How to install Google Camera (GCam) on Xiaomi: from selecting an APK to fine-tuning

Xiaomi smartphones, despite their high-resolution cameras, often lose out on photo processing to competitors due to aggressive anti-aliasing algorithms and oversaturation. Google Camera (GCam) is an alternative application that uses advanced HDR+ and Night Sight algorithms to get more natural and detailed images. However, officially it is only available for Pixel devices, and owners of Redmi, POCO or Mi have to install modified versions.

In this guide, we will analyze not only the basic installation of GCam on Xiaomi, but also the nuances of choosing the right version for your model, configuring configuration files (configs), as well as solving typical errors like “Camera”. API2 Not supported" or black screen at launch, especially the new models of 2023-2026 (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro).+), where additional manipulations with build.prop may be required.

Before you start, consider: the process of installing GCam on Xiaomi does not require root rights, but may differ depending on the version of MIUI (global, Chinese, EU) and hardware platform (Snapdragon vs Mediatek).

1. Check your Xiaomi’s compatibility with GCam

Not all Xiaomi smartphones work equally well with Google Camera.

• 🔹 Processor: Devices on Snapdragon (e.g, POCO F5 Xiaomi 12T) GCam support is better than Mediatek (e.g. Redmi Note 11) and may require patches for the Camera2 API.
• 🔹 Android Version: On Android 13/14 Some older versions of GCam are not working properly.
• 🔹 Presence Camera2 API: Check support through the Manual Camera Compatibility app (available in the Play Market «LEVEL_3» or «FULL» — GCam will launch without any problems.

For quick check, enter the dialer code:

##32489##

If the CIT menu appears, your device supports the Camera2 API. If not, you will need to activate through ADB (more on this below).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI China ROM (For example, Xiaomi 13 Pro for the Chinese market), GCam may not launch due to the lack of Google services. EU-version MIUI.

2.Selecting the Right Version of GCam for Xiaomi

There are many modifications of Google Camera, adapted for different models of Xiaomi.

Where to download:

• 📥 Official Telegram Channel GCam Mods: @GCamMods (current versions with instructions).
• 📥 Forum XDA Developers: Search for themes based on your Xiaomi model (e.g., “GCam for Redmi Note 12 Pro”)+»).
• 📥 Celso Azevedo website: www.celsoazevedo.com (the largest database of modifications).

⚠️ Warning: Avoid downloading GCam from unknown sources - some APK They contain malicious code. Check the hashes of the files (MD5) on XDA or in telegram chat.

💡

Before installing GCam, disable the standard Camera app in settings (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Camera → Disable) to prevent conflicts when you start.

3. Install GCam on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

The installation process depends on whether you need to activate the Camera2 API on your device, starting with the baseline scenario (without ADB).

Download APK from a trusted source |Disable the standard Xiaomi |Allow installation from unknown sources (Settings → Security)|Free space check (minimum 500 MB) | Backup photos-->

Step 1: Installation APK-file

1. Download the selected version of GCam (for example, GCam_8.7.250_A10_V10.apk for Snapdragon 888).

2. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Application Settings → Install unknown applications and allow installation for your file manager.

3. Run the downloaded APK and follow the installer's instructions.

Step 2: Initial settings

After the first launch of the GCam:

• 📸 Allow all requests for camera, microphone and storage access.
• 🔧 In the GCam settings (⚙️ → Advanced, turn on:

Step 3: Install the Config file

Configs (.xml files) optimize GCam for a specific Xiaomi model.

1. Download config for your model (for example, Xiaomi_12_Pro_V10.xml) s XDA telegram-channel.
2. Create a folder called GCam/Configs10 (or Configs8, depending on the version) in the root directory of internal memory.
3. Put an.xml file in there.
4. In GCam, tap twice on the black area next to the shutter button → select your config.

4. Activate Camera2 API via ADB (unless GCam is running)

When you start GCam, you see a message that says “Camera”. API2 Not supported or the application will close immediately, manual activation will be required Camera2 API through ADB. This is true for devices on Mediatek or older versions. MIUI.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB (download SDK Platform-Tools).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on Xiaomi (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to unlock Developer Settings, then turn on Debugging by USB).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools and type:

