Google Camera on Xiaomi Redmi: A Complete Guide to Installation, Setup and Optimization

Photos on smartphones Xiaomi Redmi are often the subject of controversy: on the one hand, the hardware (Sony sensors) IMX Samsung ISOCELL) is not inferior to flagships, on the other hand, software processing in a standard application MIUI Camera isn’t always a natural color and detailing experience, and it’s where Google Camera (or GCam) comes in, an app originally developed for Pixel smartphones but adapted by enthusiasts for other devices.

In this article, you will find not just installation instructions, but unique data on the compatibility of specific Redmi models (including the Redmi Note 12 Pro).+, Redmi K60 And others, with the latest GCam versions in 2026, and practical tips for setting up to maximize image quality, we'll look at why the GCam sometimes performs worse than its native camera, how to avoid artifacts when shooting in the film. HDR+ What to do if the application is out.

Spoiler: Google Camera isn't always better than Xiaomi's standard solution, depending on the smartphone model, the firmware version, and even the script, but 80 percent of the time, users report improved detail, more natural color reproduction, and better nighttime performance, and the key is to get the build right and customize it to your device.

What is Google Camera and why is it installed on Xiaomi Redmi?

The Google Camera (or GCam) app is the standard camera software that is installed on Google Pixel smartphones, and its key feature is the use of image processing algorithms developed by Google engineers. MIUI With a focus on bright colors and contrast (which is not something everyone likes), GCam aims for a more natural picture with more detail in the shadows and lights.

On Xiaomi Redmi GCam devices, you can install them for several reasons:

  • πŸ“Έ Best. HDR+: Google’s algorithms connect multiple frames to different exposures more efficiently, which is especially noticeable in difficult lighting conditions (e.g., against light).
  • πŸŒ™ Improved Night Mode: GCam’s Night Sight often outperforms Xiaomi’s Night Mode in noise and detail.
  • 🎯 More accurate color reproduction: Less oversaturation and more realistic skin tones.
  • πŸ” Additional features: For example, Astrophotography (astrophotography) or Top Shot (automatic selection of the best frame).

But there’s a downside: GCam doesn’t always work perfectly on non-pixel devices, and some Redmi models may have autofocus issues, pink tints, or flashes that aren’t working properly, because the app is initially optimized for Pixel hardware and ported versions require some tweaking.

Fun fact: The first GCam adaptations for Xiaomi came in 2017, when enthusiasts discovered that Google’s algorithms could improve the quality of images even on budget smartphones with mediocre cameras. Today, there are hundreds of modified builds, each optimized for specific models.

πŸ“Š What camera do you use on your Xiaomi Redmi?
Only standard. MIUI Camera
Google Camera (GCam)
Both, depending on the situation
I tried GCam, but I went back to MIUI.

Compatibility of Google Camera with Xiaomi Redmi (2020–2026)

Not all Redmi smartphones work equally well with GCam.The main factors affecting compatibility are:

  • πŸ“± Processor model: GCam works best on Qualcomm Snapdragon chips (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G Snapdragon 695 on smartphones with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 10C helio G35) There may be problems with processing HDR.
  • πŸ“· Camera Version: Devices with Sony's main sensor IMX766 (Like Redmi. K50 Pro) or Samsung GW3 (Redmi Note 12 Pro shows better results than models with budget sensors.
  • πŸ€– Android version and MIUI: On devices with Android 13 and MIUI 14+ Some GCam assemblies may require additional settings (e.g., enabling) Camera2API).

Below is a table of compatibility of popular models Redmi with GCam (data is current in June 2026):

Xiaomi Redmi ModelProcessorPrimary sensorCompatibility with GCamRecommended assembly
Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5GMediaTek Dimensity 1080Sony IMX706 (200 MP)βœ… Full (with color correction)BSG v9.1 Shamim v8.7
Redmi K60 / POCO F5Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2Sony IMX800 (64 MPs)βœ… Excellent (all functions)Wichaya v15.5
Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5GSnapdragon 695Samsung GW3 (108 MP)βœ… Good (possible artifacts in the HDR)Nikita v14.3
Redmi 10 2022Helio G88OmniVision OV50C (50 MP)⚠️ Partial (problems with video)Urnyx05 v2.8
Redmi A2 / A2+Helio G36Unspecified (8 MP)❌ Not recommended (low quality)β€”

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek processors (especially the low-end Helio G series), GCam may not work smoothly. Camera2API (This can be done using the Manual Camera Compatibility app from Google Play).

If your model isn’t in the table, look out for generic builds like Greatness. v13.5 or LMC 8.4 They often support a wide range of devices, but may require manual configuration files (.xml).

πŸ’‘

Before installing GCam, back up photos and videos taken with a standard camera to help you compare results and get it back if the ported version doesn’t live up to expectations.

How to install Google Camera on Xiaomi Redmi: Step-by-step instructions

Installing GCam on Redmi consists of three steps: downloading the correct build, setting the permissions and the initial configuration.

πŸ“Œ Step 1: Download the appropriate GCam build

  • πŸ”— Use the proven sources: Celso Azevedo or XDA Avoid random files from unknown Telegram channels - they may contain malicious code.
  • πŸ“ For most models of Redmi suitable builds from developers BSG, Wichaya or Shamim, for example, for Redmi Note. 12 Pro+ current-age GCam_8.7.250_A11_V15.apk.

πŸ“Œ Step 2: Set up permissions

  1. After installing the.apk file, open the application.
  2. Allow access to the camera, microphone and storage.
  3. If GCam closes immediately, go to Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Google Camera β†’ Permissions and enable all available options.

πŸ“Œ Step 3: Download the configuration file (optional, but recommended)

  • πŸ“„ Configuration files (.xml) provide the best settings for a particular model, and can be found on the same resources as GCam builds.
  • πŸ“‚ The downloaded file must be placed in a folder GCam/Configs11 (Create it manually if it is not there).
  • πŸ”„ In the GCam app, double tap the black area next to the shutter button and select the downloaded config.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for GCam installation

Done: 0 / 5

⚠️ Note: If the GCam system is installed and the error is "Camera". API2 Not supported, which means that your device is disabled. Camera2API. Decision:

  1. Install the app Camera2API Probe from Google Play.
  2. Check status. HARDWARE_LEVEL β€” he should be FULL or LEGACY (not LIMITED).
  3. If the level LIMITED, Try updating your firmware or using a patch for Magisk (root rights required).
What if GCam can't see all the cameras?
If the app only detects the main camera and ignores the wide-angle or macro, try: 1. Install a different GCam build (for example, instead of the GCam build). BSG Try Shamim. 2. Go to Advanced in GCam settings β†’ Auxiliary cameras and manually enable missing modules. 3. Check if additional cameras are disabled in the settings MIUI (Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Permits β†’ Camera).

Optimal settings for Google Camera for Xiaomi Redmi

Even the most compatible GCam build won’t work well without the right setup. Below are configuration recommendations for most Redmi models (relevant to GCam 8.7 builds).+).

πŸ”§ Basic parameters (Settings section):

  • πŸ“± Sett the maximum resolution supported by your sensor (e.g, 64MP for Redmi K60 or 108MP For the Redmi Note 11 Pro+).
  • 🌟 HDR+ control: Energize HDR+ Enhanced for better detail in challenging lighting conditions.
  • πŸŒ™ Night Sight: Activate Astrophotography if you plan to shoot a starry sky (only works on a tripod).
  • 🎞️ Video: Select for stable video 1080p 60fps or 4K 30fps (on some models 4K 60fps may slow down).

πŸŽ›οΈ Additional settings (Advanced section):

  • πŸ”„ Lib patcher: Turn on if artifacts or a "pink hue" are seen in the pictures.
  • πŸ“ Set 0.6–0.8 to reduce noise in dark scenes.
  • πŸ” Sharpness: Reduce to -0.2, If the photos are too sharp (this will reduce the number of artifacts).

πŸ“Š Example of configuration for the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G (Sony IMX706):

[Main Camera]




Resolution: 200MP (binning 12.5MP)




HDR+: Enhanced




Night Sight: Auto




AWB: Neutral




Saturation: 1.2




Contrast: 1.0





[Ultrawide]




Resolution: 8MP




HDR+: On

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi) 10C helio G88) switching HDR+ Enhanced can cause lags when shooting. In this case, switch to HDR+ Auto or shut down HDR fully.

πŸ’‘

Setting up GCam is always a trade-off between quality and stability: If the app starts to slow down or overheat the smartphone, reduce the resolution or turn off power-intensive features (for example, if the app starts to slow down or overheat the smartphone, HDR+ Enhanced).

Comparison of Google Camera and MIUI Camera: What’s better for Xiaomi Redmi?

To understand whether to install GCam, compare it with the native camera MIUI The tests were conducted on Redmi. K60 (Sony IMX800) different lighting conditions.

