In today’s world of smart home security, Yi cameras have become a popular choice for many homeowners. These cameras offer a range of features, including motion detection, night vision, and cloud storage. However, with the constant recording of footage, it’s not uncommon for users to want to delete old or unnecessary videos. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to delete Yi camera footage, and provide a step-by-step guide to help you manage your camera’s storage.
Understanding Yi Camera Storage
Before we dive into the deletion process, it’s essential to understand how Yi camera storage works. Yi cameras offer two types of storage: local storage and cloud storage. Local storage refers to the storage capacity of the camera’s microSD card, while cloud storage refers to the online storage provided by Yi.
Local Storage
Local storage is the most common type of storage for Yi cameras. The camera records footage onto a microSD card, which can be inserted into the camera. The storage capacity of the microSD card varies, but most Yi cameras support up to 128GB of storage. Once the microSD card is full, the camera will overwrite old footage with new recordings.
Pros and Cons of Local Storage
Local storage has its pros and cons. On the one hand, it’s a cost-effective solution, and users don’t need to pay for cloud storage subscriptions. On the other hand, local storage is limited, and users need to constantly monitor the storage capacity to avoid running out of space.
Cloud Storage
Cloud storage, on the other hand, offers a more convenient solution. Yi cameras can be connected to the Yi Cloud, which provides online storage for footage. The Yi Cloud offers various subscription plans, ranging from 7-day to 30-day storage.
Pros and Cons of Cloud Storage
Cloud storage has its pros and cons. On the one hand, it offers more storage capacity and convenience, as users can access footage from anywhere. On the other hand, it requires a subscription, which can add up in cost.
Deleting Yi Camera Footage
Now that we’ve understood Yi camera storage, let’s move on to the deletion process. Deleting Yi camera footage is a relatively straightforward process, but it requires some caution. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to delete Yi camera footage:
Deleting Footage from Local Storage
To delete footage from local storage, follow these steps:
- Insert the microSD card into your computer using a card reader.
- Open the file explorer and navigate to the microSD card.
- Look for the folder labeled “DCIM” or “Yi Camera.” This folder contains all the recorded footage.
- Select the files you want to delete and press the “Delete” key.
- Confirm the deletion by clicking “Yes” in the pop-up window.
Important Note
When deleting footage from local storage, make sure to delete the entire file, including the thumbnail and metadata. This will ensure that the footage is completely erased from the microSD card.
Deleting Footage from Cloud Storage
To delete footage from cloud storage, follow these steps:
- Log in to your Yi Cloud account using the Yi Home app or website.
- Navigate to the “Cloud Storage” section.
- Select the footage you want to delete by checking the box next to each video.
- Click the “Delete” button at the top of the page.
- Confirm the deletion by clicking “Yes” in the pop-up window.
Important Note
When deleting footage from cloud storage, make sure to check the subscription plan’s retention period. If the retention period has expired, the footage will be automatically deleted.
Managing Yi Camera Storage
Deleting Yi camera footage is just one part of managing your camera’s storage. Here are some tips to help you manage your Yi camera storage:
Regularly Check Storage Capacity
Regularly check the storage capacity of your microSD card or cloud storage to avoid running out of space. You can do this by logging in to your Yi Cloud account or checking the microSD card’s storage capacity using a card reader.
Set Up Motion Detection
Set up motion detection to record only when motion is detected. This will reduce the amount of footage recorded and save storage space.
Adjust Video Quality
Adjust the video quality to reduce the file size of each recording. This will also save storage space.
Use the Yi Home App
Use the Yi Home app to manage your Yi camera’s storage. The app allows you to view, download, and delete footage, as well as adjust camera settings.
Conclusion
Deleting Yi camera footage is a relatively straightforward process, but it requires some caution. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can manage your Yi camera’s storage and keep your footage organized. Remember to regularly check storage capacity, set up motion detection, adjust video quality, and use the Yi Home app to manage your camera’s storage. By doing so, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of your Yi camera while keeping your storage space organized.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to help you manage your Yi camera’s storage:
- Use a larger microSD card to increase local storage capacity.
