How to Put Google Camera on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to Settings

Standard camera app MIUI Xiaomi’s Camera on smartphones is often criticized for aggressive image processing, lack of detail in dark scenes, and limited manual tuning capabilities. HDR+, It's a more natural color experience, better shadow work, and more detail, even on budget devices, but GCam on Xiaomi isn't always a trivial task. You need to choose the right version for a specific processor, configure configuration files and sometimes bypass the restrictions MIUI.

In this article, we’ll break down all the steps from checking your Xiaomi compatibility to fine-tuning Google Camera for maximum photo quality. You will learn which versions of GCam work consistently on Snapdragon and MediaTek, how to fix common bugs (such as a green screen or a broken Night Sight), and how the modifications differ from different developers. MIUI Camera and GCam in real-life examples.

⚠️ Important: Installing third-party camera apps can affect the stability of your smartphone. On some Xiaomi models (especially with MediaTek processors), the GCam may not work correctly or at all. Before installing, check your model's compatibility in the table below.

1. Check your Xiaomi’s compatibility with Google Camera

Not all Xiaomi smartphones support Google Camera due to hardware platform and firmware features, but the main factors affecting compatibility are:

Processor: Most versions of the GCam are optimized for Qualcomm Snapdragon chips. MediaTek devices (e.g. Redmi Note 11 or MediaTek devices) POCO M4 Pros often require special ports or can work with restrictions (e.g., no Night Sight or Portait Mode).

Android Version: GCam Usually Requires Android 9.0 Or newer, on old firmware (MIUI 10/11) There may be errors during the start-up.

Camera Drivers: Some Xiaomi models use proprietary drivers that conflict with GCam algorithms. For example, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra may not work with Super Res Zoom, and the Redmi Note 10 Pro may not work with Astrophotography Mode.

To simplify the check, we have compiled a table of compatibility of popular models:

If your model is not in the table, check it in the forums. XDA Developers or telegram channels dedicated to GCam, like Xiaomi. 12T Pro has separate builds with support for a 200-megapixel sensor.

2 Choosing a version of Google Camera for Xiaomi

Officially, Google Camera is only available for Pixel smartphones, but enthusiasts are porting it to other devices.

• 🔹 BSG — One of the most stable versions, supports most features, including Night Sight and Astrophotography. 8xx.
• 🔹 Nikita (NGCam) – Optimized for MediaTek devices, but may run unstable on some models.
• 🔹 Shamim is a lightweight version with a minimalist interface, good for weak smartphones (for example, Redmi). 9A).
• 🔹 Wichaya (Vcoderz) - supports 8K Video and Super Res Zoom, but requires manual configuration.

For most users, Xiaomi recommends starting with the version. BSG 8.7 (Android 12+) or BSG 8.4 (Android 10/11). These builds are tested on Xiaomi 12/13, POCO F4/F5 Redmi Note 11 Pro+.

⚠️ Note: Some versions of GCam contain ads or malicious code. APK only from verified sources:

• 📌 Celso Azevedo (the most reliable archive)
• 📌 XDA Developers (partition of your model)
• 📌 Developer Telegram channels (e.g, @BSG_GCam)

Before installing, check the hash amount of the downloaded APK Some GCam modifications may contain backdoors for data collection.

3. Install Google Camera on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

The process of installing GCam on Xiaomi consists of several stages: smartphone preparation, installation APK, Adjust permissions and checks. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid errors.

Step 1: Allow installation from unknown sources

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Special Access.
3. Go to Install Unknown Apps and select a browser (such as Chrome or Mi Browser).
4. Activate the switch Allow installation from this source.

Step 2. Download and install. APK

• 📲 Download the appropriate version of GCam (links in the previous section).
• 📲 Open the downloaded file and press Install.
• 📲 After installation, do not launch the application immediately – you need to configure permissions first.

Step 3: Configure permissions for GCam

Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Google Camera and activate it:

• 🔘 Camera.
• 🔘 Microphone (for recording video)
• 🔘 Storage (to save photos)
• 🔘 Location (optional, for geotags)

Step 4. Check the performance

Run a Google Camera and take a test shot. If the app crashes or shows a black screen, try:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 🔄 Install a different version of GCam (for example, instead of the GCam version). BSG Try Nikita).
• 🔄 Clear the app cache in the settings.

Ride. APK proven-source

Allowed installation from unknown sources

I've got all the permits I need.

Rebooted the smartphone after installation

Prepared a config file (if required)-->

4.Set up Google Camera for maximum quality

By default, Google Camera may not work optimally on Xiaomi. To reach its full potential, you need to configure several key settings.

1. Selection of Configuration File (Config)

Config files (.xml) contain settings for a particular smartphone model. Without them, GCam may not handle colors correctly or use all the camera modules.

