the same seriousness as your online banking, you can confidently enjoy the benefits of remote monitoring while keeping your home and privacy protected.