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YI Home - IPC Geek
Score Overview
3.5
Overall Rating
4.3
App Store
2.8
Google Play
5M+Google Play Downloads
YI Home
ZK (HK) LIMITED (YI Technology)Freemium
YI Home — Free security camera app for YI and Kami cameras with 1080p HD streaming, two-way audio, AI motion detection, baby cry detection, cloud and local storage, PC desktop app, and Alexa integration. Monitor your home from anywhere on iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac.
Real-time 1080p HD streaming — Live video with day and night vision, adaptive quality based on network conditions
Two-way audio communication — Built-in microphone and speaker for real-time conversation through the camera
Motion detection with smart alerts — AI-powered motion sensing with customizable sensitivity and push notifications
Sound detection alerts — Receive notifications when the camera detects unusual sounds in the monitored area
Activity highlights — Auto-generated video clips summarizing motion events for quick review
Pan/Tilt/Zoom control — Remote camera angle adjustment for dome cameras with full 360° horizontal coverage
Night vision — Infrared night vision for clear monitoring in complete darkness up to 10 meters
MicroSD card local storage — Record video locally on microSD cards up to 32GB without subscription fees
Kami Cloud storage — Optional cloud subscription plans with 7-day to 30-day event history and continuous recording
Multi-camera management — View and control up to 4 cameras simultaneously on mobile, 9 cameras on PC
Time-lapse photography — Create time-lapse videos from your camera's recordings
Baby crying detection — Specialized AI detection for baby cries with instant push notifications
Person detection — AI-powered human recognition to reduce false alerts from pets or shadows
Alexa and Google Assistant integration — Voice control camera feeds through Amazon Echo Show and Google smart displays
PC and Mac desktop app — Full-featured desktop application for live viewing, playback, and cloud access on computers
Activity zone customization — Define specific areas within the camera view for targeted motion detection
Video sharing — Share recorded clips and screenshots directly from the app
Gyroscope panoramic viewing — Use phone's gyroscope for immersive 360° panoramic camera view on mobile
Introduction
YI Home is a free security camera application developed by YI Technology (ZK (HK) LIMITED) that provides comprehensive remote monitoring and control for YI and Kami branded cameras. The YI Home app is available on iOS, Android, Windows PC, and Mac, making it one of the most accessible budget security camera platforms on the market. Whether you need a single baby monitor or a multi-camera home surveillance system, the YI Home camera app delivers 1080p HD live streaming, two-way audio, intelligent motion detection, and flexible cloud or local storage options.
Since its launch, YI Home has been downloaded by millions of users worldwide, with over 5 million installs on Google Play alone. The app supports a wide range of YI Home camera models including the YI 1080p Home Camera, YI Dome Camera series, YI Outdoor Camera, and Kami-branded cameras, all manageable from a single intuitive interface.
What Is the YI Home App?
The YI Home app is the official companion application for YI Technology's lineup of Wi-Fi security cameras. It connects to your cameras over 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and provides live video streaming, event recordings, push notifications, and remote camera control — all from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. The app is free to download and use with core features, though cloud storage requires an optional Kami Cloud subscription.
YI Technology has built a reputation for delivering high-quality camera hardware at affordable prices, and the YI Home app is the software backbone that ties the entire ecosystem together. From first-time YI Home camera setup to daily monitoring, the app handles every aspect of the camera experience.
Key Features of YI Home
Live Streaming and Video Quality
The YI Home app streams real-time 1080p Full HD video (1920x1080) with adaptive quality based on your network conditions. Both day and infrared night vision modes are supported, with night vision effective up to 10 meters in complete darkness. Fixed cameras offer a 112-degree wide-angle field of view, while dome cameras provide full 360-degree horizontal and 96-degree vertical coverage through pan, tilt, and zoom controls.
