Why Google Camera is coming to Xiaomi: Reasons and working ways to solve it

Google Camera (GCam) has long been a cult among the owners of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO — improved photo processing, night mode and HDR+. But many users have a problem: the camera goes off immediately after launch, closes when shooting, or shows a camera error that says "Camera is not responding." What is the reason and how to fix it?

In this article, we will discuss 7 main causes of GCam crashes on Xiaomi devices, from conflicts with the users. MIUI You will learn how to diagnose the problem, which settings to check first, and which alternative versions of the GCam work consistently on popular models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro).+, Xiaomi 13T, POCO F5). We also collected a compatibility table and answers to frequent questions - from permissions to firmware.

Let me warn you right away: if you use unofficial GCam ports, the risk of crashes is higher — developers adapt the application to specific chipsets (Snapdragon, Mediatek, Dimensity), and not all versions are universal. But even on native builds, problems arise — and they can be solved.

1. Conflict with MIUI Camera: Why the system blocks GCam

The main reason for departures is embedded software MIUI The Chinese Xiaomi not only restricts access to third-party cameras. API cameras are for third-party applications, but also forcibly closes them if detects "suspicious activity:

• 🔍 Double-start camera: if MIUI Camera is already running in the background, GCam may not be able to access modules.
• 🛡️ Data protection MIUI: newer (MIUI 14+) Camera Protection is a new mechanism that blocks uncertified applications.
• 📱 Optimization for specific models: for example, on Xiaomi 12S Ultra GCam often flies due to conflict with proprietary algorithm Leica Authentic Look.

How do you check this? Run Task Manager (Settings) → Annexes → Application management) and forcibly close MIUI Camera before GCam opens. If the problem is gone, it's the application conflict.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) MIUI It automatically restarts the native camera in the background. To avoid this, turn off auto-start for the camera. MIUI Camera in battery settings.

Another nuance is permissions. GCam requires access to the camera, microphone, storage and background activity (to process the photo), if even one permission is not given, the application will fly.

1. Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Google Camera.
2. Slip the permissions and turn on all the switches.
3. In the section Additional activate Show over other windows.

2. Incompatibility with iron: chipset and drivers

GCam was originally developed for the Google Pixel, which uses Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets with closed camera drivers.

• 📱 Mediatek Helio/Dimensity (For example, Redmi Note 12 Helio G99).
• 📱 Snapdragon 7/8 series, for example, POCO F4 Snapdragon on Snapdragon 870).
• 📱 Hybrid solutions (e.g. Xiaomi Civi 3 with Dimensity 8200 Ultra).

The problem is that camera drivers for Mediatek are often not optimized for GCam, which leads to: crashes when switching between lenses (wide-angle / telephoto), artifacts in Night Sight mode or complete closure of the application when shooting video in the video. 4K.

The solution depends on the chipset:

If your model is not in the table, check the community XDA Developers — they often put custom GCam builds for specific devices. For example, for Xiaomi 13 Pro there is a special port with support for Leica lenses.

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Before installing GCam, check the model of your chipset in the app CPU-Z (This will help you find the right version.

3. Errors in GCam settings: what to turn off so that it does not fly out

Even if GCam starts, the wrong settings can cause crashes.

• 📸 Night Sight mode: on weak chipsets (for example, Snapdragon) 6xx) Prolonged photo processing leads to overheating and flight.
• 🎥 Videotaping in the video 4K/60fps: It requires powerful graphics processing that not all Xiaomi will pull.
• 🔄 Switching between cameras: if all available modules are enabled in the GCam settings (main) + telephoto + macro), the application may “hang".
• 📁 Retention in RAW: file-weight ~50MB and if memory is scarce, GCam closes with error.

How to set up GCam for stable operation?

1. Open the GCam settings (swipe down in the home screen).
2. In the Advanced section, disable: Save RAW files HDR+ Extended (if it is) Motion Photos
3. In Video, set permission 1080p/30fps (if 4K doesn't work).
4. In Camera, leave only the main module (turn off the telephoto/macro if they are glitching).

Disable saving RAW|

Set video resolution 1080p/30fps|

Leave only the main camera|

Turn off Motion Photos|

Update the config file for your model-->

If GCam still crashes after the changes, try resetting the application settings (Settings) → Annexes → Google Camera → Warehouse → Clear the data).

4.Firmware problems: MIUI, custom ROM android versions

Version. MIUI Android and Android have a direct impact on GCam stability:

• 📱 MIUI 14+: New restrictions for third-party cameras have been added (see Section 1).
• 🤖 Android 13/14: Changed camera access mechanism (more permissions needed).
• 🔧 Custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience): There may be no GCam drivers.

How do I check compatibility?

1. Find out MIUI version: Settings → About phone → MIUI version.
2. Check the compatibility table below.

If you have a custom firmware, check if it supports it. Camera2 API (You can find out this in the Manual Camera Compatibility app (available on the Play Market). API Disabled - GCam will not work.

5. Overheating and productivity limitations

Xiaomi is known for aggressive thermal throttling - when heated above 40°C system is forced to reduce performance, which leads to GCam flights:

• 🔥 Redmi Note Series (weak cooling system).
• 🔥 POCO F3/F4 (Snapdragon chipset 870/888 warms up).
• 🔥 Devices with Mediatek Dimensity (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T).

How to diagnose overheating?

1. Install CPU Monitor or AIDA64.
2. Start the GCam and monitor the temperature of the processor.
3. If the temperature is above 45°C - the problem of overheating.

Solutions:

• 🧊 Cooling: reduce screen brightness, close background apps, use a cooling stand.
• ⚙️ Limitation FPS: In GCam, install Limit. FPS to 30 (in the developer settings).
• 🔄 Reboot: If your phone overheats, let it cool for 10-15 minutes.

⚠️ Note: On certain devices (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) GCam departs due to restrictions MIUI To fix this, add the app to Settings. → Battery → Optimizing the battery → No restrictions.

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If the GCam is out in 5-10 minutes, 90 percent of the time it's overheating. Solution: Reduce the load (turn off). HDR+, Reduce video resolution or use external cooling.

6. conflict with Magisk, root and system modifications

If your Xiaomi is unlocked (Magisk installed, TWRP Or the custom core, GCam can fly out because of:

• 🛠️ Incorrect Magisk modules (for example, Camera2API Enabler for Unsoptimized Firmware).
• 🔐 No Hiding Root: GCam detects root and blocks startup.
• 📁 Modified system libraries (e.g. libcamera or libarcore).

How do you check?

1. Open Magisk and check the active modules.
2. Disable all modules associated with the camera (e.g. GCam Fix, Camera2API).
3. Restart your phone and start the GCam.

If the GCam is working after it's turned off, the problem is one of them. How do you find the culprit?

1. Turn on modules one at a time and test GCam.
2. If after activation of a specific module there are crashes - remove or update it.

If GCam detects root and does not start, you need to hide the root access:

1. Open Magisk. → Settings → Enable Zygisk and Enforce DenyList.
2. Add Google Camera to DenyList (Hidden List).
3. Reboot the phone.

7. GCam Alternatives: What to Use When Nothing Helps

If GCam is persistently flying out and the problem cannot be fixed, consider the alternatives:

• 📸 MIUI Camera Pro Mode: In New Versions MIUI Added manual settings (exposure, ISO, white-colour).

Comparison of alternatives:

If you want to return GCam, try the Xiaomi special builds:

• 📥 For Snapdragon: BSG GCam (versions 8.7–8.9).
• 📥 For Mediatek: LMC 8.4 with Mediatek Fix patch.
• 📥 For new flagships: GCam for Xiaomi 13/14.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions