Google Camera for Mi A2/A2 Lite brings Pixel 3 camera features like Night Sight, Portrait Mode, and can also help you dramatically increase the camera quality. In this tutorial, we will guide you on how to enable Camera2 API on Xiaomi Mi A2/Mi A2 Lite without Root and install Google Camera Port on it. The method is tested on Android Pie, but should also work on Android Oreo.
In the past two years, Google Camera (GCam) Port from Pixel devices has gained immense popularity. But it is not just known for the amazing and latest features, it also enhances the camera quality and allows you to take great pictures, better than the stock camera app.
But in order to install Google Camera Port, you must first enable Camera2 API on your Xiaomi Mi A2/A2 Lite. Even though Xiaomi phones run stock Android, they still do not support Camera2 API officially. It’s easy to enable it when your phone is rooted, by editing the build.prop file.
But if your Mi A2 is not rooted, you will need to follow a different method. So, just follow the instructions below to first enable Camera2 API without root and then install Google Camera Port on Xiaomi Mi A2/A2 Lite.
In brief:
You will first need to boot a Magisk Patched Boot Image to temporarily root the phone. When that is done, you can easily use a Terminal Emulator app to enable Camera2 API on Xiaomi Mi A2/A2 Lite.
And finally, when the API is enabled, you can reboot your phone to unroot and install Google Camera Port. Using this method, you will still be able to take OTA updates without any issues.
Download Patched Boot Image
Here, we have provided Magisk Patched Boot Images for Mi A2 and Mi A2 Lite to temporarily root it. We have also provided stock boot images for the corresponding firmware, to help you unroot if you mistakenly flash the image.
Updated on 22 April 2019: Android Pie V10.0.8.0 Patched Boot and Stock Boot Images for Xiaomi Mi A2 are now available. It is patched with the latest Magisk v19.0 version.
Mi A2 (jasmine_sprout)
- V10.0.8.0.PDIMIXM (Thanks to XDA Senior Member ThaiDai):
- V10.0.7.0.PDIMIXM:
- V10.0.4.0.PDIMIXM (Huge thanks to XDA Senior Member minnuss!):
- V10.0.2.0.PDIMIFJ
Mi A2 Lite (daisy)
- V10.0.7.0.PDLMIXM:
- V10.0.4.0.PDLMIXM:
- V10.0.3.0.PDLMIXM:
- V10.0.2.0.PDLMIFJ Patched Boot Image: Link
- V10.0.1.0.PDLMIFJ:
Also read: Enable Camera2 API on Xiaomi Mi A1 running Android Pie
How to Enable Camera2 API on Xiaomi Mi A2/A2 Lite
In order to temporarily boot the patched boot image, you will need to install Android SDK Platform-Tools on the PC and unlock the phone’s bootloader first. Once done, follow the steps below to enable Camera2 API without Root:
- Download Patched Boot Image for your Mi A2/A2 Lite
- Copy the downloaded image file to the folder where the ADB/Fastboot binaries are present (e.g. C:/username/platform-tools)
- Hold the SHIFT key and right-click on an empty space inside the folder
- Select the ‘Open PowerShell window here’ option
- Power off your Xiaomi Mi A2/A2 Lite completely
- Now hold the Volume Down and Power buttons together to enter Fastboot Mode
- Connect your phone to the PC using the USB cable
- Enter the following command to temporarily boot the Magisk patched boot image on your Mi A2/Mi A2 Lite:
fastboot boot boot-image-filename.img
- Make sure to replace ‘boot-image-filename.img‘ with the actual filename. For example, if you’re on V10.0.7.0, the command should be:
fastboot boot patched_boot_V10.0.8.0_mi_a2_lite.img
- Just as the command is entered, your Mi A2/Mi A2 Lite should boot into the OS with temporary root
- Now, download and install Termux (Terminal Emulator) on your phone
- Once installed, launch Termux and enter the following command:
su
- Grant superuser permissions to Termux when prompted
- Finally, enable Camera2 API on Xiaomi Mi A2/A2 Lite by entering the following command:
setprop persist.camera.HAL3.enabled 1
setprop persist.vendor.camera.HAL3.enabled 1
setprop persist.camera.stats.test 5
setprop persist.vendor.camera.stats.test 5
Once the commands have executed successfully, reboot your phone to unroot completely. For further confirmation, you can also check Camera2 API support using an app. And finally, follow the next section to install Google Camera Port on Xiaomi Mi A2/A2 Lite.