Technical Specifications
Video Resolution1080p Full HD (1920×1080)
Night Vision RangeUp to 10 meters with IR LEDs
Field of View112° wide-angle (fixed cameras), 360°/96° (dome cameras)
AudioTwo-way with built-in microphone and speaker
Local StorageMicroSD up to 32GB (FAT32 format)
Cloud StorageKami Cloud (7/15/30-day plans)
Wi-Fi2.4GHz 802.11 b/g/n
Smart HomeAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant (via Kami Home)
Platform SupportiOS 13.0+, Android 5.0+, Windows PC, macOS
Video CodecH.264
Power5V/1A micro-USB (varies by model)
Operating Temperature-10°C to 50°C (indoor), -20°C to 50°C (outdoor)
YI Home is a free mobile and desktop application developed by YI Technology (ZK (HK) LIMITED) that provides remote monitoring and control of YI and Kami security cameras. The app offers live streaming up to 1080p HD, two-way audio communication, motion and sound detection with push alerts, cloud and local recording options, and smart home integration with Alexa and Google Assistant. It's available on iOS, Android, Windows PC, and Mac.
Is YI Home free to use?
YI Home is free to download and use with basic features including live streaming, two-way audio, and motion alerts. However, the free version includes advertisements. For cloud storage, Kami Cloud subscription plans range from $2.99/month (Entry, 1 camera, 7-day history) to $14.99/month (Plus). Alternatively, you can use free local storage by inserting a microSD card (up to 32GB) into your camera.
How do I set up a YI camera with the YI Home app?
Download YI Home from the App Store or Google Play, create an account, and tap the '+' button to add a camera. Enter your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network credentials (5GHz is not supported), then hold the QR code displayed on your phone in front of the camera lens. Wait for the camera's LED to turn solid blue, indicating a successful connection. The entire setup typically takes 2-3 minutes.
Why does my YI camera keep disconnecting?
Connection issues are commonly caused by weak Wi-Fi signal, router compatibility, or bandwidth limitations. Ensure your camera is within range of your router, use only 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (5GHz is not supported), restart both the camera and router, and check that your internet upload speed is at least 2 Mbps. If problems persist, try the Kami Home app as an alternative, which some users report provides more stable connections.
Does YI Home work with Alexa or Google Home?
YI cameras can be integrated with Amazon Alexa for live viewing on Echo Show devices. For Google Assistant integration, you'll need to use the Kami Home companion app instead of YI Home directly. Once linked, you can use voice commands to view camera feeds on compatible smart displays.
How do I remove ads from YI Home?
The free version of YI Home includes advertisements. To remove ads, you can subscribe to any Kami Cloud storage plan (starting at $2.99/month). There is no standalone ad-removal purchase. Some users also report that the Kami Home companion app has a cleaner interface with fewer interruptions.
What is the difference between YI Home and Kami Home?
Both apps are developed by YI Technology and work with the same cameras. YI Home is the original app with a broader user base and PC/Mac support. Kami Home is a newer companion app that some users find more stable and modern, with direct Google Assistant support. The cloud storage (Kami Cloud) works across both apps. You can switch between them freely as both connect to the same camera hardware and cloud account.
How much cloud storage does YI Home offer?
Kami Cloud offers four subscription tiers: Entry ($2.99/month or $29.99/year) for 1 camera with 7-day history, CVR ($7.99/month or $59.99/year) for continuous video recording, Standard ($9.99/month or $79.99/year) for expanded features, and Plus ($14.99/month or $129.99/year) for premium coverage. All plans remove in-app advertisements. As a free alternative, you can use microSD card recording up to 32GB.
Can I view YI cameras on my computer?
Yes. YI Home offers a free desktop application for both Windows PC and Mac. The PC app supports viewing up to 9 cameras simultaneously, with live streaming, playback of cloud and local recordings, and screenshot capabilities. Download the desktop app from yitechnology.com/yi-home-pc-app/.
What cameras are compatible with YI Home?
YI Home supports all YI-branded and Kami-branded cameras, including YI 1080p Home Camera, YI Dome Camera, YI Dome Camera 1080p, YI Home Camera 2K Pro, YI Outdoor Camera, YI Cloud Dome Camera, YI Dome Guard, YI Dome U, Kami Indoor Camera, Kami Mini Camera, Kami Wire-Free Camera, and Kami Outdoor Camera. The cameras are interchangeable between YI Home and Kami Home apps.
