How to Install Google Camera on Xiaomi Redmi 7: A Complete Guide with Workers APK and settings

Xiaomi Redmi 7 It is still a popular budget smartphone, but its standard camera based on the MIUI Camera often disappoints users with dim colors and poor detail in poor lighting conditions.The solution is Google Camera (GCam), a modified app from Google that unlocks the hidden potential of Sony's module. IMX486 (12 MPP, f/2.2) redmi 7. However, installing GCam on this device has nuances: not all versions APK They are stable and some features (like Night Sight or Astrophotography) may require additional customizations.

In this guide, we will discuss:

• 🔍 Which versions of GCam are suitable for Redmi 7 (with Snapdragon 632 processor architecture and Android version in mind)
• 📸 Optimal settings for shooting in different conditions (day/night, portrait, video)

Important: Redmi 7 doesn’t officially support Google Camera, so you do all the manipulations at your own risk, but with the right approach, the risks are minimized – the main thing is to follow the instructions and not miss the steps.

1.Why Google Camera is better than the standard camera on Redmi 7

Standard annex MIUI The Camera in Redmi 7 uses aggressive image processing, which leads to a high-quality image processing:

• 🎨 Lighted areas (clogged lights in the sky or light surfaces)
• 🌃 Noise in dark scenes (even when it is not in the dark) ISO 1600–3200)
• 🔍 Loss of parts with digital zoom (algorithms) MIUI flatten)

Google Camera solves these problems by:

• 📊 Algorithm HDR+, which combines multiple frames to improve dynamic range.
• 🌙 Night Sight – Night mode that exceeds the MIUI Night Mode in Detail.
• 👤 Portrait mode with more accurate background blur (due to improved depth determination).

The downsides of GCam on Redmi 7:

• ⚠️ No support. 4K video (maximum — 1080p@30fps).
• ⚠️ Maybe he's slowing down when he's shooting in RAW or with Astrophotography enabled.
• ⚠️ Not all features work (like Motion Photos or Super Res Zoom).

💡

Before installing GCam, back up your photos from a standard camera – some versions APK You can reset the gallery settings.

2. Which version of Google Camera to choose for Redmi 7

For Xiaomi Redmi 7 (codename onc) suitable only modified GCam builds adapted to the Snapdragon 632 processor and Qualcomm chamber stack. Below are proven options (relevant to the MIUI 12-14 and Android 9-11):

For beginners, it is better to choose GCam 6.1 from the Arnova8G2 — It is free of most bugs and requires no complicated settings.Savvy users can try out GCam 7.3 for access to Astrophotography and improved Night Sight.

⚠️ Attention: Don't download APK Files from Celso Azevedo are community-verified and free of malicious code.

3.Preparation of the phone for the installation of GCam

Before installing Google Camera, you need to follow a few steps to avoid errors:

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

Update MIUI until the latest version (minimum) MIUI 12)

Clear the cache of a standard camera (Settings) → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the cache)

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

Download the configuration file (.xml) for your version of GCam (see section 5)

-->

It is also recommended that:

• 🔋 Charge your phone at least 50% – installing and setting up can take 10-15 minutes.
• 📁 Free 1-2 GB of memory – GCam creates buffer files for the HDR+.
• 🔄 Reboot the device after cleaning the camera cache.

Critical detail: on some firmware MIUI 13+ The camera lock may be triggered due to Xiaomi's security policy, if the GCam is installed and the camera is not able to get the same error. API2 Not supported, try to get back to the MIUI 12 or use the Magisk module MIUI Camera2 API Enabler.

4. Google Camera Step-by-step installation on Redmi 7

Follow the instructions carefully – skipping steps can lead to a black screen or crashes of the application.

1. Download. APK-file of the selected version of GCam (see section) 2) and a configuration file (.xml). 7.3 I'll do the configuration. Redmi7_GCam7.xml.
2. Install. APK: 1. Open the file manager (e.g. Files by Google). 2. Find the downloaded file manager APK 3. Confirm installation by allowing access to the camera and storage.
3. Import the configuration: 1. Create a folder. GCam/Configs7 root-memory. 2. Put a file in there.xml. 3. Open GCam, tap twice on the black area next to the down button (the config menu will open). 4. Select your file and click Restore.
4. Set up permissions: 1. Go to Settings → Annexes → Google Camera → Permissions. 2. Enable all permissions (camera, microphone, storage, location). 3. Disable battery optimization for GCam (see checklist above).