Download and Install Google Camera Port
There’s no dedicated Google Camera Port, you can try different versions from here. However, after digging enough on XDA forums, I was able to find a version which is a port of Google Camera 6.1 from Pixel 3 by Tolyan009!
- Download Google Camera Port for Xiaomi Mi A2/A2 Lite:
- MGC_6.1.021_BSG_Arnova-based_v.1.3c_fix_TlnNeun.apk
- MGC_6.1.021_MI8_V2e.apk (Thanks Rae!)
- MGC_ver.6.1.021_Dise_v5.1.apk (Slow Motion recording works, thanks Ankit Nirwan!)
- Open a file manager app on the phone
- Navigate to the location where the APK file was downloaded
- Tap on the APK file to install Google Camera Port on Xiaomi Mi A2 and Mi A2 Lite
- Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the installation
- Once Google Camera has been installed, go to the app drawer and launch it
Below are some Recommended Settings to help you smoothly run Google Camera on your Mi A2 (Go to Settings > Advanced):
- Base:
- Interface Style: Pixel 3
- Config: Auto
- Back Camera: Pixel 3 XL
- Front Camera: Nexus 6P
- Libs: Stock by Eszdman v3
So, this was how you can enable Camera2 API on Xiaomi Mi A2/A2 Lite and install Google Camera Port on it. If you have any questions, please leave them down in the comments.
This Patched Boot V10.0.8.0.PDLMIXM for Mi A2 works in my version V10.0.8.0.PDiMIXM?
Hi Jonas. It was typo on my part. I have corrected the name now. It was actually PDIMIXM and not PDLMIXM. You can use it.
After enabling camera 2 api, I decided to delete Magisk Magisk and now my cell phone turns on the message “no command” I decided to load again the boot image that you left in the description and in effect starts the device but when restarting it appears again “no command” message, now how can I solve it?
*sorry my english is not well :c
Hi. Magisk will automatically be removed completely when you reboot your phone. There was no need to uninstall it from the app, in case you did that.
Tell me which device are you using, the Mi A2 or the Mi A2 Lite? Also, which software build is installed on it (Like V10.0.7.0, V10.0.8.0, V10.0.6.0, etc)?
i can not start with the patched boot image, I don’t know what i have do to fix it
C:\platform-tools>fastboot boot patched_boot_10.0.8.0_mi_a2.img
Sending ‘boot.img’ (29901 KB) OKAY [ 0.643s]
Booting FAILED (remote: ‘Flashing is not allowed in Lock State’)
fastboot: error: Command failed
Hi Gustavo. You must first unlock the phone’s bootloader in order to use this method. It was an error on my part to not mention it.
hello sir, can i seek for help. why does my power shell says fastboot not recognized? big thanks
Hi goody. You must first download and install Android platform-tools on the PC. The platform-tools include fastboot, adb, etc. You can follow our tutorial here.
Hello, today I have already updated my MI A2 to April Security Patch ,
so will the patched Boot Image of V10.0.7.0.PDLMIXM, work with my Build No. Version V10.0.8.0 PDIMIXM,
for enabling Camera 2 API.
Please Response.
Thanks.
Hi Prasenjit. Nope, always make sure to use the patched boot of the version installed on your phone. I have just updated the post with V10.0.8.0 patched boot image, kindly use that.
