How to Install Google Camera (GCam) on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: A Complete Guide to Working Versions

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment with a great camera 48 MP, but many users want to squeeze it even more. Google Camera (GCam) is a modified application from Google that improves photo processing through algorithms HDR+, Night Sight and portrait mode. However, it is not officially supported on Xiaomi devices. In this article, we will discuss how to safely download, install and configure GCam on the Redmi Note 8T to get photos at the flagship level.

It’s important to understand that the process of installing GCam on the Redmi Note 8T (codename willow) is nuanced. Not all versions of the application work consistently, and some features may be limited due to the hardware features of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor and the Samsung GM1 camera module. We tested several builds and selected the ones that show the best results on this model.

Why is the GCam better than the standard camera on the Redmi Note 8T?

Xiaomi’s standard camera app (MIUI Camera) is optimized for fast shooting, but often loses out in detail, white balance, and HDR processing. GCam solves these problems by:

• 📸 Improved. HDR+ — more natural colors and working out shadows/lights.
• 🌙 Night Sight – no noise and detail-free night shooting.
• 👤 Portrait mode with precise background blur (bokeh).
• 🎯 More accurate focusing and fewer artifacts.

For example, when shooting against the sun, the MIUI Camera often over-lights the sky or darkens the faces, while the GCam balances the exposure automatically. There are also downsides: some versions of the GCam may not support a wide-angle module or 4K video recording.

Preparation of the smartphone before installing GCam

Before downloading GCam, you need to follow several steps to avoid errors and conflicts:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version. Check Settings → About Phone → System Update. Updated software reduces the risk of failure.
2. Enable installation from unknown sources. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Settings → Install unknown applications and allow installation for your browser or file manager.
3. Clean the cache of a standard camera. This will help avoid conflicts between applications. You can do this in Settings → Apps → Camera → Storage → Clear the cache.

Warning: If you are using MIUI 12.5 or later, some versions of GCam may require additional permissions to access the camera. In this case, after installation, go to Settings → Applications → Permissions Management → Application Permissions and manually grant GCam all necessary rights.

Identify MIUI to the latest version

Allow APK installation from unknown sources

Clear the cache of a standard camera

Download the GCam version for the Redmi Note 8T

Make a backup of photos-->

Which version of the GCam to choose for the Redmi Note 8T?

Not all GCam builds are compatible with the Redmi Note 8T. We tested more than 10 versions and selected the 3 most stable versions:

Important: BSG's GCam 8.1 version is considered optimal for the Redmi Note 8T - it supports all 4 cameras (including macro) and has a minimum number of bugs. If you want maximum stability, choose Urnyx05's GCam 7.3, but be prepared for the absence of Night Sight on the wide-angle module.

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Before installing the new version of GCam, delete the previous version through Settings → Applications. Residual files can cause conflicts.

Step-by-step instructions for installing GCam on Redmi Note 8T

Installing GCam does not require root rights, but it is important to follow the instructions to avoid errors:

1. Download. APK-file of the selected version of GCam at the link from the table above.We recommend using the Chrome browser or Firefox to download.
2. Open the downloaded file through the file manager (e.g. Files by Google or the standard MIUI File Manager).
3. Press "Install" and confirm permissions. If a security alert appears, click "Install it anyway."
4. Once installed, open GCam and provide all the permissions you have requested (camera, microphone, storage).
5. Configure the application according to the recommendations in the next section.

If the GCam is installed after the installation, it will give an error "App is not installed", it means that:

• 🔹 You are trying to install a version that is incompatible with yours. MIUI.
• 🔹 The system already has a conflicting version of GCam (remove it before reinstalling it).
• 🔹 APK-The file is not completely downloaded (check the size - it must match the one listed on the site).

Optimal GCam settings for Redmi Note 8T

After GCam is installed, you need to adjust the settings for maximum shooting quality. Here are the recommended settings for BSG's GCam 8.1:

• 📷 Photo resolution: 12 MP (default) Do not increase to 48 MP - this worsens the detail due to software upscale.
• 🌟 HDR+: Turn it on. HDR+ Enhanced for better shadowing.
• 🌙 Night Sight: Use only in low light. HDR+ gives the best result.
• 🔍 Focus: Turn it off AF Tracking (focus tracking) if the camera is long-term "catch" sharpness.
• 🎭 Portrait Mode: Choose Natural for Realistic Blurring Background.

The following restrictions are available for shooting video in GCam on the Redmi Note 8T:

• 🔴 Maximum authorization: 1080p@30fps (4K Not supported by most assemblies).
• 🔴 Stabilization works worse than a standard camera MIUI.

Tip: If the colors in the photo seem too cold, go to the GCam settings and increase the Saturation setting to +1.2 or +1.5. This compensates for the natural muting of the colors in Google's algorithms.

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For best results, use GCam only for photos. Videos and panoramas are better shot in the standard MIUI Camera app.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even with the right GCam installation, Redmi Note 8T can get bugs, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

⚠️ Warning: If the standard camera stops working after the GCam installation MIUI, perform resetting of the camera app settings in Settings → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Reset the settings. It'll bring back the factory settings without losing data.

If neither of these methods worked, try installing a different version of GCam or checking to see if an antivirus (such as MIUI Security) is blocking the application, and alternative camera applications like Open Camera or Footoj are a last resort, but they won’t deliver the same quality as GCam.

GCam alternatives for the Redmi Note 8T

If GCam is not suitable for some reason, consider these apps:

• 📱 MIUI Camera Pro – A modified version of the standard camera with advanced settings (available on forums) 4PDA).
• 📸 Open Camera – Open source with manual settings ISO, It's a little bit of a focus and a little bit of a focus. RAW, but loses GCam in automatic processing.
• 🎥 Footoj – an application with unique filters and support DNG. Good for creative photography, but requires skill.

But none of these apps compare to GCam for HDR and nighttime shooting, and if you want to maximize detail and natural colors, it’s worth spending time tuning up Google Camera.

⚠️ Warning: Avoid downloading GCam from unverified sources (e.g., third-party sources) APK-Some modified versions may contain malicious code. Use only links from trusted resources like Celso Azevedo or XDA Developers.

FAQ: Frequent questions about GCam on Redmi Note 8T