- Consider upgrading to a higher cloud storage plan for more storage capacity.
- Regularly back up your footage to an external hard drive or computer.
- Use the Yi Home app to schedule recordings and reduce storage space.
- Consider using a third-party storage solution, such as Google Drive or Dropbox, to store your footage.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to manage your Yi camera’s storage and keep your footage organized.
What is Yi Camera and why would I want to delete its footage?
Yi Camera is a popular brand of home security cameras known for their affordability, high-quality video, and user-friendly interface. You may want to delete Yi Camera footage for various reasons, such as freeing up storage space, removing sensitive or personal content, or simply getting rid of old recordings.
Deleting Yi Camera footage can also be useful if you’re planning to sell or give away your camera, as it ensures that the new owner won’t have access to your personal recordings. Additionally, deleting footage can help you maintain your camera’s performance by preventing storage overload and reducing the risk of data corruption.
How do I access my Yi Camera footage?
To access your Yi Camera footage, you’ll need to download and install the Yi Home app on your smartphone or tablet. Once you’ve installed the app, create an account or log in if you already have one. Then, connect your Yi Camera to the app by following the in-app instructions. This will allow you to view and manage your camera’s footage remotely.
Make sure your Yi Camera is connected to the internet and that you have a stable internet connection on your device. If you’re having trouble accessing your footage, check that your camera’s firmware is up to date and that you’re using the latest version of the Yi Home app.
Can I delete Yi Camera footage directly from the camera?
Unfortunately, you cannot delete Yi Camera footage directly from the camera itself. Yi Cameras do not have a built-in delete function, and you’ll need to use the Yi Home app to manage your recordings. This is a security feature designed to prevent accidental deletion of important footage.
However, you can format the microSD card in your Yi Camera, which will erase all footage stored on the card. To do this, go to the camera’s settings menu and select the “Format” option. Keep in mind that formatting the microSD card will delete all footage, so make sure you’ve backed up any important recordings before doing so.
How do I delete Yi Camera footage using the Yi Home app?
To delete Yi Camera footage using the Yi Home app, follow these steps: Open the app, select the camera you want to manage, and navigate to the “Album” or “Recordings” section. From there, you can browse through your footage and select the recordings you want to delete. You can delete individual recordings or entire folders.
Once you’ve selected the footage you want to delete, tap the “Delete” button to confirm. The app will ask you to confirm the deletion, so make sure you’re deleting the correct recordings. If you’re deleting a large amount of footage, the process may take a few minutes to complete.
Can I delete Yi Camera footage from multiple cameras at once?
If you have multiple Yi Cameras connected to the same account, you can delete footage from all cameras at once using the Yi Home app. To do this, go to the “Album” or “Recordings” section and select the “All Cameras” option. From there, you can browse through all your footage and select the recordings you want to delete.
Keep in mind that deleting footage from multiple cameras at once can be a time-consuming process, especially if you have a large amount of recordings. Make sure you’re deleting the correct footage and that you’ve backed up any important recordings before doing so.
Will deleting Yi Camera footage free up storage space on my camera?
Yes, deleting Yi Camera footage will free up storage space on your camera’s microSD card. Yi Cameras store footage on the microSD card, and deleting recordings will remove them from the card, freeing up space for new recordings.
However, if you’re using cloud storage, deleting footage from the app will not free up storage space on your camera’s microSD card. You’ll need to format the microSD card or delete footage directly from the camera to free up storage space.
Is it possible to recover deleted Yi Camera footage?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to recover deleted Yi Camera footage once it’s been deleted from the app or the camera’s microSD card. Yi Cameras do not have a built-in recovery feature, and deleted footage is permanently erased.
However, if you’ve backed up your footage to cloud storage or an external hard drive, you may be able to recover deleted recordings from those sources. Make sure to regularly back up your important footage to prevent data loss in case you accidentally delete it.