Why install Google Camera on Xiaomi?
Xiaomi smartphones are famous for their powerful cameras, but the standard app MIUI Camera often loses in photo processing compared to Google Camera algorithms. HDR+, Night Sight and Astrophotography, which can transform even budget sensors. 10 pro POCO X3 The difference in detail and color reproduction is 30-40% GCam.
However, installing Google Camera on Xiaomi is not always a trivial task, and problems arise from the lack of official support, incompatibility of configuration files (.xml) or bugs in specific versions of the application. From choosing the right build to fine-tuning your model, we tested the instructions on the Mi 11 Ultra, Redmi. K50 and POCO F4 — bottom-line.
Before you start, note that not all GCam features will work perfectly, for example, some devices may not have support. 4K@60fps Macro Mode, even if it is claimed in a standard camera MIUI. But night mode and portrait shooting almost always show the best results.
Which Xiaomi models support Google Camera?
Theoretically, GCam can be installed on any Xiaomi smartphone with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor (series). 4xx/6xx/7xx/8xx). On devices with MediaTek (Helio, Dimensity) the chances are lower – about 60%, as support is required Camera2 API Below is a compatibility table for popular models:
| Xiaomi model | Processor | Support for GCam | Working functions | Famous bugs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi 11 Ultra | Snapdragon 888 | ✅ Complete. | HDR+, Night Sight, 8K | Problems with Macro Mode |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Dimensity 1080 | ⚠️ Partial | HDR+, Portrait | No Astrophotography. |
| POCO F5 | Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 | ✅ Complete. | All functions | Lags on film 4K |
| Redmi K60 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | ✅ Complete. | HDR+, Night Sight, 8K | Overheating during long shooting |
| Mi 10T Lite | Snapdragon 750G | ✅ Complete. | HDR+, Portrait | No Slow Motion. 960fps |
If your model is not in the table, check the support Camera2 API Manual Camera Compatibility (available on the Play Market:
- Install the application and open it.
- Press Check. API Support.
- If the status FULL or LEVEL_3 — GCam will work.
⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek (e.g., Redmi Note 11 or POCO M4 Pro) manual activation may be required Camera2 API through ADB. Instructions below.
Preparation of the smartphone: what to do before installation
Before installing Google Camera on Xiaomi, follow the steps to avoid errors:
Enable installation from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special Rights)
Check the Android version (should be at least 9.0)
Download the correct version of GCam for your processor
Backup your standard camera (via Titanium Backup or manually)
Clear the camera cache (Settings) → Annexes → Camera. → Memory. → Clear the cache)-->
Pay particular attention to permissions. Once installed, GCam may request access to:
- 📸 Chamber (required)
- 📁 Storage (to save photos)
- 📍 Geolocations (for tags in EXIF)
- 🔋 Battery Optimization (turn off for GCam in battery settings)
If you're on Xiaomi MIUI 14+, You may need to turn it off. MIUI Optimization in the developer settings:
- Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
- Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Turn it off. MIUI Optimization and restarting the device.
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If GCam crashes when you start after installing it, try disabling Hardware Acceleration in the application settings (if you have such an option).
Where to download Google Camera for Xiaomi: verified sources
Officially, Google Camera doesn't support Xiaomi devices, so you'll have to use modified builds from the community.
- 🔗 Celso Azevedo is GCam's largest database with filters by brand and processor. BSG, Urnyx05 Wichaya.
- 🔗 Telegram-channel GCam for Xiaomi – current builds with configs for specific models.
- 🔗 XDA Developers – Thematic Branches for your model (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro).
When choosing a GCam version, focus on:
- Processor architecture: arm64 for Snapdragon 8xx/7xx, arm-on.
- Android Version: For Android 13+ It is based on GCam 8.4.+.
- Smartphone model: Look for a mention of your device in the description (e.g., "for Mi 11 series").
⚠️ Warning: Avoid GCam versions marked "Beta" or "Test" - they often contain critical bugs, such as a green screen when shooting or no autofocus).
Example of the name of the working assembly for POCO F4:
GCam_8.4.600_R11_V13_BSG.apk (arm64-v8a + armlib)Installation of Google Camera: step-by-step instructions
The process of installing GCam on Xiaomi consists of 5 steps. Follow them strictly to avoid errors:
- Download. APK-Do not use third-party stores like APKMirror, which are often modified (and potentially dangerous) versions.
- Install the application: Open the downloaded file through any file manager. Click Set and confirm permissions. If the installation is blocked, check the settings of Unknown Sources (see Preparation).
- Download the config (.xml) for your model. Configs optimize the GCam settings for a specific camera sensor. You can download them on Celso Azevedo (Configs section) in telegram chats dedicated to your model (e.g., on a mobile phone, @mi11ultra).
