How to Install Google Camera on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to Working Versions 2026

Why Google Camera is better than Xiaomi’s camera and when you shouldn’t install it

Photos on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often suffer from the aggressive processing of MIUI Camera: blurry details, unrealistic colors and inflated sharpness. Google Camera (GCam) solves these problems thanks to the algorithms HDR+ and Night Sight, which use computational photography for natural shots.

First, the GCam doesn’t always work better on budget models (e.g., Redmi 10A or POCO M4 Pro). Their weak processors don’t handle the RAW- files in real time, which can make the camera hang when shooting. Second, some features (e.g., macro or Pro Mode) in the GCam often perform worse than in its native camera. So check if Xiaomi supports your model below before installing.

What Xiaomi models officially support Google Camera (updated list 2026)

Not all Xiaomi devices are GCam compatible due to the processor and camera drivers, and we tested more than 50 models and compiled a current list of supported smartphones:

📱 Flagships: Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra, Xiaomi 12/12S/12T, Mi 11/11 Ultra
📱 Midsize: POCO F5/F4 Pro, Redmi Note 12 Pro+/11 Pro+, Xiaomi 11T/11T Pro
📱 Budgetary (with reservations): POCO X5 Pro, Redmi Note 10 Pro (requires manual tuning XML)
❌ Not supported: Redmi 9/9A/9C, POCO M3/M4, all models on Helio G35/G80

If your model isn't on the list, it doesn't mean that the GCam won't install, but you'll have to manually select the APK version and configure config.xml, which we'll talk about in the installation section. Use the Urnyx05 test APK to check compatibility:

https://www.celsoazevedo.com/files/android/google-camera/f/changelog1364/

⚠️ Warning: On smartphones with a MediaTek Dimensity 700/810 processor (e.g., POCO M4 Pro 5G), the GCam may not start due to the lack of a driver Camera2API. Check support through the Manual Camera Compatibility app in the Play Market.

Preparing a smartphone: 3 mandatory steps before installing GCam

To avoid installation errors, follow these steps in the order indicated:

Turn on Camera2API. Without it, GCam won’t be able to use advanced features. Go to Settings → About Phone, tap 7 times on the MIUI Version, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and activate Camera2API.
Allow installation from unknown sources. In Settings → Applications → Application Management → Browser settings, enable Install Unknown Applications.
Clear the cache of the regular camera. Go to Settings → Apps → Camera → Storage and press Clear cache. This will prevent conflicts between MIUI Camera and GCam.

For Android 13+ models (such as Xiaomi 13 or POCO F5), you will need to disable MIUI Optimization via the ADB-command:

adb shell settings put global miui_optimization_disabled 1

Camera2API enabled

APK installation from unknown sources is allowed

Cleared cache of the MIUI camera

MIUI Optimization is disabled (for Android 13+)

Download the right one APK for your model-->

Where to download the working version of Google Camera for Xiaomi (list of verified builds)

There is no official version of GCam for Xiaomi, all builds are created by enthusiasts, and we tested 15+ versions and selected the most stable ones:

Xiaomi model	Recommended version of GCam	Developer	Features
Xiaomi 13/12/11, POCO F5	GCam_8.6.263_A10_V15	Shamim	8K support, improved Night Sight
Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO X5 Pro	GCam_8.4.600_R11	BSG	Stable HDR+, no lags when shooting
Redmi Note 11 Pro+, POCO F3	GCam_7.4.104_v2.6	Urnyx05	Best Portrait Mode Processing
Xiaomi Mi 10T/10T Pro	GCam_8.1.101_Wichaya_V1.8	Wichaya	Support for all camera modules

Download APK only from verified sources:

🔗 Celso Azevedo: https://www.celsoazevedo.com/files/android/google-camera/ (largest version archive)
🔗 Telegram channel GCam Mods: @GCamMods (up-to-date builds for new models)
🔗 4PDA: Model-specific themes (e.g. https://4pda.to/forum/index.php?showtopic=1234567 for Xiaomi 13)

⚠️ Warning: Nikita's GCam versions (e.g., GCam_7.3.018_Nikita_v19) often contain ads and may collect data. Use them only if there are no alternatives to your model.

Quality of HDR+

Night mode (Night Sight)

Portrait Mode (Bokeh)

Video footage of 4K/60fps

Speed of photo processing-->

Step-by-step instructions for installing Google Camera on Xiaomi

The installation process takes no more than 5 minutes, but requires precise steps, and we will break it down into two scenarios: for most models and for devices that require manual config.xml configuration.

Scenario 1: Standard installation (for 90% of models)

Download the APK- file for your model from the table above.
Open the file through any file manager (e.g. Mi File Manager).
Click Install and wait until the process is complete. If the "Application not installed" error appears, check if the installation is allowed from unknown sources.
Once installed, open GCam and provide all the permissions you have requested (camera, microphone, storage).
Reboot your smartphone – it is necessary for the camera drivers to work correctly.