Hi Dhananjay, I have a Mi A2 Lite. I installed the sdk platform, made the connection with the pc, typted adb devices and it said that one device was connected. Then I went to the instructions:
5. Power off your Xiaomi Mi A2/A2 Lite completely : done
6. Now hold the Volume Down and Power buttons together to enter Fastboot Mode
Boot into Fastboot Mode : done ( I’m seeing the logo as in the picture in the instructions)
7. Connect your phone to the PC using the USB cable: I’m plugging in back the cable, but it doesn’t make a connection. When I type adb devices, I’m not getting a device attached.
any ideas? I’m working on a windows 10 PC
kind regards, Tom
I got a little further, I did a adb reboot bootloader and then it connected. I then did the fastboot boot patched……img and it said:
PS C:\adb> fastboot boot patched_boot_10.0.7.0_mi_a2_lite.img
downloading ‘boot.img’…
OKAY [ 0.736s]
booting…
OKAY [ 0.605s]
finished. total time: 1.346s
after that it restarted , but i lost everything, he installed completly from zero ( don’t know if this is normal or not?) I installed termux , and when i enter su it says: no such program found on this device. Termix does not supply tools for rooting….. what next? 🙂 kind regards, Tom
Hi Tom. Reboot your phone once. Then reboot it back into Fastboot and follow the procedure from start. Right after you enter the ‘fastboot boot’ command, your phone will boot temporarily with root. Go to the app drawer and check if Magisk Manager is present there or not (It might take a minute or two for it to appear in the app drawer).
Hello, I wonder if by using this method will it void my device’s warranty? I thank you in advance!
Hi Luis. When you unlock the bootloader and root your phone, your phone’s warranty is gone. But the best part about using an Android One device like Mi A2/A2 Lite is that you can always restore stock and re-lock the bootloader, in case of any warranty issues.
Hi
A big thanks to mr. Dhananjay
Yesterday i did it with this process, google camera working fine
I also find some other gcam port which is specific for MI A2
Slow motion feature also working in it
https://f.celsoazevedo.com/file/gcamera/MGC_ver.6.1.021_Dise_v5.1.apk
And today i got April security patch update 10.0.8.0,
All commands, links working fine
I did it without root, and with the help of your step by step guidelines
Thanks
Thanks
Thanks
Thanks
Hi again Ankit! Thanks for the kind words. I have updated the post with the version you shared, thanks for doing that, it will be helpful for several other readers.
Hi Ankit,
Can you please let me know if you used the 10.0.7.0 patched boot IMG for your april update.
Am a bit worried if it will cause any issues. Or is there a patched boot IMG for April update?
Thanks in advance
Hi Jeevan. Patched boot for the April update (V10.0.8.0) is now available for download, for the Mi A2 (jasmine_sprout).
what is the role of stock boot image file here?
since we are using only patched boot img file..
does it need to flash into stock boot img after all process?
Hi Ankit. I just provided them if the user accidentally flashes the patched boot image instead of booting it. Users often look for stock boot image in case of fully unrooting to take OTA updates etc.
There’s no one particular reason for me to share them, just thought it would be useful.
Oh, and no. You do not need to flash the stock boot image at all after following the instructions above.
Hi. I followed the process but i dont think the commands you’ve given for termex worked. I have superuser access and entered all 5, but it still shows legacy camera.
Hi Unmekh. I am pretty sure that the commands work, please give it a try again. Once you have successfully executed them, reboot your phone and then try installing a GCam port.
I solved the aforementioned problem by unlocking bootloader but when I start termux it doesn’t allow me to access super user
Hi. Are you certain that you launch Termux and enter the ‘su’ command when the phone is booted with the patched boot image?
The fastboot command is for temporarily booting the phone with root. After that, when you do a reboot, root will be gone.
hello, I followed your guide but when I type the command fastboot the process stops with this message: “FAILED (remote: unlock device to use this command). How can I solve? thanks
Most probably the bootloader is locked? Check the topic on Xiaomi, “Mi Devices Bootloader Unlocking Tutorial & Unlocking Tool”.
Correct. However, you wouldn’t need the Xiaomi Unlock Tool to do it. Since it’s an Android One device, unlocking the bootloader could easily be done using the ‘fastboot oem unlock’ command and is reversible as well.
Thanks, v1adimir for taking out the time and helping out other readers here.
Hyyy My Bro,,
I Was Succesfully Installed MGC_6.1.021_BSG_Arnova-based_v.1.3c_fix_TlnNeun.apk and Work On My MI A2..
But I Want Ask About 20 MP Rear Camera..
Why In My Device Only Work 12 MP??
In EXIF Data Only Show 4000 X 3000 Resolution..
Hi. That’s because of the Google Cam port you are using. Please give a try to one of the other GCams linked above.
I did the procedure to start with a patched boot image, and the phone does not start with the temporary root, I tried to install the magisk but it did not work, thanks again
Hi ,
Should i unlock the bootloader before following the above steps
Hi Anubhav. Yes, you will need to unlock the bootloader first. You can do that without losing data, but you’ll need to follow a specific set of instructions for that.
If data isn’t a concern, then you can unlock the bootloader and simply follow the process.
Can I lock the bootloader after that and keep camera2api enabled or it will be disabled?
It should still be enabled, however, I wouldn’t recommend re-locking until everything is completely stock.
I tried the above steps after unlocking my bootloader , but wheneven i try to send this command “fastboot boot patched_boot_10.0.7.0_mi_a2.img” the console just says: sending “boot.img” it doesn’t do anything
Hi Anubhav. As soon as you enter the command, does the phone boots into the OS with the patched boot image?
In case it doesn’t and the command prompt doesn’t move ahead, then I believe it’s a connection issue between the device and the PC. It could be the USB drivers, the cable, or the USB port on your PC itself.
Hi
Am I going to lose my data if I try to root my Mi A2 and install Gcam according to your instructions ?
Hi. You won’t lose your data if you use this method to root the phone and enable Camera2 API. However, you might lose it when unlocking the bootloader (Which is a requirement for this process).
You can unlock the bootloader without losing data if you want to know how then let me know.
Hello again,
What you mean that I can lose data during bootload ?
Could you give me instructions ?
I just want to enable Camera2 API and to install Gcam later, without loosing any data or OTA updates fro my device.
Thanks in advance!
Also another question,
Am I going to receive OTA updates after your procedure ?
Thanks
Hi. You will still be able to take OTA updates, so don’t worry about that. As for unlocking the bootloader without wiping data, please refer to the steps in this XDA thread.
Make sure that you read the thread first and follow it exactly as it tells you to or you will end up losing the data while unlocking the bootloader.
The guide didn’t work. Earlier there was no confirmation message asking to confirm the bootloader unlock on the handset. Since there is a confirmation message displayed on the phone now, pressing the volume down key while this unlocking process doesn’t help since we need the volume button to select the menu in device to confirm bootloader unlock. So I ended up wiping complete data on this process. Fortunately I took a complete backup. Prepare for the worse scenarios during these processes so u don’t end up worrying if something goes wrong.
Hi Jeevan. I am glad you took a backup beforehand.
In the more recent Pie builds, Xiaomi seems to have updated the bootloader for all its Android One devices.
The trick to prevent wiping is to avoid your phone from booting into the OS. So, when you press the Power button to select the confirmation message, simply keep pressing the Volume button simultaneously. That you reboot the phone back into the Fastboot Mode.
Good night, my version and V10.0.7.0.PDIMIXM, I can not get past the powershell command, would it be because of the different version? I tried it with Patched Boot Image V10.0.7.0.PDLMIXM
thanks for the tutorial
Yes. You need to make sure that you use the patched boot image of the version installed on your device.
Hi, thank you for this guide, it’s the best one I’ve found so long!
But I have a problem, when I go to the step 9 (typing “fastboot boot patched_boot_V10.0.7.0_mi_a2_lite.img”)
The computer says:
Downloading ‘boot.img’ OKAY [ 1.018s]
booting FAILED (remote: ‘unlock device to use this command’)
What can I do?
Hi. That means you have not yet unlocked the phone’s bootloader. In order to perform this method, you must unlock the bootloader first.
Hi, can you help me? I followed all the steps of your tutorial and everything went perfectly fine except for one thing. After I’ve enabled the camera2 api on my mi a2 the frontal camera only works with 5 megapixels instead of 20. When I disable the camera2 api it backs to 20mp, but with camera2 api it’s maximum resolution is 5mp. Can you help me?
Hi Gabriel. Please try a different version of GCam as linked above.
Hi Dhananjay, the Gcam works like a charm. Thank you so much. I’ve got a few doubts. Can I uninstall the Magisk Manager now? Will I get the updates as usual even after I have unlocked the bootloader?
