Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones with an excellent 48 MP main camera, but the regular MIUI Camera app often disappoints with HDR processing, night mode and detailing. Pixel’s Google Camera (GCam) is able to unlock the potential of iron 100% by offering more natural colors, better dynamics and advanced shooting algorithms. However, installing GCam on the Redmi Note 9 has nuances: you need the right APK versions, configs for the Helio G85 processor and setting up XML to avoid bugs.
This guide includes 2026-relevant installation methods, download work files, step-by-step configuration instructions and typical problem solving (green screen, dead night mode, startup errors).We tested more than 15 GCam builds and selected the best for the Redmi Note 9 (codename merlin).
Why Google Camera is Better than the Redmi Note 9
The MIUI Camera app on the Redmi Note 9 is optimized for shooting speed and energy efficiency, but sacrifices quality. GCam uses HDR+ and Night Sight algorithms that:
- 📸 Improve detail in shadows and lights (without scorched sky or dark silhouettes).
- 🌃 Night mode works better even on Samsung's budget sensor GM1 — The photos are brighter and with less noise.
- 🎨 Colors are more natural, without excessive saturation (typical for Xiaomi).
- 🔍 Portrait mode more accurately separates the object from the background (even on the frontal 13 MP).
The disadvantages of the GCam on the Redmi Note 9:
- ⚠️ No Macro Mode support – the camera is better.
- ⚠️ Video in the video 4K It may slow down (recommended) 1080p60).
- ⚠️ Some assemblies give a green hue on the main camera (solved by config).
In our testing, GCam wins in 80% of scenarios, except for macro and ultra-wide-angle module (8 MP), where it is better to use a regular application.
What Google Camera Versions Are Right for the Redmi Note 9
The Redmi Note 9 (model M2003J15SC/SS with Helio G85 chipset) only uses modified GCam builds from the developers of BSG, Urnyx05, Arnova8G2. The official version from the Play Market is not compatible!
| GCam version | Developer | Pluses | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GCam 8.1 | BSG | Stable, good HDR, Night Sight works | No Astrophotography, sometimes slowing down video | Download |
| GCam 8.4 | Urnyx05 | 4K@30fps support, improved portrait | Green shade without config, complex settings | Download |
| GCam 7.3 | Arnova8G2 | Simple, few bugs, good color balance | Outdated interface, no Cinematic Mode | Download |
Important: For the Redmi Note 9 You need a config (.xml), or you'll have artifacts of color — Redmi_Note_9_BSG.xml or Merlin_Urnyx.xml.
⚠️ Note: Do not install GCam versions older than 8.4 – they require Android 12+, Redmi Note 9 is officially updated to MIUI 13 (Android 11). Versions 8.5+ The error is "App not installed".
Preparation of the smartphone before installing GCam
Before installing Google Camera on Redmi Note 9, follow the following steps:
Make sure that the MIUI version is not lower than 12.0.3 (check in Settings → About the phone)
Enable installation from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special Rights)
Download APK and GCam config (links above)
Clear the cache of the regular camera (Settings → Applications → Camera → Storage → Clear the cache)
Disable battery optimization for GCam (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All applications → GCam → No restrictions)
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It is also recommended that:
- 🔋 Charge your phone at least to 50% (installation and adjustment takes 10-15 minute).
- 📁 Release. 1-2 GB of memory – GCam creates buffer files when you first start.
- 📱 Reboot your smartphone after installation (this will solve 90% of startup problems).
⚠️ Note: If your Redmi Note 9 has a custom Recovery (TWRP) Or, root right (Magisk), before installing GCam, temporarily disable Magisk Hide for the camera app. Otherwise, functions like Night Sight may not work.
Google Camera in the Redmi Note 9
Follow the instructions in strict order to avoid errors:
- Download. APK and config (see table above). 8.1 from BSG + configuration Redmi_Note_9_BSG.xml.
- Install APK: Open the file through any file manager (e.g. Mi File Manager). Click "Install" and confirm permissions. If an "Application not installed" error appears, check if installation is allowed from unknown sources.
- First start and setup: Open GCam, wait for permissions (allow access to camera, microphone, storage). Twice tap on the black area next to the downlink button, the config menu will open. Select "Restore config" and specify the path to the downloaded.xml file. Reboot the application (close and open again).
Checking of operability
- Take a test shot in HDR+ and Night Sight.
- If the colors are normal (no green), and Night Sight is turned on, the installation was successful.
Video instructions (if visualization is required):
🎥 How to install GCam on Redmi Note 9 in 5 minutes (TechDroider channel, relevant for 2026).
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If after installing GCam flies when shooting video, try in the settings of the application (Settings → Advanced) to turn off the option "Use HEVC encoder" and set the bitrate of the video to 25 Mbps.
Setting up Google Camera for better photo quality
Even with the config, the GCam requires manual optimization under the Redmi Note 9.
- 🔘 HDR+ Control: Turn it on HDR+ Enhanced for static scenes (landscapes, architecture). For dynamic objects (children, animals) use HDR+ Auto.
- 🌙 Night Sight: Set Exposure Time on the 3-5 Turn off Night Sight for Low Light Video on Helio. G85 it's slowing down.
- 📏 Resolution and aspect ratio: For the main camera: 48 MP (Real 12 MP binning) 4:3 format. Frontal: 13 MP 16:9 (better for storis).
Recommended settings for Redmi_Note_9_BSG.xml:
Base model: Pixel 5
AWB: Default (not "Camera AWB")
Noise model: High (for night photography)
Sharpness: 1.0-1.2
Saturation: 1.1 (to avoid oversaturation as in MIUI)How to save GCam settings so you don’t reconfigure
Solving Typical GCam Problems on Redmi Note 9
Even with the right installation, Redmi Note 9 can cause bugs.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The green tint in the photo | Inappropriate Config or GCam Version | Set up the config. Merlin_Urnyx.xml change AWB Camera AWB customized |
| GCam flies off while shooting video | HEVC codecs or high bitrate | Turn off HEVC in video settings and set the bitrate to 20-25 Mbps |
| Night mode is not working. | There is no Night Sight support for your sensor. | Try GCam 7.3 or turn on Sabre's Night Sight fix in the settings |
| Application won't start | Controversy with Magisk or MIUI Optimization | Turn off MIUI Optimization in the developer settings or temporarily remove Magisk |
If the problem is not resolved:
- Remove GCam and install a different version (for example, try Urnyx05 8.4 instead of BSG 8.1).
- Check if MIUI blocks GCam background activity (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization).
- Reset your camera settings to factory settings (GCam → Reset settings).
⚠️ Note: If the GCam camera stops working after installation (MIUI Camera, clear its cache and data in Settings → Annexes → Camera. → Storage. This is due to a hardware module access conflict.
Photos: MIUI Camera vs Google Camera on Redmi Note 9
We tested both apps under the same conditions (daylight, night photography, portrait).
- 🌞 Daytime pictures: MIUI Camera: oversaturated colors, piled white balance in shadows. GCam: more natural tones, better work out details in the sky and foliage.
- 🌃 Night photography: MIUI Camera: heavy noise, blurry when shooting manually. GCam (Night Sight): brightness +2EV, noise suppressed, clear outlines.
- 👤 Portrait: MIUI Camera: often eats the hair or edges of objects. GCam: more precise background/object separation, natural blurring.
Examples (clickable):
📷 MIUI Camera (day) vs GCam (day)
🌙 MIUI Camera (Night) vs GCam Night Sight
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Google Camera on Redmi Note 9 loses to the regular app only in two cases: macro and video in 4K. In all other scenarios (portrait, HDR, night) GCam gives the best result.