Note - Blue texts are my latest accessment. Please also read my other review on Xiaomi DaFang IP Cam

It comes in a small box photographed here with my portable HDD


Type A USB power adaptor. Tiny Xiaofang with my fan remote







Review XiaoFang IP Cam.

Okay I just got this a few days ago. I bought it because of the low price. I already using a Samsung IP Cam for about 1.5 years now and very happy with it. Incase you want to know the model number, it is Samsung SNH-P6410BN. It cost around Rm600

This Xiaofang 1080p IP Cam cost me less than Rm100 but still I will have to compare it with my Samsung. Like the Samsung, it can record video in several ways. Continuos recording or record only when it detects motion. Samsung one can also be triggered by sound. Xiaofang can also be triggered by Smoke and CO2 alarm sound - whatever this means. No I dont think it can detect smoke or CO2, it just detects the alarm sound. The weird thing is inside the app under Settings, it has two switch - one for CO2 alarm and one for Smoke - got any difference between CO2 and Smoke Alarm? Maybe it must be a Xiaomi Smoke and CO2 alarm and has a difference

Both are 1080p and IR for night vision. Both have intercom capability

Pros -
1. Low cost - Rm100 to 120 Rm50-80
2. Tiny
3. Can run off of a powerbank
4. It comes with a tiny USB power adaptor but the prongs are Type A
5. Comes with a long USB cable. If you need a new cable, make sure the microUSB head is small enough to be plug in. Most wont fit XiaoFang's tiny hole opening

Cons -
1. Motion detect video is not stored on the microSD card but in the Cloud. Samsung motion detected videos are stored in the card. In order to view each recording, it takes a minute or two to "download" and let you view it. On the Samsung, it takes maybe a second or two. Waiting for the Xiaofang to download takes too long. This also means if you do not have Internet connection, you wont get any motion detect video unlike the Samsung which can continue to record into the microSD card.
> downloading Motion Alarm videos seems faster now if there is no connection problems

2. And if you want a copy of it, you need to "share" it by emailing yourself the video. With Samsung, you just need to copy the videos from the card. Albeit you need to remove the card from the cam first and most of the time, the cam is installed high above the ceiling or something. So there are pros and cons here. Xiaofang - you need to download one by one. Samsung you can copy all at once but you need to access the card

3. Viewing Live Videos also takes longer on the Xiaofang. It takes a couple of minute before it can show you a live stream. Samsung one is very fast. Live stream is extremely laggy
>seems faster now

4. Notifications - Once it detects motion, it is suppose to push a notification to your smartphone. On the Xiaofang, sometimes its fast and sometimes it is too slow. And it doesnt keep on sending you notifications if there is still motion. On my Samsung, it will send a notification once it detects motion (so far the response time has been good but on a few occasions also slow) and it will keep sending notifications if it still detects motion. This is important to me as I do not bother to check each notification that comes in but if it is persistent, I will want to know why there are people loitering around.

5. It has a magnetic base so you can stick this fella anywhere iron but the magnet is rather weak. The 360 degrees Z stand makes it versatile for installation but if you want to install this on your ceiling, you need double sided tape. There are not screw holes for you to mount this thing. And see no.6

6. You can only flip the image upside down but not 4 ways like the Samsung.

7. Crashed my Wifi network several times
> problem fixed itself. All okay now

8. My ID seems to have changed to something else on its own - no idea why or how
> The number is your Xiaomi account number


The microSD card is not needed unless you want to take still shots, time lapse, and record video

This post has been edited by idoblu: Feb 24 2018, 10:38 AM

The power adapater is China plug type. US and Japan plug have a hole in the blade.

My only problem with this model is that there's no option to specify alert time/when to monitor for movements
What were they thinking not having that as basic feature? Still awaiting future updates for this

Got I think...

Care to show the option? I just can't find it, only see sensivity option

Tomorrow I will check for you

Maybe not what you want ....it's time lapse and not motion detect



This post has been edited by idoblu: Mar 3 2017, 06:25 AM

Can two phone connect to the same cam?

i havent tried that but should be able to

I tried but it reset the previous other phone setting. Can you try? Maybe I am doing it wrong.

i installed an additional app on my iPad. Seems to be okay but I cant get my iPhone and iPad to display a live video. Its either one only

And this stupid thing is causing my network to crash.

I try to install the app on my android phone and it says it cannot work with this revision of OS.

Oh another thing I just noticed - I signed up with my phone number. So my user id is my number. Just now I noticed that it displayed another set of numbers. I got no idea where this came from. Please check yours

This post has been edited by idoblu: Mar 5 2017, 04:14 PM

Can install but can sync with ONE device only. Anyone managed to get more than one to work at the same time?

Where to check ID no?

The top left side menu
Once you open should see your ID

i still prefer Yi Camera 720p/1080p ....this xiaofang camera is laggy on live stream....

and it takes longer time to stream .

Sharing my reviews (Using china server)
1) Motion detect video only record a max of 16 seconds of video with sound for each motion detection. If there is continuous motion going on, subsequent motion detection needs to wait a 4 to 5 minutes gap. I don't find any settings to adjust the motion detect recording duration and the time gap between each detection.

2) Continous recording requires micro sd card. Video scenes that were not captured in the 16 seconds motion detection recording can be traced back in 24 hours per set 'Continuos Recording' but with a catch...no SOUND.

3) alucard89, there is an option to set the alert time but no option to control when to motion detect monitoring. Goto profile > Settings > message settings > Do not disturb > set the time you want. As for to control when to motion monitor, the closest settings is the manual On/Off button in the Camera page.


TS thanks for your reviews, do you mind to copy all info in the first post? Easier to read in one place.

Can two phone connect to the same camera?At the same time?

Can. Both also received alert at the same time.

Do you have issue with playback? The timestamp on my continous recording is always 30minutes behind. i.e current time is 12:45AM, if I use the Gallery to view continous recording, it only shows till 12:15AM.

Why this 30mins lag?

And agree that the motion detection is a useless 16secs.

aeiou228
Just noticed your post, thanks for the alternative for motion alerts
At least until there's a new update for the xiofang plugin to include custom time for motion detection recording/alerts.

Mine no time lag. Continous recording in real time.

Good afternoon,

I can't view the recording either the motion detection or normal recording.

When I press the playback, its appear white screen only. Is there any setting I can do?

Thank you

hmmm...weird. mine is a constant 30min lag. you are set to non China server?

Make sure Mijia is connected to camera first. Also your phone must have a good internet network.

Mine set to China server.

Thz bro for replying. Yes my phone did have good internet connection, and connected to MiHome also. Still can't figure out what's the problem.

i try many times but "connection timeout" using Time fiber 2.4g bandwith.
Any help please.

I have prob connecting all my xiaofang from my kampung, I can view the motion files and the motion recording is working fine, I just cannot view live streaming.. Can someone test for me, turn off button on mihome app, is the xiaofang able to turn on back after that using mihome app..

Yes can on/off using the app

Thanks.. I thought the camera will restart, but it is just off the camera view..

yeah still running but off the camera only

Check if you have the latest version of mi home app. I had similar problem earlier and it got resolved after app update.

mi home in andoid seems to be more stable as compared to IOS.

after updating to the new firmware, retrieving those motion activated videos seems a tad faster now

I uograded the app but when trying to access it seems the plugin cannot download. I cant access the xiaofang now

I have 3 xiaofang, all with different firmware.. The original firmware save more space, 32gb able to record for 5-6 days.. The latest firmware with 32gb only can record for 2 days, before update, with 16gb also can record for 2 days..

Comparison between old and new firmware


Top: new firmware / Bottom: original firmware


Top: original firmware / Bottom: new firmware

Now you can select the period that you wish to long recording by time and day.

is xiaofang start to block malaysian user? Me and my fren unable to connect using unifi IP 115.x.x.x

Is there anyway to record to a hardisk? Like a decoder?

Or at least to download the recordings from the Micro SD since the videos will automatically be deleted when the memory is running out.