If the GCam displays a black screen after launch:

• 🔄 Restart your phone and try again.
• 📱 Check if the camera is blocking another app (e.g., Second Space or App Lock) MIUI).
• 🔧 Install a different version of GCam (for example, try 7.3 instead of 8.1).

5. Optimal settings for Google Camera for Redmi 7

Even with a properly installed GCam, the quality of the shooting depends on the settings, and below are the recommended parameters for different scenarios:

📸 General settings (for all versions of GCam)

• 🔘 HDR+ Control: Enable and install on High (improving dynamic range).
• 🔘 SaberSharp: disable (on Redmi 7 often gives artifacts).
• 🔘 Base Model: Choose the Pixel 3 XL (It is optimal for the Snapdragon 632).
• 🔘 Awb Mode: Install Cloudy (for more natural colors).

🌄 Shooting in the afternoon

• 🔘 Mode: Photo (not Photo) + HDR+, squirt).
• 🔘 Setting HDR+: Auto or On.
• 🔘 Noise level: High (reduces graininess).

🌙 The Night Sight (Night Sight)

• 🔘 Mode: Night Sight (manual, not car!).
• 🔘 Exposure: 3-7 seconds (longer - risk of lubrication).
• 🔘 Focus: Manually set to infinity (autofocus at night is often wrong).

Example of working configuration for GCam 7.3:

<Integer name="pref_camera_hdrplus_param" value="1075" />


<Integer name="pref_camera_jpegquality" value="100" />




<String name="pref_camera_lib_version" value="2" />




<String name="pref_camera_model" value="Pixel 3 XL" />




<String name="pref_camera_saber_sharpness" value="off" />

⚠️ Attention: When shooting in RAW (.dng) on Redmi 7 GCam may brake or produce a "Camera error" error. RAW In the settings or use a standard camera for such shots.

6.Comparison of Google Camera and the standard Redmi 7 camera

To assess the difference, we tested both cameras under the same conditions.

The bottom line: GCam is definitely better at quality, but it's less at speed. If you want fast shots (like social media), a standard camera might be more convenient. For important shots (landscapes, portraits, night shots), Google Camera is the best choice.

💡

The GCam on Redmi 7 doesn't replace the standard camera completely - use both depending on the situation. MIUI Camera (support) 4K), And for the photo, GCam.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

Even if you install the GCam correctly on the Redmi 7, you can still get errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

🖤 Black screen at launch

• 🔹 Cause: Conflict with MIUI Camera or lack of permissions.
• 🔹 Solution: Close all applications that use the camera (including TikTok, Instagram). Reinstall GCam with data clearing. Try another version APK (For example, instead of 8.1, set 6.1).

🔄 Departures during filming

• 🔹 Reason: Memory shortage or conflict with services MIUI.
• 🔹 Solution: Turn it off MIUI Optimization through ADB (Install Magisk and Universal SafetyNet Fix. Reduce the resolution to shooting before shooting. 12MP (GCam settings).

📵 Autofocus is not working.

• 🔹 Reason: Incorrect config or hardware limitations.
• 🔹 Solution: Manually adjust focus (slip on the screen and hold your finger to lock). XDA Developers. disable Focus Tracking in GCam settings.

If none of these methods worked, check if the chamber module is damaged. Run the camera test through the engineering menu.

#4636## → Service tests → Camera

8. Google Camera Alternatives for Redmi 7

If GCam is not working or is not satisfied with stability, consider alternative chamber applications:

Tip: If you want night mode but GCam doesn't work, try NeuralCam (iOS only) or Night Camera (Android).

💡

For a Redmi video shoot. 7 It is better to use a standard camera. MIUI — she supports 4K@30fps and EIS (Electronic stabilization, while GCam is limited 1080p stabilised.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions