Google Camera (GCam) has long been a cult among owners of Xiaomi Redmi smartphones thanks to improved HDR processing, night mode and ported algorithms from Pixel. However, many users face a problem: the camera spontaneously closes 1-2 seconds after launch, gives an error βCame stoppedβ or simply βfliesβ to the desktop. In this article, we will analyze all possible causes of failures of the GCam on Redmi (including the Note 10/11/12 models, POCO X3/X4/X5 and K50), as well as give step-by-step instructions for troubleshooting β from basic firmware to deep-up.
It's important to understand that the problem is not always related to the GCam curve, but rather to conflicts with the GCam. MIUI, We tested the solutions on 15, and we tested them on the wrong camera resolutions or the hardware limitations of the processor.+ And Redmi's models, and they've identified 7 key causes that cause crashes 90 percent of the time, and if you've tried to reinstall the app, that's just the tip of the iceberg, and then you'll have a deep analysis of the technicalities, the compatibility tables, and even the whole thing. ADB-Teams for experienced users.
We warn you beforehand that some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights. If you're a beginner, start with safe ways (sections 2-4), and only move to heavy artillery (sections 5-7) with complete confidence. And yes, we won't advise "just reset" - this works 5% of the time and erases all your data. Instead, you get targeted solutions for specific errors.
1. Incompatible version of Google Camera: How to choose the right build
The most common reason for departures is the inappropriate version of GCam for your Redmi model, because ported builds are optimized for specific processors (Snapdragon, MediaTek) and Android versions. For example, BSG's GCam or Wichaya's Redmi Note 10 Pro (Snapdragon 732G) won't work on POCO X3 NFC (the same chip but a different firmware).
Here are the key points when choosing an assembly:
- π Check the processor model: go to Settings β The phone. β Full specifications β A processor model. For Snapdragon. 8xx fitting Arnova8G2, For MediaTek (Helio) G95/G96) β modifications from Shamim.
- π± Android Version: GCam for Android 12 May Not Launch on Android MIUI 13 (Android 11) due to changes in the API Check the table below.
- π Avoid βuniversalβ builds: they often contain bugs with autofocus and lead to crashes when switching modes (for example, from βPhotoβ to βVideoΒ»).
| Redmi/POCO model | Processor | Recommended GCam assembly | Android version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G | MediaTek Dimensity 920 | Shamim v8.1 | 12β13 |
| POCO X4 Pro 5G | Snapdragon 695 | BSG v8.4 | 11β12 |
| Redmi K50 Gaming | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Arnova8G2 v2.5 | 12+ |
| Redmi 10 2022 | Helio G88 | Wichaya v1.4 | 11 |
πΉ How do you check for compatibility? Download the archive from GCam, but don't install it right away. Rename the file to GCam.apk.zip, Open as an archive and find the file. lib/arm64-v8a/libjni.so. If itβs not, the build isnβt optimized for your processor.
Conflict with MIUI Camera: Why the Standard App is Getting in the Way of GCam
MIUI aggressively blocks third-party cameras, especially if they request access to multiple modules at the same time (wide-angle + telephoto).This is due to Xiaomi's data protection policy: the system considers GCam a "suspicious" application due to deep access to the camera's hardware capabilities.
Signs of conflict:
- π« GCam flies when switching to front camera.
- π΄ A message appears that says βCamera is busy with another appβ (even if itβs not available). MIUI Camera is closed).
- β‘ The app closes when you try to take a picture in Night Sight mode.
π§ Decisions:
- Turn it off. MIUI Camera in application settings: Settings β Annexes β Application management β Camera. β Shut down. β οΈ Warning: This won't delete the app, but it will prevent it from running in the background.
- Clear the cache and MIUI Camera data: Settings β Apps β Camera β Storage β Clear the cache + Clear the data
- Disable the auto-start of MIUI Camera: Settings β Applications β Application Management β Camera β Auto-Run β Disable
π‘
If after the shutdown MIUI Camera stopped working fingerprint scanner or facial recognition β return settings back. In this case, try the solution from section 4 (ADB-team).
Lack of RAM: Why GCam is "removed" by the system
Redmi with 4-6 GB of RAM (such as the Redmi 9A or POCO M3) often force GCam to close due to memory shortages, which is because MIUI aggressively optimizes background processes, and GCam consumes up to 500-800 MB of RAM when processing HDR+.
π How do you check? Install the Simple System Monitor app from Play Market and see how much memory the GCam takes up at the time of departure. If the value is greater than 600 MB, the problem is in the RAM.
