The ultimate GCam FAQ and Troubleshooting Guide. If your Google Camera (GCam) APK isn’t working properly, this guide will help you solve crashes, black screens, missing features, config issues, and much more.
Answer:- Crashes on startup usually mean the app version isn’t compatible with your phone or Android version.
Here’s how to fix it:
- If you’re using Android 13+, use LMC 8.4 or BSG 8.6+ ports.
- Try a different GCam version made for your chipset (Snapdragon, Exynos, MediaTek).
- Clear GCam data: Settings > Apps > GCam > Storage > Clear Data.
- Check Camera2 API support using the Camera2 Probe app.
Answer:- If Astro mode is missing, your device may not meet the activation conditions. To enable it:
Some devices or ports might not support it at all. Try BSG or LMC mods if unsure.
- Turn it on in Settings > Advanced > Enable Astrophotography.
- Place your phone on a stable surface and switch to Night Sight mode.
- Wait 2–5 seconds for Astro mode to appear automatically.
Answer:- If restoring a config doesn’t change anything, it’s usually a folder or compatibility issue. Try this:
- Make sure the XML file is placed in the correct folder (e.g.,
/LMC8.4/Configs/or/GCam/Configs8/). - Open GCam and double-tap the black area near the shutter button.
- Choose the config from the list and tap “Restore”.
- Use a config made for your exact GCam version and phone model.
Answer:- GCam is mainly built for photos, and some mods struggle with video. Here’s what you can try:
- Switch to 1080p resolution instead of 4 K.
- Disable video stabilisation in the settings.
- Use a different GCam version — BSG builds usually have better video support.
- Avoid using mods with too many experimental features for your device.
Answer:- Front camera issues are common if the mod isn’t tuned for your device. Here’s how to fix it:
- Try disabling HDR+ on the front cam inside GCam settings.
- Use a different package name (like
com.samsung.android.camera2) if your phone blocks the default one. - Use a config made for your phone model to improve compatibility.
- Test different ports like Shamim, LMC, or BSG.
Answer:- When GCam doesn’t launch after install, it usually means API or permission issues. Try these steps:
- Reboot your phone after installation.
- Check that the Camera2 API is enabled using a testing app.
- Ensure you allow all permissions during installation.
- Try an older or newer GCam version depending on your Android version.
Answer:- Placing configs in the wrong folder will prevent GCam from recognising them. Here’s what to do:
- For Gcam versions 6.x:
/GCam/Configs/ - For Gcam versions 7.x:
/GCam/Configs7/ - For Gcam versions 8.x:
/GCam/Configs8/ - If these folders don’t exist, create them manually.
- Use a file manager app that shows full folder names correctly.
Answer:- Portrait mode needs camera support plus GCam tuning. If it’s missing or crashes:
- Make sure your device supports depth map features.
- Enable portrait mode manually in the mod settings.
- Use a GCam version that’s known to work on your phone (e.g., LMC, BSG).
- Apply a config that enables portrait mode for your phone model.
Answer:- Multiple lens support can be buggy if the mod isn’t tuned for your phone’s sensor setup. Try this:
- Use the correct camera ID settings in developer options (if available).
- Try a different mod that supports multiple lenses better (Shamim or LMC builds).
- Use a config file that enables ultra-wide, telephoto, or macro modes properly.
- Avoid switching lenses rapidly — wait a second between taps.
Answer:- If the app feels sluggish or takes too long to process, it may be too heavy for your device. Fix it by:
- Disabling HDR+ Enhanced or setting it to “HDR+ On” for faster performance.
- Reducing image quality or resolution in the settings.
- Closing background apps to free up RAM.
- Trying a lighter GCam version like BSG 8.1 or older Arnova ports
Answer:- This error usually means the APK is conflicting with another GCam version or package name. Here’s how to solve it:
- Uninstall any existing GCam app with the same package name.
- Make sure “Install from unknown sources” is enabled in your phone settings.
- Check if the APK matches your Android version (some are only for Android 12+).
- Try renaming the APK file or using a different variant (e.g.,
com.samsung.*).
Answer:- If GCam installs but doesn’t appear, it might be a package name that your launcher hides. Try this:
- Use a third-party launcher like Nova Launcher to search for the app manually.
- Use a file manager to navigate to
/data/app/and check if it is installed. - Try another variant of the GCam APK with a different package name.