User Reviews
RRaymond~81
Raymond~81
App Store
They have great video and night vision and the two way intercom is so handy for when I'm at work. I can talk to my dog and check on the house anytime. Setup was quick and easy. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a budget-friendly security camera.
Pricing InfoFree to download with ads. Cloud storage via Kami Cloud subscriptions: Entry $2.99/month or $29.99/year (1 camera, 7-day history), CVR $7.99/month or $59.99/year, Standard $9.99/month or $79.99/year, Plus $14.99/month or $129.99/year. Local microSD card storage (up to 32GB) available as free alternative.
It is a great camera for the price point. The images are clean and clear. Night vision works surprisingly well. I bought three of these cameras and they all work perfectly through the app.
App Store
Good camera app overall. The live streaming works well and I appreciate the activity highlights feature. Cloud storage plans are reasonable compared to competitors. Only downside is occasional connection drops.
App Store
Using this to monitor my baby's room and the baby cry detection feature is a lifesaver. The night vision is crystal clear. Wish the app loaded a bit faster though. Two-way audio has a slight delay but works fine.
App Store
Camera quality is great for the price. The app works but has become increasingly ad-heavy. You now have to watch a full ad before accessing your camera feed which is frustrating. Cloud plans are competitively priced though.
Google Play
Reliable camera app that does what it promises. I've been using it for two years with three YI cameras. Motion detection works well and the alerts are timely. PC app is also useful for monitoring multiple cameras.
Google Play
Great budget security solution. Image quality is impressive for the price. Setup was straightforward. The time-lapse feature is a nice bonus. Only issue is the app can be slow to connect sometimes.
Google Play
Works fine for basic monitoring. Camera quality is good. My main complaint is the ads — there are way too many now. It used to be a clean interface but now you have to deal with ads every time you open the app or switch cameras.
Google Play
Perfect for watching my cats while at work! The two-way audio lets me talk to them. Motion detection sends me fun clips of them playing. Night vision means I can check on them even at night. Love this app!
Google Play
The camera hardware is excellent value. The app is functional but could use improvement. Ads are intrusive and the connection can be unreliable at times. SD card recording is a great feature that saves on subscription costs.
Overall Rating
3.5
Google Play Downloads5M+
Version6.8.4
Size296.5 MB
Last Updated2026/02/11
Age Rating4+
Supported DevicesYI 1080p Home Camera, YI Dome Camera, YI Dome Camera 1080p, YI Home Camera 2K Pro, YI Outdoor Camera, YI Cloud Dome Camera, YI Dome Guard Camera, YI Dome U Camera, Kami Indoor Camera, Kami Mini Camera, Kami Wire-Free Camera, Kami Outdoor Camera
Every YI camera features a built-in microphone and speaker accessible through the app. This enables real-time two-way conversation — talk to family members, calm a pet, greet visitors at the door, or communicate with anyone in the camera's vicinity. The audio quality is clear enough for practical daily use, with only a slight transmission delay.
AI-Powered Motion and Sound Detection
YI Home goes beyond basic motion alerts with AI-powered detection capabilities. The app supports person detection to distinguish humans from pets or passing shadows, reducing false alerts significantly. Baby crying detection uses specialized AI to recognize infant distress sounds and send instant push notifications. Standard motion detection features customizable sensitivity zones, allowing you to define specific activity areas within the camera's field of view.
Sound detection provides an additional layer of monitoring by alerting you when unusual sounds are detected in the monitored area, even when no motion is visible.
Activity Highlights and Time-Lapse
The app automatically generates activity highlight clips that summarize motion events for quick review — no need to scrub through hours of footage. The time-lapse photography feature creates compressed video sequences from your camera recordings, useful for tracking changes over extended periods.
YI Home Camera Setup — Getting Started
Setting up a YI Home camera is straightforward and typically takes under three minutes:
Create a YI account or log in with your existing YI Home login credentials
Tap the "+" button to add a new camera
Enter your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network credentials (5GHz networks are not supported)
Hold the QR code displayed on your phone in front of the camera lens
Wait for the camera LED to turn solid blue, indicating successful connection
The YI Home setup process uses QR code pairing, which is faster and more reliable than traditional methods. Once connected, your camera appears in the app's main dashboard and is immediately ready for live viewing.
