GCam 9.2 (V19) Update Download & Install

Written on 08/03/2024
Taylor Bell

GCam 9.2 (V19) update

A week ago, the talented GCam developer BSG, shared the latest update for its port of the Pixel camera app. You can check the changelog below, with all the changes, improvements and fixes brought with the latest update. It is worth noting that this update will fix the mod on some smartphones that had issues with the previously-released versions.

Changelog:

BSG public version changelog (9.2.113 from 2024/07/20):

– the item “Scene mode” has been added to the module settings (DISABLED, FACE_PRIORITY, ACTION, PORTRAIT, LANDSCAPE, NIGHT, NIGHT_PORTRAIT, THEATER, BEACH, SNOW, SUNSET, STEADYPHOTO, FIREWORKS, SPORTS, PARTY, CANDLELIGHT, BARCODE, HIGH_SPEED_VIDEO, HDR).

– in the menu item “Google_ID module” the “Help” button is activated, indicating all existing IDs.

– in the module settings, in the “Noise model correction” section, the items “Chroma” (“Scale”, “Offset”) and “Luma” (“Scale”, “Offset”) have been added.

– fixed errors found in the modification’s operation.

– fixed operation on some devices.

GCam 9.2 Highlights:

  • A Streamlined UI: With GCam 9.2, Google promoted a major overhaul to the interface. Now, the goal is to deliver ease of use for newcomers. In previous versions, one could find adjustments for brightness, shadow, and white balance on the left and right edges of the viewfinder. Now, these controls sit within a compact carousel from the bottom right corner. There is also a “Reset All” button that made its debut with the Pixel 8, and allows users to revert default settings with a single tap.

  • Enhanced Accessibility: Google also improves usability with a major focus on one-handed operation. The settings button now sits in the lower left corner, thus making it easily reachable with your thumb.

  • Advanced Options: GCam 9.2 allows the user to enable or disable the “Ultra HDR” and “Rich Color in Photos”. These features are biw accessible to a wide range of smartphones thanks to GCam.

  • Ultra HDR: The Ultra HDR, is a new feature introduced in GCam 9.2. It further enhances dynamic range delivering greater images with extreme quality. By employing sophisticated algorithms, Ultra HDR brightens the brightest areas and preserves detail.

  • Palm Timer: The palm timer function is a handy tool for capturing selfies without the need to fumble with buttons. Now, it receives an upgrade in GCam 9.2. Previously, palm timer was only activated when the 3 or 10-second timer was utilized. The latest update empowers users to set it to “Always On”.

GCam Mod – Some Things to Know

  • GCam 9.2 mod is made to work on almost all Android smartphones. While it will work flawlessly in a good amount of smartphones, some will suffer with incompatibility issues. You will have better results if you’re running the latest Android version, and also, Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered smartphones tend to be more compatible. It’s attempt and error for some users. You will need to try the app yourself to see which features work and which doesn’t.

  • Compatibility: GCam isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. While it boasts compatibility with a wide range of Android devices, successful installation and functionality depend on your specific smartphone model! Researching compatibility with your device and identifying a suitable GCam version is vital before proceeding.

  • Unofficial Source: Since GCam is a modified app, it’s not officially distributed by Google Play Store. Therefore, you will need to download it from third-party sources. Be sure to always look for trusted sources with enough info available. The CelsoAzevedo’s repository mentioned here, is one of the safest available. Be sure to not download any GCam mod from shady websites.

  • Learning Curve: It’s pretty easy to get lost after navigating through the app’s custom settings. You will need to be patient to study and learn everything the app has to offer. Therefore, you will be able to find the settings that best fit on your device.

*GCam is a unofficial mod. Although Google never bothered it’s existence, it’s not something officially available for all devices. Make sure to check all the specific details of your device, warrant data, and more before proceeding with the installation. Also, have in mind that GCam is a complementary tool and not a proper replacement for your stock camera app. Keep the stock app on your device.

How to Download & Install GCam 9.2 V19 on your Device

To install GCam 9.2 V11 you need to make sure your device is running at least Android 11.

Download and install the APK file.

To install, you may need to allow installation from “Unknown sources” depending on your browser. Don’t worry, the file is safe and verified.

Open Google Camera once the installation is complete. An icon will also appear on your home screen or app drawer.

If you’re running old Android versions, you can try your luck at the CelsoAzevedos Repository. It’s the place to go if you want to dive into the world of Google camera mods.

Download:

Settings:

Why are different package names needed?

Package names are usually needed to access all cameras and/or to enable features like Google Lens.

Some brands (eg: OnePlus, Samsung, etc) restrict access to all cameras. They have a "whitelist" of apps (package names) that can access those cameras, so modders release their versions with package names that are on those lists.

Multi APKs

  • OnePlus usually allows org.codeaurora.snapcam, so that's what's usually recommended for OnePlus devices:

org.codeaurora.snapcam

  • Samsung you'll probably need to use samsung packages:

com.samsung.android.ruler or com.samsung.android.scan3d

  • Nothing and CMF devices we usually recommended:

org.codeaurora.snapcam and com.google.android.GoogleCameraEng

​Other Uses:

Different package names lets you install multiple GCam apps side by side. For example, in the example above, you'd be able to install all 4 apks, even though they're the same app.

This is useful if you want to have different versions installed, when you want to test a new version without uninstalling the version you're using, want to have different versions with different settings, etc.

Which package name should you use:

Since there's no rule that applies to all phones, you need to test them yourself or ask on a thread or group for your phone. With this said, when in doubt, use the first apk. If it doesn't work, try the second (and so on).

There are, however, some package names that usually work on most phones from some brands. For example:

OnePlus: org.codeaurora.snapcam (often called "snap" or "snapcam") or com.ss.android.ugc.aweme.

Samsung: com.samsung.android.ruler or com.samsung.android.scan3d.

Realme: com.ss.android.ugc.aweme.

ASUS & Xiaomi: don't have these restrictions at all, so you can use any package name and still have access to all cameras.

Custom ROMs: don't have these restrictions at all, so you can use any package name and still have access to all cameras.

Depending on the phone and on the whitelist used by the brand for that specific phone, you might be able to also use other package names. For example, while some OnePlus devices need org.codeaurora.snapcam for all cameras to work, some of their devices also support other names (eg: com.google.android.GoogleCamera).

Can't get all cameras to work with any apk?

Assuming you did everything right (tested all package names and made sure that the auxiliary cameras setting is enabled), it's possible that your phone completely blocks access to all cameras.

Unfortunately some brands (eg: OPPO, Realme) are very restrictive and using a special package name doesn't work. Other brands allow access on some, but not all hardware. For example, OnePlus devices with Snapdragon SoC/processors allow users to access all cameras (with a package name) while OnePlus devices with Mediatek don't (eg: many of the OnePlus Nord phones).

The only fix for this is to use a custom ROM not based on the stock/original ROM (eg: ColorOS, OxygenOS, MIUI, etc) as they don't limit access or need specific package names.

Changelog:

Update: APK files updated to fix a crash when entering the menu.

BSG public version changelog (9.2.113 from 2024/07/20):

  • the item "Scene mode" has been added to the module settings (DISABLED, FACE_PRIORITY, ACTION, PORTRAIT, LANDSCAPE, NIGHT, NIGHT_PORTRAIT, THEATER, BEACH, SNOW, SUNSET, STEADYPHOTO, FIREWORKS, SPORTS, PARTY, CANDLELIGHT, BARCODE, HIGH_SPEED_VIDEO, HDR).

  • in the menu item "Google_ID module" the "Help" button is activated, indicating all existing IDs.

  • in the module settings, in the "Noise model correction" section, the items "Chroma" ("Scale", "Offset") and "Luma" ("Scale", "Offset") have been added.

  • fixed errors found in the modification's operation.

  • fixed operation on some devices.