Dealing With a Failed Yi Camera Firmware Update?
Keeping your Yi Home Camera's firmware updated is crucial for security, performance, and accessing new features. However, when the update process fails, it can be concerning, sometimes leaving your camera in an unresponsive state. If you're seeing an 'Update Failed' message or your camera is acting strangely after an update attempt, don't panic.
This guide is here to help you troubleshoot and resolve Yi firmware update failures. We'll cover the common causes of these issues and provide you with two effective methods—redoing the over-the-air update and performing a manual update—to get your camera back in working order.
## Why Do Firmware Updates Fail?
Understanding the potential causes can help you prevent the issue from happening again. The most common reasons for a failed update include:
- Unstable Wi-Fi Connection: The update file download can be corrupted if the camera's connection to your Wi-Fi is weak or intermittent.
- Power Interruption: If the camera loses power during the crucial installation phase, the firmware can become corrupted, leading to a 'bricked' or unresponsive device.
- Incorrect Firmware Version: This is more common with manual updates, where a user might download a file for the wrong camera model.
- Server-Side Issues: Occasionally, the problem might be with the update servers, though this is less common.
## Method 1: Re-Attempting the Over-the-Air (OTA) Update
Before you move on to the manual method, it's always worth trying the standard update process again, but with a more controlled environment.
### Step 1: Ensure a Stable Environment
- Move Closer to the Router: Bring your Yi camera into the same room as your Wi-Fi router. This will ensure the strongest possible signal and minimise the chance of a dropped connection.
- Secure the Power Source: Plug the camera directly into a wall outlet that you know is reliable. Avoid using extension cords that could be accidentally disconnected.
### Step 2: Reset Your Camera
A factory reset will clear any corrupted files from the previous failed attempt and give you a clean slate.
- Locate the reset button on your camera. It's typically a small, recessed button that you'll need a paperclip or SIM-eject tool to press.
- With the camera powered on, press and hold the reset button for about 5-10 seconds.
- You should hear a voice prompt like "Reset is successful." The camera will then reboot.
### Step 3: Re-Add the Camera and Update
- Open your Yi Home app. You will need to go through the setup process again to add the camera back to your account.
- Once the camera is online and viewable in the app, navigate to Settings > Camera Settings > Firmware Version.
- If an update is available, tap to initiate it again. With the camera close to the router and on a stable power source, it has a much higher chance of success.
## Method 2: Performing a Manual Firmware Update
If the OTA update continues to fail, the manual method using a microSD card is the most reliable solution.
### Step 1: Prepare Your Tools
- A microSD Card: You'll need a microSD card, ideally between 8GB and 32GB.
- A Computer with an SD Card Reader: To download and transfer the firmware file.
### Step 2: Download the Correct Firmware
- Identify Your Camera Model: Look on the base or back of your camera for the exact model number (e.g., YI 1080p Home Camera). This is critical.
- Visit the Official Yi Support Website: Go to the official Yi Technology website and find their support or downloads section. Locate the firmware page.
- Download the File: Find your specific model and download the latest firmware file. It will usually be a compressed (.zip) file.
### Step 3: Prepare the microSD Card
- Format the Card: Insert the microSD card into your computer. Format it using the FAT32 file system. This is a very important step; other formats will not work.
- Copy the Firmware File: Unzip the downloaded file. Inside, you will find the firmware file (e.g.,
home_y20). Crucially, you may need to rename this file according to the instructions on the Yi website for your model. Copy this single file to the root directory of the formatted microSD card (not inside any folders).
### Step 4: Flash the Firmware
- Power Off: Make sure your Yi camera is unplugged from the power source.
- Insert the Card: Insert the prepared microSD card into the camera's card slot.
- Power On: Plug the camera back into the power source.
- Wait: The camera will automatically detect the firmware file on the card and begin the update process. The indicator light will likely change colour (e.g., solid yellow). Do not unplug the camera during this time. The process can take several minutes.
- Completion: Once the update is complete, the camera will reboot and you'll hear the standard "Waiting to connect" prompt. The indicator light will flash blue. You can now re-add the camera to your app.
By following these methods, you can successfully recover your Yi camera from a failed firmware update.