Yi Home Camera Won't Reset? Here's What to Do
Resetting your Yi Home Camera is a vital troubleshooting step for solving a wide range of issues, from Wi-Fi connection problems to general unresponsiveness. However, it can be frustrating when you follow the instructions and the camera simply refuses to reset.
Don't worry, you're not alone. This guide will walk you through the common reasons why a reset might fail and provide a clear, step-by-step process to ensure you can reset your camera successfully.
Why Reset Your Yi Camera?
A factory reset is designed to wipe the camera's current settings and force it back into its original, out-of-the-box state. This is useful when:
- You have changed your Wi-Fi network name or password.
- The camera keeps going offline or is unable to connect.
- You are giving the camera to someone else.
- You are trying to resolve an unknown glitch or bug.
When the reset is successful, the camera will re-enter pairing mode, ready to be set up again from scratch in the Yi Home app.
The Correct Way to Reset Your Yi Camera
The number one reason for a failed reset is an incorrect procedure. Let's get it right.
Step 1: Locate the Reset Button
First, you need to find the physical reset button. Its location varies slightly by model:
- Yi Home Camera (Dome and Standard): The reset button is typically a small, recessed hole on the back of the camera. It is often labelled 'Reset'.
- Yi Outdoor Camera: The reset button is usually located under a protective flap that also covers the microSD card slot.
You will need a thin, pointed object like a paperclip, a SIM card ejector tool, or a toothpick to press the button. Your finger is too large.
Step 2: Power On the Camera
The camera must be plugged in and powered on for the reset to work. Plug the USB cable into the camera and a working power adapter. Wait for about one minute for the camera to fully boot up. You will usually see a yellow light and may hear a 'Welcome' message.
Step 3: Press and Hold the Reset Button Correctly
This is the most critical part of the process.
- Insert your paperclip into the reset button hole.
- Press and hold the button down firmly. You should feel a faint click.
- Continue holding the button down for 5-10 seconds. Do not release it after just a second or two.
- Listen for the camera's response. You should hear a voice prompt like "Reset is successful".
- Simultaneously, the indicator light on the front of the camera should change. It will typically turn off and then turn back on, or start flashing yellow.
Once you hear the confirmation voice and see the light flashing, you can release the button. The camera has now been reset and is in pairing mode, indicated by the prompt "Waiting to connect." You can now proceed to add it back to your Yi Home app.
What If It Still Won't Reset?
If you've followed the steps above and nothing happens, try this power cycle method.
- Unplug the camera from the power source.
- Wait for a full 60 seconds. This ensures that any residual power in the internal capacitors is fully discharged.
- While it is still unplugged, press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds. This can help clear any stuck states.
- Release the reset button.
- Plug the camera back in and let it boot up completely.
- Once it has booted, try the standard reset procedure again.
This combination of a power cycle and a physical reset often resolves issues with even the most stubborn devices. If the camera still fails to respond, there may be a hardware issue, and you should contact Yi customer support for further assistance.