How to upgrade the camera Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: all ways + error solving

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T is still a popular smartphone among users who value the balance of price and functionality. However, over time, the camera device may start to work worse, with artifacts in the photo, autofocus slows down, shooting modes disappear, 90% of the time it is the fault of outdated software — and it can be updated independently.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to update the camera on the Redmi Note. 8T (codename willow: from standard update via MIUI You will also learn how to check the current version of the software, what to do if you make errors, and how to return factory settings if the update failed, EEA, Russia, China and versions MIUI 12–14.

We warn you that not all methods are equally safe, for example, installing custom firmware can lead to loss of warranty or locking the bootloader, and we recommend starting with the official methods and only if necessary, switching to alternative ones.

1. How to check the current version of the camera software

Before you update the camera, you need to understand which version of the software is installed now, which will help determine whether the update is available and which method to choose.

Do the following:

1. Open the Camera app on the Redmi Note 8T.
2. Put it on the gear. ⚙️ in the upper right corner to open the settings.
3. Scroll down and select About Program or Version.
4. Remember or take a picture of a line with the version (for example, MWKCamera_4.8.012.210513).

The camera version can also be found through the system settings:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
• 🔍 Tap 7 times on the line version MIUI, To activate the developer mode (if not already activated).
• 📝 Return to the main settings menu and open additionally → For developers → Camera version of software.

If your version of MIUI doesn't have a camera version, it's no problem. The main thing is that you know the version of MIUI (for example, MIUI Global 14.0.5), which will help you find the right update.

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If the camera settings do not have an “About Program” item, try opening Settings → Applications → Application Management → Camera → Version.

2. Official update via MIUI: the safest way

If your Redmi Note 8T is still supported by Xiaomi (and it is still supported!), the easiest way to update your camera is through a standard system update, which does not require unlocking the bootloader or resetting the settings.

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to a stable Wi-Fi network (update "over the air" can weigh up to 2 GB).
2. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
3. Slip the button to check for updates.
4. If you have an update, download it and install it. Importantly, don't turn off the power or manually restart the device during installation.

After the MIUI update, the camera will automatically update with other system applications, but sometimes the camera module will be updated separately, in this case:

• 📲 Go to Google Play. → My apps. → Updates.
• 🔎 Find it on the camera list. MIUI and update it.
• 🔄 If there is no update, clear the app cache (Settings) → Annexes → Camera. → Clear the cache).

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI the camera has become worse (for example, there was a noise in the photo), try to roll back to the previous version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Select the service pack. Download the old firmware from the Xiaomi Firmware site and select it manually.

Manually Update the camera's APK (without root)

If the official update didn’t work or there isn’t a new version of MIUI for your region yet, you can only update the camera app, which works without unlocking the bootloader and doesn’t require superuser rights.

You'll need:

• 📱 Smartphone Redmi Note 8T plug-in USB.
• 💻 Computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and program ADB.
• 🔗 APK-camera file for your version MIUI (You can download it from APKMirror).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the right one. APK-file (e.g, MWKCamera_4.8.012.210513.apk for MIUI 12).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command: adb install -r MWKCamera_4.8.012.210513.apk
3. If there is a mistake INSTALL_FAILED_INSUFFICIENT_STORAGE, Clean the camera cache and try again.
4. Reset the device.

If ADB is not connected, check:

• 🔌 Is debugging on-line USB (Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🖥️ Are Xiaomi drivers installed on PC (you can download from the official website).
• 🔄 Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).

Make sure the version APK compatible with yours MIUI|Download APK Only from trusted sources (APKMirror, Xiaomi Community)|Backup of camera data (photo/video in the gallery)|Charge your phone at least 50 times%-->

Update via TWRP (for advanced users)

If you have already unlocked the bootloader and installed custom recovery TWRP, You can update the camera through ZIP-This method allows you to install modified versions of the camera with additional features (for example, support for GCam).

What needs to be done:

1. Download. ZIP-File with camera firmware for Redmi Note 8T (search the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA).
2. Copy the file into the phone memory.
3. Boot to TWRP (clip Power + Volume up when turned on).
4. Choose Install. → Find it. ZIP-file → Swipe to confirm.
5. After installation, run Wipe cache/dalvik and restart.

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ You can install Google Camera (GCam) with improved processing HDR.
• ✅ Modified firmware with advanced settings (e.g. manual shutter speed up to 30 seconds) is available).
• ✅ You can revert to the old version if the new one is unstable.

⚠️ Note: Installation of unofficial firmware through TWRP It can cause data loss or blockage IMEI. Before the procedure, make a full backup through TWRP → Backup, including Boot, System and Data.

5.Install Google Camera (GCam) on Redmi Note 8T

Google Camera (GCam) is an alternative shooting app that often delivers better results than the standard MIUI camera. On the Redmi Note 8T, it works stably but requires proper tuning.

How to install GCam:

1. Download. APK-GCam file for willow (codename Redmi Note) 8T) from a verified source (e.g. Celso Azevedo).
2. Install APK as a regular application (allow installation from unknown sources).
3. Open GCam and import the config (.xml file) for the Redmi Note 8T.
4. In the GCam settings, turn on: 📸 HDR+ Enhanced (enhanced dynamic range). 🌙 Night Sight (Night Mode). 🔍 Auxiliary cameras (support for additional modules).

Comparison of the GCam and the standard MIUI camera:

If you get a "Device not supported" error after installing GCam, you've downloaded the wrong version. Redmi Note 8T is suitable for builds from Urnyx05 or BSG (look for versions for Snapdragon 665).

6 Solving problems after camera upgrade

Sometimes, after the camera is upgraded, it crashes, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

Problem 1: The camera gives an error "Can't connect to the camera."

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 🧹 Clear the cache and data of the camera app (Settings) → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the cache/data).
• 🔧 Install another version APK (Your current situation may not be compatible with yours. MIUI).

Problem 2: After the update, the shooting modes (for example, Pro or Night) disappeared.

• 📋 Check if they are hidden in the camera settings.
• 🔙 Reverse to the previous version of the camera (via the ADB or TWRP).
• 🔄 Reset the camera settings to factory (Settings) → Annexes → Camera. → Reset).

Problem 3: The camera is very hot or quickly drains the battery.

• 🔋 Close all background applications before shooting.
• 📵 Turn off mobile data and Wi-Fi while shooting (sometimes the camera conflicts with the communication module).
• 🔄 Install an older version of the camera (newer versions may not be optimized).

Problem 4: When you shoot a video, you get artifacts or green stripes.

• 🎥 Try changing the resolution of the video (for example, with the 4K on 1080p).
• 🔧 Enable stabilization in the camera settings.
• 🔄 Reinstall the camera firmware through TWRP.

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If after all the manipulations, the camera still doesn't work, check the hardware, maybe the plume or the camera module itself is damaged, in which case only the service center will help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about camera upgrades on Redmi Note 8T