Google Pixel 2's Camera Fails Miserably Under LED Lighting

How to Install Google Camera Mod on Any Android Phone

Smartphone cameras have come a long way over the last few years, and even budget phones these days have cameras that are pretty good. You can capture some likable pictures with a sub-Rs 15,000 smartphone today. However, if you are using phones other than the Google Pixel smartphones, which have been touted to have the best smartphone camera by many, you would have noticed that picture quality on other smartphones (even some flagships) isn’t even as comparable. Fortunately, the image quality can be vastly improved by using a different camera app than the default one which comes baked into the device. Yeah, I’m talking about the Google Camera Mod (better known as GCam Mod or GCam port) that’s quite often talked about and does, in fact, make a noticeable difference to the image output of your smartphone camera.

So, if you’re wondering how to install the GCam Mod on your Android smartphone, we have you covered with this in-depth guide.

Pre-Requisites

Before you can install the GCam Mod on your phone, there are a couple of things you need to check:

  • Support for Camera2 API (we’ll talk about Camera2 API later in this article).
  • If Camera2 API is not supported, you’ll need to enable it on your phone (we’ll discuss that later as well).
  • GCam Mod APK (you guessed it, we’ll discuss that later, too)
  • You’ll also need patience.

What Exactly is Camera2 API?

Camera2 API is a framework that allows developers to obtain access to granular camera controls such as exposure, focus, or ISO, which they can then bake into their third-party apps in the form of advanced features to offer Android users an improved picture-taking experience. This API is a successor to Android’s original camera API and utilizes a pipeline model, permitting developers to gain direct access to camera hardware.

The third-party developers can use the Camera2 API to enable full manual control over your phone’s sensor, lens, and flash to provide better frame rates (30 fps burst mode), RAW capture support, HDR+ controls and other smart features. Google Camera utilizes some complex algorithms and AI functions in its app to capture some stunning photos. Here are all the camera controls that Camera2 API offers:

Well, I hate to break it to you, but the Camera2 API was originally introduced four years ago at Google I/O 2014 alongside the debut of Android 5.0 Lollipop. It’s been quite long since the Camera2 API made its debut but not all phone makers, even today, have implemented the same on their devices.

Many flagship and mid-range smartphones now do come baked with the Camera2 API, however, it’s not necessary that it’s enabled by default. Some phone makers are using some Camera2 API capabilities to offer manual controls, filters support, and other nifty features to users but the complete support is still missing on a large section of phones.

In case you’re wondering if your Android phone supports the Camera2 API or not, then here’s a nifty method to check the same:

How to Check if Your Phone Supports Camera2 API

To see whether any of your Android smartphones support the Camera2 API, you simply need to install the Camera2 API Probe app (Free) from the Play Store. Simply install the app and launch it.

Camera2 Probe results for ZenFone Max Pro M1 (left) and Nokia 7 Plus (right)

As you can see in the screenshot above, the Camera2 API Probe app lists the “Hardware Support Level” for both the rear and front cameras with the Camera ID being 0 and 1 respectively. It shows information about the Camera2 API capabilities which are supported by your Android smartphone and here’s the meaning for each of the camera levels:

  • LEGACY: These Android phones support only Camera1 API. No Camera2 API features are made available here.
  • LIMITED: These phones support some, but not all, Camera2 API capabilities.
  • FULL: These phones (including the Poco F1) support all of the major capabilities of the Camera2 API.
  • LEVEL_3: These devices support YUV reprocessing and RAW image capture, along with additional output stream configurations.

This means the ZenFone Max Pro M1 does not include Camera2 API support and support for the same will need to be enabled before installing the Google Camera Mod, whereas Nokia 7 Plus is ‘Level_3 compliant’ and the modded camera app can directly be installed on this smartphone.