ParameterGoogle Camera (GCam)MIUI CameraWinner
Daytime shooting (HDR)More natural colors, better shadow workBright saturated colors, sometimes littered with shadowsGCam
Night photographyLess noise, better detail (Night Sight)Warmer tones but more noiseGCam
Portrait modeMore accurate background blur, natural edgesSometimes it eats hair or small details.GCam
Video (4K 30fps)Stabilization worse, artifacts possibleMore smooth stabilization, less brakesMIUI Camera
Wide-angle cameraFrequently distortions at the edges, worse correctionBetter geometry, less distortionMIUI Camera
Speed of operationSlower (especially when shooting in the film) HDR+)Fast start, fewer delaysMIUI Camera

πŸ” The GCam wins as a photo (especially in difficult lighting conditions), but loses in speed and video stability:

  • πŸ“Έ GCam – for photographs (portraits, landscapes, night photography).
  • πŸŽ₯ MIUI Camera – for video and quick shots (e.g. scans of documents).

πŸ’‘ If you want speed, but want to improve quality MIUI Camera, try to turn off AI-Improve and improve the sky in the native app settings, making the colors more natural.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even on compatible devices, GCam may not work perfectly, so let's look at common bugs and how to fix them.

🚨 Problem 1: GCam crashes at launch

  • πŸ”§ Solution: Check support Camera2API via Camera2API Probe, if the level LIMITED, Try a patch for Magisk (requires root). Install a different build (for example, instead of a patch for Magisk). BSG try LMC).

🚨 Problem 2: Pink or green in photos

  • πŸ”Ή Reason: Incorrectly calibrated color profile for your sensor.
  • πŸ”§ Solution: In GCam settings, turn on the Lib patcher (Advanced section). Try another configuration file (.xml) for your model. If the problem persists, go back to the standard camera β€” it could be a hardware feature of your sensor.

🚨 Problem 3: Autofocus is not working

  • πŸ”Ή Cause: Conflict with native camera app or damaged data.
  • πŸ”§ Solution: Close all chamber applications (including: MIUI Camera) before GCam launch. Clear the GCam cache in the application settings. If it doesn't work, reinstall GCam with pre-deletion of all its data.

🚨 Problem 4: GCam is heating up the phone

  • πŸ”Ή Reason: Intensive processing HDR+ high-resolution.
  • πŸ”§ Solution: Turn it off HDR+ Enhanced and switch to HDR+ Auto. Reduce the resolution (e.g. with 108MP before 12MP). Close the background applications before shooting.

⚠️ Note: If the standard camera stops working after the GCam installation MIUI, Reset the settings of the Camera application in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Camera. β†’ Warehouse β†’ Reset your settings. Reboot your phone in the extreme.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Google Camera on Xiaomi Redmi

❓ GCam eats a lot of battery. How to reduce consumption?
The GCam does consume more power than a standard camera, due to heavy processing. HDR+. To reduce the cost: Turn off HDR+ Enhanced and used HDR+ Auto. Reduce the resolution (e.g. with 200MP before 50MP). Close GCam after use (the app can work in the background). disable Location tags in GCam settings if geotagged.
❓ Can I use GCam on Redmi with MediaTek processor?
Yes, but with reservations, on devices with MediaTek Dimensity (like the Redmi Note). 12 Pro+) GCam works stable but may require manual configuration.On budget chips (Helio) G35/G88) Often there are problems with HDR Before installing, check the reviews for your model on the XDA Developers.
❓ How to Get Back a Standard Camera MIUI post-exclusion?
If you have removed the standard Camera app (for example, through ADB), Download.apk native camera for your model from the site Xiaomi Firmware Updater. Install the file through ADB: adb install miui_camera.apk If the camera doesn’t start, reset the app settings or reset the phone to factory settings (without deleting data). ⚠️ Do not delete system applications without backup!
❓ Why GCam makes photos worse than GCam MIUI Camera?
This is possible in several cases: πŸ”Ή You are using an inappropriate GCam build for your model. πŸ”Ή GCam settings include aggressive algorithms (e.g., too high Sharpness or Saturation). πŸ”Ή Your sensor is not GCam compatible (for example, budget OmniVision sensors often perform worse with Google algorithms). πŸ”Ή You are shooting in conditions where MIUI Camera is optimized better (like macro or wide-angle) Solution: Try a different GCam build or go back to the GCam. MIUI Camera, shutting it down AI-improvement.
❓ Can I use GCam to shoot video in the video? 4K 60fps?
Most devices on Redmi GCam do not support 4K 60fps Stable, possible problems: πŸ”Ή Brakes and lags on recording. πŸ”Ή Phone overheating. πŸ”Ή Artifacts on video (green stripes, jerks) Recommendation: Use a standard camera for video MIUI, You can save the GCam for the photos. If you want to shoot video in GCam, you can choose. 4K 30fps or 1080p 60fps.