Understanding Yi's Package Detection Feature
Yi security cameras offer a range of AI-powered smart features, and Package Detection is one of the most valuable for home security. Designed to alert you specifically when a courier leaves a parcel at your door, it helps combat package theft and gives you peace of mind. However, when this feature fails to work, it can be frustrating and diminish the camera's usefulness.
Most often, issues with package detection are not due to a faulty camera but stem from subscription status, incorrect app settings, or the camera's physical placement and environment. The feature relies on a sophisticated cloud-based AI algorithm, which needs a clear view and the correct permissions to function properly. This guide will help you diagnose and resolve the common reasons why your Yi camera might be missing package deliveries.
How to Troubleshoot Missing Package Detections
Follow these steps methodically to identify and fix the problem.
1. Verify Your Cloud Subscription
Package detection is considered an advanced AI feature and is not available for free. It requires an active Yi Home or Kami Cloud subscription.
- Check Subscription Status: Open the Yi Home app and navigate to your account settings. Look for a 'Subscriptions' or 'Cloud' section.
- Confirm Your Plan: Verify that you have an active, paid subscription plan that explicitly lists 'Package Detection' as an included feature.
- Assign the Plan: In some cases, you may need to manually assign your subscription plan to the specific camera you want to use the feature with. Check your subscription management page for this option.
2. Enable the Feature in Camera Settings
Even with a valid subscription, the feature must be manually enabled for each camera.
- Select Your Camera: From the main screen of the Yi Home app, tap on the camera you want to configure.
- Go to Settings: Tap the 'Settings' icon.
- Find Smart Detection: Scroll down and select 'Smart Detection'.
- Toggle On Package Detection: Inside this menu, you will see various AI detection toggles. Make sure the switch next to 'Package Detection' is turned on (it should be green or blue).
3. Optimise Camera Placement and View
The AI algorithm needs a clear, stable view of the delivery area to work reliably.
- Unobstructed View: Ensure that the camera's view of your doorstep, porch, or designated delivery area is completely clear. Obstructions like hanging plants, pillars, or even large decorations can confuse the AI.
- Correct Angle and Height: The camera should be mounted high enough to see the ground where a package would be placed, typically from a downward-facing angle. If the camera is too low, a person's legs might block the view of the package being set down.
- Define Activity Zone: Use the 'Activity Zone' feature in the settings to draw a specific area where you want the camera to look for packages. Draw the zone tightly around your doorstep. This prevents alerts from irrelevant movement on the street and focuses the AI's analysis where it matters most.
4. Consider Environmental Factors
Lighting and the nature of the packages themselves can influence detection accuracy.
- Sufficient Lighting: While Yi cameras have night vision, AI detection features work best with good lighting. If your porch is very dark, consider installing a motion-activated porch light. The camera's infrared (IR) LEDs provide illumination for night vision, but visible light leads to more accurate AI analysis.
- Package Type: The AI is trained to recognise common shapes and sizes, like cardboard boxes and satchels. It may occasionally miss very large, unusually shaped, or oddly coloured packages that don't fit the typical profile.
Step-by-Step Checklist for a Fix
- Open Yi Home App: Log in to your account.
- Check Subscription: Go to Account > Subscriptions and confirm you have an active, compatible plan.
- Select Camera & Settings: Choose your device and enter its settings menu.
- Enable Smart Detection: Navigate to 'Smart Detection' and ensure 'Package Detection' is toggled ON.
- Set Activity Zone: Configure an activity zone that covers only your delivery area.
- Review Camera Position: Physically check the camera's view to ensure it is clear and angled correctly.
- Test the System: Have a friend or family member place a box in the activity zone to see if an alert is triggered.
By systematically working through these subscription, software, and placement checks, you can resolve most issues with the Yi package detection feature and restore this important layer of your home security.