How to Enable Camera2 API

If your phone has the Camera2 API enabled, you’re pretty much set. However, if your phone doesn’t support the Camera2 API, don’t worry, because you can enable Camera2 API on your own by rooting your device, and editing the “build.prop” file on your phone, or using Magisk to enable Camera2 API. Whichever way you choose is up to you, and we’ll explain both the processes to some extent here itself.

Note: Rooting an Android device isn’t a very difficult task, but it is very device dependent which is why it’s not feasible to explain it in detail here. We’d recommend you to head over to XDA and search for rooting guides for your smartphone for a detailed, step-by-step tutorial.

Editing build.prop

If you want to edit the build.prop and not use the Magisk module, all you need to do is download the BuildProp Editor app (free).

  • Launch the app, and give it root permissions. Then, tap on the edit icon.

  • At the end of the build.prop file, enter the following line, and then tap on the save icon.
persist.camera.HAL3.enabled=1

  • Simply restart your phone, and the Camera2 API should be enabled now.

Using a Magisk Module

There’s a Magisk Module that you can also use to enable Camera2 API on your phone. The module, called ‘Camera2API enabler‘ is available via XDA, and you can simply install it on your phone using the Magisk Manager, and it’ll enable the Camera2 API for you.

How to Install Google Camera Mod on Your Android Phone

Once you’ve enabled the Camera2 API on your phone, or if you’ve skipped all those things because your phone already has the Camera2 API enabled, you just have to install the Google Camera Mod on your phone.

Choosing the mod perfect for your phone is a little bit of a trial and error kind of deal, but you can head over to this website and check out the available Google Camera mods for your phone. For the most part, if developers like Arnova8G2 are developing a mod for your phone, it should be the best one out there.

Note: If you’re unable to figure out the best Google Camera Mod for your phone, just comment down below, and we’ll guide you personally.

1. Realme

2. Xiaomi

3. Asus

4. Nokia

5. OnePlus

6. Samsung

  • Samsung Galaxy A71 (Download)
  • Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite (Download)
  • Galaxy S9, S9+, S10, S10+ Exynos variant (download)
  • Galaxy S8 Series Exynos variant (Download)
  • Galaxy Note 10, Note 10+ Exynos Variant (Download, you can try this GCam APK for other Exynos-based devices as well)
  • Galaxy Note 9 Exynos variant (Download)
  • Galaxy S10, S10+ Snapdragon Variant (Download)
  • Galaxy Note 10, Note 10+ Snapdragon Variant (Download)

7. Motorola

8. Others

What Difference Does the GCam Mod Make?

If you’re wondering what difference the Google Camera Mod can make, we have a video on smartphone photography tips where we show how the Google Camera Mod can improve your phone’s picture quality. Plus, it’ll bring features like Night Sight to your phone as well, depending on whether or not the developer has implemented those features yet.

Take Better Pictures with Google Camera on Any Android Phone

So that ends our guide on how to install the Google Camera mod on any Android phone. Hopefully, you were able to get the Google Camera mod running on your phone without too much of a hassle. However, if you run into any problems, just comment down below and we’ll try to help you out for sure.

683 Comments

  1. I have a Oppo A15 cph2185 that is rated full and level 3. It runs on Android 10. Which download should I use. I will be thankful for a reply

  2. Hi I am using Infinix note 10 the camera2api is full but gcam does not work I have tried many mods but none of them worked they just force close maybe you can suggest me a mod which will work on my phone.
    Thanks.

  3. Hey
    I’m using mi 10i which is level 3 enabled.
    But while installing gcam it says ‘app not installed’
    Please help

  4. Hi, which Google Camera apk for Umidigi Bison is available, please let me know.

  5. I have a Blackview BV9900 pro with FLIR. About to root my phone and id like to put gcam mod on it. It says it is full camera2api compliant. Which mod should i get?

  6. Please suggest gcam for nokia 8 Sirocco. I had tried many versions of gcam but none of them works.

  7. My mobile was poco x3 … So give me the link of gcam for poco x3
    And is it support camera 2api

  8. Hello ! Thanks for the vert usefull article, can you help me install this wonder on my Xiaomi 10 note lite please ? Many thanks ?

