A Yi IoT camera can stream live video without any storage, but to record footage you can play back later — motion events, continuous loops, the moment something actually happens — you need a microSD card installed and formatted correctly. This guide walks through exactly how to do it, including the two details that trip most people up: choosing a card the camera will actually accept, and formatting it in the app so it starts recording.
Reliable local recording is a core part of any home surveillance setup — it protects the availability and integrity of your footage, two of the three pillars covered in our guide to the CIA Triad in security. Getting the storage right is the first step.
Before You Start: Choosing the Right microSD Card
This is the step that determines whether everything else works, so get it right first. An incompatible card is the single most common reason a Yi IoT camera “won’t record.”
For Yi IoT cameras, use a microSD card that meets these specs:
- Capacity: Between 8GB and 128GB. Most Yi IoT models cap out at 128GB — a larger 256GB or 512GB card will often not be recognized. (Note: some older Yi Home models are limited to 32GB or 64GB, so if you have an earlier camera, check its listing before buying large.)
- Speed class: Class 10 (U1) or higher, with a sustained write speed of at least 48MB/s. Slower cards can’t keep up with video and cause dropped or corrupted recordings.
- Format: FAT32. If your card is formatted as exFAT or NTFS (common on cards 64GB and larger out of the box), you’ll need to reformat it to FAT32 — the easiest way is to let the camera do it through the app, covered below.
- Brand: Stick to reputable makers like SanDisk, Samsung, or Kingston. Counterfeit and no-name cards are a frequent cause of recording failures, and fakes are widespread online.
A 64GB or 128GB Class 10 card from a known brand is the safe default for most users.
Tip: Counterfeit cards are one of the most common causes of device problems, and they’re easy to fall for. If you buy tech gear online often, it’s worth learning to spot fakes and verify hardware before you rely on it — the same caution applies to accessories for other devices, like checking a Razer mouse’s battery without extra software.
What You’ll Need
- Your Yi IoT camera
- A compatible microSD card (see above)
- The Yi IoT app installed on your phone, with your camera already added to it
Step 1: Locate the microSD Card Slot
The slot’s location varies by model:
- On many indoor/dome models, the slot is on the base or underside of the camera, sometimes behind a small rubber flap or requiring you to tilt the lens head.
- On some models it sits next to the reset button in a recessed panel.
- On outdoor models, it’s often behind a weather-sealed cover on the back or bottom that you unscrew or unclip.
If you can’t find it, look for a small slot roughly the width of a microSD card near the camera’s base. Check the quick-start card that came with the camera for your exact model’s location.
Step 2: Insert the Card
- It’s good practice to have the camera powered on and connected (Yi IoT cameras generally detect a card hot-inserted, and you’ll format it in the app next). If you prefer, you can insert it while powered off — either works on most models.
- Hold the microSD card with the metal contacts facing toward the camera body (on most Yi models the contacts face the lens side or down toward the base — if it won’t seat easily, flip it; never force it).
- Push the card gently into the slot until it clicks and stays put. It’s spring-loaded — you’ll feel it lock in place. To remove it later, push in again and it will pop out.
If the card doesn’t click or springs back, it’s oriented the wrong way. Turn it over and try again.
Step 3: Confirm the Camera Detects the Card
- Open the Yi IoT app and tap your camera to open its live view.
- Go to Settings (the gear icon).
- Look for SD Card or Storage. If the card is recognized, you’ll see its status and capacity here. If it shows “No SD Card,” remove and reseat the card, and confirm it meets the specs in the first section.
Step 4: Format the Card in the App (Don’t Skip This)
This is the step the camera actually needs, and the one most people miss. A new card usually won’t record until it’s been formatted by the camera, which sets up the correct file system and a small hidden partition for the camera’s system files.
- In the app, go to Settings → SD Card (or SD Card Status).
- Tap Format SD Card.
- Confirm when prompted. Formatting erases everything on the card, so back up anything you want to keep first.
- Wait for it to finish — this usually takes under a minute.
One thing that surprises people: after formatting, the card’s displayed capacity will be slightly smaller than its rated size. That’s normal — the camera reserves a hidden partition for system files, and it doesn’t mean your card is faulty.
Step 5: Set Your Recording Preferences
With the card formatted, choose how the camera records. In Settings, look for recording options:
- Continuous recording — records nonstop, looping over the oldest footage when the card fills.
- Motion-activated / event recording — records only when motion is detected, which stretches storage much further.
Select whichever suits you, and you’re done. The camera will now save footage to the card.
How to View Your Recorded Footage
- Open the Yi IoT app and tap your camera.
- Tap anywhere on the video to bring up the timeline (usually below the live view).
- Segments with recorded footage are marked on the timeline — slide along it to jump to any point in time and play it back.
Troubleshooting
“No SD Card” even though one is inserted — Reseat the card. Confirm it’s 8–128GB, Class 10, from a reputable brand. Try reformatting it in the app, or format it to FAT32 on a computer first, then reinsert.
Card inserted but nothing records — This almost always means the card hasn’t been formatted in the app (Step 4). Format it and try again. If it still fails, the card may be too slow, too large, or counterfeit — swap in a known-good Class 10 card.
Recordings are choppy or have gaps — The card’s write speed is likely too slow. Use a Class 10/U1 card with at least 48MB/s sustained write, or a U3/V30 card for the smoothest results.
Displayed capacity is smaller than the card’s rating — This is expected. The camera reserves a hidden partition for system files after formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the maximum SD card size for a Yi IoT camera?
Most Yi IoT models support up to 128GB. Some older Yi Home cameras are limited to 32GB or 64GB, so check your specific model if you have an earlier camera.
Do I have to format the card before it will record?
Yes, in almost all cases. Format it in the app (Settings → SD Card → Format SD Card) before expecting it to record.
Can the camera record without an SD card?
It can stream live video without one, and some models support cloud storage as an alternative, but to save footage locally you need a card installed.
Why is my card’s capacity smaller after formatting?
The camera sets aside a small hidden partition for system files, so the usable space is slightly less than the rated capacity. This is normal.
Can I insert the card while the camera is running?
On most Yi IoT models, yes — the camera detects a hot-inserted card, and you then format it in the app. If you prefer to power off first, that’s fine too.
