How to Install Google Camera on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to Settings and Problem Solutions

Photos on Xiaomi smartphones have long ceased to be a weak point of the brand, but many users still strive to squeeze the most out of the cameras of their devices. One of the most popular solutions is installing Google Camera (GCam), applications with unique image processing algorithms that often outperform stock firmware. POCO has nuances: from choosing a compatible version to fine-tuning XML-config.

In this guide, we will analyze not only the basic steps of installation, but also unique methods of activating functions. HDR+, Night Sight and Astrophotography on unsupported models, as well as ways to avoid common errors like Camera API2 not available. Material is relevant for devices on MIUI 14/15 HyperOS, including Xiaomi flagships 14 and budget Redmi Note 13.

Why is Google Camera better than Xiaomi’s stock camera?

The Mi Camera stock app is optimized for Xiaomi hardware, but often loses to Google Camera in several key aspects:

• 📸 HDR+ with computational photography: GCam uses multiple frames to create a single shot with extended dynamic range, which is especially noticeable in difficult lighting conditions.
• 🌃 Google Night Sight Algorithms often give more natural colors and less noise compared to Xiaomi’s Night Mode.
• 🔍 Details: With improved processing, GCam retains more fine detail in photos, especially in shadows and lights.
• 🎥 Video stabilization: On some models, Xiaomi GCam offers smoother video stabilization due to software algorithms.

However, it is not so clear: stock camera Xiaomi can work better with macro mode or superzoom (if you have one in the device), and also supports proprietary features like Magic Sky or AI Watermark.

Checking the compatibility of your Xiaomi with Google Camera

Not all Xiaomi devices work equally well with GCam.

1. Camera2 API: Without the Camera2 API activated, most of the GCam features will not be available, and you can check its status through the Manual Camera Compatibility app (available on Google Play).
2. Processor: Devices on Qualcomm Snapdragon (especially the 8xx series) are generally better supported than those on MediaTek or older Snapdragon 6xx/4xx.
3. Android Version: GCam requires at least Android 10, but Android 12+ is recommended for full-time operation.

Below is the compatibility table of popular Xiaomi models with GCam (data as of June 2026):

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek Helio G (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) GCam may be extremely unstable due to lack of full support Camera2 API In such cases, it is better to use modified versions of the stock camera.

Preparing a smartphone for the installation of Google Camera

Before installing GCam, you need to follow several critical steps to avoid errors:

Install the latest version MIUI/HyperOS|Enable debugging on USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 taper → Developer → Debugging by USB)|Download ADB-drivers for Xiaomi|Shut down. MIUI Optimization (through ADB: adb shell setprop persist.sys.miui_optimization 0)|Make a backup copy of the data-->

Pay particular attention to the MIUI Optimization feature, which often conflicts with GCam, causing occasional camera reboots, and only shuts down via ADB:

adb shell


su




setprop persist.sys.miui_optimization 0




reboot

It is also recommended to turn off energy saving for the GCam app after installation: go to Settings → Apps → App Management → Google Camera → Battery → No restrictions.

💡

If the photos are saved green after GCam is installed, try turning off HDR+ in the app settings and using HDR+ Enhanced instead.

Where to download Google Camera for Xiaomi?

Officially, Google Camera is only available for Pixel smartphones, so Xiaomi needs to use modified versions (ports).

• 🔗 Telegram channels: @GcamMods — Regular updates to new models; @XiaomiGCam — Specializes in Xiaomi devices.
• 📥 Forums: XDA Developers (Segment Xiaomi); 4PDA (topics for specific models).
• 📂 Version Archives: Celso Azevedo – the most complete port database; GCamator – convenient search by device model.

When choosing a version, pay attention to:

1. Processor architecture: arm64 for modern smartphones, armeabi-v7a for old ones
2. Android Version: GCam 8.x is suitable for Android 11-13, 9.x for Android 14+
3. Presence XML-Configs: Some versions require manual downloading of settings files (e.g. for Xiaomi 13 Ultra).

⚠️ Warning: Avoid downloading GCam from unverified sites - some modified APK They may contain malicious code. Always check the hash of the file (MD5) through services like VirusTotal.

Google Camera installation on Xiaomi

The installation process depends on the selected version of GCam, but the overall scheme looks like this:

1. Download. APK-file from one of the verified sources (see previous section).
2. Allow installation from unknown sources: Settings → Applications → Special Rights → Install Unknown Applications → Select a browser / file manager → Allow.
3. Install the APK and open the app. The first time you run, you may see a "Camera API2 not available" error, which means you need to set up more.
4. Configure permissions: Access to the camera; Access to storage (to save photos); Access to the microphone (if you plan to shoot video with sound).

If GCam doesn’t start or gives an error after installation, try the following solutions:

Models with MediaTek (e.g., Redmi Note 12 Pro) may require manual activation of the Camera2 API via ADB:

adb shell


su




setprop persist.camera.HAL3.enabled 1




reboot

Set up Google Camera for maximum quality

Installing GCam is only half the battle, and you need to fine-tune the settings to get the best results, especially if you're using XML-based configuration.

• 📱 Basic settings: Enable HDR+ Enhanced (gives better detail than standard) HDR+); Turn off Google Lens Suggestions (saves battery); Install Grid on 3×3 fit.
• 🌓 Night Sight: Use a tripod or stable surface; Increase exposure time to 3-7 seconds (manually in settings); Turn off the flash - it spoils white balance.
• 🎞️ Video: Select permissions 4K 30fps for better quality and stabilization; Activate Video HDR (If available; use an external microphone for clear sound.

For advanced users: Many GCam ports support downloads XML-Configs are ready profiles of settings for specific models. For example, for Xiaomi 13 Pro, a popular configuration from the Internet is a very popular one. BSG with improved flower processing. XML:

1. Download the config file (for example, Xiaomi_13_Pro_BSG.xml);
2. Place it in the GCam/Configs folder on the internal storage.
3. In GCam, tap the black area next to the down button twice.
4. Select the downloaded config and restart the application.

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XML-Configs can dramatically improve the quality of photos, but their settings depend on the version of the GCam and the model of the smartphone!

Solving typical Google Camera issues on Xiaomi

Even after installation is correct, users often encounter errors, and consider the most common and ways to fix them:

If neither solution worked, try alternative ports, such as Shamim’s POCO X5 Pro, and Wichaya’s version for the Redmi K60.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) GCam may conflict with Leica Authentic, in which case you have to choose one of two or use Magisk to work simultaneously.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Google Camera on Xiaomi