How to Install Google Camera on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to Files and Settings

Photos on Xiaomi smartphones have long ceased to be a weakness of the brand, but many users still seek to squeeze the maximum out of the camera.The Google Camera app (or GCam) is famous for its improved processing HDR, night mode and more natural color reproduction than standard MIUI Camera. however, officially GCam is not available for Xiaomi devices — it has to be installed manually.

In this guide, we’ll look at all the ways to install Google Camera on Redmi, Poco and Xiaomi phones (including the 2023-2026 models), detailing configuration files and solving typical problems. You will learn which versions of GCam work best on Snapdragon and MediaTek, how to get around the restrictions. MIUI Why some functions may not be running.

⚠️ Important: Installation of modified APK-We tested the instructions on Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ POCO F5, The result may vary depending on the version. MIUI Before you start, back up your photos and your camera settings.

If your phone is running Android 14c MIUI 15, note the section about circumventing new restrictions – Xiaomi has tightened control over third-party cameras, and some models will require additional customization ADB.

1. Compatibility Check: Is your Xiaomi a good fit for GCam?

Not all Xiaomi smartphones work equally well with Google Camera, but the main factors that affect compatibility are:

🔹 Qualcomm Snapdragon chips (series) 6xx/7xx/8xx) They are best supported, with stable GCam builds with full functionality, for owners of MediaTek devices (e.g. Helio). G99 You will have to look for special ports, and some functions (for example, Astrophotography) may not work.

🔹 Android version. GCam officially requires Android 10+, But in practice, even Android 13/14 They don't guarantee stability. 12T Pro MIUI 14 Some GCam builds give the error "Camera" API2 Not supported" - this is treated with the editing of the config.

🔹 Camera model. Sony sensor phones IMX766 (for example, Xiaomi 11T Pro) or Samsung ISOCELL (Like the Redmi Note 11 Pro.+) GCam shows better results than budget models with outdated matrices.

🔹 Root rights. Without root, some functions (e.g., root, RAW-The camera or Manual Focus may not be available, but most GCam builds work without a root.

How to check your smartphone?

1. Learn the processor model: go to Settings → The phone. → Full specifications.
2. Check out the Android version and MIUI same section.
3. Find the main camera model (you can use the app) CPU-Z or AIDA64).

2.Where to download the working version of Google Camera for Xiaomi?

There is no official GCam for Xiaomi – all available versions are modified ports adapted by enthusiasts for specific models.

📌 Celso Azevedo ([link](https://www.celsoazevedo.com/files/android/google-camera/)) — The largest archive with GCam versions for different brands, and it has a filter by manufacturer (Xiaomi) and chip (Snapdragon/MediaTek).

📌 Telegram channels (e.g, @GCamMods or @XiaomiGCam) — It often posts fresh builds with fixes for new Xiaomi models.

📌 Forums 4PDA — in the subject of specific models (for example, [Redmi Note 12 Pro+](https://4pda.to/forum/index.php?showtopic=1000000)) Often put optimized versions of GCam with ready-made configs.

Which version of GCam should you choose?

For most smartphones Xiaomi relevant builds from the following authors:

• 🔹 BSG — Universal versions with support HDR+ And Night Sight, they work well on Snapdragon. 8 Gen 1/2.
• 🔹 Shamim – optimized for MediaTek (e.g. Dimensity) 1080/1200). Supporting. 4K 60fps.
• 🔹 Wichaya - Builds with improved Portrait Mode processing. Recommended for Xiaomi 13/14 series.
• 🔹 BigKaka - versions with support 8K Video and Pro Mode for flagships.

GCam builds for Xiaomi often require additional configuration files (XML). Without them, the camera may not work properly, for example, the green tint in the photo or the absence of the camera. HDR.

3. Google Camera Step-by-step installation on Xiaomi

The process of installing GCam on Xiaomi consists of three stages: downloading APK, setting permissions and downloading the configuration file. Let's take a look at each step in detail.

⚠️ Attention: If you have MIUI 14/15, Before installation, disable the function "Optimization" MIUI" in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 pop → For developers → Optimization MIUI). Otherwise, the system can block the launch of the GCam.

Step 1: Installation APK-file

1. Download the selected version of GCam (for example, GCam_8.1.101_Wichaya_V1.5.apk Xiaomi 13).
2. Allow installation from unknown sources: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Browser/File Manager → Install unknown applications.
3. Install APK by following the instructions on the screen.

Step 2: Configure permissions

Once installed, GCam must be given access to:

• 📸 Chamber (required!).
• 📁 Storage (to save photos/video).
• 📍 Geolocations (optional, for tags in the photo).
• 🔋 Auto-run (so that GCam does not close in the background).

🔹 Important! MIUI 14+ Add GCam to the list of "Secure Apps": Settings → Battery → Secure applications → Google Camera.

Step 3: Download the configuration file (XML)

Without the config, GCam can run unstable. XML-file for your model (for example, Xiaomi_12_Pro_Wichaya_V1.5.xml) and:

1. Create a folder. GCam/Configs root-memory.
2. Put it there. XML-file.
3. Launch GCam, tap the black area next to the down button twice (the config menu will open).
4. Choose yours. XML and press "Restore".

