How to improve the camera on Xiaomi: from settings to firmware GCam

Xiaomi smartphone cameras have long ceased to be a weak point of the brand – modern models like Xiaomi 14 Ultra or Redmi Note 13 Pro+ They compete with Samsung and Google in terms of quality, but even the top-end modules often don’t work at full capacity due to factory limitations, incorrect settings, or lack of optimization for specific scenarios. This article is not about buying a new phone, but about how to make the most of your existing camera – from basic tricks to deep firmware tuning.

We tested all methods on current Xiaomi models (2022-2026) and selected only those that give a noticeable increase in quality. Importantly, some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, which we noted with special warnings. Beginners are satisfied with the first 5 points, and experienced users can delve into the fine tuning of GCam or XML-profile.

1. Optimization of standard camera settings

Before looking for third-party solutions, check the basics in the native Mi Camera app. Many users shoot on factory settings for years without even knowing about hidden options. 13T Pro) by default can be enabled binning up to 12.5 MP - this reduces detail in good lighting.

How to check and change:

• 📱 Open the camera. → Settings (cogs) → Photo resolution and select the maximum value (for example, 200 MP for flagships or 50 MP for the middle segment).
• 🌓 In the Night mode section, activate the option "Car"-HDR" — It automatically balances exposure in difficult conditions.
• 🔍 Include Part Improvement (if any in your model) – this is hardware sharpening without loss of quality.
• 🎯 For video: set the permission 4K@30fps (or 8K, if supported) and the bitrate maximum in the video settings.

Pay special attention to focus settings. In budget models (Redmi). 10C, POCO M5) Autofocus often "misses" - manually switch to AF-S (Solo autofocus in professional mode. Use macro mode for macro photography. AF-C (continuous autofocus) and increase the distance to the object by 5-10 cm - this will reduce the number of misses.

⚠️ Note: On models with a telephoto lens (e.g., Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) disable the option "Digital zoom" in the settings - it artificially enlarges the image with loss of quality. Instead, use physical zoom (2x, 5x) Or shoot on the main camera with subsequent framing.

2. Install Google Camera (GCam) - step-by-step instruction

Google Camera (or GCam) is a modified camera application from Google Pixel, which is due to processing algorithms. HDR+ Night Sight gives more natural colors and better detail in dark scenes. It works stable on Xiaomi, but requires the right version and customization.

How to determine:

1. Download the current version of GCam for your model from trusted sources (for example, Celso Azevedo). BSG Wichaya.
2. Install.apk file (allow installation from unknown sources in security settings).
3. After the first start, go to Settings → Lib Patcher and select a config for your sensor (e.g, IMX766 Xiaomi 12T Pro).
4. Turn on the options: 🔘 HDR+ Enhanced (enhanced dynamic range) 🔘 Sabre Noise Reduction (Noise Reduction) 🔘 Viewfinder Format: 4:3 (maximum sensor usage)

For maximum effect, download XML-profile for your model (shared in forums like XDA Developers and import through Settings → Configure → Restore Config. for example, for the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ Samsung-sensored ISOCELL HM2 Shamim user profile is suitable – it optimizes white balance and reduces lights.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi 12 Lite, Redmi 10 2022) the GCam may not start due to lack of support Camera2 API. Check compatibility through the Manual Camera Compatibility app (available in the Play Market). LEGACY or LIMITED, GCam will not work.

3. Manual control of the shooting parameters

Professional mode (Pro Mode) in Mi Camera allows you to manually adjust shutter speed, ISO, White balance and focus, which is especially useful in challenging environments, like a night city or a blurry-background portrait, and here's the best setting for different scenarios:

• 🌃 Night shooting: Excerpt: 1/4–1/2 sec (use a tripod!) ISO: 800–1600 (Higher – more noise – White balance: 3500–4000K (light-light)
• 👤 Portrait with bokeh: Diaphragm: f/1.8–f/2.2 (Maximum opening) Focal distance: 50–85 mm (equivalent) Distance to object: 1–1.5?
• 🏞️ Landscape by day: Excerpt: 1/500–1/1000 Sec (to avoid the overlight) ISO: 100–200 (minimum) Focus: Infinity (∞)

Critical: When shooting manually, always use the format RAW (If supported, it saves as much data as possible from the sensor for later processing in Lightroom or Snapseed. In Mi Camera, enable Save option RAW+JPEG In the professional settings, for models without support RAW (Like Redmi. 9A) Use the Open Camera app from the Play Market.