  9. Hi bro can you please give me the link for Moto g9 GCam for Android 10 , I have tried a lot but nothing worked

  10. ?Sir gcam for realme 3 is not working properly.i download configuration file with it and placed in required folder. But the camera lag an when ever I click photo camera stops. Can you provide another working link(trustable)?

  11. Please get me the link for Samsung Galaxy A21s.??????pleaseeeeeee…………………….

  12. i did all of the steps befor i check if they had ot for samsung A50
    someone show me the best version for the Samsung A50 sm-a505f tnk y <3

  13. I coundnt find a compatible gcam mod for my vivo phone model- vivo y20. Which supports level 3 support of camera2api

  14. Hello!
    Congratulations for all the efforts you have put together!!
    By the way, I own a very newly launched Redmi 9 Prime phone with MIUI 11, Android 10 support.
    But despite all my efforts put together, I’m not being able to find my device listed on any site providing GCam ports.
    I’m, hence, a bit confused as to which mod link would be appropriate for my device!!
    Please, help me ASAP in deciding the full compatible version of the app.
    Ardently looking forward to your response to make my decision!!
    Thank you ever so much!

    Regards,

  15. Can you please show me how to enable Camera 2 on a Huawei P30 lite so that it can take pictures in .dng / RAW mode ?

  16. Beebom bro ,
    I’m using asus 6z , android 10 , updated up to date , can you please help me out to figure it out. I don’t understand what is correct version . Plz help me out .

  17. Can you guide me how to install one on my Tecno camon 15 pro ? It has a tick on full which means it supports it

  18. I have moto g6 pls help me get gcam 7.3 with all features…I have camera2api level3 unlocked… running Android 9

  19. Vivo S1 just got it’s Android 10 update and with this I have Camera2API Level_3 support but I’m not able to find the right gcam Version for it… Send Hlp

  20. Bro i need gcam for vivo y11. if not mode i am okay with normal gcam
    Which is LeVel 3
    Android Pie 9

  21. I have moto z force 3 having snspdragon 835. Which G cam app update i can install in my phone. Camera2 Api is level3 for bothe front and rear camera.

  22. persist.camera.HAL3.enabled=1

    I don’t find this line on Build probe editor. Can you please help me to find it and install gcam on my redmi note 4..?

  23. I Couldnt find a great GCam Mod for my Galaxy Note Fan Edition. (It has the same hardware as the S7/S7 Edg)

  24. I can’t find oppo f15 gcam on xda site. please help me to find the version of gcam which supports in oppo f15

  25. Hi, I am currently using the OnePlus Nord. Can you guys please help me on how to get the best Google Camera Mod for my device. I watch each and every video of Beebom on Youtube since 2017. I really love your content. Keep Growing. Also do reply to me.

  26. Please suggest installation procedures for Samsung A31, its hardware support level is “Limited ” and google camera mod is still unavailable

  27. please give instructions how top download app after clicking download button
    When I download apk
    it says parsing error
    and what is configs .xml

  28. Sir i love your youtube vedios and i want u to make a vedio on gcam mod for mediatek power phone. I am realme 6 user. Pretty ok with my phone i was searching for a gcam mod but i was unable yo find one even after continuos search for 4months. Recently i stumble upon ur website so i ask u to figure me out the best gcam mod for realme 6.
    Hope u wouldn’t disappoint me.
    Thank You.