Answer:- Yes, GCam mods are safe if downloaded from trusted sources like Gcam.APP or Celso Azevedo’s site. Here’s what to do:
- Tap “Install anyway” if available.
- Disable Play Protect temporarily in Google Play settings.
- Avoid sketchy mirror sites or rehosted files — always use original developer links.
Answer:- No, you don’t need to remove your default camera app. In fact:
- GCam works as a separate app, so both can exist side by side.
- Stock cameras usually handle video, portrait, or macro better on some models.
- GCam is best used for Night Sight, HDR, and astrophotography.
Answer:- To keep your GCam setup safe when switching phones or formats:
- Export your XML config from inside the app (usually under “Save Config”).
- Save it to cloud storage or move to
/GCam/ConfigsX/folder later. - For LMC, save configs to
/LMC8.4/Configs/.
Answer:- To keep your GCam setup safe when switching phones or formats:
- Export your XML config from inside the app (usually under “Save Config”).
- Save it to cloud storage or move to
/GCam/ConfigsX/folder later. - For LMC, save configs to
/LMC8.4/Configs/.
Answer:- If Night Sight is underperforming, it may be a settings or compatibility issue:
- Enable “Final JPG Quality HDR+” to 100% under advanced settings.
- Use a config tailored for low-light.
- Clean your lens and use a tripod for sharp shots.
- Try BSG or LMC builds with better low-light optimisation.
Answer:- Some devices can’t handle HDR+ Enhanced due to RAM or hardware limits. Fix it by:
- Switching to HDR+ On (non-enhanced) in settings.
- Reduce image quality to 8MP if your camera supports higher.
- Use a lighter version like GCam 7.4 or BSG 8.1.
Answer:- Distortion in faces is often due to wrong processing or lens issues. Try this:
- Turn off “Face Retouching” or set it to “Natural.”
- Use a config file optimized for facial tones.
- Avoid using wide-angle lenses for close-up portraits.
Answer:- Too much processing can lead to sharp or noisy images. Reduce it by:
- Disabling “Super Res Zoom” in developer options.
- Lowering noise reduction strength.
- Switching to a balanced XML config instead of a high-detail one.
Answer:- Because GCam uses advanced computational photography, especially for dynamic range. It does this by:
- Capturing multiple frames and merging them intelligently.
- Improving contrast and shadows automatically.
- Using Google’s HDR+ algorithm, which most stock cameras lack.
Answer:- It depends. Most GCam mods are optimised for Snapdragon. On Exynos/MediaTek:
- Look for ports marked “Exynos-friendly” (e.g., MGC or SGC ports).
- Camera2 API must be enabled, either by default or via root.
- Expect limited feature support — Night Sight may not work.
Answer:- Samsung phones need a GCam with a Samsung-compatible package name. Tips:
- Use package names like
com.samsung.android.gcamorcom.samsung.android.camera2. - Try BSG or LMC builds with Samsung XML configs.
- Front cam, video, and Night Sight may need tweaks.
Answer:- Many Realme phones block advanced features. Solutions:
- Enable Camera2 API via ADB or root (if it’s not fully supported).
- Use the GCam versions shared by Realme user communities.
- Avoid ports with heavy developer settings — go for stable builds.
Answer:- Yes — OnePlus phones usually have great compatibility. Just remember:
- Use the correct config for your model (Nord, 9 Pro, etc.).
- Disable the OnePlus image processing toggle inside dev settings if needed.
- Try LMC or BSG versions for best results.
Answer:- GCam may not auto-detect extra lenses. Here’s what to do:
- Use a config that activates those lenses manually.
- Set camera IDs correctly in dev settings.
- Use LMC 8.4 or Shamim builds with multi-lens support.
Answer:- Overexposed or dark shots usually mean HDR settings need tuning. Here’s how to fix it:
- Set HDR+ exposure compensation in developer settings.
- Use “Auto Exposure Correction” in some LMC or Shamim mods.
- Apply a balanced XML file created for your phone model.
Answer:- HDR+ Enhanced takes multiple frames and gives more detail, but:
- It’s slower and may lag or crash on low-end phones.
- HDR+ On is faster with decent quality.
- For best balance, use HDR+ On for daily use, Enhanced for Night shots.
