Xiaomi phones pack incredible camera hardware for the price, but the stock MIUI camera tends to over-process. Skin looks waxy. Colors push too far. The fix is installing GCam on Xiaomi, and the difference is dramatic. Let me show you how, step by step.
You can absolutely do this. The setup takes about 10 minutes on any modern Redmi, POCO, or Mi phone. Here is the safe, simple process.
Contents
Step 1: Confirm Camera2 API on Your Xiaomi
Most Xiaomi phones from 2022 onward support Camera2 API Level 3 out of the box. Older Redmi 9 series and Note 8 models may need a manual tweak. Run our Camera2 API check guide to confirm.
Step 2: Download a Xiaomi-Friendly GCam Build
According to a 2024 GSMArena reader poll, Xiaomi is the third most common brand among GCam users worldwide. Almost every Redmi, POCO, and Mi phone has tested builds available.
For most users, BSG MGC 9.7.047 is the safest pick. Grab it from our GCam APK download page. The page is sorted by brand for easy picking.
Step 3: Enable Unknown Sources in MIUI
MIUI guards installs tightly. Open Settings, Privacy protection, Special permissions, Install unknown apps. Tap your browser and toggle “Allow.”
Skip this once and it haunts you. Do it once, GCam installs cleanly forever.
Step 4: Install the APK
Tap the APK in your Downloads folder. MIUI may show a “We detected this app might be risky” warning. Tap Install anyway. GCam APK is safe, just unfamiliar to MIUI’s scanner.
The install finishes in 10 seconds. You will see GCam or MGC in your app drawer.
Step 5: Load a Xiaomi-Tuned Config
Configs make GCam great. Search Celsoazevedo for a config matching your exact Redmi or POCO model. The “Shamim Xiaomi” config is a strong default for most builds. Save the XML to Internal Storage, GCam, Configs. Open GCam, double-tap next to the shutter, load it.
For tested config picks, see our Best GCam Config for Xiaomi guide.
If GCam Won’t Open
MIUI sometimes blocks camera permissions for sideloaded apps. Go to Settings, Apps, GCam, Permissions, and allow Camera, Microphone, and Storage. Also disable battery optimization for GCam to keep Night Sight stable.
You’re Ready to Shoot
Your Xiaomi just became a tiny computational photography lab. Once you have the basics, explore our full GCam install guide for advanced tips and our list of GCam features like Astrophotography. Worth every minute you spent setting it up.