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To avoid the soap effect of night shooting, reduce the Sharpening setting in the GCam settings to 0.3-0.5. This will reduce artificial sharpness, but make the picture more natural.

4. Update firmware and camera drivers

The manufacturer regularly releases updates for the camera through the MIUI, But they don't always install automatically. For example, in Xiaomi 13 Pro after upgrading to the previous one. MIUI 14.0.12 improved skin treatment in portrait mode, and in the POCO X5 Pro fixes green bug when shooting indoors. How to check and update:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Update Packages.
3. If an update marked "Camera" is available, or "ISP" (Image Signal Processor – Install it.

For power users: sometimes new camera features appear in beta versions MIUI. To get them:

1. Register for the beta test program on the official website.
2. Download the latest beta firmware for your model through Xiaomi Community.
3. Install through Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Three-point badge → Select a Service Package.

If there are no updates, but the camera is unstable (for example, it focuses for a long time or “hangs”), reset its settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the camera, press Warehouse → Clear the data.
3. Reboot the phone.

5. Optimization of video shooting: 4K, stabilization, sound

Video on Xiaomi often suffers from two problems: frame jitters (especially on budget models without a video). OIS) And bad sound (due to a weak microphone:

• 🎥 Stabilization: Enable Ultra-stabilization in video settings (only works when you use Ultra-stabilization) 1080p). Use an external stabilizer (for example, DJI OM 5) or shoot with a focus on the hard surface. In GCam, activate the Video Stabilization option and set the bitrate to a maximum of 50–100 Mbps).
• 🎤 Sound: Connect an external microphone through USB-C (for example, BOYA BY-M1). In the video settings, turn on Sound Improvement and Noise Reduction. LOG (if supported) for subsequent sound processing in Audacity.
• 🔍 Focus when shooting: In manual mode, install the video AF-C (Turn off the autoexposure and adjust it manually for stable lighting.

For supported models 8K (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra: This resolution is possible, but it has limitations, no stabilization and no autofocus. 8K Only for static tripod scenes. For dynamic videos, you'd better choose 4K@60fps stabilised.

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For videos on social networks (TikTok, Instagram) shoot in resolution 1080p@60fps bitrate 30 Mbps is the optimal balance between file quality and weight.

6 Additional accessories for improving shooting

Even a top camera can't save a shot in poor light or trembling hands, and here are some accessories that will really improve the result:

For budget models (Redmi) 12C, POCO M5s) For example, macro lens allows you to shoot details from a distance of 2-4 cm, and wide-angle increases the viewing angle to 120° (It's good for architecture or landscapes, and the key is to choose metal attachments to avoid glare.

⚠️ Attention: Cheap nozzles with plastic lenses (price up to 1000) ₽) Often degrade due to chromatic aberrations. Check the reviews for a particular model before buying - for example, Aukey and BlitzWolf nozzles have a good price/quality ratio.

7 Post-processing: How to save bad photos

Even with the perfect camera settings, some of the frames need to be reworked.

• 📸 Lightroom Mobile: Use the Tone Curve to correct exposure without losing detail. +25 and reduce the noise on -15. For portraits: Retouch tool for skin defect removal.
• 🎨 Snapseed: Filter HDR Scape for shadow and light restoration, Selective color correction tool, Glamour Glow effect for soft glow of portraits.
• 🖥️ Topaz Gigapixel AI: Increase the resolution of the photo to 4x lossless (useful for framing) corrects blurring in long exposure images.

For video use CapCut or KineMaster:

• 🎬 Stabilization: CapCut Stabilization Tool (level 0.8-1.0).
• 🔊 Sound: Remove noise through Noise Reduction and normalize volume.
• 🌈 Color: Apply LUT-Cinematic profile for the cinematic view.

Key point: during processing RAW-In Lightroom, adjust the white balance first, then the exposure, and then at the end, sharpness and noise reduction.

8: Xiaomi Camera Problems and Their Solutions

Even after all the adjustments, you can have typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If the camera stopped working after the update MIUI, try:

1. Clear the Camera application data (as described in Section 4).
2. Install alternative camera software (such as Open Camera or Footage).
3. Reverse to the previous version of the firmware via Fastboot (instructions for the 4PDA).

For models with telephoto lens (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi) K60 Pro) check its performance through the engineering menu:

#4636## → Testing equipment → Camera

If the telephoto lens does not appear in the list, it may indicate a hardware fault.

FAQ: Frequent questions about improving Xiaomi camera