I practically cannot connect now. It's useless now. Thought I was the only person experiencing this problem.

You're not alone.. Found on github, someone mention his xiaofang also stop working..

wtf xiaofang no longer working :/

Suddently one of my xiaofang able to connect, firmware 3.0.4.9 pinhole version. The rest with 3.0.3.56(non pinhole) and 3.0.4.20(pinhole) still unable to connect..

What is the fps and bitrate?

So deep question...

mine still working okay wor....

Stuck at Connecting as well on Unifi, Celcom Ok

This post has been edited by Boy96: Jun 30 2017, 11:25 PM

Everything back to normal now after router restart and 2-3 times on/off xiaofang..

could it be due to unifi slow connection to china lately (try http://www.mydrivers.com/ & etc), as a result the authentication to china server frequent timeout
https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/4339986/all

This post has been edited by wdc: Jul 1 2017, 06:05 PM

All you camera can connect now?

Finally, can't believe they never added this as basic feature in the first place

Seems like newer mijia can do that, record to NAS/Samba share (1080p & 360 720p version)

Yes, all my xiaofang is back to normal.. Maybe it's related with TM slow connection to China as wdc mention above..

Good, thought xiaomi was gonna implement region ban like with their 720 yi cameras

Very important question leh. It determine: to buy or not to buy !

Find your answers here
http://www.androidpimp.com/home-security-c...xiaofang-review

Sorry noob question , how you power up your camera and place like cctv
all i think of is use power bank hahaha..

Use 3-5meter USB3.0 extension + 2.1A power adaptor..

Btw, has anyone update the new firmware ver 3.2.0.30? Any new features?

Now cant even pair to mi home even after hearing the pair successful command after the QR code scan

Hi there

thanks for update , how much for 3-5 meter usb cable? my xiaofang updated with latest firmware cant comment much as im still new
all i can say is motion sensor even set to low ..mosquito lalu pon capture ehhehe

Bought 3meter Ugreen usb3.0, price usd4.50 + usd0.99(shipping) from aliexpress

Anyone having motion detection suddenly not working. How to troubleshoot.tq

Hi sifus,

May i know am i able to view the live feed from different phone at different network at the same time ?
let's say
A: in home using home WiFi phone A
B: outside using Maxis network phone B
C: outside using Celcom Phone C

yes..

Anyone know how to save(record) certain period of footage that we want from the camera? I can only find record button on live footage only.

im trying to update the firmware to 3.2.0.30 but its stuck at 15% and not moving....
anyone faced the same problem? how to overcome it?

before this, my app seems to be in chinese now where before it was in english

This post has been edited by idoblu: Aug 30 2017, 08:18 AM

Hey, guys, just want to ask is this camera still crashing your wifi? Also will it remember settings if you turn it off/lose power, do you need to re-pair with your phone? Are there any alternatives in this price range? TY.

Ok no more crashing. No need to re-pair after leave it off even for long time but one time I dunno what happened but the device was missing in my app and I had to add it again

Rm50-70 price range impossible to find another alternative.

This post has been edited by idoblu: Sep 8 2017, 08:20 PM

TY, ty, this camera should be ok for under porch if can protect from rain? Can get RM50? This price consider ok?
http://www.lazada.com.my/genuine-2017-xiao...0.0.NTqgKr&ff=1

This is the normal price. Rm50 is during lazada flash sale

Is ap mode as described here available for your cameras?

https://www.gearbest.com/blog/how-to/ap-mod...a-to-phone-1323

This post has been edited by donthitmyface: Sep 12 2017, 02:33 PM

Couldn't ask more from RM60 IP camera.
So far tested-
Live Stream(over Wifi)-OK over old devices.
Minix X7-(android media player)
Minix X8-H-(Android media player)
Nexus7 (tablet)
Samsung GT-19100G Galaxy SII(Phone)
iPhone 5

Remote access
Accessing camera from outside your home network on iPhone 5-OK

iPhone 5 -alert notification-ok
motion recording on SD card-OK

Can set specific alert time (weekly/daily) now with latest update?

what is the difference between timelapse and auto record in settings?