- Import Config: Copy the.xml file into a folder GCam/Configs Open GCam, tap the black area next to the down button twice, select your config from the list and click Restore.
- Set up the basic parameters: Enable HDR+ Enhanced in settings. Turn off Motion Photos (may cause lags). Set Resolution to maximum for your model.
Critical detail: If the GCam configuration stops running after importing, delete the GCam folder at the root of the storage and repeat steps from point 3.
What if GCam can’t see the configs?
Set up Google Camera for maximum quality
Even after installing the GCam requires fine-tuning to your Xiaomi model, with the following settings being optimal for most devices:
| Parameter | Recommended value | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| HDR+ Control | On (Auto) | Automatic exposure optimization. For nighttime photography, turn on HDR+ Enhanced. |
| Lib Patcher | V3 (or V4 new-model) | Determines the processing algorithms. V3 Better for Snapdragon 8xx, V4 — for 7xx. |
| Base Model | Pixel 6 Pro (or Pixel 7 for Android 13)+) | Emulates the behavior of the camera of Google flagships. On older Xiaomi (for example, Mi 9), choose the Pixel 4. |
| Sabre | Off | It can improve the detail, but often adds noise to Xiaomi. |
| Noise Model | High (or Medium for weak processors) | Noise reduction level. On the Redmi Note series, put Medium. |
For the night shoot (Night Sight):
- 🌙 Install Exposure Time on Auto (or manually before) 4-7 static-scenes).
- 📏 Use a tripod - even micromotion will lead to blurring.
- 🔋 The battery charge must be above 30%, otherwise the GCam may be forced to close.
If the photos are too dark or over-lit:
- Open the GCam settings → Advanced → HDR+ Parameters.
- Reduce Shadow Boost to 0.2–0.3.
- Increase Highlight Recovery to 0.8-1.0.
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Configuration files (.xml) are key to GCam’s stable performance, and without them, the camera can run sloppy, like not focusing or turning green on the images.
Solving typical Google Camera issues on Xiaomi
Even after installation, GCam can be unstable, and below are the solutions for the most common errors:
- 🔴 The app closes immediately after launch: Delete all previous versions of GCam. Clear cache and data via Settings → Annexes → Google Camera. Try a different build (for example, instead of a Google Camera). BSG set up Urnyx05).
- 🟢 Green screen when shooting: Turn off HDR+ Enhanced and use the usual HDR+. Change the Lib Patcher to V2 (If it doesn't work, it's the config problem.
- 📵 Autofocus is not working: Turn on AF Debug in GCam settings (Advanced section). If the focus is "breathing" - turn off Motion Tracking. On some Xiaomi (for example, Redmi Note 9 Pro) helps switch to Macro Mode and back.
- 🔋 Strong heating and lag: Turn off Background Processing in GCam settings. Reduce video resolution to 1080p (if you're filming 4K). Add GCam to battery optimization exceptions (Settings) → Battery → Optimization).
If none of these methods helped, check:
- Compatibility of your model with the selected version of GCam (see table at the beginning of the article).
- Availability of firmware updates MIUI (Sometimes bugs are fixed in new versions).
- The work of a standard camera – if it is glitchy, the problem may be in the hardware.
⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi (such as Mi 10 Ultra or Mi 11 Pro), the GCam may conflict with the standard camera. MIUI. In this case, disable the auto-start of the standard camera through Settings. → Annexes → Camera. → Auto-start.
Google Camera vs MIUI Camera: Which is Better?
To objectively assess the difference between the GCam and the standard Xiaomi camera, we tested both of them on the same platform. POCO F4 (Snapdragon 870 and Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (Dimensity 1080:
| Parameter | Google Camera | MIUI Camera | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daytime shooting (HDR) | More natural colors, better shadows | Excessive saturation, littered shadows | GCam |
| Night photography | Night Sight retains details, less noise | Night Mode often over-lights, details are lost | GCam |
| Portrait mode | More accurate edge blur, natural bokeh | Sometimes it eats hair or small details. | GCam |
| Video 4K | Stabilization worse, possible lags | Smooth stabilization, no overheating | MIUI Camera |
| Launch speed | Longer (1.5-2 seconds) | Instantly (0.5 seconds) | MIUI Camera |
The Google Camera wins in static photography (photos, portraits, night scenes) while the Google Camera wins in static photography. MIUI Camera is better for video and quick launch, and the best solution is to use both cameras in parallel:
- 📸 GCam – for photos, portraits, night shots.
- 🎥 MIUI Camera – for video, selfies, quick shots.
On Xiaomi with Snapdragon processors 8xx (For example, Mi 11 or Black Shark 5, the difference is minimal — both cameras are great. On budget models like Redmi 10, the GCam can do wonders by turning mediocre shots into quality photos.