Where is Google Camera on Xiaomi: Search, Installation and Alternatives

You bought a new Xiaomi smartphone, but you didn't find a Camera on the Google app menu -- and that's not surprising. Despite the brand's Android-powered devices, the manufacturer often replaces standard Google services with its own solutions. In the case of the camera, it is the Mi Camera app (or Camera depending on the model) that is integrated into the firmware by default. MIUI.

However, many users want to return GCam – not only because of the familiar interface, but also for the sake of unique features like Night Sight (night mode), Astrophotography (astrophotography) or improved processing. HDR. In this article, we will discuss where to look for Google Camera on Xiaomi, why it may not be out of the box, and how to install ported versions for different models – from Redmi Note 12 to flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

Spoiler: 90 percent of the time, you'll have to install it manually, but there are exceptions, like some Android One devices like Mi. A3) Or in regions where Xiaomi supplies smartphones with "clean" Android.

Why Xiaomi doesn’t have Google Cameras by default

The main reason for the lack of Google Cameras on Xiaomi is the policy of the manufacturer. the company is actively promoting its own software, including the Mi Camera app, which is closely integrated with firmware. MIUI. Here are the key factors:

• 📱 Branding and exclusivity: Xiaomi wants users to associate the camera with their brand, not Google. AI Watermark.
• 🔧 Optimization for iron: firmware MIUI customizes image processing algorithms specifically for the hardware capabilities of specific models (for example, Sony sensors) IMX707 Xiaomi 13 Pro).
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: In China and some Asian countries, Xiaomi smartphones are shipped without Google services (including GCam) due to local laws.
• 📦 License Agreements: Google Camera is proprietary software, and its pre-installing requires separate agreements with Google (as opposed to open source). AOSP).

In addition, Xiaomi often blocks the installation of GCam at the firmware level. MIUI library libcamera2, It doesn't mean you can't install the camera, it just requires additional action.

Where to search for Google Camera in the Xiaomi menu: 3 possible places

Before you install something manually, check if the Google Camera is hidden in your smartphone.

1. The Google folder is on the home screen or in the app menu, and sometimes the app is hidden among other Google services (like Google Photos or Google Drive).
2. List all apps: Swipe up the home screen, open a search, and type “Camera” – if there are multiple cameras on the device, GCam may also appear there.
3. Settings → Annexes → All applications. On the list, look for com.google.android.GoogleCamera. If there is no record, there is no application on the device.

If you find a Google Camera, but it doesn’t start or it gives you an error, the problem may be:

• 🔄 Conflict with Mi Camera: Try disabling the standard app in the settings (Settings) → Annexes → Mi Camera → Shut down).
• 📵 No camera rights: Go to Settings → Confidentiality → Permits → Camera and enable access for GCam.
• 🔧 Incompatibility with firmware: on some models (for example, POCO X3) manual installation Camera2API.

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If there is com.google.android.GoogleCamera in the list of applications, but there is no icon - try resetting the launcher settings. → "Home screen settings" → "Reset the settings".

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

If you don't have a Google Camera on your Xiaomi, you can install it manually.

• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone based on Android 10 and newer (for older models may not work the latest version of GCam).
• 🔗 APK-Google Camera Ported File (links to verified sources – below).
• ⚙️ Developer mode enabled and installation allowed from unknown sources (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers → Unknown sources).

Follow the instructions:

Download. APK from a verified source (e.g, [celsoazevedo.com](https://www.celsoazevedo.com/files/android/google-camera/))

Check the smartphone model in the settings (Settings) → The phone. → Model)

Installation from unknown sources

Turn off the Mi Camera (optional if conflicts arise)

Make a backup of your photos-->

1. Download the GCam version, and there are no universal builds, and each Xiaomi model needs a different modification. 12 Pro+: GCam 8.7 from BSG Shamim. POCO F5: GCam 8.4 supportive 108 MP Xiaomi. 13 Ultra: special builds with support for Leica profiles.Verified sources: 🔗 [Celso Azevedo](https://www.celsoazevedo.com/files/android/google-camera/) (largest archive of versions). 🔗 [Telegram-channel](https://t.me/gcammods) (current builds for new models).
2. Install. APK. After downloading, open the file and confirm the installation. If the "Application not installed" error appears, try: Delete the previous version of GCam (if any). Use another installer APK (for example, SAI App Installer).

Set up an app

• Allow all the rights requested (camera, microphone, storage).
• In GCam settings, select the correct Config for your model (usually it needs to be downloaded separately and imported).
• Turn it off. HDR+ Enhanced if the camera is braking.

Important: On some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) GCam requires activation Camera2API through ADB Without it, the app will give you a Camera error".

Compatibility table: which versions of GCam work on Xiaomi

Below are the latest data on compatibility of Google Cameras with popular Xiaomi models (as of 2026).Please note that even if your model is on the list, additional settings may be required (for example, manual download of configs).

If your model is not in the table, try universal builds from BSG or Arnova8G2. They often run on most smartphones with Snapdragon processors. For devices on Mediatek (like the Redmi Note 11), the choice of versions is limited - look for builds marked "MTK".

Frequent errors when installing GCam on Xiaomi and how to fix them

Even if you downloaded the correct version of Google Cameras, you can still get some errors when you run it, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

• 🚫 "App not installed: Cause: conflict with or corrupted by an existing version APK. Solution: Delete all previous versions of GCam, download the file again and try installing it through SAI (Split APK Installer).
• 📷 "Camera error" or "Couldn't connect to the camera: "No support Camera2API or the standard Mi Camera application is taken. Solution: Disable Mi Camera in settings (Settings) → Annexes → Set the patch. Camera2API It's using Magisk (if there's root.

The app immediately closes.

Reason: Incompatible with Android version or firmware MIUI.

Solution: Try an older version of GCam (e.g. 7.3 instead of 8.7) or upgrade MIUI last-minute.

Photos are made in green or with artifacts

Reason: Wrong config or conflict with camera drivers.

Solution: Download and import the right.xml config for your model (look for forums) 4PDA or XDA Developers).

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If neither version of the GCam works, check to see if the camera is locked at the firmware level.For example, some Chinese versions of Xiaomi require unlocking the bootloader and installing a global camera. MIUI.

Google Camera and Mi Camera: What’s Best for Xiaomi

Before you go to Google Camera, you should evaluate the pros and cons of both apps.

Bottom Line: Google Camera wins as a photo (especially in challenging lighting conditions), but Mi Camera is better optimized for video and has unique features from Xiaomi.

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If you're interested in video, leave the Mi Camera for video and use GCam for photo only, so you get the best of both worlds.

Alternatives to Google Camera for Xiaomi: 5 apps to improve photos

If Google Camera doesn’t fit your Xiaomi model or isn’t running smoothly, consider alternative apps.They don’t always outperform GCam in quality, but they can offer unique features:

• 📸 FOOTEJ Camera: Full replacement with support RAW, hand-held settings and shootings in DNG. Suitable for devices without Camera2API.
• 🌃 Night Camera: Specializes in night photography, uses its own noise-cancellation algorithms, similar to Night Sight.
• 🎞️ Open Camera: Open source with Manual Focus, Exposure Bracketing and external microphones.
• 🔍 Adobe Lightroom Camera: Built-in camera in Lightroom lets you shoot in RAW And immediately edit the photos with presets.
• 🤖 Simple Camera: Minimalist app with no extra features but with Google Photos support for fast download.

If astrophotography is important to you, try AstroCamera – it mimics the Astrophotography mode from GCam, but works on most devices without any additional settings.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Google Camera on Xiaomi