Are you looking to enhance your Android smartphone photography with Google Camera (GCam) but facing issues? This ultimate GCam FAQ & troubleshooting guide covers installation tips, common errors, hidden features, and fixes to help you get the best results.
GCam FAQs & Troubleshooting Guide:
Which GCam Version Should I Use?
Best practice: Use the latest stable GCam port for your Android version.
- Android 10+? Try GCam 8.x for best compatibility.
- Older devices? GCam 7.x or 6.x may work better.
- Low-end phones? Use GCam Go (lightweight version).
Warning: Some ports are phone-specific (e.g., OnePlus/Samsung optimizations).
Before download or install check package names (e.g., org.codeaurora.snapcam for OnePlus).
How to Install GCam?
- Download a GCam APK from trusted sources. (e.g., gcamapk.net).
- After that, Enable “Unknown Sources” in settings.
- Install & Open the app. If it fails then use the following:
- Clear old GCam data.
- Try a different APK version.
Download for Specific Phone Brands
- GCam for Infinix Phones
- GCam for IQOO Phones
- Gcam for Nothing Phone
- GCam for Xiaomi Phones
- GCam for Oppo Phones
- GCam for Realme Phones
- GCam for Samsung Phones
- GCam for Xiaomi Phones
Face “App Not Installed” Error?
- Your phone may not support Camera2 API.
- Try a modded APK or GCam Go.
Fix GCam Crashes & Errors
Here are some quick fixes you can use to fix any of the following issues with your Gcam app.
1. App Crashes on Launch
Possible causes:
- Camera2 API disabled → Use Camera2 API Probe app to check.
- Incompatible hardware → Try GCam Go or older ports.
- Corrupted APK → Reinstall with a fresh download.
2. GCam Crashes After Taking Photos
Quick fixes:
- Disable Motion Photos (buggy on many Android phones).
- Lower HDR+ frame count (Settings → HDR+ Parameters → Set to 8-12).
- Disable Sabre (if photos turn black/white).
3. Can’t View Photos/Videos in GCam
Solution: Install Google Photos (required for gallery access).
HDR Modes & Astrophotography Fixes
If you face HDR mode or Astrophotography issues with your Gcam, then first let me explain about the HDR+ mode.
What is HDR+ Modes
| Mode | Performance | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| HDR Off | Fastest | Well-lit scenes |
| HDR+ On | Balanced | Everyday photos |
| HDR+ Enhanced | Slower | Best dynamic range |
Stuck in HDR Processing?
- Disable battery optimization for GCam.
- Use GCam 7+ on Android 10+.
How to Fix Astrophotography Not Working?
Requirements:
- Night Sight enabled + phone kept still (tripod recommended).
- GCam 7+ is needed for best results.
Slow Motion & Video Fixes
Why isn’t slow-mo working?
- Broken in GCam 5 → Use GCam 6+.
- Limited support → Try Open Camera as an alternative.
Video Bitrate Settings
- Higher bitrate = better quality but larger files.
- Default (auto) works best for most users.
Advanced GCam Settings:
What is “Sabre”?
The Sabre is Google’s super-resolution algorithm for sharper zoom/night shots. It Works with RAW10 and depends on some sensors.
What is “Lib Patcher”?
The Lib Patcher is a simple tool to manually adjust noise, colors, and sharpness and make crisp and enhanced photography.
What is “Hexagon DSP”?
The Hexagon DSP is used to improve processing speed on Qualcomm-based Android smartphones and tablets (enable if supported).
Differences Between GCam 5, 6, 7, 8
| Version | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| GCam 5 | Basic HDR+ | Older phones |
| GCam 6 | Night Sight | Mid-range devices |
| GCam 7 | Astrophotography | Flagships (2019+) |
| GCam 8 | HDRnet, Better AI | Latest Androids |
What is Shasta?
The shasta is a Low-Light Secret feature that kicks out the bad green noise while keeping the good light and improving the astrophotography and you’ll see less of that “alien planet” look in your shots.
What is PseudoCT?
It’s a toggle that basically balances the white color and helps warm things up (or cool them down). No science degree is needed – just flip it and see what looks best.
