How to change the default camera on Xiaomi: 5 working ways

Xiaomi smartphones are known for their feature-rich software, but sometimes users face the need to change the camera app by default. This may be due to the desire to use alternative software with advanced features, fix bugs of a standard application. MIUI Camera, or just test new features. But not everyone knows that it's a very good idea. MIUI This procedure has its own nuances - from hidden settings to system limitations.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to change the default camera on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices – from simple methods through the interface to advanced solutions using ADB. Particular attention will be paid to typical errors (for example, when the system ignores changes) and give recommendations for specific models such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12. If you want to use Google Camera, Open Camera or another application instead of the standard one – read on.

Why you can’t change the default camera to Xiaomi

Before we get to the instructions, it’s important to understand why MIUI sometimes blocks the default camera change.

• 🔒 Limitations MIUI: Starting with the version MIUI 12, the system actively protects standard applications, including the camera, due to the optimization of work with iron (for example, with Leica sensors in flagships).
• 📱 Manufacturing settings: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra camera integrated into firmware at the core level, and its replacement requires root rights.
• 🔄 Application Conflict: If you have multiple alternative cameras installed (such as GCam and Footage), the system may reset default settings.
• 🛠️ Updates: After the update MIUI or HyperOS settings can be reset, and the camera will have to reassign.

Also, on devices with a locked bootloader (most Xiaomi smartphones are sold in this state), some methods simply won’t work. For example, trying to change the camera through the ADB without unlocking can lead to a Permission denied error.

Method 1: Change the default camera through MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in system settings, which is suitable for most MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS models, but may not work on custom firmware devices.

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select the Default Apps.
4. Slip on the camera.
5. In the list, select the app you want (like Google Camera or Open Camera).

If your app is not on the list, make sure it is installed and has permission to use the camera.

1. Go back to Application Management.
2. Find your camera app in the list and tap it.
3. Select Permissions and enable access to Camera, Microphone and Warehouse.

Install an alternative camera app from Google Play or APK

Check out the MIUI version (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version)

Turn off battery optimization for the camera app (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization)

Reboot your smartphone before changing your settings-->

⚠️ Note: On certain devices (e.g, POCO F5) When the camera is changed, the default feature may be no longer available for functions such as night mode or macro photography, because alternative applications do not always support proprietary Xiaomi algorithms.

Method 2: Using ADB to force a camera change

If the standard method didn't work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer, but gives you more control, and is suitable for devices running MIUI 11-14 and HyperOS.

First, turn on the USB debugging:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Turn on USB debugging and confirm the action.

Now connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the commands:

adb shell pm list packages | grep camera # View the list of installed cameras


adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.camera # Reset the settings of the standard camera (optional)




adb shell cmd role add-package android.app.role.CAMERA com.package.name # Replace com.package.name with your app package

To find out the alternative camera package, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep -i camera

For example, for Google Camera, the package is usually com.google.android.GoogleCamera, and for Open Camera, it is net.sourceforge.opencamera.

⚠️ Note: After completing commands through ADB If the camera hasn't changed, check if the settings have reset since the reboot, which is a common problem. MIUI 13+. In this case, try repeating the command or using Tasker for automatic assignment.

Method 3: Assigning a camera via Tasker or Shortcut Maker

If system settings and ADB didn't work, you can get around the limitations with automation, and you can do that with apps like Tasker or Shortcut Maker.

Instructions for Tasker:

1. Install Tasker from Google Play.
2. Create a new task (Tasks → +).
3. Add the App → Launch App action.
4. In the App field, select your camera app.
5. Create a shortcut on the home screen for this task.

Instructions for Shortcut Maker:

1. Install Shortcut Maker.
2. Select Activity from the list of shortcut types.
3. Find your camera app in the list and select the main activity (usually called.MainActivity).
4. Create a shortcut on the main screen.

These methods don’t change the default camera at the system level, but let you quickly run the desired application with one tap, useful if you use multiple cameras for different scenarios (for example, GCam for photo and standard for video).

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If you switch between cameras often, create a widget with both camera shortcuts on the home screen. To do this, keep your finger in the free space of the screen → Widgets → Select “App Shortcuts” or “Tasker”.

Method 4: Remove or disable a standard camera (for advanced cameras)

The Radical method is to completely remove or disable the standard MIUI Camera, which will force the system to use the alternative default app. Careful: this method can lead to unstable smartphone performance, especially on models with proprietary sensors (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra with Leica).

Disconnect via settings (without root):

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Camera (icon) MIUI Camera).
3. Turn off (if the button is active).
4. Confirm the action.

Remove via ADB (requires an unlocked bootloader):

adb shell pm uninstall --user 0 com.android.camera

Removal via TWRP (requires custom recavery):

1. Install TWRP Recovery.
2. Load to the Recovery (Switch Off → Clip Power + Volume Up).
3. Go to Advanced → File Manager.
4. Delete files: /system/priv-app/MiuiCamera/MiuiCamera.apk/system/priv-app/MiuiCamera/MiuiCamera.odex (if any).
5. Reboot your smartphone.

⚠️ Note: Removing a standard camera may disrupt some features, such as scanning QR-codes in Settings → Connection and sharing → QR-code or use the camera in applications like Mi Home (for Xiaomi smart devices). TWRP or Mi PC Suite.

Method 5: Using Magisk and Modules to Change Cameras

If you have root rights (obtained through Magisk), you can use specialized modules to flexibly customize the camera by default.This method is suitable for enthusiasts who want complete control of the system.

Conditions required:

• 🔓 Unlocked loader.
• 📱 Installed by Magisk (version 25)+).
• 🛠️ App Systemizer or Default App Manager.

Instructions:

1. Install the Default App Manager module via Magisk (download it from the XDA Developers forum).
2. Reboot your smartphone.
3. Open the Default App Manager app (appears in the menu).
4. Select the Camera category.
5. Specify the desired application and save the settings.

The advantage of this method is that it allows you to assign the camera by default even for system processes that usually ignore user settings, for example, after using the module, the camera on WhatsApp or Instagram will open through the app you choose.

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Using Magisk and modules is the most reliable way to change the default camera to Xiaomi, but requires unlocking the bootloader and the risk of losing warranty.

Error Discovery: Why the Camera Doesn't Change or Reset

Even after successful camera change, Xiaomi users often face problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📋 Version MIUI: Nana MIUI 14 and HyperOS restrictions are stricter than on older versions.
• 🔄 Firmware Region: Global (Global) and Chinese (China) versions MIUI Security settings may differ.
• 🛡️ Antivirus or Optimizer: Applications like Security or Clean Master can block changes.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the camera to Xiaomi