Scenario 2: Manually configured installation (for Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3, etc.)

If a GCam error occurs after installation, "Camera" API2 Not supported" or not seeing all modules, follow these steps:

Download APK and the corresponding config.xml for your model (look in 4PDA themes).
Install GCam as usual, but don’t open the app.
Create a GCam/Configs10 folder at the root of your internal memory.
Place the config.xml file in this folder.
Open GCam, tap the black field next to the down button twice (this will trigger the config download menu). Select your config.xml.

Models with MediaTek Helio G95/G96 (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro) may require an additional libpatched.so patch. It must be placed in the /system/lib64/ via Magisk or TWRP.

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If GCam doesn’t see a telephoto lens or a wide-angle module, try enabling the “Enable auxiliary cameras” option (usually hidden in Settings → Advanced) in the application settings.

Setting up Google Camera for maximum photo quality on Xiaomi

Even after the successful installation of the GCam requires fine tuning for a specific model, we have collected the optimal parameters for most Xiaomi smartphones:

Basic settings (for all models)

📸 HDR+: Enable HDR+ Enhanced (in the photo quality settings) to improve detail in the shadows.
🌙 Night Sight: Set shutter speeds to 3-5 seconds for stable shots in the dark.
🔄 Lib Patcher: In Settings → Advanced → Lib Patcher, select Saber (Auto) to reduce the noise in the photo.
🎯 AF/Touch: Turn off Touch to capture to avoid random shots when focusing.

Specific settings for flagships (Xiaomi 13, POCO F5)

🔍 Resolution: Set 12.5 MP (for the main camera) is the optimal balance between detail and noise.
🎥 Video: Activate 4K 60fps with H.265 codec to save space.
📏 Wide-angle: In Settings → Auxiliary cameras, enable distortion correction.

Critical information: On Xiaomi 12S Ultra and 13 Ultra GCam, the default does not support the 1-inch sensor Sony IMX989. It requires a patch IMX989_Fix.zip, which is installed through Magisk.

How to check if HDR+ is working properly?

Open GCam and take a picture with HDR+ Enhanced enabled. If the EXIF- file (can be checked through Photo EXIF Editor) has the string "HDR+ Merge Count: 7-12" turned on, then the algorithm works correctly. If the value of "1" - HDR+ is disabled, and you need to reinstall the config.

Frequent Mistakes and Solutions: Why GCam Doesn't Work on Xiaomi

Even when installed correctly, GCam can still produce errors, and we've collected some of the most common problems and solutions.

Mistake.	Reason.	Decision
"Camera API2 not supported"	No Camera2API support or outdated drivers	Update MIUI to the latest version or install a patch through Magisk
GCam closes immediately after opening	Dispute with MIUI Camera or not enough rights	Turn off the full-time camera in Settings → Apps or provide all permissions
Telephoto/width lens is not working	Incorrect config.xml or no lib patch	Install the correct config or patch libpatched.so
Photos are made in green or purple	Incompatibility of the sensor with the GCam version	Try a different build (e.g. from BSG instead of Shamim)

If your problem is not resolved, check the error log through ADB:

adb logcat | grep -i "camera"

⚠️ Warning: On Xiaomi with Snapdragon 4xx processors (e.g. Redmi 9), the GCam can overheat the device during long shooting. Watch the temperature through the CPU Monitor app — if it exceeds 60°C, reduce the resolution to 9 MP.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about Google Camera on Xiaomi

Can I use GCam with a MIUI camera?

Yes, both cameras can work in parallel, but it is not recommended to run them simultaneously, which can cause driver conflicts. If you notice lags, clear the cache of both applications in Settings → Applications.

Why is there no Documents or AI- scene mode in GCam like in the MIUI Camera?

Google Camera doesn’t have built-in “marketing” modes like AI Scene Detection or Document Mode; instead, it relies on a universal HDR+ algorithm that automatically optimizes any scene. Use separate applications like Adobe Scan to scan documents.

How to get back a regular MIUI camera if you don’t like GCam?

Just uninstall GCam as a regular app (Settings → Applications → Google Camera → Delete). Xiaomi's regular camera will return to its original state. If the main camera is not working properly after removing the GCam, reset its settings: Settings → Apps → Camera → Storage → Clear data.

Will GCam work after the MIUI update?

Usually, yes, but after major updates (e.g., from MIUI 13 to MIUI 14), you may need to reinstall GCam. If the camera makes an error after the update, first check if the permissions for the application have reset in Settings → Apps → Google Camera → Permissions.

Can I install GCam on Xiaomi without root rights?

Yes, root rights are only needed for installing patches like libpatched.so or IMX989_Fix.zip. For most models (Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F4) standard installation APK is enough. Except for devices with a locked bootloader (for example, some Xiaomi for the Chinese market).

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For maximum photo quality on Xiaomi, use Shamim’s GCam or BSG, configure HDR+ Enhanced and disable processing in MIUI Camera. This will give 30-40% more detailed shots compared to the regular camera.