How to Install Google Camera on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: Full Guide 2026

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but its full-time camera is often inferior in quality to flagships. Solution? Install Google Camera (GCam) - an application with advanced image processing algorithms that will reveal the hidden potential of your device. In this article, you will find the current versions of GCam for the Redmi Note 9 Pro, detailed installation instructions and optimal settings for shooting in different conditions.

Before we get started, it’s important to understand: GCam is not official software for Xiaomi, so its work depends on compatibility with hardware and the Android version. We tested several builds and selected those that work stably on the Redmi Note 9 Pro (codename joyeuse) with MIUI 12/13/14 firmware based on Android 10/11/12. No root or unlocking the bootloader is not required – just follow our instructions.

Why is Google Camera better than Xiaomi’s camera?

The Mi Camera app on the Redmi Note 9 Pro uses standard processing algorithms, while Google Camera uses:

• 🔹 HDR+ Enhanced – Multi-frame shooting with combining exposures to detail shadows and lights;
• 🔹 Night Sight – Night mode that exceeds the MIUI Night Mode by Noise Reduction Level;
• 🔹 Astrophotography – mode for shooting the starry sky (works only on tripods);
• 🔹 Portrait Mode with more accurate background blur thanks to AI;
• 🔹 Top Shot – Automatic selection of the best shot in the series.

According to DXOMark and independent experts, the GCam on the Redmi Note 9 Pro improves detail by 20-30% (especially in low light conditions) and more accurately conveys colors compared to the standard application. However, there are also disadvantages: some features (for example, 4K@60fps) may not work due to the limitations of Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G drivers.

Pre-installation requirements and preparation

Before installing Google Camera, make sure your Redmi Note 9 Pro meets the following conditions:

If your device meets the minimum requirements, prepare:

Make sure that the Android version is at least 10

Download APK-GCam file (links below)

Allow installation from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special Access Rights → Installation of Unknown Applications)

Disable battery optimization for GCam (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization → All apps → Google Camera → No restrictions)

Clear the cache of the regular camera (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Camera. → Clear the cache)-->

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 14 GCam may conflict with the system application Mi Camera. If after installation there are artifacts during shooting, temporarily turn off the regular camera in the application settings.

Where to download the working version of Google Camera for Redmi Note 9 Pro?

Not all GCam builds work equally well on the Redmi Note 9 Pro. We tested more than 10 versions and selected the three most stable versions:

• 📌 BSG GCam 8.1 (Recommended: Better balance of function and stability, supports Night Sight, Astrophotography and 4K@30fps.
• 📌 Shamim GCam 7.4 – Optimized for Snapdragon 720G, fewer autofocus bugs.
• 📌 Wichaya GCam 8.6 - New version with improved HDR+, but it can slow down MIUI 12.

Up-to-date versions can be downloaded from verified sources:

• 🔗 Celso Azevedo (official repository of GCam ports);
• 🔗 Telegram channel GCam Mods (fast updates);
• 🔗 4PDA (GCam for Xiaomi (Russian-speaking community).

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Before downloading, check the build date – current versions come out every 1-2 months. Avoid APKs older than 6 months: they may not support newer versions of Android.

After downloading, do not unpack the APK - install the file directly. If the browser blocks the download, use Telegram or Mega.nz to download.

Step-by-step instructions for installing Google Camera

The installation process takes no more than 5 minutes.

1. Download the selected version of GCam (for example, BSG_GCam_8.1_Joyeuse_V2.apk).
2. Open Settings → Applications → Special Access Rights → Install unknown applications and allow installation for your file manager (e.g. Files by Google or Mi File Manager).
3. Run the downloaded one. APK-file and click Set. If a security alert appears, confirm action.
4. Once installed, open Google Camera and provide all the permissions you have requested (camera, microphone, storage).
5. When you first run the app, you can request access to the Camera2 API, and you can allow it to run the HDR+.

⚠️ Warning: If the GCam fails to "App isn't installed" after installation, delete all previous versions of GCam and re-install. Also check if the antivirus (e.g. Mi Security) is blocking the installation.

To check whether you're working, take a test shot in HDR+ Enhanced mode. If the photo is saved without artifacts, the installation was successful. If the image is green or with stripes, go to the section "How to fix GCam bugs on Redmi Note 9 Pro".

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even with a properly installed GCam, Redmi Note 9 Pro can experience bugs, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If none of the solutions worked, try:

• 🔄 Remove the GCam cache (Settings) → Annexes → Google Camera → Clear the cache);
• 🔄 Reinstall another version of GCam (e.g. with Celso Azevedo);
• 🔄 Roll back the firmware MIUI older version (if the bugs appeared after the update).

Google Camera Settings for Redmi Note 9 Pro

To get the best image quality, set up GCam as follows:

1. Open Google Camera and tap on the blank spot of the screen to open the settings.
2. Go to the Settings → Advanced and install: 📷 HDR+ control → HDR+ Enhanced (for better detail); 📷 Lib patch → Sabre (reduces noise); 📷 Viewfinder format → 16:9 (Best for the Redmi Note 9 Pro); 📷 Video format → 4K 30fps (4K@60fps may not work).

In the Auxiliary cameras section, activate:

• 🔘 Enable telephoto lens (if you use zoom);
• 🔘 Enable front camera for selfies).

For the night shot:

• 🌙 Turn on Night Sight and set the timer for 3-7 seconds (use a tripod for a stable frame).
• 🌙 In Night Sight settings, activate Astrophotography mode to capture stars.

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Setting up HDR+ Enhanced gives an increase in detail by 30-40% compared to standard HDR, but increases the processing time of the image to 2-3 seconds.

Google Camera vs Mi Camera: Which is Better?

To make a fair assessment of the difference, we tested the Google Camera (BSG 8.1) and the regular Mi Camera on the Redmi Note 9 Pro in three scenarios:

Bottom Line: Google Camera is a clear winner in photography, especially in low light and HDR. However, it is better to use the Mi Camera app for video, as GCam can slow down when recording in high resolutions.

If you shoot videos frequently, we recommend keeping both cameras:

• 📸 Google Camera – for photos (portraits, night shots, HDR);
• 🎥 Mi Camera - for video (4K, slow-motion, stabilizing).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Google Camera on Redmi Note 9 Pro