Cloud vs. Local Storage — Flexible Recording Options
Kami Cloud Storage
YI Home integrates with Kami Cloud for optional cloud-based recording. Subscription plans include:
Entry — $2.99/month or $29.99/year (1 camera, 7-day event history)
CVR — $7.99/month or $59.99/year (continuous video recording)
Standard — $9.99/month or $79.99/year (expanded features)
Plus — $14.99/month or $129.99/year (premium coverage)
All cloud plans remove in-app advertisements, which is a significant benefit given user feedback about the free tier's ad experience.
Local MicroSD Card Storage
For users who prefer to avoid subscription fees entirely, YI cameras support microSD card recording up to 32GB in FAT32 format. Local storage provides continuous recording capability without any recurring costs — insert a card, format it through the app, and the camera records automatically. This is one of YI Home's strongest value propositions compared to competitors that mandate cloud subscriptions.
The Ad Situation — What Free Users Should Know
The free version of YI Home includes advertisements, and this has become a common point of user feedback. Ads may appear when launching the app or switching between camera feeds. While the core monitoring functionality works well without payment, users who find the ads disruptive can eliminate them by subscribing to any Kami Cloud plan starting at $2.99/month. Some users also report that the Kami Home companion app offers a cleaner, less ad-heavy interface as an alternative.
YI Home PC App — Desktop Monitoring
The YI Home PC app is a free desktop application available for Windows and Mac that extends your monitoring capability beyond mobile devices. The desktop version supports viewing up to 9 cameras simultaneously, making it ideal for small business or multi-room home monitoring setups. Features include live streaming, playback of both cloud and local recordings, and screenshot capture. Download the YI Home PC app directly from yitechnology.com.
Smart Home Integration
YI cameras integrate with Amazon Alexa for live video viewing on Echo Show and compatible smart displays. For Google Assistant integration, the Kami Home companion app is required instead of YI Home directly. Once linked through either platform, you can use voice commands to pull up camera feeds on your smart display — a convenient hands-free monitoring option.
YI Home vs. Kami Home — Understanding the Ecosystem
Both YI Home and Kami Home are developed by YI Technology and work with the same camera hardware. The key differences:
YI Home is the original app with a larger user base, PC/Mac desktop support, and broader platform compatibility
Kami Home is a newer companion app that some users find more stable and modern, with native Google Assistant support and fewer advertisements
Kami Cloud storage works across both apps with the same account
You can freely switch between apps at any time without reconfiguring your cameras
For most users, starting with YI Home is recommended since it offers the widest feature set including the desktop app. If you encounter stability issues or prefer a cleaner mobile experience, Kami Home is a seamless alternative.
Privacy and Data Handling
YI Technology's privacy policy governs all data collected through the YI Home app. Video footage stored locally on microSD cards remains entirely under your control. Cloud recordings through Kami Cloud are encrypted and stored on secure servers. The app requires camera access permissions for QR code scanning during setup, and notification permissions for push alerts. Users can review the full privacy policy at kamihome.prod.kamicloud.net/app-privacy/.
Supported Camera Models
The YI Home app works with the complete range of YI and Kami cameras:
YI 1080p Home Camera — The classic budget indoor camera
YI Dome Camera / Dome Camera 1080p — 360-degree pan/tilt coverage
YI Home Camera 2K Pro — Higher resolution indoor monitoring
YI Outdoor Camera — Weather-resistant outdoor surveillance
YI Cloud Dome Camera — Cloud-optimized dome camera
YI Dome Guard / Dome U Camera — Next-generation dome models
Kami Indoor / Mini / Wire-Free / Outdoor Camera — Kami-branded alternatives
All cameras connect via 2.4GHz 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and are powered by 5V/1A micro-USB (model dependent).
Getting Started with YI Home
To begin using YI Home, download the app from your device's app store, create an account, and follow the YI Home camera setup wizard. The app is free to use with core features including live streaming, two-way audio, and motion alerts. For enhanced recording and an ad-free experience, consider a Kami Cloud subscription. With support for iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac, YI Home provides one of the most complete and affordable home security monitoring solutions available.
