The camera software GCam on Google phones is highly appreciated by its users. The Google app has all kinds of handy gadgets that ensure the most beautiful photos. But how do you get that camera installed on other Android smartphones?
Before you start downloading the apk file right away, it's a good idea to check some things first. For example, you need to know whether your phone supports Camera2API. The camera app will not work without this underlying program. On some devices, the api is already activated. You can check that by downloading the Camera2 API Probe app from the Google Play Store. After installing and opening, you give the necessary permissions and you can immediately check what's going on. Is there a checkmark next to Full or Level_3? Then you know for sure that your phone supports the app.
Camera2API is not running
But what if that's not the case? Fortunately, there is a solution available. However, you need some technical knowledge for this as you need to root the Android phone. When you root an Android, you get access to the deepest files of the operating system. But you can also do a lot of damage there, so only do this if you know what you're doing. If you have root access, install the BuildProp Editor app. Once you have done that, you must again grant the permissions that the app asks for.
Then you have to modify the build.prop file by pasting the following sentence at the very bottom (you can copy this): persist.camera.HAL3.enabled=1. Now save the file and reboot the device. You can also choose to arrange this via the Magisk Module. Download the Camera2API enabler from XDA Developers and install the package via the Magisk Manager. This way you can activate the necessary api, without having to manually root in the system files. However, no guarantee of operation is given.
Install GCam
Now comes the tricky part. The apk file of Gcam, or Google Camera, does not just work on every phone. On this website you will see a list of available ports. When it comes from Arnova8G2, it's usually fine – the community agrees that this modder delivers good quality. Basically it takes quite a bit of trial and error to see exactly which installation file works, so don't give up if it doesn't go right the first time.
