How to Share a Security Camera with Multiple Users via Mi Home
Can't Share Your Security Camera via Mi Home? Here's How to Fix It
Although using Share Device is relatively straightforward, users may sometimes encounter problems such as failed invitations, shared cameras not appearing, or being unable to access the live view. Before assuming that there is a problem with the camera, check the following points.
1. Check the Region of Your Xiaomi Account
Mi Home services are divided according to different server regions. Therefore, the Xiaomi Account of the camera owner and the account receiving the shared access may need to be configured for a compatible region.
If you cannot find the recipient's account or cannot send an invitation, check Profile > Settings > Region on both accounts and make sure the camera is registered under the appropriate region.
Important: Do not randomly change the Region just to solve a sharing problem. Some devices may disappear after changing regions and may need to be configured again.
2. The Recipient Is Using a Different Xiaomi Account
This is a common problem, especially for users who have multiple email addresses or Xiaomi Accounts.
If the owner sends an invitation to one account but the recipient signs in to Mi Home using another account, the shared camera will not appear.
To fix this, sign out and sign back in using the same Xiaomi Account that received the invitation.
3. Mi Home or the Camera Firmware Is Outdated
If the Share Device option does not appear or the sharing function is not working correctly, check both the Mi Home application and the camera firmware.
- Update Mi Home to the latest available version.
- Check whether the camera firmware has an available update.
- Restart the app after updating.
- Try signing in again if the camera still does not appear.
However, do not immediately reset the camera to factory settings. A factory reset may require you to reconnect the camera to Wi-Fi and add the device to Mi Home again.
4. The Camera Is Offline
If the camera cannot connect to the Internet, users who have been granted access will normally be unable to view the live stream.
Before troubleshooting the account-sharing function, check whether the camera owner can open the live view normally.
If the owner cannot view the camera either, troubleshoot the camera's Internet connection first, including the Wi-Fi connection, router, and Internet service.
5. The Camera Was Shared Successfully but Does Not Appear
If the recipient has accepted the invitation but the camera still does not appear, close and reopen Mi Home, then check the Home screen again.
If the camera is still missing, try signing out and signing back in using the same Xiaomi Account that received the sharing invitation.
Also check that the owner has not removed the recipient's access and that the camera is still properly linked to the owner's account.
The Number of Simultaneous Viewers Is More Important Than the Number of Shared Accounts
If your goal is to allow several family members to watch the camera at the same time, do not only check whether the camera supports Share Device. You should also check how many users can view the live stream simultaneously.
This limit varies by model. For example, Xiaomi states that the Smart Camera C300 supports simultaneous viewing for up to 3 users, while the CW300 supports up to 2 users. Therefore, you should not automatically apply the simultaneous-viewing limit of one camera model to another.
If several family members need to watch the live view at the same time, choose a camera that supports enough simultaneous viewers for your actual usage.
How Many People Should You Share the Camera With?
There is no single number that works for every household. The right number depends on how many people actually need access and how the camera is being used.
| Usage Scenario | Recommended Approach |
|---|---|
| Typical home | Share the camera only with family members who actually need access. |
| Home with elderly people or children | Add the family members who are directly responsible for monitoring them. |
| Home with pets | Share access with family members who need to check on the pets. |
| Shop or office | Keep the owner's account separate from employee or operator accounts. |
The simple rule is give users only the access they need. There is no reason to add every account in the household if those people do not actually use the camera.
Do You Need to Share the Camera Again After Changing Phones?
Generally, if a family member changes their phone but continues using the same Xiaomi Account, the sharing permission remains associated with the account rather than the physical phone. After signing in to Mi Home with the same account, the shared device should appear according to the permissions assigned to that account.
If the camera does not appear, check that the correct Xiaomi Account is being used, then try refreshing the app or signing in again.
Can You Share a Security Camera With Someone Outside Your Home?
If the camera model and service support Device Sharing, you can generally share access with someone who does not live in the same home. Camera access is provided through the account and Internet connection, so the recipient does not necessarily need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the camera.
However, only share your security camera with people you trust. Security cameras involve privacy, so access should be revoked as soon as a person no longer needs to monitor the camera.
Conclusion: How to Share a Security Camera Through Mi Home Safely
Adding multiple users to a security camera through Mi Home does not require everyone to use the same account. The recommended approach is to let each family member use their own Xiaomi Account and then use Share Device from the camera owner's account.
Before sharing, check that the camera supports device sharing, the accounts are configured for a compatible region, and the camera is online. After sharing, check the permissions and the maximum number of simultaneous viewers supported by the specific camera model.
For homes where several people need to monitor the same security camera, this method is more convenient and secure than sharing one account because the owner can manage individual users and revoke access whenever necessary.
