Yi Home Camera Not Showing Video? Here's the Fix
It's a frustrating experience when you open the Yi Home app to check on your home, only to be greeted by an "Offline" message or a black screen. A security camera that doesn't provide video is of little use, but fortunately, most connectivity issues can be fixed with a few simple troubleshooting steps. This guide will walk you through the process of getting your Yi Home Camera back online.
Understanding the Problem
Before you can fix the issue, it helps to know what's causing it. The most common reasons for a Yi camera to lose its video feed are:
- Power Interruption: The camera has no power.
- Wi-Fi Disconnection: The camera has lost its connection to your router.
- Outdated Software: The app or the camera's firmware is out of date.
- IP Address Conflict: A network issue is preventing the camera from communicating.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for No Video
Let's start with the basics and work our way to more advanced solutions.
1. Check the Power and Status Light
First, confirm the camera is receiving power.
- Inspect the Cable: Ensure the micro-USB cable is plugged securely into the back of the camera and that the power adapter is firmly in a working wall socket.
- Observe the LED Indicator: The small light on the front of the camera is your best diagnostic tool.
- No Light: The camera is not receiving power. Check the outlet and the cable.
- Solid Yellow Light: The camera is powered on but not connected to Wi-Fi.
- Flashing Blue Light: The camera is attempting to connect.
- Solid Blue Light: The camera is connected and operating correctly.
2. Troubleshoot the Network Connection
If the light is yellow, the problem is with the Wi-Fi connection.
- Check Your Home Wi-Fi: Make sure your internet is working. Can your phone or another device connect to your Wi-Fi network?
- Reboot Your Router: A tried-and-true method for fixing network glitches. Unplug your router from power, wait a full minute, and plug it back in. Give it a few minutes to fully restart, and then see if your camera comes back online.
- Check Router Distance: If the camera is very far from the router, the signal may be too weak. Try moving the camera closer to the router to see if the connection stabilises.
3. Update the Yi Home App
An outdated app can sometimes cause compatibility issues.
- Go to the App Store: Open the Apple App Store or Google Play Store on your phone.
- Search for Yi Home: Check if there is an "Update" button available for the app. If so, install the latest version.
- Restart the App: After updating, close the app completely and reopen it.
4. Perform a Camera Reset
If nothing else has worked, resetting the camera and starting the setup process again will often resolve persistent issues.
- Locate the Reset Button: The reset button is a small, recessed button on the back or base of the camera.
- Press and Hold: You'll need a paperclip or a SIM ejector tool. With the camera plugged in, press and hold the reset button for about 5-10 seconds until you hear a voice prompt indicating the reset was successful.
- Re-Pair the Camera: The camera's light will turn to solid yellow. Now, open the Yi Home app, tap the "+" icon to add a new camera, and follow the on-screen instructions, which will involve scanning a QR code with the camera's lens.
Following these steps should resolve the "no video" issue for most Yi Home Camera users. If the problem continues after a reset, it could indicate a hardware fault, and you should reach out to Yi customer support.