adb shell


setprop persist.camera.HAL3.enabled 1




exit

3. Reset the device.

4. Check the support Camera2 API Manual Camera Compatibility (to be displayed «LEVEL_3»).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M2) activation Camera2 API This can cause a standard camera to fail, in which case, return the settings via ADB: adb shell setprop persist.camera.HAL3.enabled 0 exit 5. Optimal GCam settings for Xiaomi Even with a properly installed GCam, the quality of the images depends on the settings. Recommended settings for most Xiaomi models: Parameter Recommended value HDR+ auto-control HDR+ Enhanced Dynamic Range in Complex Lighting Conditions Night Sight On (Auto) Automatic Low Light Night Mode Enabled Auxiliary Cameras Enabled Activates Ultra-Wide Module and Sabre Off Telephoto Lens (for Snapdragon) Can evoke artifacts on processors Qualcomm Base model Pixel 5 or Pixel 6 Pro Defines the processing profile (for new Xiaomi, choose Pixel 6 Pro: 📷 Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi K60 Pro turn on “Super Res Zoom” in the settings – this will improve the quality of the zoom. 🌃 In Night Sight, use a tripod or a stable surface – exposure can reach 4-6 seconds. 🔄 If the colors in the pictures are too cold, adjust the “White balance” manually or set the config with a warm profile. 💡On devices with MIUI 14 and later, you may need to disable the camera enhancement function MIUI» (Settings → Camera. → Additional settings), as it conflicts with the algorithms GCam. 6. Solving common GCam errors on Xiaomi Even after installing the GCam correctly, there can be failures. Consider typical problems and their solutions: Error: "Couldn't connect to the camera" Causes and solutions: 🔌 Conflict with other camera apps: Disable or remove Open Camera, Footage, and other alternative cameras. 🔄 Cache failure: Clear GCam data (Settings) → Annexes → GCam → Warehouse → Clear the data). 📱 Incompatible version of GCam: Try a modification from another author (e.g., instead of a different author). BSG — Shamim). Error: Black screen at startup Most often occurs on devices with Mediatek or older versions MIUI. Decisions: 🛠️ Activate. Camera2 API through ADB (see section 4). 📁 Install a config compatible with your model (e.g. for Redmi Note) 11 Pro+ fit Redmi_Note_11_Pro_Plus_V9.xml). 🔙 Reverse to an older version of GCam (e.g., with a 8.7 on 8.4). Error: Ultra-wide module or telephoto lens does not work If GCam does not see additional cameras: Check if Auxiliary cameras are enabled in the GCam settings. Set config that supports multi-module cameras (see the file description for phrases like "Wide" + Tele). For Xiaomi. 12S Ultra and 13 Ultra may need to manually edit a build.prop file (add a line) persist.camera.HAL3.enabled=1). Error: Green hue in photos Typical issue for Samsung sensor devices ISOCELL (for example, Xiaomi 11T Pro). Decisions: 🎨 Install config with white balance adjustment (see the title «AWB fix»). 🔧 Manually adjust White balance in GCam settings (select Cloudy or Daylight»). 📱 Update the firmware MIUI — Newer versions have fixed camera drivers. 7. Comparison of GCam and Xiaomi's standard camera: which is better? To understand whether to install Google Camera, compare the key aspects: Xiaomi Standard Camera Google Camera (GCam) HDR Excessive saturation, washed shadows Natural colors, preservation of details in lights/shadows Night shooting Noisy pictures, loss of details Clean frames thanks to Night Sight (exposure to the shadows) 6 Portrait mode Inaccurate blurring of edges, artifacts More accurate separation of object from background Video Stabilization works better More natural color reproduction, but possible lag Speed of operation Quick start, no delays First start slow, further work stable When not worth it GCam: 🎥 You need to shoot high-resolution video (4K/8K) — Xiaomi’s standard camera is often better optimized for this. 🔋 You want to save battery life – GCam uses more power due to processing HDR+. 📸 You need Xiaomi branded features (for example, «AI Scene Detection or Magic Clone»). 📊 XiaomiGoogle Camera (GCam) Standard Camera (Which camera (specify in the comments) 8. GCam alternatives for Xiaomi: If Google Camera doesn’t fit your model or you’re looking for additional features, consider these alternatives: 📷 Open Camera: Open source with manual settings (exposure, ISO, white balance. Supports RAW and Camera2 API. Cons: No advanced HDR. 🎥 Footage: Powerful video app with Log profile and manual focus support. Perfect for Xiaomi with good sensors (like Xiaomi 13 Pro). 🌃 Night Camera: Specializes in night photography, uses algorithms similar to Night Sight, but with more aggressive noise cancellation. 🔍 ProCam X: Support for professionals DNG, Histogram, focus peaks. Paid, but there's a trial version. Comparing alternatives to GCam: Open Camera wins in flexibility of settings, but loses as a trial version. HDR. Footage is better for video, but requires manual tuning skills. If you want the best photo quality with the least effort, GCam is still the best choice. 💡For devices on Mediatek (e.g. Redmi Note 12) 5G) Alternatives like Open Camera are often more stable than GCam because of driver issues. FAQ: Frequent questions about installing GCam on Xiaomi ❓ GCam doesn't install -- says "Application not installed." What to do? 1. Check if installation from unknown sources is allowed (Settings are not installed). → Security. 2. Remove the previous version of GCam (if any). 3. Download APK The file may not be fully downloaded. 4. Try to install through ADB: adb install GCam_8.7.apk ❓ Can you use GCam on Xiaomi without root rights? Yes, root is not required for GCam installation and operation. Camera2 API Some models will be required ADB (see section 4). Exception: if you want to manually edit system files (e.g. build.prop) – you already need root. ❓ How to Get Back a Xiaomi Camera After Installing a GCam? 1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management. 2. Find Camera and click on Enable (if it has been disabled). 3. If GCam conflicts with a standard camera, delete it (Delete updates if it is a system application). ❓ Why is Xiaomi’s GCam eating up a lot of battery? HDR+ Enhanced that processes multiple frames in a row to improve quality. Solutions: Turn it off HDR+ Enhanced in GCam settings (leave) HDR+ Close GCam after use (it can work in the background). Use "Battery Saver" in the GCam settings (Settings) → Advanced). ❓ Where to find the latest configs for my Xiaomi model? 1. Telegram channels: @GCamMods — General configs for popular models. @XiaomiGCam — Specialized channel for Xiaomi. 2. Forum XDA Developers: Search for a theme by your model (e.g., “Redmi Note”) 12 Pro+ GCam»). 3. Celso Azevedo website: in the section “Configs” filter by manufacturer (Xiaomi) and model. 4. Groups in VK Facebook: for example, “GCam for Xiaomi».