Where can I get a config?

• 📁 Forums XDA in your model themes.
• 📁 In telegram chats of developers (for example, @GCam_Mods).
• 📁 Automatically generate via GCam Config Generator (available in Play Market).

How do you install the config?

1. Download the configuration file (for example, Xiaomi_13_Pro_BSG.xml).
2. Place it in the GCam/Configs folder on the internal storage.
3. In Google Camera, double tap the black area next to the down button (the config menu will open).
4. Select your file and restart the application.

2. Optimal settings for Xiaomi

Recommended options (may vary depending on the version of GCam):

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro) enable HDR+ Enhanced can turn green in your images, in which case you can turn it off in the settings or use a config without this feature.

3. Video setup

To record a video in Google Camera, we recommend:

• 🎥 Permission: 4K 30 FPS (or 1080p 60 FPS smoothly).
• 🎥 Stabilization: Auto (or Cinematic Pan for panoramic shooting).
• 🎥 Codecs: H.265 (saves space) or H.264 (better-compatibility).

💡

If, after installation of the GCam, the main camera in MIUI stopped working, clear the cache and application data MIUI Camera's in the settings. It often helps to get it back to working order.

5. Correction of common errors

When using Google Camera on Xiaomi, there can be a variety of problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

1.The appendix closes immediately (crash)

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔹 Incompatible version of GCam → Try another build (for example, instead of a new one). BSG install Nikita).
• 🔹 Conflict with MIUI Camera → Disable the standard camera app in settings (Settings) → Annexes → MIUI Camera → Shut down).
• 🔹 Not enough rights. → Check the permissions (see Section 3).
• 🔹 Damaged. APK → Download the file again and check its hash amount.

2. Green or purple shade in the photo

This problem is typical for devices with Sony sensors IMX (For example, Xiaomi 12 Pro or POCO F4). Decisions:

• 🔹 Turn it off. HDR+ Enhanced in GCam settings.
• 🔹 Install a config file optimized for your sensor (see on the XDA marked No Green Tint).
• 🔹 Try Wichaya’s GCam version – it works better with color rendering.

3: Night Sight or Portrait Mode is not working

This is most often due to the lack of support for additional camera modules.

• 🔹 Are Aux Cameras enabled in GCam settings.
• 🔹 Is your processor compatible with these features (on MediaTek, they may not work).
• 🔹 Is firmware updated? MIUI Up to the latest version (sometimes the camera drivers are updated via the OTA).

4. GCam doesn't see all camera modules

If the app only displays the main camera and an ultra-wide or telephoto lens is not available:

• 🔹 Make sure that all modules are registered in the config file (parameter) <AuxCamera>).
• 🔹 Try the GCam version with Multi-Camera support API (for example, BSG 8.8).
• 🔹 Check if additional cameras are disabled in the settings MIUI (Settings → Additionally. → Camera).

6.Comparison of Google Camera and MIUI Camera: Which is better?

To see if you should install Google Camera on your Xiaomi, compare it to a standard app. MIUI Camera on key parameters:

When to use MIUI Camera?

• 📸 For quick shooting (GCam takes longer to process) HDR).
• 📸 If you like the rich colors of Xiaomi (GCam gives a more natural palette).
• 📸 To use proprietary functions (e.g. Magic Clone or AI Watermark).

When is GCam out of competition?

• 🌃 Night Sight (Night Sight Exceeds Night Mode) MIUI).
• 🖼️ Detailing in the shadows (HDR+ Keeping more information).
• 🎨 Natural color reproduction (without excessive processing).

💡

Google Camera is better for photographers who appreciate naturalness and detail. MIUI Camera is more convenient for everyday shooting due to its speed and bright colors.

7.Alternative ways to improve the camera on Xiaomi

If Google Camera is not suitable for your model or is not working well, consider alternative options for improving your photo quality.

1. Modified versions MIUI Camera

Some developers are releasing patched versions of the standard camera app with advanced settings, such as:

• 🔹 MIUI Camera Mod by K20Pro — Adds manual shutter speed settings and ISO.
• 🔹 Xiaomi.eu Camera – Optimized for custom firmware.

2. Applications with manual settings

For full control of the shooting can be used:

• 📷 Open Camera – Open source, support RAW.
• 📷 ProCam X – professional instruments (histogram, focus picking).
• 📷 Footage – for video shooting with logarithmic profile.

3. Custom firmware with improved camera

Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience often includes optimized camera drivers that allow you to use Google Camera without crutches, but installing them requires unlocking the bootloader and can be unwarranted.

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware on Xiaomi with MediaTek is fraught with a "brick" (inability to turn on the device). XDA.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)