Photos on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones often suffer from overprocessing MIUI: too aggressive noise, blurry parts in the dark and unnatural colors. The solution is Google Camera (GCam), an application from Google with advanced algorithms HDR+ and Night Sight. But just install APK- file is not enough: you need the right version for your processor, correct XML- configs and fine-tuning parameters.
This guide includes 2026-relevant versions of GCam for all Redmi lines (from Note 10 to Note 13 Pro+), verified configuration files and step-by-step instructions for optimizing MIUI 14/Android 13+. We will analyze not only the basic installation, but also hidden chips like Sabre algorithms for portable shots, manually configuring AWB (white balance) and bypassing the restrictions on recording video in 4K.
Why is Google Camera better than the standard MIUI camera?
Compare the key differences with the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with the main camera 200 MP (Samsung HPX):
| Parameter | MIUI stock camera | Google Camera (GCam) |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic range (HDR) | Aggressive darkening of shadows, illuminated glare | Natural development of HDR+ Enhanced with detail preservation |
| Night photography | Noise "smears" textures, artificial lightening | Night Sight algorithm with multi-frame addition and natural colors |
| Color rendering | Oversaturated colors (especially red/green) | Natural Color Profile with Natural Color Profile Support |
| Video recording | 4K@30fps limit, no stabilization at 1080p | 4K@60fps capability (on supported models), improved stabilization |
It’s important to understand that the GCam is not a magic wand. On budget Redmis (like the Redmi 10A with a 13MP camera), the quality gain will be minimal due to the hardware limitations of the sensor, but on flagships like the Redmi K60 Ultra, the difference is 30-40% in detail in difficult conditions (against light, dusk).
⚠️ Warning: On some Redmi models (especially with MediaTek Helio G processors), the GCam may not work as smoothly as zoom artifacts or the pink effect on video may occur. Before installing, check your model's compatibility in the FAQ- section.
Which version of Google Camera to choose for your Redmi?
The GCam version depends on the processor and Android version of your device. Here are the current builds for 2026:
- 🔹 For Snapdragon 7xx/8xx (Redmi K50, K60, Note 12 Pro+): BSG GCam 8.7 or Shamim GCam 8.4 – all camera modules, including telephoto and ultra-wide angle, are supported.
- 🔹 For MediaTek Dimensity (Redmi Note 12 Turbo, Note 13 Pro): LMC8.4 R11 — optimized for cores ARMv8.2, fixes problems with AWB.
- 🔹 For budget chips (Helio G88/G99 in the Redmi 10/11 series): GCam 7.3 by Urnyx05 is a simplified version without support for 4K but with a working HDR+.
- 🔹 For older models (Android 10-11): The GCam 7.0 by Arnova8G2 is the latest version to support the legacy API camera.
Download APK- files are recommended from trusted sources:
- 📌 Official Telegram Channel @GCamMods (fresh builds from changelog)
- 📌 Forum XDA Developers (part of your Redmi model)
- 📌 Celsoazevedo.com (archived versions from 2018)
Google Camera installation on Xiaomi Redmi
Before installation, perform preparation:
Enable installation from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special Access → Installation of Unknown Applications)
Free up at least 500 MB of memory
Turn off battery optimization for the camera (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All apps → Camera)
Download APK and XML-configuration (see table below)-->
We shall now proceed to the installation:
- Install the downloaded APK- file GCam (do not start immediately!).
- Copy XML-Z configure to the folder: Internal Storage → GCam → Configs7 (if the folder is not, create it manually).
- Twice tap on the black field next to the shutter button in GCam → select your XML- file.
- Reboot your smartphone (required!).
For models with MIUI 14+, an additional step may be required: disable the MIUI Camera Guard via ADB:
adb shell settings put global miui_camera_guard_disabled 1This command removes MIUI restrictions on camera access for third-party applications.
⚠️ Warning: On Redmi with the bootloader locked (most official firmware), some GCam features (such as RAW- shooting or Astrophotography) may not work. They will require bootloader unlocking to activate them, which will reset all the data on the device!
