How to Install Google Camera on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: A Complete Guide to Working Versions 2026

Why is Google Camera better than the standard camera on the Redmi Note 8 Pro?

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is equipped with a powerful 64 MP main camera with a Samsung sensor GW1, standard MIUI Camera doesn't always unlock its potential, and many users are facing challenges: over-lit images in bright light, poor detail in the shadows, unstable autofocus in macro photography. Here comes the Google Camera (GCam) – an application originally developed for Pixel smartphones, but adapted by enthusiasts for other devices.

GCam uses unique image processing algorithms such as HDR+ And Night Sight, which greatly improves dynamic range, color reproduction and noise levels, like the twilight photos on the GCam, which are 2-3 steps brighter and clearer than on a standard camera, without losing detail. Not all versions of the GCam work equally well on the Redmi Note 8 Pro due to the features of the Mediatek Helio processor. G90T and customized firmware MIUI.

In this article you will find:

• 🔹 Up-to-date working versions of GCam for Redmi Note 8 Pro (tested on MIUI 14/15 Android 12/13).
• 🔹 Step-by-step installation instructions, taking into account common errors (for example, crash at start-up or green screen).
• 🔹 Optimal settings for shooting in different conditions (portrait, night, video).
• 🔹 Ways to fix bugs, such as broken Astrophotography or artifacts with zoom.

What versions of Google Camera support Redmi Note 8 Pro?

Not all GCam builds are compatible with the Redmi Note 8 Pro due to hardware limitations.The main problem is the lack of official support for Mediatek Helio G90T But the development community has created modified versions that are adapted to this chipset:

For most users, the best choice is — GCam_8.1.101_Wichaya_V1.8. It offers a better balance between functionality and stability, and also supports the XML-If you want maximum detail in night shots, try it. MGC 8.4.300, Be prepared for increased heat from the device.

⚠️ Note: GCam versions older than 8.1 may not run on Android 13 due to changes in the API If the GCam system has stopped working after the upgrade, try to roll back to an older build or wait for an update from the developer.

Preparation of the smartphone before installing GCam

Before installing Google Camera, you need to follow several steps to avoid errors and ensure that the application works correctly. Skipping these steps can lead to problems such as:

• 🚫 Black screen when the camera is launched.
• 🚫 Green artifacts in photos.
• 🚫 Automatic closing of the application in 2-3 seconds.

Follow this checklist:

Enable installation from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special Access → Installation of Unknown Applications)

Update Google Play to the latest version

Clear the cache of the standard Camera application (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the cache)

Disable battery optimization for GCam (Settings) → Battery. → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Find GCam → Shut down)

Reboot the smartphone before installation-->

Pay special attention to the battery optimization item. MIUI It aggressively closes the background, and GCam can be perceived by the system as an "energy-intensive" application. If you don't turn off the optimization, the camera will spontaneously fly out during prolonged shooting or recording video.

It is also recommended to check the Android version and MIUI:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone.
• 📱 Remember Android versions (such as 12 or 13) and MIUI (for example 14.0.5).

If your Android version is below 10, update your firmware through Settings → System Update. GCam won't work on legacy OS versions.

💡

If after installing GCam photos are obtained with a green tint, try in the settings of the application to turn off the parameter. HDR+ control → Use HDR+ For viewfinder.This will temporarily resolve the problem before installing the fixed XML-configuration.

Step-by-step instructions for installing Google Camera

Installing GCam on the Redmi Note 8 Pro does not require root rights, but it is important to follow the instructions precisely.

Step 1: Download APK-file

Download the selected version of GCam from a trusted source.

• 🔗 Official repository Celso Azevedo (the most reliable).
• 🔗 Telegram channel GCam Mods (current builds).

Avoid downloading from unverified sites – modified sites are often found there. APK maliciously.

Step 2: Installation of the application

After downloading:

1. Open the file. GCam_*.apk through any file manager (e.g. Files by Google or Google) MI File Manager).
2. Click Set and confirm permissions.
3. Wait until the installation is completed (usually 10-20 seconds).

Step 3: Initial setting

On the first launch of the GCam:

1. Allow access to the Camera, Microphone and Warehouse.
2. If you request to import settings, select Cancel (we will set everything manually later).
3. Go to GCam settings (Icon) ⚙️ in the upper right corner) and disable Motion Photos – this feature often causes lags on Mediatek.

Step 4: Installation XML-configure (optional)

XML-Configs are files with pre-configured settings for a particular smartphone model, which help avoid manual adjustments and fix bugs:

• 📁 BSG (Balanced settings for daytime photography).
• 📁 Shamim (optimized for night photography).

To set up the config:

1. Download the *.xml file and put it in the folder GCam/Configs8 (Create it manually if it is not there).
2. In GCam, tap twice on the black area next to the shutter button.
3. Select the downloaded config and press Restore.

⚠️ Attention: If after use XML-The camera starts to make a camera error. API2 not working", delete the config file and restart the application. This means that the selected config is incompatible with your version of GCam.

Setting up Google Camera for the best photos on Redmi Note 8 Pro

Even with the GCam installed, the results can be disappointing if you don't adjust the key parameters. Below are the optimal settings for different scenarios.

📸 Basic parameters (for all versions of GCam)

Go to the GCam settings (⚙️ → Advanced and install:

• 🔘 HDR+ control → HDR+ Extended (for maximum detail).
• 🔘 Lib patch → AWB (Auto White Balance) → Nexus 6P (colour-rendering).
• 🔘 Noise model → Pixel 3 XL (less noise in the shade).
• 🔘 Base → Config camera → Pixel 4 (best processing for Samsung) GW1).

🌃 The Night Sight (Night Sight)

For photos in the dark:

• 🔘 Turn on Night Sight (crescent icon in the bottom menu).
• 🔘 Set shutter speed manually: 3-7 seconds (for static objects).
• 🔘 Turn off Flash, it only spoils your photos.

If you want to take a picture of the starry sky, try Astrophotography mode (not available in all versions).

1. Switch to Night Sight.
2. Point the camera upwards (the smartphone should lie on a flat surface).
3. The inscription “Astrophotography mode on” appears.

👤 Portrait mode

For background blur portraits:

• 🔘 Select Portrait Mode.
• 🔘 Install Blur strength → High (but not maximum, otherwise it will look unnatural).
• 🔘 Enable Face retouching → Natural (to avoid "grease" facial features).

💡

To shoot video in GCam on Redmi Note 8 Pro, it is better to use resolution 1080p 60fps instead 4K. The reason is the hardware limitation of the Helio processor G90T, which is why the video 4K squirt.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even after installing the GCam correctly, there may be bugs on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

🟢 Green screen or artifacts in the photo

Reason: Conflict with Mediatek camera drivers or incorrect Lib patch settings.

Decision:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Advanced → Lib patch.
• 🔧 Choose Saber (Universal) or Nexus 6P.
• 🔧 Turn it off. HDR+ for viewfinder.

🚨 The application is immediately closed after launch

Reason: Incompatibility with Android version or blocking MIUI.

Decision:

• 🔧 Remove the current version of GCam and install it. GCam_8.1.101_Wichaya_V1.8 (stablest).
• 🔧 Turn it off. MIUI Optimization through Settings → Additionally. → Special facilities → MIUI Optimization (reboot required).

📸 Front camera's not working.

Reason: Lack of support Camera2 API for frontal in some GCam assemblies.

Decision:

• 🔧 Install. GCam_7.3.018_Urnyx05-v2.1 — It works best with the Redmi Note front camera. 8 Pro.
• 🔧 In GCam settings, enable Auxiliary cameras → Use front camera.

🔋 Strong heating and battery discharge

Reason: Helio G90T Not optimized for processing HDR+ real-time.

Decision:

• 🔧 Limit use. HDR+ Enhanced – only enable it for important photos.
• 🔧 Reduce video resolution to 1080p 30fps.
• 🔧 Close GCam after use (it continues to work in the background).

Comparison of Google Camera and Standard Camera MIUI

To objectively assess the difference between Google Camera and the standard app MIUI Camera, we did the same test shots in the same conditions:

As you can see from the comparison, Google Camera wins in most scenarios, especially where detail and color reproduction are important. MIUI It's better for fast video shooting and recording, and the best way to do that is to use both apps depending on the situation.

💡

If you care about shooting speed (for example, for spontaneous shots), keep a standard camera on hand. MIUI. And for thoughtful shots with better quality, launch GCam.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions