How to Install Google Camera on Xiaomi without Root Rights: The Complete Guide to 2026

Why is Google Camera better than Xiaomi’s camera?

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face one problem: even flagship models with powerful cameras (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Poco). F5 Pro) in the standard annex of the Chamber MIUI They give you images that are over-processed, lost in shadows, and unnatural colors, while Google Camera (or GCam) is famous for its more natural color reproduction, better detail in mode. HDR+ Advanced Night Sight Algorithms.

But there's a caveat: GCam is officially only available for Google Pixel devices. Other smartphones require manual installation of modified versions (ports), with many guides on the network offering methods to unlock the bootloader or obtain root rights - risky procedures that take away warranties and can lead to a "brick." Fortunately, there are legal ways to install Google Camera on Xiaomi without root rights - and we will discuss them in detail in this guide.

It’s important to understand that not all Xiaomi models support the GCam equally well.+ Sony-sensored IMX766 It will be a great success, and the budget Redmi will be a great success. A2 This can be error-prone. So check the compatibility of your model in the table below before installing it.

Xiaomi Compatibility with Google Camera: Support Table

If your model is not in the spreadsheet, check it on the Celso Azevedo forums or Telegram channels dedicated to Xiaomi’s GCam, and note that new models (released after 2023) may require additional configuration (.xml) configuration.

Smartphone Preparation: What to Do Before Installing GCam

Before you install Google Camera, you need to follow a few critical steps, neglecting them can lead to data loss, camera freezes or even locking the application system. MIUI.

Enable the developer mode (7 taps by build number in "About phone")

Allow installation from unknown sources (Settings) → Annexes → Special access)

Disable battery optimization for GCam (Settings) → Battery → Optimization)

Download the correct version of GCam for your model (see table above)

Backup photos and camera settings-->

Pay special attention to the developer mode, so you can activate it:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version string and tap it 7 times in a row.
3. Enter the password from your Mi Account if required.
4. Return to the main settings – a new section for developers will appear.

Next in this section, find the option of debugging by USB and turn it on, and also activate Do not turn off the screen while charging (in handy for settings). ADB-(See the commands below) and then turn on the commands (See the commands).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G) after debugging USB You may get an "unsafe connection" warning, which is normal -- just confirm your PC's permission the first time you connect.

Method 1: Installation of GCam through APK-file (the simplest method)

This is the most versatile and secure way, which works on 90% of Xiaomi devices without root rights.

Step 1: Download the correct version of GCam

Not all GCam ports work equally well on Xiaomi.

• 📌 Official repository Celso Azevedo - here are collected verified builds from well-known developers (BSG, Arnova8G2, Shamim).
• 📌 Telegram channel GCam for Xiaomi – current versions with instructions for specific models.
• 📌 XDA-Developers Forum – sections dedicated to your model (e.g. Poco) F5 Pro or Xiaomi 13).

For most Xiaomi devices 2022-2026, assemblies will suit:

• BSG GCam is a stable version with Astrophotography and 4K HDR.
• LMC8.4 By Wichaya – Optimized for Sony sensors IMX766 and IMX707 (Used by Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Poco F5 Pro).
• Shamim’s GCam is the best choice for the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Xiaomi 12T.

Step 2: Installation APK-file

After downloading.apk:

1. Open any file manager (such as Google Files or Google Files) MIUI).
2. Find the downloaded file (usually in the Download or Download folder).
3. Tap the file and confirm the installation. If you see an "Installation locked" error, go back to Settings. → Annexes → Special access → Install unknown applications and allow installation for your file manager.

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If after installation, GCam crashes at startup, try clearing the app cache (Settings) → Annexes → Google Camera → Warehouse → Clear the cache) and restart the phone.

Step 3: Initial GCam setup

When you first run the GCam, it may seem like the camera isn't working -- that's OK.

1. Allow all requests for access to the camera, microphone and storage.
2. If a message appears, the camera API2 It is not supported, so your model is not compatible with this version of GCam – try a different build.
3. Go to GCam settings (swipe down or tap on the gear) and turn on: 🔘 HDR+ Enhanced (for better detail) 🔘 Night Sight (if available) 🔘 Enable Aux Cameras (for ultra-wide and telephoto modules)

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) may stop using the camera after installing the GCam. MIUI. To return it, clear the Camera app data in the settings or restart the phone.

Method 2: Install GCam through ADB (for advanced users)

If the installation via.apk does not work (for example, GCam immediately closes or does not see the camera), you can try installing the application through the.apk. ADB. This method does not require root rights, but requires a computer and USB-cable.

Step 1: Installation ADB-driver

Download and install on PC:

• 🖥️ Android SDK Platform-Tools (Official Tool from Google).
• 🖥️ Drivers for your Xiaomi model (can be found on the official website).

Unpack the platform-tools archive into the root of the disk C:\ (for example, C:\platform-tools). Then connect the phone to the PC. USB, Select the File Transfer Mode (MTP) and confirm the permission to debug on the smartphone screen.

Step 2: Check the connection

Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd) and do:

cd C:\platform-tools


adb devices

If you see your device's serial number in the answer, the connection is successful. If not, reinstall the drivers or try another one. USB-port.

Step 3: Install GCam through ADB

Download the.apk file GCam and place it in the platform-tools folder. Then, in the command line, do:

adb install gcam.apk

If the file name is different, replace it. gcam.apk Once installed successfully, disconnect your phone from your PC and launch GCam.

Setting up GCam for maximum photo quality on Xiaomi

Installing a GCam is only half the battle, to get a real improvement in the quality of the photo compared to the regular camera. MIUI, You need to configure the application correctly. Below are the optimal options for most Xiaomi models.

Basic settings (common for all versions of GCam)

• 📸 Photo resolution: Set the maximum (for example, 12.5 MP for Xiaomi 13 or 200 MP for Redmi Note 12 Pro)+).
• 🌓 HDR+: Turn it on. HDR+ Enhanced (gives better detail in the shadows).
• 🌙 Night Sight: Manually Activate in the Dark – Automatic Night Modes MIUI often lose to GCam.
• 🔍 Focus: Turn off Autofocus with laser, if there is one – on Xiaomi it often works incorrectly.

Settings for specific models

To use the configuration file (.xml):

1. Download the file from the link from the table.
2. Put it in a folder. GCam/Configs on the internal storage of the phone (create a folder if it is not available).
3. Open GCam, tap the black area next to the down button twice (the config download menu will appear).
4. Select the downloaded file and restart the application.

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Configuration files (.xml) are model-optimized presets, without which GCam can run unstable or produce overexposed images.

Additional tricks to improve quality

• 🎯 For Portrait Mode: In GCam settings, enable Portrait Mode Fix (if any). On Xiaomi, this fixes edge blur.
• 🌅 For shooting at sunset: Turn off Auto HDR+ and manually select HDR+ Enhanced – so the colors will be more natural.
• 📹 For video: In the video settings, select Bitrate: High and Stabilization: On (even if in the video settings). MIUI stabilization was turned off).

Solving problems: GCam is out of service or out of service

Even when installed correctly, GCam can be unstable, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

Problem 1: GCam closes immediately after launch

Causes and solutions:

• 🔹 Incompatible version: Try a different build (for example, instead of a different one) BSG set up Arnova8G2).
• 🔹 Conflict with MIUI Camera: Turn off the camera (Settings) → Annexes → Camera. → Shut down).
• 🔹 Lack of rights: Give GCam all permissions manually (Settings) → Annexes → Google Camera → Permits).

Problem 2: Additional cameras (ultra-wire, telephoto) are not working.

This is a typical problem for Xiaomi multi-module cameras.

• 🔹 In GCam settings, enable Enable Aux Cameras (usually in Advanced).
• 🔹 Install a configuration file (.xml) for your model (see table above).
• 🔹 If the telephoto doesn’t work, try Wichaya’s or Shamim’s version of GCam – they’re better at supporting support modules.

Problem 3: Photos are made in green or purple

This is due to the incorrect processing of the color profile of the sensor.

• 🔹 In GCam settings, find the Color Transform option and select the Pixel 6 or Pixel 7.
• 🔹 Turn it off. HDR+ And take a test shot -- if the colors normalize, the problem is the algorithms. HDR.
• 🔹 Try a different version of GCam (for example, LMC8.4 instead BSG).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note) 11S) GCam can "hang" when shooting in the film 4K 60fps. In this case, limit yourself. 4K 30fps or 1080p 60fps.

Problem 4: GCam doesn’t save photos or videos

This is usually due to a conflict or a conflict with MIUI:

• 🔹 Check that GCam has access to the Warehouse and the Chamber.
• 🔹 In GCam settings, change the save path to Internal Storage/DCIM/GCam.
• 🔹 Turn off battery optimization for GCam (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery → Google Camera → No restrictions).

Comparison of GCam and MIUI Camera: What's best in practice?

To make an objective assessment of the difference between Google Camera and the regular MIUI Camera, we tested both cameras on three devices: Xiaomi 13 Pro, Poco F5 Pro and Redmi Note 12 Pro+. Results - in the table below.

Key Conclusion: GCam definitely wins as a photo (especially in the video game) HDR It's also night mode, but it's losing to the regular camera in speed and video stabilization. So many Xiaomi users keep both cameras: MIUI Camera for fast shots and videos, and Google Camera for important photos with better detail.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing GCam on Xiaomi