Owners of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro smartphone often face the desire to improve the quality of images, especially in low light conditions. The standard camera application provided by the manufacturer has a wide range of functionality, but the image processing algorithms from Google have established themselves as one of the best in the mobile photography market. That is why the question of how to put Google Camera on this device remains extremely relevant for enthusiasts of mobile photography.
The installation process is not trivial, as the official app is only available on Pixel devices. However, thanks to the development community, there are adapted ports that allow you to enjoy HDR+ and night mode on third-party gadgets. In this article, we will discuss all the steps in detail, from finding the right version to fine-tuning the parameters for your particular camera module.
It is worth noting that the success of the operation directly depends on the correct choice of the version. APK-File and configuration: An incorrectly selected application may simply not start or work in an unstable way, giving up errors when trying to take a picture. So follow the instructions carefully and check the compatibility of each component before installing it.
Why you should install a Google Camera port
The main reason for the popularity of the ported Google Camera lies in the processing algorithms HDR+. Unlike standard software, which often overdoes with noise cancellation or unnaturally saturates colors, Google algorithms create a balance between detail and naturalness. On the Samsung GW1 sensor installed in the Redmi Note 9 Pro, this gives a noticeable increase in quality in difficult light conditions.
In addition, device owners have access to Night Sight mode, which works wonders even without the optical stabilization available in older models. The smartphone takes a series of images with different exposures and combines them, pulling details from the shadows and not knocking out light, which is especially important for a budget segment where the physical size of the matrix is limited.
⚠️ Warning: Installing third-party software always carries minimal risks. APK-files only from trusted sources, such as official Telegram developer channels or like profile forums 4PDA, to avoid the introduction of malicious code.
Another advantage is the ability to manually adjust the parameters through XML-You can adapt the camera to your preferences by changing the sharpness, color reproduction, or focus behavior, and that makes your smartphone camera a more flexible tool for creativity.
Choosing the right APK for the Redmi Note 9 Pro
The most difficult step is finding a working version of the application. Since there is no official support, various developers create modifications that are tailored to specific processors and sensors. For the Redmi Note 9 Pro, based on the Snapdragon 720G chipset, not all builds are suitable.
The most stable ports are those from Hasli or BSG. These versions have been thoroughly tested on devices with a similar hardware platform. It is important to pay attention to the processor architecture — in this case, it is arm64-v8a, as well as the Android version installed on the smartphone.
- 📱 Android Version: Make sure the build you choose is compatible with your version MIUI (Android 10, 11 or 12).
- 📸 Sensor Support: Look for notes on sensor support 64MP specifically Samsung GW1.
- ⚙️ Stability: Prefer versions marked "Stable" while avoiding "Beta" if you need daily work without crashes.
Users are often confused about version numbering. APK-files with curtana device code (codename Redmi Note 9 Pro) or platform reference sm7125. This will significantly increase the chances of a successful launch.
Where to look for verified versions?
Preparation of the smartphone for installation
Before you start the installation, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps, which will protect your data and ensure the correct operation of the system after making changes, and first of all, it is recommended to back up important photos, although the installation process of GCam usually does not affect the gallery.
You also need to allow applications to be installed from unknown sources, and without this step, MIUI will block the APK installer from running, which is standard for any software that is not downloaded from the Google Play Store.
☑️ Checklist before installation
It is not superfluous to remove updates to the standard camera app or clear its data if you plan to use GCam as the main one. This will prevent conflicts when choosing the default application to open pictures. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps → Camera and select data cleanup.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Android version | 10.0 and higher | I'll be sure. |
| Free seat | 500MB | Preferably. |
| Resolving Unknown Sources | Included. | I'll be sure. |
| Battery charge | > 30% | Recommended |
Step-by-step instructions for installing Google Camera
After APK-You upload it to your device, find it in your File Manager, and it's usually in the Download or Download folder, and you click on the file, and the system will issue a security alert, and you can confirm your action by clicking "Still Install" or a similar button.
During the installation process, MIUI can ask multiple times for permission, which is the shell security mechanism, so you need to consistently allow the installation, you may need to enter a screen unlock password or a fingerprint to confirm.
⚠️ Warning: If the app closes immediately (flys out) when you launch, don't panic.This means the version is incompatible with your current firmware or camera drivers.
Once installed successfully, take your time to open the application. First, you need to implement the configuration file, which we will discuss below, without it, the camera may not work correctly using standard settings, which will negate all the advantages of the port.
💡
The key to successful installation is not easy. APK-file and correct bundle "Application version" + XML-Configuration" created specifically for the sensor of your smartphone.
Set-up and installation XML-configuration
XML-A file is a set of parameters that “explains” the application how to work correctly with a particular hardware Redmi Note 9 Pro. It contains data on focal lengths, auxiliary cameras (width, macro) and processing algorithms.
To set up the configuration, create a folder on the internal drive called GCam. Inside it, create another Configs7 folder (the number may vary depending on the version of GCam, often it is Configs or Configs8). Place the downloaded.xml file there.
To activate the settings:
- 🔌 Open the Google Camera app.
- 👆 Twice tap in the empty area next to the shutter button (or at the bottom of the screen).
- 📂 Select the configuration file from the list.
- ✅ The app will restart with new settings.
If double-pressing doesn't work, check if it's enabled in the GCam settings itself. Sometimes you need to manually specify the path to the folder when you first start, and the right configuration activates all the modules: main, wide-angle and macro.
Solving common problems and errors
One common problem is the black screen at startup or the inability to focus.This is often treated by clearing the app's cache through Android settings. Go to Settings → Applications → GCam → Memory and click Clear Cache.
Another common error is, "Com.google.android.GoogleCamera is not responding." This may indicate a conflict of versions. Try to completely uninstall the app, restart the smartphone and install the APK again, pre-deleting the old configuration files.
adb shell pm clear com.google.android.GoogleCameraThis command for ADB (Android Debug Bridge) allows you to completely clear the application data if you can’t do it through the settings menu, but for most users, a standard reinstallation is enough.
⚠️ Note: When using Night Sight, keep your phone as still as possible. 3-4 The algorithm takes a series of frames, and any jitter will lubricate the final image.
Users may also find that video is being shot without sound or jerking. In GCam's settings, look for the "Video" section and try changing the bittrade or frame rate. Sometimes switching the codec from H.265 to H.264 helps for better compatibility.