How to Download and Install Google Camera on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: A Complete Guide with Workers APK

Why is Google Camera better than the standard camera on the Redmi Note 9 – and should it be installed?

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 owners often face disappointing photo quality in a standard camera app – despite having a quadruple camera (48 MP) + 8 MP + 2 MPs + 2 MP) Problems vary from over-lit HDR-Meanwhile, Google Camera (GCam), an app originally developed for Pixel smartphones, is able to unlock the hidden potential of your Redmi Note 9’s hardware thanks to processing algorithms. HDR+, Night Sight and Astrophotography.

According to DxOMark’s tests, GCam smartphones are 20-40% better in dynamic range and color reproduction than Xiaomi’s stock cameras. Redmi Note 9 (codename merlin) requires special modified GCam builds due to the features of the Mediatek Helio processor G85 And the way that we calibrate sensors, and in this article, we're looking at the 2026 installation methods that we're going to do, and we're going to try to do it. APK-Files and step-by-step settings for maximum results.

Before proceeding to the instructions, note: on some firmware MIUI (GCam may not work as well due to Xiaomi’s restrictions on access to the API If you're using cameras. MIUI 14+, You may need to pull back before MIUI 12.5 or custom Recovery installation, but everything in order.

What version of Google Camera is right for Redmi Note 9?

Not all GCam builds work equally well on the Redmi Note 9.

• 🔹 CPU support: GCam should be optimized for Mediatek Helio G85 (architecture ARM Cortex-A75/A55). Builds for Snapdragon (for example, from Urnyx05) won't fit.
• 🔹 Compatibility with MIUI: Android versions 10-12 (on the Redmi Note 9 out of the box is Android 10 with the possibility of upgrading to 12).
• 🔹 Configuration availability: Settings files (.xml) for accurate calibration of Redmi Note 9 sensors.
• 🔹 Active support: Assemblies updated in 2023-2026 (e.g. from BSG Shamim).

Below is a table with proven versions of GCam for Redmi Note 9 (tested on firmware) MIUI 12.5–14):

🔍 If you are a beginner, start with version 8.1.101. BSG — It's the most stable. Power users will use Shamim's Astrophotography-enabled 7.4.104, but you'll need to manually configure the configs.

Preparing a smartphone before installing Google Camera

Before installing a GCam, you need to follow several critical steps to avoid errors like Camera. API2 "Not supported" or "Device not compatible":

⚠️ Attention: On firmware MIUI 13/14 Your smartphone can block access to the camera for third-party applications. If the GCam makes an error after you install it, check your Settings settings. → Annexes → Permits → Access the camera and enable full access for Google Camera.

Preparation checklist:

For users with an unlocked bootloader and custom recaveri (TWRP) recommended:

1. Install Magisk module to bypass restrictions MIUI.
2. Sweep the patch. Camera2API Enabler (if the GCam is making an error) API).
3. Shut down. MIUI Optimization in Developer Settings (may conflict with GCam).

📌 Important: If you are using MIUI Global, some GCam features (like Night Sight) may perform worse due to Xiaomi's processing restrictions RAW. In this case, the transition to MIUI EU or Pixel Experience.

How to install Google Camera on Redmi Note 9

The GCam installation process on Redmi Note 9 consists of 4 stages: download APK, Permit settings, config import and testing. Follow the instructions carefully - errors at any stage can lead to a camera that is not working.

Step 1 Download APK-file

Download your selected version of GCam from the official repository of Celso Azevedo or from our table above. Avoid third-party sources - they may contain viruses or outdated builds.

Step 2: Installation of the application

1. Go to the Downloads folder and tap on the downloaded file GCam_*.apk.
2. When the warning "Installation is blocked" appears, click Settings and allow installation from this source.
3. Complete the installation and do not start the application immediately – first you need configs.

Step 3: Import the Configuration File

Configs (.xml) are needed to fine-tune the GCam to the Redmi Note 9 sensors. Download the current config for your version:

• 📁 Configuration for BSG 8.1.101 (optimized for HDR+).
• 📁 Configuration for Shamim 7.4.104 (with Astrophotography support).

To import the config:

1. Create a GCam folder in the root directory of internal memory.
2. Inside it, create a Configs folder and place the downloaded.xml file there.
3. Start GCam, tap twice on the black space next to the shutter button and select your config.

Step 4: Setup and Testing

After importing the config:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Lib Patcher and choose the Pixel 4 model XL (optimally for Helio G85).
• 🔧 Turn it on. HDR+ Enhanced in the settings HDR.
• 🔧 Disable Sabre (can call artifacts on Mediatek).
• 📸 Take test shots in different modes: Portrait, Night Sight, HDR+.

💡

If after setting up GCam photos are green or purple, try manually specifying the camera model in the GCam settings: go to Settings → Additionally. → Model and select Nexus 6P. This often solves the color rendering problem on Mediatek.

Solving Common Google Camera Problems on Redmi Note 9

Even after installing the GCam correctly on the Redmi Note 9, errors can occur, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If the standard Xiaomi camera stops working after installing the GCam, reset the permissions for both apps in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Camera, sometimes. MIUI Blocks access to all cameras after installing third-party software.

🔧 Additional Tweets to Improve Quality:

• 🎛️ Install the module. MGC_6.1.021_Mi8_V2a Magisk for extended support for Mediatek.
• 🎛️ In the GCam settings, turn on RAW+JPEG for post-processing in Lightroom.
• 🎛️ Use GCam Tools to fine tune noise reduction and sharpness.

Photo comparison: standard camera vs Google Camera on Redmi Note 9

To illustrate the difference, we conducted a test shot on the Redmi Note 9 under the same conditions (lighting: 500 lux, distance to the object: 1.5 m).

📊 The GCam is superior to the Redmi Note 9 stock camera in all respects, especially in the HDR However, portrait photography may require manual background blur correction (bokeh), as GCam algorithms do not always correctly recognize the boundaries of objects on Mediatek.

💡 Advice for photographers: If you are shooting in RAW, Use GCam for capture and post-process in Adobe Lightroom with Camera Neutral profile, which will avoid the over-processing that is typical of Xiaomi.

💡

Google Camera on Redmi Note 9 gives a quality gain of 30-50% compared to the stock app, but requires manual configuration and sometimes firmware additional modules. BSG 8.1.101 with config for Pixel 4 XL.

Alternative ways to improve the camera on the Redmi Note 9 without Google Camera

If GCam is not suitable for some reason (for example, because of incompatibility with your firmware), consider alternative options:

• 📱 Supported applications Camera2API: Footoj (optimized for Mediatek, supports) RAW). Open Camera (open source, flexible settings) ProCam X (manual focus and exposure).
• 🔧 Modified firmware: Pixel Experience (full integration of GCam as a system application). Camera2API "box").
• 🎯 Hardware enhancements: Use of external lenses (e.g. Moment Wide) 18mm for wide-angle shooting. Filters installed ND8 bright-light.

🔹 Comparison of alternatives:

If GCam doesn't launch, Footoj will be a better replacement thanks to support HDR+ However, for a full replacement, Pixel Experience firmware is still recommended, which includes GCam as a system application with full optimization.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Google Camera on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9