Optimal settings for Google Camera for Redmi
After installation, you need to adjust the settings for your model. Here are universal recommendations (relevant to most versions of GCam):
| Parameter | Recommended value | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| HDR+ Control | HDR+ Enhanced | Maximum detail in shadows without loss of glare |
| Night Sight | Auto (On) + Max Duration | Automatic turn on at dusk, exposure up to 4 seconds |
| AWB (White Balance) | Natural or Cloudy | Fixes the "cold" shade on Redmi with AMOLED- screens |
| Sharpness (Sharpness) | 1.2-1.5 | Values above 1.7 add artifacts at edges |
| Noise Reduction | High (for Snapdragon)/Medium (for MediaTek) | MediaTek chips are worse at coping with noise |
For models with a telephoto lens (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+200MP):
- 📸 Enable Auxiliary Camera Support in GCam settings
- 📸 Install Telephoto Zoom Factor on 3.0x (for 3x optical zoom)
- 📸 Turn off Digital Zoom, it's degrading quality
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For RAW, turn on RAW + JPEG in the GCam settings, but remember: the files will weigh 30-50MB each. Process them later in Lightroom with the Camera Neutral profile for natural colors.
Solving Common Problems with GCam on Redmi
Even with the right installation, you can get errors. Here are the typical problems and solutions.
- 🚫 App closes immediately: Remove all previous versions of GCam, clear the cache, and try another build (e.g., try Shamim instead of BSG).
- 🚫 Pink Screen when shooting video: Turn off HDR+ in the video in GCam settings and set the bitrate to 30 Mbps.
- 🚫 Front camera not working: In XML- config, find the <FrontCamMode> string and change the value to 1.
- 🚫 Photos are dark: Increase Exposure Compensation by +0.3...+0.7 EV in manual settings.
Models with MediaTek Dimensity 1080/1200 (such as the Redmi Note 12 Turbo) may need a patch to fix artifacts when zooming:
How to install a patch for MediaTek
⚠️ Warning: On Redmi with MIUI Global Stable, some versions of GCam may conflict with com.miui.gallery. If photos are not saved to the gallery, turn off automatic image optimization in the settings MIUI.
Comparison of GCam with alternative cameras (Open Camera, Footej)
Google Camera isn't the only solution to improve your photos on Redmi.
| Annex | Pluses | Cons | Best Screenplay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Camera | Best HDR, Night Sight, Natural Colors | Requires manual configuration, not all functions work | Shooting in difficult conditions (against light, at night) |
| Open Camera | RAW support, manual settings (survey, ISO) | Weak auto mode, no advanced HDR | Creative photography with post-processing |
| Footej Camera | Quick start, minimalist interface | No Night Mode, limited settings | Fast shooting in good lighting conditions |
| MIUI stock camera | Stable work, optimized for iron | Aggressive treatment, weak night regime | Video (best stabilisation) |
For Redmi with Snapdragon 7xx/8xx processors, the Google Camera remains the best choice thanks to hardware support for Hexagon DSP, which speeds up HDR+ processing. On MediaTek devices, the difference between GCam and Open Camera is less noticeable - it is more important to adjust the sound and sharpness correctly.
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On the budget Redmi (series 10/11), the increase from GCam is minimal - it is better to focus on the stock camera setting: disable "AI-improvement" and set the color profile to "Natural".
Additional features: Astrophotography, Motion Photos and more
GCam hides a few advanced features that can be activated:
- 🌌 Astrophotography: Only works on devices with root rights or unlocked bootloader. Enables a long tap on the Night Sight button → select "Astro." Requires a tripod!
- 🎬 Motion Photos: Analog Live Photos from Apple. Included in the settings GCam → Motion → Motion Photos. Stores 1.5 seconds of video before and after the shot.
- 🔍 Macro Mode: For shooting from a distance 3-5, see Enable the Auxiliary Cameras → Macro settings (requires macro module support).
- 📊 Histograms: Shows a real-time histogram of exposure. Useful for manual tuning. Included in Settings → UI → Show Histogram.
On the Redmi K60 Ultra and other flagships with Sony IMX800, you can activate 8K video, but this will require:
- Install GCam 8.7+ with HEVC support.
- In manual video settings, select a resolution of 7680×4320.
- Set the bitrate at 80 Mbps (may cause overheating!).
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For ProRAW (supported models) shooting, enable Save RAW + JPEG in GCam settings, and then process RAW in Adobe Lightroom with Camera Standard profile for maximum detail.