Yi camera error 20009 shows up on the Yi app and prevents the users from watching the camera’s live feed. While the error message may vary, the most common one reads “Network connection failed, please check network settings and reconnect it (-20009)”. In some other cases, you may read “Couldn’t open camera -20009, try again later”.
This error is software-related and there are a few simple tricks that you can use to have it fixed. At the core, the error indicates compatibility issues between the camera and the phone app. More specifically, certain Yi firmwares are made for the Chinese market only and won’t work with the app intended for other world regions.
Error code 20009 causes the camera to lose communication with the app, and in some cases, to drop the internet connection. So, the camera is not able to communicate with the internet.
In this short guide, we will show a few tricks and methods that you can use to bypass and fix error code 20009 on Yi home cameras.
How to fix Yi camera error 20009
Yi manufactures various camera models intended for certain market segments. There are two main versions, the Chinese version made with a special firmware specifically for the Chinese market, and the international version which is made for the rest of the world regions.
Each camera type uses a different firmware version, the Chinese and the international one. If you are using a Yi camera with Chinese firmware but you reside in the US (or other Western countries), then the error code 20009 indicates compatibility issues between the camera and the app. Chinese-firmware cameras are designed to work on Chinese servers only.
In other words, if you live outside of China, you need to buy the international version of the Yi security cameras.
Many sellers on Amazon or other online stores sell unauthorized cameras meant for the Chinese market and which have problems working in the US. Before buying, check with the seller to ensure that you’re purchasing cameras meant for the US market.
If you have a YI camera and you’re getting the camera error code 20009, then read the tips listed below to have the issue fixed.
Update the firmware
Updating the firmware
The logical solution is to update the firmware to match your location. If you got a Yi camera with Chinese firmware, you can flash the firmware and update it to an international version which will make error 20009 disappear.
The fastest way to do this procedure is by downloading this firmware that was designed by Niclet on Github that makes the Chinese version of the Yi Home Camera work outside China. Follow the steps shown below:
- Download the file from the website linked above.
- Place the file on the root folder of a microSD card.
- Open up the “test” folder and edit the filename to yi-hack-v2.cfg.
- Remove the “#” on the last line.
- Insert the microSD card into the camera
- Turn on the camera and then pair it with the Yi Home app.
- Wait a few minutes until the camera flashes and the error will no longer show up there.
Reset the camera
While updating the firmware fixes the issue most of the time, it’s possible that your camera is having misconfiguration issues. To clear up any errors, you may try to reset the camera to factory defaults and then re-add it to the phone app.
Inspect the camera and find the reset button. Using a paperclip keep it pressed for a few seconds until you can hear a beep. More instructions (for various camera models) here: How to reset Yi camera.
Other tips
You can try to restart the camera. Power off the unit, wait 60 seconds, and then power it back on. Access it via the phone app and check if you can see the live view.
Also, you can erase the camera from the phone app and then add it again. Additionally, you can uninstall the app altogether, re-install and then re-add the camera to the Device List.
If these methods did not resolve the issue, then you can contact Kami Home, the original manufacturer, or the seller/dealer where the camera was purchased. You may need to provide the serial number of the unit and proof of purchase.