Yes, you can safely remove it after you have performed the procedure.
Hi Dhananjay,
I have unlocked the bootloader. however superuser permission not pop up on my mobile.
su not found message displayed on screen
Hi Sagar. Which software version are you running? Also, you have to execute SU command when you have successfully booted the phone with the patched boot image.
can you post the patched boot image 10.0.7.0 jasmin for mi a2
Hi Sugam. The patched boot image for V10.0.7.0 (March update) is now available.
Thanks
Hi, I tried the method yesterday, but in camera2 probe apk shows green mark in legacy not in level 3 or any other. and one thing, you provided 4 different commands here, are they all for mi a2 lite? if not, then which are?
and how can I be sure that the commands are executed properly. I am not getting it. I will wair for your ans. And thanks for this post.
Hi. The commands are the same for both Mi A2/A2 Lite. Please make sure that you use the patched boot corresponding to the software version installed on your phone. Once you have booted the patched boot image, open Termux and follow the steps. Also, make sure that you execute the ‘su’ command first to grant root permissions to Termux.
Once you have granted the root permissions, you can execute the four commands to enable Camera2 API on your A2 Lite.
In Termux app, I have entered su command but it reply that permission denied.
What to do next ???
Hi. That means that the patched boot image has not booted up properly. Here are two things that I want you to try, in the given order:
1) Once you have booted your phone with the patched boot image, download Magisk Manager APK, install it, and run it. See if it shows wheather Magisk is installed or not?
2) If the above doesn’t work, make sure that you have proper USB drivers installed. At several occasions, it has led to be an error on the USB drivers part.
Let me know how it goes. Oh, and don’t forget that you use the patched boot image for your own device – Mi A2 or the Mi A2 Lite.
I tried to lock the bootloader again, but it always resets from the factory. I keep pressing volume down, after I keep pressing a message appears can’t load android system your data may be corrupt, there I have to restore the phone. Mine is my normal a2
Hi. Sorry for the late response. Were you able to recover your device or do you still need help with it?
The MGC_6.1.021_BSG_Arnova-based_v.1.3c_fix_TlnNeun.apk can’t be open, it always force closed, but
MGC_6.1.021_MI8_V2e.apk can be open but it can’t take picture from front camera.
A2 Lite
Hi Cebe. Please visit this page and try the suggested versions (In Red color). Finding the perfect Gcam port could be hard at first.
Seems like booting with the image you provided doesn’t change anything. I got permission denied for su. I have a V10.0.4.0.PDLMIXM build, and used the according image. Realy can’t solve that issue.
Hi,
Thanks for this job !
Can i leave Always the patched boot img (without patch original img) for my A2 lite rest in Root state ?
Thanks in advance and sorry for my bad english language.
Nicolas.
Hi Nicholas! I am sorry, but I am not fully able to understand your question. Once the API is enabled, you can freely delete the patched boot image.
Hi Dhananjay,
I had already commented on the post, but it is not here now. Anyways how do I delete the patched boot image? Thanks for your help.
Hi. When you reboot your device after performing the commands in Termux, root is automatically removed.
I installed the MGC_6.1.021_MI8_V2e.apk port, but the front camera does not store the photos.
Hi Leyaliton! Did you try the other one linked above?
When i pressed enter on the step 9 i got an error: (too many links)
in device screen appears the follow message: press any key to shutdown
HELP!
Mi A2 Lite v10.0.3.0 works in my Mi A2? (v10.0.3.0.PDIMIX)
Hi Franklin. The Mi A2 Lite images will not work on the regular A2. Do you have V10.0.3.0 installed on your regular Mi A2?
after i successfully completed the process in termux i take a reboot and installed the ported gcam . after the installation it force closes after i grant the permission it wants.
-update
i installed another ported gcam heres the link : https://f.celsoazevedo.com/file/gcamera/MGC_6.1.021_MI8_V2e.apk
and it works well. but the slow mo makes camera forced stopped.
Hi again Rae! Thanks for sharing his. I have updated the post with the link you provided, along with the previous one.
