Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro FAQ
1. Q: Does the base station of Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro reconnect automatically after disconnecting from the network?
A: After the base station disconnects from the network, it will try to reconnect automatically. Once it is connected successfully, the indicator keeps blue.
If it does not reconnect successfully for a while, please restart the base station.
2. Q: How long is the battery life of Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro?
A: The camera is equipped with a built-in 10000 mAh rechargeable battery, which can be used for about 150 days on a single charge (while the night vision function is disabled, 5 minutes of watching videos or 20 alert message notifications per day).
Note:
If there is a large amount of foot traffic or the camera frequently moves and recording is triggered frequently, the battery life will significantly reduce.
3. Q: What should I pay attention to when using a microSD card with Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro?
A: The base station only supports FAT32 microSD cards.
Once the microSD card is full, the camera will automatically delete the oldest video for loop recording. Please organize the files on the microSD card regularly to avoid file loss.
4. Q: Can Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro store videos on the cloud?
A: The cloud storage function of this camera refers to that when the camera detects any changes in the video, the alert message videos will be stored free on the cloud for 3 days. This function can be set in the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app.
Once connected to the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app, alert message notifications are enabled by default. If the function is disabled, there will be no video notifications or storage.
5. Q: Do I need to install a microSD card to use the base station of Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro?
A: No, it can be used without a microSD card.
Once the camera is connected to the Mi Home app, if no microSD card is installed, videos will automatically be stored on the cloud. If a microSD is installed, videos will be stored on both the microSD card and the cloud.
6. Q: What should I do if Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro has no audio during voice calls?
A: 1. For iOS devices: Enable microphone permissions of the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app in the system settings;
2. For Android devices: Enable the microphone or recording permissions of the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app in the application permission management of the system settings.
7. Q: What should I do if the footage of Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro is unclear or smudgy?
A: Remove the protective film from the lens before use.
Regularly wipe the lens clean with a soft cloth.
8. Q: How do I check Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro's battery level?
A: The camera's battery level can be checked at the top right corner of the preview screen in the [Camera's plug-in] in the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app.
The current battery level of the paired camera is displayed in the paired device list of the base station.
9. Q: Why does the footage of Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro appear to be distorted?
A: Since the camera uses a super wide-angle lens, there may be distortion at the edges of the footage, which is normal.
10. Q: What should I do if there is no audio or there is noise when watching the real-time footage of Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro?
A: 1. The Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app's audio is muted by default, and it can be unmuted by tapping the audio button at the bottom of the preview screen, and the volume can be adjusted by using the phone's volume buttons;
2. If the real-time footage is noisy, please keep your phone away from the camera and avoid placing the camera near a TV, a microwave oven, or other devices that cause electromagnetic interference.
11. Q: What should I do if the video lags or the video and the audio are not synchronized when watching real-time footage on Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro?
A: If the video lags, it is recommended to tap the preview screen >> resolution switch icon in the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app's plug-in, and tap the pop-up window to lower the video resolution.
If the video and the audio are not synchronized, it is recommended to check whether the network the camera is connected to is functioning normally or try to exit the video and then open it again.
12. Q: Why doesn't Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro support 24-hour recording?
A: In order to extend the battery life and avoid frequent charging, the camera only automatically wakes up to record and save a video when it detects human movement and recognizes a face or a change in the environment.
It will enter sleep mode when no human movement or changes in the environment are detected.
13. Q: How do I view videos recorded by Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro?
A: 1. Tap the video screen in the camera's plug-in in the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app to view the real-time footage, and tap the message to view the camera's previously recorded videos;
2. If you have installed a microSD card, you can view the videos stored on the microSD card.
14. Q: What should I do if Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro is often offline, real-time footage cannot be viewed, and messages cannot be received?
A: 1. Check the camera's status and the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app's video notifications promptly to exclude any issues such as loss or obstruction of the camera;
2. Ensure that the base station is turned on normally and that its network connection is stable;
3. Ensure that the camera is turned on normally, its network connection is stable, and is within the effective communication range from the base station.