Do not think so.Try to find a setting to automatically
switch on/off at a specific time.There is none.
Temporary used Wemo mini smart plug to do this.
Actually not a good solution.
Maybe later find other ways.

happy to find a thread regarding xiaofang.

i recently bought 1 xiaofang, and i have a few questions:

1) when i set up, i see at my phone wifi connection, there's a wireless connection that looks like it's my xiaofang, is it normal? but it goes away after my setup was completed.

2) i tried setting it up at my house, and i successfully set it up. then i bring the same xiaofang and try to set it up at another place with different wifi, but this time it keep showing connection error. is it because 1 xiaofang only can set up at 1 location? or so happened unifi suxs? i chose china server when i first started.

appreciate if anyone can help, thanks!

1 - yes that is the pairing part so it shows up in your wifi device list, it will disappear once setup is done
2 - yes correct, it is paired to your wifi. different wifi router will need another re-pairing

if you want to use in different locations, set it in AP mode - https://www.gearbest.com/blog/how-to/ap-mod...a-to-phone-1323

This post has been edited by idoblu: Sep 16 2017, 09:51 PM

there's no ap mode available for me in my mi home app.

im using android.

edit: i even downloaded the old version of mi home apk, also cant do ap mode. maybe it's an ios thing.

This post has been edited by fkinmeng: Sep 16 2017, 10:42 PM

Just discovered can use automation to turn on/off motion detector. The automation in chinese, it's the "report police" entry.

I think the motion detector would be better if you could tell it to notify only if there's continuous motion. Like you can set it to notify only if detect x mins of motion. Right now it notifies all the time in high traffic area.

thanks for the info. Are you using IOS or Android?
On my IOS(3,24.0) and Android(4.0.11.60617) apps do
not have the option for turn/off motion detector.
a screenshot will be very helpful.

Try delete device then go in add again
I remember got two Xiaofang. Select a different one to try

I know there is 2 model.
I have 2 units -the new model with the button (not with the hole).

I mean this during setup

you are using the hack version?
maybe provide version number better.
I can pick up from there.

sorry.forget just now.apps version number and the build.

Nope. Original firmware

my mihome app is android 4.2.5, it is under mihome>profile>automation, under add instructions, touch xiao fang. It looks like this, 3rd picture.
http://en.miui.com/thread-484737-1-1.html

I'm wondering whether to upgrade firmware, motion detection video download is slow and i notice a bug with video seeking on auto record.

Thanks.That's the spirit!

I updated to latest firmware, many new features, they added start/stop motion detector options right into camera settings. Auto record also accept timer settings. Downside is must reformat sd card using the app losing your previously recorded videos.

I tested with 4.3.6.Now able to set motion detection- recording with a time schedule.
I think there is a bug when setting auto timetable for auto record -
Example- start at 7 pm and end 6 am.
Will check it out tomorrow.

Hi there,
Just a question on motion detection.
What will it do when triggered?
Will it send alert to the App, or will attach picture / video
send to an email address?

It will capture 16sec video and upload to cloud, it will then send your phone notification.

yours is ios or android?

mine only have 1 xiaofang.

iOS

There is no bugs as earlier highlighed.
Schedule hours/days to turn motion detect on and off-works

Hi guys, I'm unable to view the motion clips after I updated the firmware. The clip does not seem able to be downloaded, it keeps showing 0%, any idea?

is it easy to setup , gonna buy from lazada.

Me too, I also have a plan to buy one.

I can’t open the app once I updated to iOS 11.0.1
Anyone facing the same thing?

can this IP cam work without wifi? For eg. use in car as dashcam on continous recording

Anyone can get this to work. Not sure if it is the same type of smart camera.



Only seem to work in mainland china when login to the MiHome App but the interface is really poor. The latest MiHome IOS is broken for IOS11 now. Any ideas?


Edit -

updated MiHome IOS today and it seems to work now, which is great.

This post has been edited by mintgadget: Oct 3 2017, 08:40 PM