How to Install Google Camera on Xiaomi Redmi: A Complete Guide with Verified Versions

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are known for their value for money, but the standard camera app is often inferior to the functionality of Google Camera (GCam), the latter famous for improved HDR processing, night mode and more natural colors. However, installing GCam on Xiaomi devices has nuances, from choosing the right version to manually configuring configuration files.

In this guide, we’ll go through all the steps of installation, from checking your Redmi model’s compatibility to fine-tuning the settings for maximum image quality. You’ll learn which versions of GCam work consistently on Snapdragon and Mediatek processors, how to get around the limitations of MIUI, and which.xml configs give the best results for specific models, and also unique life hacks to eliminate zoom bugs and 4K video that are not in standard instructions.

Compatibility Check: Is Your Xiaomi Redmi Suitable for GCam?

Not all Xiaomi Redmi smartphones support Google Camera out of the box.

• 📱 Processor: GCam optimized for Qualcomm Snapdragon chips (series) 6xx/7xx/8xx). Mediatek (Helio G, Dimensity) is a possible bug HDR video.
• 🤖 Android Version: Android 10 is required+. On Android 9 and below, many of the features of GCam will not work.
• 📸 API Camera2: You can check it through the Manual Camera Compatibility app (available on the Play Market).
• 🔧 Unlocked bootloader: Not required, but on some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) allows you to install modified cores for better compatibility.

List of Redmi models tested for stable performance by GCam (2026):

⚠️ Note: On devices with Mediatek processors (e.g. Redmi) 9A or Redmi 10C) GCam may not run at all or work with artifacts. Check forum reviews before installing 4PDA or XDA Developers for your specific model.

Smartphone Preparation: What to Do Before Installing GCam

Installing Google Camera on Xiaomi Redmi requires preliminary action, otherwise the app may not start or work properly.

Enable installation from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special Rights)

Update MIUI to the latest version (especially important for Android 13+)

Remove the cache of the standard Camera application (Settings → Apps → Camera → Clear the cache)

Download APK GCam from a trusted source (recommended by celsoazevedo.com or XDA)

Backup current photos (in case of resetting camera settings)-->

Pay special attention to the developer’s settings:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on this item to activate the developer mode.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔄 Debugging by USB (if you plan to use ADB fine-tuning). 📱 Do not turn off the screen during charging (useful for long shooting sessions). 🔒 Unlocking OEM (Only if you are going to unlock the bootloader).

If your Redmi has a global MIUI firmware (e.g. MIUI Global 14), you may not need to do more manipulation, but the Chinese versions (e.g. China ROM) often require:

• 🌐 Install Google Services Framework (if not available).
• 🔄 Refuse the device to MIUI EU Pixel Experience for full compatibility with GCam.

Where to download GCam for Xiaomi Redmi: proven sources and versions

Officially, Google Camera is only available for Pixel smartphones, so Xiaomi Redmi will have to use modified builds. Never download APK from dubious sites - many of them contain malicious code or stripped down functionality.

The best sources to download:

• 🔗 Celso Azevedo – the largest database of GCam versions with user reviews and ratings.
• 🔧 XDA Developers – here lay out fresh builds for specific models of Redmi.
• 📥 Telegram channel GCam Mods - current versions with instructions for setting up.

For convenience, we've assembled a top-3 GCam versions that work best on Xiaomi Redmi 2026 year:

When choosing a version, pay attention to:

• 📌 Support API Camera2: If the description says API2+, This means that all functions will be available.
• 🔍 Configuration: Some builds require additional.xml files to work properly.
• 📱 Processor architecture: Any version is suitable for Snapdragon, and Mediatek requires special builds (for example, from Shamim).

💡

Before installing a new version of GCam, always delete the previous one! residual files can cause conflicts and errors when running.

Google Camera installation on Xiaomi Redmi

Now, to the installation process itself, follow the instructions carefully, and skipping even a small step can cause the application to fail.

Step 1: Download and install APK

1. Download the selected version of GCam from one of the trusted sources (see previous section).

2. Move the.apk file to the phone’s memory (e.g., to the Downloads folder).

3. Launch the installation:

• Open File Manager → find the downloaded APK → tap on it.
• When the warning "Installation is blocked" appears, click Settings and allow installation from this source.
• Confirm the installation and wait for completion.

Step 2: Configure permissions

After installation, don't start the GCam immediately!

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Google Camera.
2. Issue all permits: 📸 Camera. 📁 Warehouse 📍 Location (optional, but necessary for geotagged) 🔋 Auto-run (so that GCam doesn't close in the background)

Display over other windows

Step 3: Import the configuration file (if required)

Many versions of GCam require.xml configs to work properly. Here's how to install them:

1. Download the config for your model (for example, this set will suit the Redmi Note 11 Pro+).
2. Create a GCam folder at the root of your phone’s memory, and inside it is a Configs7 folder (or Configs8, depending on the version of GCam).
3. Put the.xml file in this folder.
4. Run GCam → twice tap on the black area next to the shutter button → select the imported config.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions