Google Camera (or GCam) has long been a legend among Android photographers — thanks to the processing algorithms HDR+ and Night Sight, even budget Xiaomi smartphones are able to take pictures at the flagship level. However, officially the app is only available for Google Pixel devices, and owners of Redmi, POCO or Mi have to look for ported versions. In this article, we will discuss where to download GCam for Xiaomi safely, how to check compatibility with your model and avoid viruses or non-working builds.
It’s important to understand that ported versions of Google Camera are created by enthusiasts based on the original APK, but not all of them are equally stable. Some builds may slow down, not save photos or not run at all on your Xiaomi. We have collected current sources with working versions for popular models (from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra), and explained how to install and customize the application for maximum quality of images.
Why is Google Camera better than Xiaomi’s standard camera?
The standard MIUI Camera app in Xiaomi smartphones is optimized for shooting speed and versatility, but often loses to GCam in detailing and processing light.
- 🌓 Night Sight: Noiseless night shots with proper color rendering (even on budget Redmis).
- 🎨 HDR+: Extended dynamic range – the sky does not “knock out” in white, and the shadows remain detailed.
- 🔍 Super Res Zoom: Digital zoom with less quality loss compared to the top MIUI Camera.
- 📸 Astrophotography: a mode for shooting the starry sky (does not work on all Xiaomi models).
However, there are downsides: GCam may not support all camera modules (e.g. macro or ultra-wide angle on some POCOs), and video is sometimes recorded with artifacts, and the app consumes more battery due to intensive image processing.
Official and Verified Sources for Downloading GCam
Never download Google Camera from questionable file sharing sites or download-free sites, here are three reliable sources that publish verified builds:
- Celso Azevedo (website) is the largest database of ported versions of GCam with division by developer (e.g. BSG, Wichaya, Shamim).
- Telegram channels: 📌 GCam Mods (@GCam_Mods) — fresh assemblies with a description of compatibility. 📌 Xiaomi GCam (@XiaomiGCam) — Versions optimized specifically for devices Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO.
4PDA and XDA-Developers Forums
- 🔗 Theme on. 4PDA — Russian-speaking community with discussions and references to workers APK.
- 🔗 Xiaomi's section XDA — Here developers lay out test builds for new models.
⚠️ Attention: 4PDA and XDA There are often “modified” versions with unknown code. Check the hash file (for example, via VirusTotal) before installing it and read reviews in the topic.
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If you downloaded GCam but it doesn’t start, try installing an older version (like 8.1 instead of 8.7) – new builds may not support older processors (like the Snapdragon 6xxx in the Redmi Note 10).
Compatibility of Google Camera with Xiaomi models (table)
Not all Xiaomi smartphones work equally well with GCam.
- 📱 Processor: the best support for devices on Snapdragon 8xx (For example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F5 On MediaTek (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) There may be processing problems HDR.
- 🤖 Android Version: On Android 13/14 Some older GCam builds won't start.
- 📷 Camera Drivers: Newer models (e.g. Xiaomi 14) may require a patch for the camera Camera2 API.
| Xiaomi model | Support for GCam | Recommended version | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra | ✅ Complete. | 8.7 (BSG or Shamim) | All modules work, including telephoto, and Night Sight is better than the standard night mode. |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+/13 Pro+ | ✅ Partial | 8.4 (Wichaya) | The ultra-wide angle may not work. Lags are possible on MediaTek Dimensity 1080. |
| POCO F5/F5 Pro | ✅ Complete. | 8.6 (Nikita) | Great HDR processing, but 4K video can be recorded with artifacts. |
| Redmi 10/11 (Snapdragon 680) | ⚠️ Limited. | 8.1 (Parrot043) | The main camera only. Night Sight is slow. |
| Xiaomi 14/14 Pro | ✅ Complete (with a patch) | 8.8 (BSG) | You need to enable the Camera2 API via ADB or Magisk. |
If your model isn’t in the table, check compatibility on the BSG developer page – there’s an extended list of supported devices.