Scud APK by a vetted author|

Optimization is offline. MIUI|

Permissions for camera and storage given|

Configur XML file-loaded GCam/Configs|

GCam added to secure applications-->

4.Set up Google Camera for the best photos on Xiaomi

Even with the right config, GCam requires fine-tuning to a specific model, and here are the key parameters to adjust:

📷 The main settings of the shooting:

• 🔘 HDR+: Turn it on "HDR+ Enhanced for better detail in shadows.
• 🌙 Night Sight: Set shutter speeds for 3-7 seconds for night shots.
• 🎞️ Video: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Select 4K 60fps codeced H.265.
• 👤 Portrait Mode: Turn off Face Retouching – it often spoils the texture of the skin.

⚙️ Hidden settings (for experienced users):

To open additional options, tap twice on the area next to the down button and select "Settings" → Advanced. You can set it up here:

• Base model (select the nearest Google Pixel flagship by release date).
• Sabre (improving noise reduction, but may slow down shooting)
• Viewfinder format: Xiaomi is the best YUV_420_888).

📊 Recommended configs for popular Xiaomi models:

⚠️ Note: On some models (such as the Redmi Note 11 with the Snapdragon 680), the GCam can overheat the processor. If the phone gets too hot, limit the video resolution to 1080p or use a cooling stand.

adb shell setprop persist.camera.HAL3.enabled 1

Then restart the phone.-->

5 Problem Solving: GCam is not working or is making errors

Even if installed correctly, Google Camera can be unstable, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

🚨 Error: "Couldn't connect to the camera"

• 🔹 Make sure that no other application (e.g., standard) is available. MIUI Camera does not use a camera.
• 🔹 Reboot your phone and clear the GCam cache: Settings → Annexes → Google Camera → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔹 If the bug appears on MediaTek, try Shamim's GCam version with a patch for the MTK.

🚨 The green tint in the photo

• 🔹 Download another config. XML (For example, for Xiaomi 11T Pro is a good fit. X11TPro_AWB_Fix.xml).
• 🔹 In GCam settings, turn off Auto White Balance and manually set Daylight.

🚨 GCam flies off while shooting video

• 🔹 Reduce video resolution to 1080p or turn it off. HDR+.
• 🔹 On Snapdragon. 888/8 Gen 1 Try the GCam version with the switched off HEVC (codec H.264).

🚨 The night mode is not working (Night Sight)

• 🔹 Make sure that the settings enable Night Sight for front camera (if you need a selfie).
• 🔹 For Xiaomi with Android 13+ You may need a root or patch through Magisk (GCam Services Provider module).

🚨 GCam does not save photos

• 🔹 Check the storage access permits.
• 🔹 In GCam settings, change the save path to /DCIM/GCam/.
• 🔹 If used MIUI 15, disable "Memory Optimization" in battery settings.

Comparison of GCam and standard camera MIUI: better?

To understand whether to install Google Camera, compare it with the native MIUI Camera on the example of Xiaomi 13 Pro:

✅ Benefits of GCam:

• 🔹 HDR: Wide dynamic range, detail in shadows and lights.
• 🔹 Night Sight: Night photos are brighter and less noisy compared to the night photos MIUI Night Mode.
• 🔹 Color rendering: More natural colors (especially skin in portraits).
• 🔹 Astrophotography: A mode of shooting a starry sky that is not in the sky MIUI.

❌ GCam's disadvantages:

• 🔹 No support for Ultra Wide Band on Xiaomi 13 Ultra).
• 🔹 Video in the video 8K may lie MIUI Camera is more stable).
• 🔹 No integration with MIUI Gallery (Photos are saved to a separate folder).
• 🔹 MediaTek may have artifacts with zoom.

📊 Testing on Xiaomi 12S Ultra (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1):

💡

GCam is definitely better for static shots (landscapes, portraits, night photography), but it loses MIUI Camera in video and speed, and the best way to do this is to use both apps in parallel.

7. GCam alternatives: Other modified cameras for Xiaomi

If Google Camera is not a good fit, consider alternatives with similar features:

📸 ANX Camera

• 🔹 Supports RAW and Manual Focus without rue.
• 🔹 It works better on MediaTek than GCam.
• 🔹 There is a built-in editor with tone curves.

📸 Footage Camera

• 🔹 Optimized for video (support) 10-bit HDR).
• 🔹 There is Focus Peaking for manual focusing.
• 🔹 Paid ($5), but there is a free trial version.

📸 ProCam X

• 🔹 It simulates the interface of professional cameras.
• 🔹 Supports Long Exposure for up to 30 seconds.
• 🔹 It works on Xiaomi with Android 10+.

📸 Open Camera

• 🔹 Fully open source code.
• 🔹 Supports Camera2 API rusty.
• 🔹 You can set up hot keys for shooting.

⚠️ Warning: Alternative cameras can also conflict with MIUI If after installing either of these apps, the standard camera stopped working, clear the cache of both apps and restart the phone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing GCam on Xiaomi