How to Fix Xiaomi Camera Vehicle Detection Not Working
One of the most powerful features of modern Xiaomi security cameras is their ability to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to specifically detect vehicles. This helps to reduce false alarms from swaying trees or passing animals, ensuring you are only alerted to relevant events. However, when this feature fails to work, it can be just as frustrating as having no detection at all.
If your Xiaomi camera isn't sending you alerts for cars pulling into your driveway, or it's missing them entirely, this troubleshooting guide will help you fix the problem.
How Does AI Vehicle Detection Work?
Xiaomi's AI detection works by analysing the video feed in real-time. The camera's processor has been trained to recognise the specific shapes and movement patterns of cars, lorries, and other vehicles. When it identifies a match within a designated motion zone, it triggers an alert and a recording. For this to work, several conditions must be met.
Step 1: Enable the Feature in the Mi Home App
It may sound simple, but the most common reason for vehicle detection not working is that the setting is turned off.
- Open the Mi Home app and select your camera.
- Go to the camera's main settings menu (often represented by three dots in the top-right corner).
- Look for a menu named 'Detection settings', 'Surveillance settings', or 'AI settings'.
- Inside this menu, you should see several toggles for different types of smart detection. Make sure that 'Vehicle detection' is enabled. You may also need to have the general 'Motion detection' toggle on for it to work.
- Check the 'Alert frequency' or 'Notification settings' to ensure you are set up to receive these specific alerts.
Step 2: Optimise Camera Placement and Angle
The performance of any AI detection is highly dependent on the camera's field of view. If the camera can't get a clear view of the vehicle, it can't identify it correctly.
- Height: Mount the camera at a height of 2-3 metres (7-10 feet). Mounting it too low can lead to the view being easily obstructed, while mounting it too high can make vehicles appear too small for the AI to recognise.
- Angle: The camera should be angled slightly downwards. Avoid pointing it directly at the sky, which can cause issues with glare and exposure. A 30-45 degree downward angle is often ideal for covering a driveway.
- Distance: Ensure the area where you expect to detect vehicles is within the camera's optimal detection range (check your model's specifications, but this is typically within 15 metres or 50 feet).
Step 3: Ensure Adequate Lighting
AI algorithms struggle in poor lighting conditions.
- Daylight: Make sure there are no deep shadows obscuring the detection zone during the day.
- Night Vision: At night, the camera relies on its infrared (IR) LEDs. Ensure there are no nearby surfaces (like a soffit or wall) reflecting the IR light back into the lens, which can create glare and blind the camera. The detection area should be evenly illuminated by the camera's night vision. If the area is very large, you may need an external IR illuminator.
Step 4: Check for Firmware Updates
Xiaomi regularly releases firmware updates for their cameras that include improvements to the AI detection algorithms and bug fixes.
- In the Mi Home app, go to your camera's settings and look for a 'Firmware update' or 'Check for updates' option.
- Install any available updates and monitor the camera's performance afterwards.
Step 5: Clean the Lens and Reset the Camera
- Clean the Lens: A dirty, dusty, or cobweb-covered lens can easily obscure the view and cause detection to fail. Wipe it gently with a soft, microfibre cloth.
- Reboot the Camera: A simple reboot can often solve temporary glitches. Unplug the camera from power for 30 seconds and then plug it back in.
By systematically working through these settings and placement optimisations, you can significantly improve the reliability of your Xiaomi camera's vehicle detection feature and ensure you stay informed about activity on your property.