Difference between Google AWB vs Pixel AWB?
- Google AWB: It is designed to guess what colors should look like
- Pixel AWB: It mimics that sweet Pixel color magic. But the Pixel 3 AWB makes skin tones pop, but can turn sunsets into neon.
How to use GCam Without Google Gapps?
Got a Huawei? Yeah, Google’s not invited to that party. But here’s the jailbreak-style workaround:
- Install microG (think of it as Google’s stunt double)
- Download a “Gcam Services Provider” APK
- Cross your fingers and pray to the modding gods
Fair warning: This is like making a Tesla run on coconut water – might work, might explode.
How to Fix Weird Photos?
Hot Pixel Correction
Those random red/white dots in your photos? Your sensor’s throwing a pixel rave. This feature turns down the party.
Lens Shading:
If your photos look like they’re in a tunnel (dark edges, bright center), this is your fix. Unless you’re going for that “artsy” look – then lean into it.
Black Level:
Green photos making everyone look sick? Black level adjustments are your medicine. Pro tip: If you see “Crimson Red” in settings, that’s your ticket to fixing OnePlus’s pink screen curse.
Processor Tips
What is Hexagon DSP?
The Hexagon DSP turns your Snapdragon into a photo-processing beast. However, If your phone starts lagging, try the “NoHex” version to fix the lag.
What is Buffer Fix:
The buffer fix is used to add a shutter delay. Choose your options wisely:
- Smooth preview but double-click to shoot
- Laggy viewfinder but instant captures
My pick: Live with the lag – missed moments suck worse.
GCAM Pro Mode
HDR+ Parameters:
You can set up to 36 frames for HDR. Sounds cool until your phone takes 30 seconds to process one photo. Sweet spot? 9 frames for people, 15 for landscapes.
Portrait Mode vs Lens Blur
- Lens Blur: Old school, works great on objects, terrible with hair
- Portrait Mode: New hotness, better edges but can oversoften
Fun experiment: Try both on your dog and watch the chaos.
Video Bitrate: Quality vs Storage
Higher bitrate = better quality = your 128GB phone crying. Unless you’re Spielberg, leave it on auto. Wikipedia guide
Glitches & Fixes
How to fix Green/Pink Photos?
- Go to Settings > Developer options
- Change “Model” to Nexus 5X
- If still broken, try Pixel 3
- Still broken? Your phone might be haunted
How to fix Missing Photos
If you can’t find your GCam photos, you can use the following fixes:
- Stop using shared folders (they’re cursed)
- Check if your “cleaner” app is being overzealous
- Sacrifice an old SD card to the tech gods
How to fix Mirror Selfies
In GCam 7+:
Settings > Advanced > Mirror selfies
Warning: May reveal your bad bathroom lighting choices (Joking)
Why Would You Even Need This?
DCI-P3:
Makes reds pop like they’re on steroids. Great for Instagram, terrible for accurate skin tones. Choose wisely.
instant_aec:
Three options:
0 – Off
1 – “Aggressive” (whatever that means)
2 – “Fast” (but sometimes broken)
More you can read on Wikipedia page
My advice? Set it to 2 and forget it exists
How to Save & Load GCam Settings (XML Files)
- Save Your Settings:
- Open GCam → Tap empty space near the shutter button → “Save”
- Give it a name (e.g., “MyPerfectSettings”) → Saves as
.xml
- Load Saved Settings:
- Double-tap the same empty space → Choose your
.xmlfile - GCam restarts with your settings applied
- Double-tap the same empty space → Choose your
Tip: Backup your .xml files to Google Drive—if GCam updates or crashes, you won’t lose your tweaks!
Need More Help?
Still, facing issues using Gcam app or want to troubleshooting any other issues, then you can use XDA, or our Telegram group, Follow the log guide to fix and report the issue.
- XDA Developers Forum → Phone-specific fixes.
- Telegram GCam Groups → Real-time support.
- Error Logs Guide → How to Report Bugs.
Pro Tip: Bookmark this guide for quick GCAM troubleshooting!