How to activate Camera2API on Xiaomi: a complete guide to compatibility check

Camera2API — It's an Android software interface that unlocks the full potential of your smartphone's camera, and on Xiaomi devices, it's often disabled by default, which limits the capabilities of third-party cameras (like Google Camera or Google Camera). FOV Camera, no activation Camera2API You will not be able to use manual shutter speed settings, RAW-Photos or Night Mode from Google.

In this article, you will find 3 proven ways to include Camera2API (This includes no root rights, support checks, and common bug fixes, and we’ll look at why Xiaomi blocks this interface, which models support full activation, and what to do if the camera doesn’t work properly after all the manipulations. We will focus on the risks and nuances for devices on the MIUI 14 and newer.

What is Camera2API and why is it disabled on Xiaomi?

Camera2API is a modern camera management interface in Android that replaces the outdated Camera1API. It allows applications to directly interact with the module’s hardware capabilities: adjust shutter speed, ISO, focus manually, shoot in RAW format and use image processing algorithms (for example, HDR+ from Google).

On Xiaomi smartphones (especially budget and mid-range), Camera2API is often partially or completely blocked.

• 📱 Optimizing productivity: MIUI restrict access API, Reduce the load on the processor and avoid overheating.
• 🔒 Brand policy: Xiaomi promotes its own software (for example, Mi Camera) and restricts third-party applications.
• 🛠️ Driver flaws: On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro with Samsung sensor) GW1) full activation API It can cause artifacts in the photo.

It’s important to understand that not all Xiaomi devices support full activation. 9A POCO M3 You can only turn on LEGACY-mode (stripped version), and on flagships like Xiaomi 13 Ultra API already activated by default.

How to check for Camera2API support on your Xiaomi

Before you try to activate Camera2API, make sure your device supports it.

1. Install the Camera2 API Probe app from Google Play.
2. Open it and notice the lines: Hardware Support Level FULL or LEVEL_3. RAW Support for shooting in the RAW must have YES. Manual Sensor – responsible for manual shutter speed settings and ISO.

If you see LEGACY, it means that the hardware does not support Camera2API, and activation through software will not help, in which case you only need to flash custom software (for example, LineageOS) or accept restrictions.

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If the Camera2 Probe API displays LIMITED, try upgrading to the latest version of MIUI — sometimes that solves the problem.

Method 1: Activate Camera2API via ADB (without root)

The most secure method that works on most Xiaomi devices running MIUI 12-14.

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-Drivers (can be downloaded here).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (path: Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Press 7 times, then return to Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the adb folder and type: adb shell setprop persist.camera.HAL3.enabled 1
3. Reboot the device with the command: adb reboot
4. Once enabled, check support in the Camera2 API Probe.

Install ADB-PC-driver|

Enable debugging over USB on Xiaomi|

Connect the phone with the original cable |

Start the command line on behalf of the administrator-->

If LEGACY is still displayed in the Camera2 API Probe after the reboot, try an alternative command:

adb shell


setprop persist.vendor.camera.HAL3.enabled 1

This command works on devices with split vendor firmware (for example, Poco X3 NFC or Redmi Note 10 Pro).

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9T) after activation ADB Autofocus may be lost in the standard camera, in which case return the settings with the command: adb shell setprop persist.camera.HAL3.enabled 0

Method 2: Enable via TWRP (requires unlocking the bootloader)

If ADB-The method did not work and your device supports it. FULL-mode, can be activated Camera2API It's a custom recovery process that requires an unlocked bootloader and an installed one. TWRP.

Instructions:

1. Download the file. camera2api_enabler.zip (like, from here).
2. Reboot to TWRP (keep Power + Volume up when the phone is off).
3. Click Install → select the downloaded file → swipe for confirmation.
4. Once installed, run Wipe → Dalvik/ART Cache and restart.

This method is guaranteed to include full support (if hardware allows), but has risks:

• 🔓 Loss of warranty (due to unlocking the bootloader).
• 🐞 Possible bugs in the work of a standard camera (for example, the green tint in the photo).
• 🔄 Re-activation required after firmware update.

Method 3: Manual editing build.prop (for advanced)

This method is suitable for users with root rights or custom firmware, and involves direct editing of the build.prop system file, which can lead to unstable operation of the device if something is done wrong.

Algorithm of action:

1. Install any file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /system/build.prop and open the file in the text editor.
3. Add the following lines to the end of the file: persist.camera.HAL3.enabled=1 persist.vendor.camera.HAL3.enabled=1
4. Save the changes, set the rights 644 (rw-r--r---) and reboot.

If the phone doesn’t start after editing build.prop (hangs on the logo), don’t panic:

⚠️ Attention: Load in TWRP, Connect your phone to your PC and copy the original build.prop from backup or stock firmware. Alternatively, you can roll back via Fastboot with the command: fastboot flash system system.img

On some devices (such as the Xiaomi Mi A2 or Mi A3 on pure Android), editing build.prop can reset your network settings. After rebooting, check your mobile internet and Wi-Fi.

Solving problems after activation of Camera2API

Even if you have successfully enabled Camera2API, the following problems may occur:

If the standard MIUI camera gets worse after activating Camera2API (for example, the stabilization has gone down or the quality in Night Mode has deteriorated), return the settings with the command:

adb shell


setprop persist.camera.HAL3.enabled 0




setprop persist.vendor.camera.HAL3.enabled 0

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On devices with a Mediatek processor (such as the Redmi Note 9 Pro or Poco M2 Pro), additional libcamera configuration via Magisk modules may be required after activation of the Camera2API.

Best Apps to Work with Camera2API on Xiaomi

Once you have successfully activated the Camera2API, you can use powerful alternatives to the standard camera.

• 📸 Google Camera (GCam) is the best choice for night photography and HDR. Recommended versions: BSG GCam is a universal version with support for most Xiaomi. Wichaya GCam – optimized for Redmi Note 10/11 POCO X3.
• 🎞️ FOV Camera – for manual shutter speed settings and ISO (supportive RAW).
• 🔍 Manual Camera – a convenient interface for professional photography.
• 🌃 NightSight Enabler – Includes Google Night Mode on Unofficially Supported Devices.

For GCam, you'll need XML-Configuration that fits your model, and can be found on the XDA-Developers forums or 4PDA. For example, for Redmi Note 10 Pro suitable config from Shamim, and for Poco F3 — from BigKaka.

To set up the config:

1. Download the file with the.xml extension.
2. Create a GCam/Configs folder in your internal memory.
3. Place a config there and open GCam → tap twice on the black area next to the down button → select config.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Camera2API on Xiaomi