Step-by-step instructions for installing Google Camera on Xiaomi
Installing GCam on Xiaomi does not require root rights, but there are several mandatory steps to follow.
Download APK from a verified source (see section above)
Allow installation from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special Access → Installation of Unknown Applications)
Check the Android version (Settings → About the phone)
Turn off the standard camera MIUI (Not necessarily, but it is recommended for testing)-->
- Download APK: Select the version for your model from the table above. For example, Wichaya's GCam 8.1 will suit the POCO X3 Pro.
- Install the application: Open the downloaded file and allow installation. If the "Application not installed" error appears, try it: 🔄 Remove the previous version of GCam (if it was). 📥 Download APK Re-inflicted (maybe the file is damaged). 🔧 Enable the Developer Mode and Debug the USB (sometimes).
Set up permissions.
After installation, open Settings → Apps → Google Camera and provide all permissions (camera, microphone, storage).
Check the work.
Run the app and take a test shot, and if the camera doesn't open or crashes, it means that the build is not compatible with your device.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 on MediaTek Helio) G88) GCam may not be launched due to lack of support Camera2 API. In this case, the installation of the Magisk module will help. Camera2 API Enabler (root rights required).
How to check for Camera2 API support?
Google Camera Settings for the Best Photos on Xiaomi
Even after installing the GCam, you need to adjust the settings correctly to get the maximum quality. Here are the optimal settings for most Xiaomi smartphones:
- 📸 Basic parameters: HDR+: include (better to use) HDR+ Enhanced for static scenes. Night Sight: enable automatic switching in low light. Resolution: set maximum (e.g. 12.5 MP for Xiaomi 13).
- ⚙️ Additional tweaks (in GCam developer settings): Sabre: turn on for better noise processing. Viewfinder Format: select JPEG + RAW (Lib Patcher: Set Level 3 (for Snapdragon) 8xx).
For the night shot:
- 🌙 Use Night Sight with a shutter speed of 3-7 seconds (hold your phone still!).
- 🔦 If the images are dark, increase the Brightness setting in the GCam settings.
📌 Tip: For Xiaomi with telephoto (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) in the GCam settings, turn on Auxiliary Cameras - this will allow you to use zoom without loss of quality.
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On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (such as Xiaomi 13), it is better to use GCam builds from the developer BSG - they are optimized for new chips and support all camera modules.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after installing GCam correctly on Xiaomi, errors can occur, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The app immediately closes. | Incompatible version of GCam or no Camera2 API | Install a different build or patch for the Camera2 API |
| Photos are saved in green/purple | Conflict with camera drivers or incorrect settings | Disable HDR+ or reset GCam settings |
| The ultra-wide angle doesn't work. | GCam assembly does not support support auxiliary cameras | Find a version that supports Auxiliary Cameras (e.g. from BSG) |
| Video recorded with lags | A weak processor or high bitrate | Reduce video resolution to 1080p or use a standard MIUI camera |
⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro), the GCam can overheat the processor during long shooting. HDR+ Enhanced or lowered resolution photo.
If none of these methods worked, try:
- Delete the cache and GCam data in the application settings.
- Install a different version (for example, try 8.4 instead of 8.7).
- Check if GCam is blocked by an antivirus or an optimizer (e.g. MIUI Optimization).
Alternatives to Google Camera for Xiaomi
If GCam is not suitable for your Xiaomi model or is not stable, consider alternative apps with similar features:
- 📷 FOV Camera supports Camera2 API and offers manual settings (exposure, ISO, White balance. Suitable for Xiaomi on MediaTek.
- 🌓 Night Camera – specializes in night photography, but inferior to GCam in detail.
- 🎞️ Open Camera – Open source software with support RAW And the manual modes. HDR compared to GCam.
- 🔍 Adobe Lightroom Camera is an integrated camera with advanced processing, but requires a subscription for some features.
If you're looking for HDR+ and Night Sight, the alternatives are inferior to GCam, but for manual photography (like long exposure for lighting), FOV Camera or Open Camera may be more useful.