Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a situation where a standard camera app can not fully unleash the potential of the hardware. In particular, the Redmi Note 9 Pro model is equipped with an excellent Samsung GW1 sensor that can work wonders when properly processed. However, stock software sometimes overly ups the noise reduction or incorrectly works with dynamic range in difficult conditions.
The solution to this problem is installing Google Camera (GCam), a ported version of the app from the flagship Pixel, which uses advanced machine learning algorithms to improve detail and color reproduction, and requires care because there is no universal version for all devices.
In this guide, we will discuss where to look for current builds, how to configure the configuration correctly and what hidden features will be available after the modification. For the Redmi Note 9 Pro, it is critical to use port versions based on Android 11 and higher, since older builds can not work properly with camera drivers.
Why you should replace the standard camera with the Redmi Note 9 Pro
The main advantage of Google Camera lies in the HDR+ post-processing algorithms. Unlike standard software, which often makes images unnaturally bright or overexposed, Google algorithms analyze a lot of frames in real time, which allows you to save details in the shadows and not overshadow bright areas of the sky, which is especially important for the GW1 sensor.
In addition, the portrait mode in GCam works much softer and more natural: background blur (boke) is calculated based on depth of field, rather than just blurring the edges of the object, as is often the case with stock MIUI firmware. You get a professional effect without the need to use third-party editors.
Night Sight is also important, as it can pull light out even in extremely low light, where a standard camera simply shows a black screen or a strong porridge of noise, making it almost a must for evening photography enthusiasts.
- 📸 Improved detailing thanks to algorithm HDR+ Enhanced.
- 🌙 Powerful Night Sight mode with manual shutter speed.
- 🎨 More natural color reproduction and white balance.
- 🤳 Advanced Portrait Mode with Blurring Force Adjustment.
Select the right version of Google Camera (GCam)
Finding a working build is the most difficult step, as developers are constantly updating their ports. 730G, The version that is installed in the Redmi Note 9 Pro is the best version from the authors. BSG, Bigkaka or Urnyx05. We need to look APK-tagged"MGC" or "GCam" in the title.
When choosing a version, pay attention to the processor architecture. In this case, we need the version arm64-v8a. Also important is the Android level: for stable operation on current MIUI 12/13/14 firmware, it is recommended to take builds based on Android 10 or 11. Older versions can fly out at launch.
Where to find the GCam ports?
There are several interface modifications. Some ports have a simplified menu, others have an extended menu, with many sliders. Beginners should start with the BSG versions, as they are the most stable and have a minimalist design that is close to the original. More experienced users can appreciate the functionality of the builds from Shamim.
| Developer | Stability | Functional | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSG | Tall. | Basic | For daily photography |
| BigKaka | Medium | Expanded | For experiments |
| Urnyx05 | Tall. | Optimal. | Universal choice |
| Hasli | Medium | Maximum | For the pros. |
Preparation of the smartphone for installation
Before installing, you must allow the system to install applications from unknown sources, and without this step, Android security will block the APK installer from running. This is standard procedure for any software that is not downloaded from Google Play.
It is also recommended to clear the cache of the standard camera app to avoid conflicts when you first start a new software.This will not delete your photos, but will reset the temporary settings. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Camera → Clear → Clear the cache.
☑️ Preparation of Redmi Note 9 Pro
Make sure the device has enough free memory. The process of installing and processing photos in high resolution requires resources. If the memory is full, the application may not work stable or crash immediately after launch.
⚠️ Attention: Install APK-Files with the extension.apk downloaded from unknown forums may contain viruses or miners that will slow down your Redmi.
Step-by-step instructions for installing APK
After downloading the selected file, go to the Download or Download pack via the file manager. Click on a file with a name like MGC_8.1.101_A11_GCam.apk. The system will issue a security alert - this is normal for third-party software.
Click the "Still Install" button (or similar, depending on the version of MIUI). The process will take a few seconds. If you see an "Application not installed" error, try turning off the Internet for installation time or use another APK installer (such as SAI).
Once installed successfully, take your time to open the app. First, allow access. When you first run, Google Camera will ask permission to use the microphone, geolocation, and of course the camera. Without full permission, the app will not be able to function properly.
Sequence of action:
1. Download the APK file.
2. Open the file through the Explorer.
3. Press "Install."
4. to permit installation from unknown sources.
5. Wait for completion and press "Open".💡
If the installation is blocked by MIUI security, try switching the region to India or Never mind in the settings "Additional -> Region." This sometimes removes the restrictions.
Setting up XML-Configuration for Redmi Note 9 Pro
The most important step that turns a working camera into a great tool is installation. XML-This is a settings file that adapts Google algorithms to the specific sensors of your Redmi Note 9 Pro. Without it, photos can be dark or blurry.
Find a configuration file that is specifically sharpened for the Samsung GW1 sensor. Usually, such files have a device model or sensor code (s5kgw1) in the name. Download a file with the extension.xml or.configs.
Create a folder on the internal drive along the GCam path (or GCam8.1, depending on the version). Inside, create a folder Configs7 (for version 8.x) or Configs. Place the downloaded file there. When you start the camera, double-click on the black area around the shutter button to select the desired profile.
- 📂 Create a GCam folder at the root of the memory.
- 📂 Inside, create a folder. Configs7 (for versions 8.1+).
- 📄 Copy the file. config.xml into this folder.
- 📱 Open the GCam and tap around the down button twice.
- ✅ Select the desired file from the list and click Restore.
⚠️ Note: If the camera crashes after settings, try to choose another one. XML-file or reset settings in the application itself (cogs) → Not all configs are compatible with every version. APK.
Solving problems and mistakes
A common problem is the black screen when starting or switching to a wide-angle camera, which means that the chosen port does not work properly with additional Xiaomi camera modules, in which case it will help to enable the Auxiliary Camera in hidden settings (if available) or change the version of the GCam.
If video is recorded without sound, check the permissions in your Android settings. Sometimes the system blocks access to the microphone for third-party applications. Also try to reduce the resolution of video recording from 4K to 1080p - the Snapdragon 730G processor may not be able to cope with 4K encoding in the ports of Google Camera.
In the case that the portrait mode does not blur the background, make sure you use the main camera module (1x).On ultra-wide angle and macro lens, the portrait mode in the GCam often does not work due to a lack of depth data from these sensors.
💡
GCam’s performance is 90% dependent on the correct version combination. APK and XML-Don't be afraid to experiment with different builds if the current one is unstable.