π Solutions:
- π Clear background processes before starting GCam: Close all applications through the βRecently Usedβ button and enable Game Turbo mode (Settings) β Special facilities β Game turbo).
- β Turn off the animation. MIUI (Reduces the load on the processor: β The phone. β Version. MIUI (Tap 5 times to enable developer mode) Settings β Additionally. β For developers β The scale of the animation window / transition / animator β Shut down.
- π Use the "light" GCam builds: for example, LMC8.4 Razzo consumes 30% less memory than standard versions.
What if GCam crashes while shooting a video?
4 Permissions Errors: Why GCam Can't Access Camera
MIUI blocks GCam from accessing the camera at the system level, even if you have given all permissions manually, due to Xiaomi's security policy, which restricts third-party applications from working with hardware modules.
π How to check? Run GCam and immediately open Task Manager (hold the button "Recently used"). If the list of processes is not com.google.android.GCam, then the system killed the application because of the lack of permissions.
π§ Decision through ADB (rootless):
- Install ADB Tools on your PC.
- Connect your phone via USB, enable debugging via USB (Settings β For developers).
- Enter the commands: adb shell pm grant com.google.android.GCam android.permission.CAMERA adb shell pm grant com.google.android.GCam android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO adb shell pm grant com.google.android.GCam android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE
β οΈ Attention: After update MIUI Permissions are reset. Repeat the procedure after each major update.
1. USB debugging enabled
2. Xiaomi drivers installed on PC
3. the phone is connected in the "File Transfer" mode
4. ADB launched on behalf of the administrator-->
5.Firmware problems: MIUI bugs interfering with GCam
Some versions of MIUI contain critical bugs that cause GCam to crash when:
- πΈ Use of Portait Mode (Portrait Mode).
- π Activation of Night Sight (Night Mode).
- π Switching between cameras (main) β frontal).
π List of "problem" versions MIUI:
| Model | MIUI version | Problem. | Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | 12.5.4β12.5.7 | Departure while filming in RAW | Reverse to 12.5.3 or upgrade to 13.0.4 |
| POCO X3 Pro | 13.0.2β13.0.5 | Black screen in GCam | Install the patch libpatchelf.so |
| Redmi K40 | 12.5.10β12.5.12 | Camera API2 not supported | Enable Camera2API with Manual Camera Compatibility |
π How to fix it?
- Reverse to stable version of MIUI: Download the firmware from the official website (choose version 1-2 builds older than the current one). Install through System Update β Select firmware file.
- Custom core installation (for advanced): Unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool. Install the FrancoKernel or Perseus kernel (supports Camera2API at full speed).
π‘
If youβre not ready to roll back firmware or install custom software, try a temporary solution: use GCam in Safe Mode (hold the power button β Safe Mode), where MIUI disables some of the background services, which can prevent departures.
6. Hardware restrictions: when the "iron" is to blame
On cheap Redmi models (such as the Redmi 9C or POCO C31), the GCam can be taken off because of:
- π Weak processor (Helio) G35/G25 slug-in HDR+).
- πΈ Lack of support Camera2API (need for manual shuttering settings/ISO).
- π Overheating (temperature trottling kills processes).
π§ How to check hardware compatibility?
- Install Manual Camera Compatibility from Play Market.
- If the test results are opposite HARDWARE_LEVEL worth LEGACY β Your phone doesnβt support GCam.
π Solutions for weak devices:
- π Use the GCam with the switched off. HDR+ (Settings β HDR+ Control β Off).
- βοΈ Install a cooling stand or limit performance through Game Turbo.
- π Try alternatives: Open Camera or Footage (less hardware-intensive).
7.Conflict with Magisk and root rights
If you use Magisk or other modules to get root, GCam may crash because of:
- π‘ SafetyNet (Google blocks the camera on rooted devices).
- π§ Incompatible Magisk modules (e.g. Xiaomi.eu or Xiaomi) ViPER4Android).
- π SELinux (Permissive mode instead of Enforcing).
π§ How to fix it:
- Check SafetyNet status: Install SafetyNet Test from Play Market. If FAIL status, install MagiskHide Props Config and activate root hiding for GCam.
- Disable conflicting modules: Magisk β Modules β Disable all modules associated with the camera or sound (for example, Audio Modification Library).
- Return SELinux to Enforcing Mode: Open Terminal in Magisk and type: su setenforce 1
π‘
If you use custom firmware (like Pixel Experience), the problem may be that there are no camera drivers. Install ANX Camera or GCam Go β they are better adapted for informal builds.