GCam ports are not all same. Some might have bugs in certain features. So, you need to keep testing which one works the best for your setup.
ok. i’ll update again if some other ported gcam works. ill send it right away here. 😊
Please share a thread on how to lock bootloader again,cz I’m unable to do software update
Hi Ankit. You don’t need a locked bootloader to update. You can simply uninstall Magisk from within Magisk Manager and then flash the stock boot image corresponding to your software version. Once you have done this, you will be able to install the OTA update normally.
i redownloaded patched image for 10.0.4,
booted.
redownloaded termux.
still su denied.
please email me if you have the patched 10.0.4 again! thanks for the works btw! 😀
Hi Rae. When you boot with the patched boot image, do you see the Magisk Manager app installed and visible in the app drawer?
And thanks for the appreciation. Keeps me going.
i do checked for the magisk app and i wondered why there’s no magisk installed.
i’ll be checking your response tomorrow. Thanks again. 😀
Hi again Rae. Boot with the correct patched boot image according to the firmware version installed (V10.0.3.0 patched boot if V10.0.3.0 is installed, and so on).
Once booted, download and install Magisk Manager 7.0.0 on the phone. Then launch it and see if it shows that Magisk is installed.
Remember, do this all when booted with the patched boot image.
ok ill test it later in v10.0.4.0
Sorry sir, are this tutorial work on locked bootloader or not?
Hi Aditya. No, it would not work on a device with a locked bootloader.
boot yang di tambal versi v1.0.0.8.0 mi a2sudah tersedia pak?
Hi. Patched boot and stock boot for v10.0.8.0 are now available for download.
redownloaded the patched image for 2 lite still denied.
Can’t download the g cam. Can you provide another link
Hi Sugam. The download link is working just fine. I have personally tried it both via my PC and my Pixel.
Need video for this method.
Hi. I am sorry, but we do not do videos for now. You will have to go with the instructions until we create a YouTube channel.
when typing SU command termux displays “permission denied”
Hi. Are you sure that you’re typing the command when booted into the OS with Patched Boot Image?
Went through everything booted with patched boot image…I have the same issue, denied su!
Hi Joseph. I have patched the latest boot images for both Mi A2/A2 Lite with Magisk 18.1. Please re-download the patched boot image and try again.
it is because you need to install magisc manager apk frist
(sorry for bad english)
The steps are clear but you should mention (somewhere at the beginning of the article), that if you follow the procedure you will end up WIPING EVERYTHING. Not cool.
Hi Nick. Thanks for the suggestion. Did you have an unlocked bootloader before starting off with the instructions? Or did you unlock it just before performing this?
Why I am asking this, is because the method should not wipe anything.
Flashing is not allowed in Lock State
I’m new to this so I do not know what to do. Can anybody help me?
Hi. It is required that you unlock the phone’s bootloader first. If you need a guide, you can find it here.
yeah thats right and after that my a2’s warranty will be void. am i right?
Yes. But the beauty of using Google/Android One devices is that you can easily re-lock the bootloader back.
1.For my mi A2 Lite (android Pie),which one install V10.0.3.0.PDLMIXM or V10.0.2.0.PDLMIFJ?
2.Do you need to unlock the oem bootloader in developer mode?
Thanks in advance
Hi Alehandro.
1) You need to use the patched boot image for the firmware version installed on your Mi A2 Lite. So, if you have V10.0.3.0, you will need to use the patched V10.0.3.0 boot image.
2) Yes, you need to enable OEM unlock in Developer Options and also unlock the bootloader after that. You can find the guide for unlocking the bootloader on Mi A2 Lite here.
Hello
thank you for the tutorial but I have the message “permission denied” when I enter the command “su” in Termux.
What should I do?
Hi Jerome. Please re-download the patched boot image and try again. I have patched the boot images with Magisk v18.1 just now. Please try with the newly uploaded patched boot and let me know if it works.
I just tested with the V10.0.4.0.PDLMIXM patched Boot Image for Mi A2 Lite (daisy) and I have the same “permission denied” message when I enter the command “su” in Termux.
Hi Ed. Once you have booted with the Patched Boot Image, do you see Magisk Manager in the app drawer? If you don’t, then please download it from here, install it on your phone and launch it. See if it shows that Magisk is installed or not?