15. Q: What should I do if Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro cannot connect to the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app?
A: 1. Ensure that both the base station and the camera are turned on.;
2. Ensure when the base station and the camera are paired and connected to the network, the indicators are blinking orange. If they are not blinking orange, the camera needs to be reset;
3. Ensure that the Wi-Fi or wired connection is functioning properly. This camera only supports 2.4 GHz band Wi-Fi.
4. Ensure that the phone is connected to Wi-Fi and that the network functions properly;
5. Pay attention to the connecting order: Scan the QR code on the bottom of the base station to pair it, and then scan the QR code on the camera to add it according to the instructions in the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app.
16. Q: Can Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro be used in an environment without network access?
A: New cameras must be connected to the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app through the network; otherwise, they cannot be used.
the camera has been connected to the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app but is disconnected from the network, and a microSD card is installed, the video files stored on the microSD card can be viewed.
However, if no microSD card is installed, the videos cannot be viewed, and the functions related to the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app cannot be used. For example, the real-time footage cannot be viewed, and the message notifications cannot be received.
17. Q: What should I do if Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro does not turn on?
A: 1. The battery may be depleted, please fully charge it and then turn on the camera;
2. If the camera still cannot be turned on, please contact the after-sales service team.
18. Q: What is the maximum distance between the base station and Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro?
A: Keep the distance between the base station and the camera within approximately 15 meters to ensure proper communication.
19. Q: What should I do if the indicator does not light up after Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro is turned on?
A: In the settings of the camera's plug-in, enable the status indicator.
20. Q: What should I do if Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro with a memory card cannot record videos, or delete videos for loop recording or format?
A: 1. After installing the microSD card, format it in the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app first, or format it with a computer before installing;
2. If the microSD card cannot be formatted in the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app or if issues persist after formatting, it may be because the microSD card doesn't meet the camera's requirements. Please use a microSD card dedicated to cameras from a qualified brand.
21. Q: What should I do if Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro cannot be used after the Wi-Fi name, the password, or the location of the router or camera is changed?
A: 1. Reconnect to the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app after resetting the base station;
2. Try placing the base station as close to the router as possible to ensure network stability.
22. Q: Does Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro have to be used with the base station?
A: Yes, it has to be used with the base station. The outdoor camera cannot connect to Wi-Fi independently.
23. Q: Can Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro Set be used with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit?
A: Amazon Alexa is supported;
Google Assistant is supported on Google Nest Hub.
24. Q: How do I charge the Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro?
When the camera needs to be charged, it will send an alert notification of insufficient battery level through the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app.
Charging Method 1: USB charger
5V/2A or 5V/1A USB chargers can be used to charge the camera.
It takes about 8 hours (at 5V/2A) or 18 hours (at 5V/1A) to fully charge the camera from 0% to 100%.
Charging Method 2: Solar charging
The camera has a built-in solar panel on the top, which allows it to be continuously charged as long as it receives at least two hours of direct sunlight each day. There is no need to manually connect it to a power cord for charging.
Note:
The position of the camera will affect solar charging efficiency. It is strongly recommended to refer to the installation recommendations in the camera settings.
25. Q: Why is Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro battery experiencing rapid power consumption?
A: Please note that the battery life of each camera is different, which mainly depends on the number of movements detected, recording duration, and ambient temperature.
Suggestions for lowering the power consumption of Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro:
Minimize the camera's working time in temperatures that are too high or too low. The operating temperature range for the camera is from -20°C to 55°C;
Check and ensure that the signal strength is strong enough between the camera and the base station. Besides, check the Wi-Fi signal;
In [Al feature settings], only select [Human detection] instead of all detection types, and go to [Function settings] >> [Motion detection] to lower the detection sensitivity;
Go to [Al feature settings] >> [Area detection] to set [Activity area] to filter false detection.
A: After the base station disconnects from the network, it will try to reconnect automatically. Once it is connected successfully, the indicator keeps blue.
If it does not reconnect successfully for a while, please restart the base station.
2. Q: How long is the battery life of Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro?
A: The camera is equipped with a built-in 10000 mAh rechargeable battery, which can be used for about 150 days on a single charge (while the night vision function is disabled, 5 minutes of watching videos or 20 alert message notifications per day).
Note:
If there is a large amount of foot traffic or the camera frequently moves and recording is triggered frequently, the battery life will significantly reduce.
3. Q: What should I pay attention to when using a microSD card with Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro?
A: The base station only supports FAT32 microSD cards.
Once the microSD card is full, the camera will automatically delete the oldest video for loop recording. Please organize the files on the microSD card regularly to avoid file loss.
4. Q: Can Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro store videos on the cloud?
A: The cloud storage function of this camera refers to that when the camera detects any changes in the video, the alert message videos will be stored free on the cloud for 3 days. This function can be set in the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app.
Once connected to the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app, alert message notifications are enabled by default. If the function is disabled, there will be no video notifications or storage.
5. Q: Do I need to install a microSD card to use the base station of Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro?
A: No, it can be used without a microSD card.
Once the camera is connected to the Mi Home app, if no microSD card is installed, videos will automatically be stored on the cloud. If a microSD is installed, videos will be stored on both the microSD card and the cloud.
6. Q: What should I do if Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro has no audio during voice calls?
A: 1. For iOS devices: Enable microphone permissions of the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app in the system settings;
2. For Android devices: Enable the microphone or recording permissions of the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app in the application permission management of the system settings.
7. Q: What should I do if the footage of Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro is unclear or smudgy?
A: Remove the protective film from the lens before use.
Regularly wipe the lens clean with a soft cloth.
8. Q: How do I check Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro's battery level?
A: The camera's battery level can be checked at the top right corner of the preview screen in the [Camera's plug-in] in the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app.
The current battery level of the paired camera is displayed in the paired device list of the base station.
9. Q: Why does the footage of Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro appear to be distorted?
A: Since the camera uses a super wide-angle lens, there may be distortion at the edges of the footage, which is normal.
10. Q: What should I do if there is no audio or there is noise when watching the real-time footage of Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro?
A: 1. The Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app's audio is muted by default, and it can be unmuted by tapping the audio button at the bottom of the preview screen, and the volume can be adjusted by using the phone's volume buttons;
2. If the real-time footage is noisy, please keep your phone away from the camera and avoid placing the camera near a TV, a microwave oven, or other devices that cause electromagnetic interference.
11. Q: What should I do if the video lags or the video and the audio are not synchronized when watching real-time footage on Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro?
A: If the video lags, it is recommended to tap the preview screen >> resolution switch icon in the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app's plug-in, and tap the pop-up window to lower the video resolution.
If the video and the audio are not synchronized, it is recommended to check whether the network the camera is connected to is functioning normally or try to exit the video and then open it again.
12. Q: Why doesn't Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro support 24-hour recording?
A: In order to extend the battery life and avoid frequent charging, the camera only automatically wakes up to record and save a video when it detects human movement and recognizes a face or a change in the environment.
It will enter sleep mode when no human movement or changes in the environment are detected.
13. Q: How do I view videos recorded by Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro?
A: 1. Tap the video screen in the camera's plug-in in the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app to view the real-time footage, and tap the message to view the camera's previously recorded videos;
2. If you have installed a microSD card, you can view the videos stored on the microSD card.
14. Q: What should I do if Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro is often offline, real-time footage cannot be viewed, and messages cannot be received?
A: 1. Check the camera's status and the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app's video notifications promptly to exclude any issues such as loss or obstruction of the camera;
2. Ensure that the base station is turned on normally and that its network connection is stable;
3. Ensure that the camera is turned on normally, its network connection is stable, and is within the effective communication range from the base station.
