If there is one good thing about the Android’s modding community, it has to be the developer’s constant hunt to port features of other flagships to most smartphones. One good thing that has happened to the community since the Google Pixel 2 launch is the Google Camera mod that a well-known developer Arnova ported to other smartphones that are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset. It brings out the full potential of smartphone’s camera by enabling features like HDR+, slow-motion, portrait mode which wouldn’t be available usually in the default camera.
The Arnova Google Camera mod is available to a range of smartphones including the budget segment. Thanks to this port, most of the users including myself have made it primary camera app. We have compared the pictures taken from the Google cam mod and the default camera app and have found a lot of difference in terms of color reproduction, details, and the overall, output itself felt better. In today’s article, we shall be taking a look at how you can install the Google Camera APK on Xiaomi devices. Do note that some models require root and bootloader unlock, so proceed only if you are fine with it. Let’s get started.
Here’s how you can install Google Camera APK on Xiaomi Devices
- Google Camera needs Camera2API to be enabled and this in some specific models needs root access.
- On your Xiaomi smartphone, enable OEM unlocking, for that tap the build number 7 times which will enable the developer options where you will find the OEM unlocking option.
- For root, you need to have unlocked the bootloader, for that you need to apply for permission. To apply permission, head over to MIUI.com/Unlock. Log in with the same account you used on your Xiaomi smartphone. Or either via Facebook, Google.
- After applying for the permission, you will have to wait for a message from Xiaomi. Once you get the permissions, download the unlock tool from here and unlock the phone.
- Once you have downloaded the unlock tool, you have to flash TWRP recovery so you can flash custom zips which is not possible through default recovery.
- Next, you need to root your Xiaomi device by flashing the Magisk manager or SuperUser zip file. Once you have unlocked the bootloader, rooted, flashed a custom recovery, you are all set to install the Google Camera APK. You can download the compatible version of Google camera APK from here.
- Once downloaded, just install it on your phone and now you will have to enable the Camera2API which you will have to do from TWRP recovery.
- Firstly, you need to download the Camera2API zip file which enables you to use the Gcam on your Xiaomi smartphone. Once downloaded, move it to phone’s internal memory.
- Now, boot your phone in the TWRP mode. To do this, turn off your phone and hold down the Volume Up + Power button for a few seconds. Now your phone will boot into TWRP recovery. From here, tap on the install button and select the Camera2API zip file which you have download before. Confirm the flash and wait for a couple of seconds.
- Once done, reboot the system. Now you will be able to use your Google Camera.
While flashing the Camera2API is one way to go, there is also another method to enable Camera2API on your Xiaomi Device
- Firstly, you still need to be rooted, bootloader unlocked. Download the BuildProp [Root] from the Play Store.
- Once it is installed, open the app and give it root permissions.
- The app will show you lines and lines of code and you will be able to see your build.prop file. At the very end of the code just add the following line “persist.camera.HAL3.enabled=1”
- Once done, save the settings and exit the app. As usual, install the Google camera APK, open it and start using it.
Conclusion: That’s it on you how you can install Google Camera on your Xiaomi smartphone. As for the GCam settings; we suggest you use it with following options: Enable BB-S-G MOD Settings, Model – Old Style Nexus (so the front can work with and without portrait mode), Portrait Mode Always Active. This is how simple the process of installing Google Camera APK on your smartphone and make your smartphone camera even better. So, do try this out and let us know what do you think about the picture quality, is it better than before or not.