Answer:- Lib Patcher customises how your camera processes colours, shadows, etc. You can:
- Adjust sharpness, noise reduction, contrast, and color tones.
- Use presets like “Flat” or “Soft” for better skin tones.
- Only advanced users should tweak manually — configs often include the best patch.
Answer:- If white balance is off, tweak it like this:
- Enable manual AWB in developer settings.
- Choose “Pixel 3” or “Pixel 5” color calibration for best results.
- Some mods let you fine-tune white balance sliders.
Answer:- Always match the config to the GCam build number. For example:
- XML for LMC 8.4 won’t work on BSG 8.1.
- Most configs mention the device name, GCam version, and developer.
- Use trial and error if unsure, but back up before switching.
Answer:- If things are too messy, do a clean reset:
- Go to Settings > Apps > GCam > Storage > Clear Data.
- Delete old config folders manually with a file manager.
- Reinstall the APK and start from scratch.
Answer:- Some mods like LMC and Shamim allow UI customisation:
- Change the shutter button color, theme, and layout.
- Enable minimal UI or hide advanced toggles.
- Customize the viewfinder grid and frame indicators.
Answer:- There’s no risk to your device if:
- You install from trusted sources like Gcam.APP or Celso Azevedo.
- You don’t grant root-level access (GCam doesn’t need root).
- You avoid mods from unknown or shady forums.
Answer:- Yes, you can install multiple GCam APKs with different package names. Just:
- Avoid installing two with the same name like
com.google.camera. - Use different configs for each version.
- Use different shortcuts or icons to identify them.
Answer:- Slow saving is usually due to HDR+ Enhanced or high image quality. Try this:
- Lower JPEG quality in settings.
- Turn off HDR+ Enhanced.
- Clear cache and free up internal storage.
Answer:- If images don’t appear, it may be a folder or permission issue:
- Allow media storage permission during install.
- Use Google Photos instead of Gallery to check if they’re visible.
- Photos are usually stored in
/DCIM/Camera/or/GCam/.
Answer:- Some versions don’t allow deletion from inside the app. You can:
- Enable “Quick Delete” from mod settings.
- Swipe up on the photo preview to delete (in supported builds).
- Use your gallery or file manager to delete them manually..
Answer:- High-quality shots mean bigger file sizes. To reduce:
- Lower JPEG quality (80%–90% is still great).
- Disable HDR+ Enhanced or use “HDR+ On”.
- Crop or resize images after shooting.
Answer:- Yes, especially when using Night Sight or HDR+. You can minimise the impact by:
- Using HDR+ On instead of Enhanced.
- Closing the app after use.
- Avoid using heavy features like Astro mode or 4K video recording for long periods.
Answer:- Update only when:
- A new feature you need is added (e.g., better Night Sight).
- Your Android version changes.
- You see crash or bug fixes in changelogs.
Answer:- That’s normal in some GCam versions — processing happens after the shot. To help:
- Use flash or adjust exposure before capture.
- Switch to HDR+ On instead of Enhanced for a brighter preview.
Answer:- This may be a RAM or compatibility issue. Fix it by:
- Using a lighter build (e.g., GCam 7.4 instead of 8.4).
- Turning off “Super Res Zoom” and AWB options.
- Clearing the app cache.
Answer:- It depends on the tuning and version used. Improve quality by:
- Using a tested config from your phone’s community.
- Switching to a newer mod like LMC or Shamim.
- Taking shots with HDR+ Enhanced when lighting is good.
Answer:- Yes, if your phone supports RAW capture. Steps:
- Enable RAW in Settings > Advanced > RAW+JPEG.
- Files will be saved to a special “RAW” folder.
- You’ll need Lightroom or Snapseed to edit DNG files.
Answer:- Slow motion is hit-or-miss on most ports. Alternatives:
- Use your stock camera app for slow-mo.
- Try BSG or Arnova builds with better video features.
- Use the Open Camera app for manual slow-motion control.
Answer:- GCam doesn’t always include this toggle. Try:
- Mute your phone before taking a photo.
- Turning off system sounds (some ROMs block shutter muting).
- Using a mod with shutter toggle (e.g., LMC 8.4 or GCam 7.3).
These 40+ questions will help you through any issue occurring in your Gcam or LMC 8.4 Camera App. If you still have any further question you can comment below or contact us.