15. Q: What should I do if Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro cannot connect to the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app?
A: 1. Ensure that both the base station and the camera are turned on.;
2. Ensure when the base station and the camera are paired and connected to the network, the indicators are blinking orange. If they are not blinking orange, the camera needs to be reset;
3. Ensure that the Wi-Fi or wired connection is functioning properly. This camera only supports 2.4 GHz band Wi-Fi.
4. Ensure that the phone is connected to Wi-Fi and that the network functions properly;
5. Pay attention to the connecting order: Scan the QR code on the bottom of the base station to pair it, and then scan the QR code on the camera to add it according to the instructions in the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app.
16. Q: Can Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro be used in an environment without network access?
A: New cameras must be connected to the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app through the network; otherwise, they cannot be used.
the camera has been connected to the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app but is disconnected from the network, and a microSD card is installed, the video files stored on the microSD card can be viewed.
However, if no microSD card is installed, the videos cannot be viewed, and the functions related to the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app cannot be used. For example, the real-time footage cannot be viewed, and the message notifications cannot be received.
17. Q: What should I do if Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro does not turn on?
A: 1. The battery may be depleted, please fully charge it and then turn on the camera;
2. If the camera still cannot be turned on, please contact the after-sales service team.
18. Q: What is the maximum distance between the base station and Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro?
A: Keep the distance between the base station and the camera within approximately 15 meters to ensure proper communication.
19. Q: What should I do if the indicator does not light up after Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro is turned on?
A: In the settings of the camera's plug-in, enable the status indicator.
20. Q: What should I do if Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro with a memory card cannot record videos, or delete videos for loop recording or format?
A: 1. After installing the microSD card, format it in the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app first, or format it with a computer before installing;
2. If the microSD card cannot be formatted in the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app or if issues persist after formatting, it may be because the microSD card doesn't meet the camera's requirements. Please use a microSD card dedicated to cameras from a qualified brand.
21. Q: What should I do if Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro cannot be used after the Wi-Fi name, the password, or the location of the router or camera is changed?
A: 1. Reconnect to the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app after resetting the base station;
2. Try placing the base station as close to the router as possible to ensure network stability.
22. Q: Does Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro have to be used with the base station?
A: Yes, it has to be used with the base station. The outdoor camera cannot connect to Wi-Fi independently.
23. Q: Can Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro Set be used with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit?
A: Amazon Alexa is supported;
Google Assistant is supported on Google Nest Hub.
24. Q: How do I charge the Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro?
When the camera needs to be charged, it will send an alert notification of insufficient battery level through the Mi Home/ Xiaomi Home app.
Charging Method 1: USB charger
5V/2A or 5V/1A USB chargers can be used to charge the camera.
It takes about 8 hours (at 5V/2A) or 18 hours (at 5V/1A) to fully charge the camera from 0% to 100%.
Charging Method 2: Solar charging
The camera has a built-in solar panel on the top, which allows it to be continuously charged as long as it receives at least two hours of direct sunlight each day. There is no need to manually connect it to a power cord for charging.
Note:
The position of the camera will affect solar charging efficiency. It is strongly recommended to refer to the installation recommendations in the camera settings.
25. Q: Why is Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro battery experiencing rapid power consumption?
A: Please note that the battery life of each camera is different, which mainly depends on the number of movements detected, recording duration, and ambient temperature.
Suggestions for lowering the power consumption of Xiaomi Solar Outdoor Camera BW400 Pro:
Minimize the camera's working time in temperatures that are too high or too low. The operating temperature range for the camera is from -20°C to 55°C;
Check and ensure that the signal strength is strong enough between the camera and the base station. Besides, check the Wi-Fi signal;
In [Al feature settings], only select [Human detection] instead of all detection types, and go to [Function settings] >> [Motion detection] to lower the detection sensitivity;
Go to [Al feature settings] >> [Area detection] to set [Activity area] to filter false detection.
Does it help?
Yes
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