How to Put a Different Camera on Xiaomi

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face intrusive system applications, especially the standard camera, which, despite many modes, often inferior to third-party counterparts in detail and the operation of algorithms. Users who have installed Google Camera or advanced manual cameras like Open Camera, find that when launched through a widget or voice command, the system still opens the “native” application.

The problem is that MIUI and HyperOS are deeply integrated, where system applications take precedence. Fortunately, there are several proven methods to redefine this priority. We'll look at both the standard customization tools and the more sophisticated ADB methods that are guaranteed to change the behavior of the system.

Before we get into the complex manipulations, it’s worth clarifying that not all methods work the same on different versions of the shell. On older versions of Android, it was just enough to select the application in the list, but modern versions of MIUI 12-14 require a more nuanced approach. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances so that you can choose the most suitable for your model.

Why Xiaomi is ignoring the chosen app

Android allows you to assign default apps for various actions, but manufacturers often hide this feature for their system utilities. In the case of the camera on Xiaomi, the logic of the work is built so that the system application has the highest priority, this is done so that the user is guaranteed to take a picture, even if the third-party application freezes.

But for enthusiasts, it becomes a barrier. When you press the camera button on a locked screen or use fast commands, the system turns to a standard handler. Even if you have installed GCam (Google Camera), it is often just an alternative, available only through a shortcut on the desktop.

⚠️ Warning: Attempts to remove the camera system app without proper preparation may result in the inability to use a fingerprint scanner to unlock or Face working ID, These functions are often tied to the camera system module.

In addition, HyperOS and MIUI are actively using their own battery optimizations that can force third-party cameras to close, returning you to a drain solution.

It’s also important to note that some third-party apps, especially Google Camera ports, may not properly register themselves as a full replacement if they are not signed with the right certificates or don’t have the necessary permissions.

Basic configuration through the system menu

The easiest and safest way to try to change priority is to use Android’s built-in settings.This method doesn’t work on all firmware versions, but it’s worth trying first, as it doesn’t require root rights or a computer connection.

To start, you need to go to the App Settings section. Find the Apps, then select All Apps. The top right corner of the screen often has a three-point menu where you want to select the default App option. If you don't have one, try searching for it by settings by typing in the default query.

In the list that opens, find the Camera category. If the system allows you to change your choice, you will be given a list of all the installed applications that can work with the camera.

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If the list of applications is empty or the selection is not saved, it means that the manufacturer has blocked this function at the system level, in which case, proceed to the following sections of the instructions.

Once you select, check the result. Press the lock button and try to launch the camera by double pressing the volume button or through the widget. If the selected program opens, the task is solved. If the standard camera starts again, then a deeper intervention is required.

Reset application settings for forced selection

Often, the system remembers the old choices and ignores the new settings, in which case a complete reset of preferences for all applications helps, and this action is safe: it will not delete your photos, contacts or data, but will reset all assigned actions by default.

Follow the following steps:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → All applications.
• 🔘 Click on the menu (three dots) in the upper right corner.
• 🔄 Select the item Reset application settings.
• ✅ Confirm the action in the window that appears.

After this procedure, when you first start any action, including opening a link or launching a camera, the system will ask you which app to use, at which point it is important to choose always (or "always use this app") for your new camera.

⚠️ Warning: After resetting, you will have to re-select default browser apps and messengers to open links. These are temporary inconveniences necessary to change the camera's priority.

This method is especially effective after major MIUI updates, where configuration files may have been corrupted or changed, and if that doesn’t work, then we’ll move on to more advanced techniques.

Using ADB to Change Priority (Advanced Method)

If the GUI doesn't work, the only reliable way is to use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which allows you to interact directly with system settings and force you to assign a batch name to the desired application.

To start, you will need a computer (Windows, macOS or Linux) and a USB cable. On the phone you need to activate the developer mode. To do this, go to About Phone and quickly press 7 times on the MIUI build number. Then in advanced settings, turn on Debugging over USB.

You need to know the exact name of the app package you want to make the primary. For a standard camera, it's usually com.android.camera, and for Google Camera, the name may differ, for example, com.google.android.apps.camera.one or com.google.android.GCamera. You can find out the exact name by looking at the app link on Google Play or through the analyzer apps on the phone itself.

The default command to change the application is as follows: Open the command line on your computer in the folder with ADB and type:

adb shell pm set-default-browser com.android.camera2 com.google.android.GCamera

However, for the camera, the command may differ depending on the Android version. A more versatile way is to use the command to reset and set preferences:

adb shell pm clear com.android.camera

This command clears the system camera's data and cache, which often forces the system to ask the app's choice again the next time it runs. Be careful: cleaning up the system camera's data will reset all of your filter and mode settings in the drain application.

Comparison of popular alternative cameras

Before you change your settings, make sure that the alternative you choose is really better suited to your tasks. Different applications use different image processing algorithms (ISPs), and what works on one sensor may not look good on another.

Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of popular photography apps on Android:

The most popular among Xiaomi owners is Google Camera in the form of ports. Developers create special configuration files (xml) that “train” Google algorithms to work correctly with the Sony or Samsung sensors installed in your phone.

When choosing an app, focus not only on marketing promises, but also on real-world photos taken on your CPU model. For example, Snapdragon processors have more ports available than MediaTek or Exynos.

Solving problems with running widgets and buttons

Even after all the settings, there can be a situation where a widget on the desktop or a button in the notification curtain continues to call the old application, which is due to the fact that widgets are often “sewn” to run a specific package, rather than the system action “take a photo”.

In these cases, it helps to create a substitute shortcut, so you can use a Shortcut Maker app or something like that, and it lets you create an icon on your desktop that will force the camera app you choose to run, mimicking the system widget.

• 🛠 Install an application to create shortcuts.
• 📸 Select your preferred camera (such as GCam).
• 🎨 Set up the icon and name to your liking.
• 📍 Place a new shortcut on the main screen.

It’s also worth checking your energy saving settings. Go to Apps → Find your camera → Saving charge and select No Limits. This will prevent the application from “sleeping down” by the system, which often leads to a long start or error.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use accelerators or memory "cleaners" immediately after installing a new camera. They may force the process to be terminated, and the next time the system starts, the system will again try to run a lighter system application.

If you use a third-party launcher (desktop shell), make sure it has permissions to manage widgets. In rare cases, it is the launcher that blocks the default change.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

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The most reliable way to get Xiaomi to use a different camera is by combining resetting app settings and, if necessary, forcing the system camera data to be cleared through ADB.