  29. In my redmi note 7 pro g cams video mode is not working when I switch to video mode app get struck and take me to out of app

  30. hello beebon team, i am vinaypartap singh and i have just bought samsung a51 and have searched in many websites and videos bu i am not able to find mode for my device……..can you please help me and also want to ask that by rooting will my device be affected in any ways..thanks for your precious time

  31. Can u please please please! help me find a good gcam mod for my REALME X3 …..i’ve been trying to to do forthe past one week with with results as such ……I checked out your website it as indeed quite helpful and it would be really appreciated if u could help me out here ✌️

  32. Hello
    Please suggest a good mod for nokia 3.2 (android 10) with hardware support level -level 3 (as mentioned in camera 2 probe)

  33. Please suggest a good gcam for asus zenfone max pro m1[pie]. the link given above is not showing any app and just opens the website.

  34. Your comment is awaiting moderation
    Hi, My mobile is Redmi 8. I’ve checked cam2api status which is lvl 3 on my mobile. So i directly installed the version which is recommended above for my device. But when I’m launching the app it was failing after opening and Saying that ” camera keeps stopping , Send a report to mi analysis ” like that. Can u please help me out ?.

  35. Hi, My mobile is Redmi 8. I’ve checked cam2api status which is lvl 3 on my mobile. So i directly installed the version which is recommended above for my device. But when I’m launching the app it was failing after opening and Saying that ” camera keeps stopping , Send a report to mi analysis ” like that. Can u please help me out ?.

  36. Thanks a lot for this information. After downloading Camera 2 probe, I found out that my phone (Oppo A31) supports it (“FULL”) .

    Please how do I download GCam Mod for my Oppo A31?

  37. Sir Please give me the link for Motorola One Fusion plus. I’m unable to find the right apk.

  38. I have a vivo y19. Shitty camera I know but I’m stuck with this phone. Which of the mods am I supposed to download?

  39. I can’t download it on my oppo f11 pro. The hardware congi wala “full” but still I’m unable to download it. What should I do?

  40. My phone is Infinix Note 7, running on Android 10. Please what best Google Camera Mod can I use? Thank you.

  41. Hello, what about Tecno Pouvoir 3 plus ? Can I install GCam in it? Because the Hardware support level for it is Full.

  42. What about the Smartron SRT phone which runs on stock Oreo 8? Would any the above mods be compatible?

  43. Hello, what about LG W30? Can I install GCam in it? Because Hardware support level for it is Full.

  44. Hello, I have an OPP RENO 2F smartphone which has a FULL hardware support for the CAMERA 2 API but I really can’t find the right GOOGLE CAMERA app for it.

    Can you please help me with that? I’d really appreciate it.

    Thanks in advance.

  45. I installed gcam in my realme 3 device but it doesn’t work properly specially while taking hdr+ enhance photoes . Please solve out this problem sir

  46. Ok masters i will need your guidance too.
    Device: Ulefone power 3 (cpu mtk p60)
    Tried goind the build.prop editor way, but it never asks me to grant root permission (maybe because device isnt rooted?) just storage permission. SO when i click sit in the app, it is a white screen, if i click the edit icon, i get ërror opening docment” and thats it.

    It has been a VERY long time for me since i rooted a device (it was android 4 back then…) and i was hoping to do this wthout rooting. But if that is the way, i can accept guidance.

    Thank u in advance for your service guys

    1. need to comment that 2 of the camera sensors are level 3 and the rest are full level, but havent been able to figure out which are which (both of them show support for 4k video and are the only 2 to show that, rest support 1080 video.)
      btw gcam app i downloaded for the specific device crashes on start, so i got entagled in this search for camera2api. If the crashing is not related and i am wasting my and your time, since it has level 3 support for some sensors please let me know, and i will just wait for a newer version or a different version.

  47. Please suggest a g cam mod for Samsung galuxy m30s am struggling a lot for finding a g cam for my phone…

  48. Using Realme 6
    Installed the version GCam_7.3.018_RN8P_Wyroczen_v2.apk as u suggested.
    But it’s not working, every time I take photo the app is getting closed and there is no photo in gallery.

  49. Hi Sir,
    Any ideas for Nexus 9 (Tegra K1 SoC) with Android Orea 8.1? It would be great to have a working GCam under 8.1

  50. Hey I am facing issues while taking selfies on my one plus 5t with Gcam
    Only Some pink lines comes after taking selfies and no any picture output.
    Please let me know how to fix it..
    I have not activated Camera2 API.
    My phone support level 3 for both front and rear cam.

    Thanks in advance…

    1. HDR + mode should be off while taking photos with front camera. Now front camera will work.

    1. My device is Umidigi Power 3 and i don’t know how to install this apps,because my device is not listed for the device can install this app.what can I do?

  51. Sir I am using Nokia 1 as its camera is very poor I am pleasing you to help me finding the best version.It is now currently running in Android PIE

  52. I have a Redmi Note 8 Pro and I did get it working but it’s always a bit laggy. Can you direct me to the best one?

  53. Greetings could you please help me for which google mod should I use? My phone is a Xiaomi Mi 9 Lite and I’m not sure which from the available ones are compatible for my phone, much thanks!

  54. HI PEOPLE AT BEEBOM BIG FAN!!!
    CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME OUT AS I AM LOOKING FOR A GCAM MOD FOR SAMSUNG A30 BUT TO NO SUCCESS. I HAVE TRIED OVER 50 APKS BUT NONE SEEM TO EVEN START!! CAMERA API2 IS SHOWING “LIMITED”. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME?

  55. Does samsung galaxy m31 support gcam (version 7)without rooting? __ I haven’t bought the phone yet .

  56. Hi! It’s so difficult to figure out which mod works for my Oppo F7. Camera2API is already enabled right out of the box. Please help!

  57. Redmi s2,, this phn didn’t support camera 2api.. But I rooted my phone and enabled camera 2api… Now I want a gcam for my device…

  58. I’m still working off of a OnePlus ONE!!! Lineage 16 working like a charm!
    Any chance of a gcam APK mod for the OnePlus one (bacon)?
    #OnePlus1 #OnePlusone

  59. I am searching for GCam for my Realme U1. I am really suffering alot for the search of perfect GCam for my phone. It will a great help if you help to find a perfect GCam for me. So I am kindly looking forward for your help. So please, please, please help me with this.

  60. Cant find a version for galaxy s10 exynos, after clicking the link on this website the process gets complicated as there are so many apk’s and dont know which to download

  61. I have a Redmi Note 5 Pro with Pixel Experience flashed(android 10).I tried many apks all of them keeps crashing.
    My camera2 api is enabled.
    Need some help.

  62. Hey…. I am using moto one power (android 10) the gcam version you suggested on you website isn’t working on my phone I tried it after restarting my phone as well but after 2-3 shots the app stops working can you please help me with it ?

  63. hi , I can’t seem to find the mod for Samsung Galaxy S10 Exynos !?
    On this article there is a link to my phone however it goes to all the mods on all the phone and I cant find the one for my phone. Could you please help me find it ?!

  64. Hi can anybody tell me how to install gcam mod in Samsung m30s.
    I just install it once but the app keeps crashing again and again.
    Guys please help

  65. Sir you haven’t talk on oneplus 2 I have oneplus 2 with havoc OS intalled please refer a gcam my camera2api probe shows FULL criteria . Therefore please refer a google camera for my device .

  66. Hey, guys I wanna know the best full feature packed gcam model for my vivo s1 pro and the camera2 API is of level 3. Please guide me.

  67. Hi Team,

    Currently I am using mobile model Real me X with updated Android version 10.
    I installed camera api2 probe app from playstore after installing it (Hardware support level shows FULL )option…I am really confused which link should to be use to download the G-cam app…if you can provide me
    the direct link to download the app i am really happy.

    I am looking forward for your reply earlier.

    Thanks,
    Athar Ajmal

  68. Hey can u help me figure out how can i install gcam on my Samsung galaxy A50. And also i didn’t get that how to enable camera2 api andi want gcam on my phone from the day i purhased it. Please tell me safer option than routing the device

  69. Which mod is best for oppo A5 2020.
    Could you even tell me about its camera 2 API please?

  70. Good day everyone, I checked my phone camera2Api through Camera probe and it hardware support level is on limited. Please I can’t find my phone model from the mod version. My phone model is Infinix X605 running on Android 10 version, please I need your assistance. Thanks very much.

  71. Hi everyone. Can anyone please provide me the link for Google camera for my moto one action smartphone. It has android 10 and till now I haven’t found the version compatible with it. It would be a great help guys pls..

    1. Hey Aman, why don’t you check out this Gcam mod (link here). I believe it should work on the Moto One Action but don’t forget to load the config file. All steps are listed in the link provided. Hope this was helpful 🙂

  72. Looking for mods for Samsung m30s, already tried all the above links but all them crashes as soon as I open the app

  73. Isn’t Realme X a popular phone….!!!!
    Then why isn’t there a link for Realme X….!!!!????????
    Please provide a gcam link for Realme X….!!!!
    Please!!!!….

  74. Latest GCAM Mod for Redmi 3S Prime(unlocked with Pixel experience ROM) where to find it?

  75. Hey guys, one of our phones is a Note20 Plus with a MTK6799 processor. Any idea which gcam mod would work with it?

  76. I will follow all steps but can’t open Google camera.
    My device is Asus Zenfone max pro M1.
    Give complete solution.

  77. I am using Honor 10 and haven’t been able to make any mods work. I would love to try Night Sight and astro mode if possible

  78. Hey team…
    I want the latest GCam mod application for Realme 5 Pro…
    It would be helpful if you could guide us.
    Thanks

  79. Hey team…
    I want the latest GCam mod application…
    It would be helpful if you could guide us.
    Thanks

  80. Please give the link of the best Gcam Mod for:
    1. Samsung Galaxy A7 (2016)
    2. Samsung Galaxy A50

  81. Hi beebom your videos are so informative

    However i need your help, can you provide me the link to install Google camera for my Asus Zenphone 6Z which i can click and it will directly downloaded to my phone.

  82. Beebom,
    Nokia 8.1
    I dont know which is. I downloaded one but it closes suddenly when it opens.

  83. Beebom,
    Nokia 8.1
    I dont know which is. I downloaded one but it closes suddenly closes when it opens.

  84. Hey beebom,
    I want g cam for Samsung a30 .It supports camera2api .please give the link to download the best g cam version

    Thank you.

  85. I have Nokia 6.1 and i was using gcam on my Android 9 but now i havr upgraded to Android 10 and it’s not working

  86. I want gcam mod for my Realme 5S, Andi am not able to figure it out which one will be good for my phone. I really need some help.

  87. My device is moto e6s and camera2API enabled. Does this device support support gcam. If support then please provide the download link . Thank you.

  88. After having pie update in Asus Zenfone max pro m1.. phone in not supporting gcam …. please give the solution …

  89. LG Q6+ running Android 8.1, arm v7a architecture… Please suggest me a suitable GCam Mod.

  90. Hi,iam installing Gaan mod on oneplus 5t but front cam selfies are not working..If any other link please provide

  91. Give me a perfect version of gcam for Nokia 6.1 (2018).
    I have been using everything for a while but crashes and even affects my phone ram

  92. Well, I have an honor 7c with me, it has the worst of the cameras and not manual settings, I was looking for some good mod apps and found your video on YouTube about Google Cam, could you please suggest me the best google cam mod for my honor 7c, i would be grateful, and thanks in advance guys, keep doing good work…

  93. I am using Moto E³ Power. I am not able to find the mod suitable for me. I used Magisk Module to enable the feature. So please help me with that.

  94. Hello dear,
    I think, This post is a Very Important. I am Very Interesting this your post. So I am waiting for your next post.
    Thank you.
    Rimi Khatun