It is a framework that allows developers to control camera hardware in order to use ISO, focus, and exposure. With the Camera2 API, you can manually access your device’s lens, flash, and camera sensor to offer better frame rates, HDR+ controls, RAW capture support, and other features.
Because it has a unique combination of AI functions and algorithms, so it is essential to take complete advantage of the Google Camera port (Google Camera/Gcam Port). Both camera hardware and software have been evolving in order to become one of the most powerful camera experiences, featuring a lot of customisation and so much more. Today in this article, we will be sharing how you can check and install the Camera2 API on your smartphone.
What exactly is the Camera2 API?
It first debuted in 2014 during Google I/O in Android 5.0 Lollipop. It helps extend the controls for shutter speed (ISO), auto-focus, RAW capture, etc. You can check out the official Google documentation here. Nowadays, it’s likely that every smartphone includes the Camera2 API, but it’s not enabled by default.
How to check the Camera2 API
For this, you require the Camera2 API Prob Android app, which is available for free on the Google Play Store. It shows the complete details of both the rear and front camera sensors of your Android smartphone.
- Start by downloading Camera2 API Prob from the Google Play Store,
- Next, launch the app, and it will show the details of your device alongside the current Android operating system. Under Camera ID, it will show Camera ID: 0 for the rear camera and Camera ID: 1, which will show the selfie camera.
- After that, there was a level of Camera2 API support.
The official documentation is here for a quick go-through. Check it out below.
- Level 3: It supports the YUV process and raw images with additional features.
- LEGACY: It supports the Camera1 API.
- LIMITED: They support some but not all of the Camera2 API functionality.
- It brings complete Camera2 API functionality.
How to enable the Camera2 API
If your device has the Camera2 API, you can simply install Google Camera without any issue, but if your Android device doesn’t support the Camera2 API, then you have to manually enable the Camera2 API on your device.
There are various ways to enable the Camera2 API on your device. Some suggest you root your device to edit the build. Otherwise, you can use the following guide.
Note: If your device is unable to install the GCam APK, then your device might not have the Camera2 API enabled.
- To enable it, simply follow the steps below.
- Download and install Manual Camera Compatibility from the Google Play Store.
- [appbox googleplay pl.vipek.camera2_compatibility_test&hl=en_IN&gl=US]
- Open it to check if your device has the Camera2 API enabled.
- If not, then to enable this, you have to first root your device using Magisk Manager.
- After that, download and install Build Prop Editor from the Google Play Store.
- [appbox googleplay com.jrummy.apps.build.prop.editor]
- Then, open it and grant access to root permission before looking for Persist.vender.camera.HAL3.enable.
- Click on it, and then change the value to 1 from 0 and save it.
- After finishing, reboot your device to enable the Camera2 API. Use Manual Camera Compatibility to check the same.
Alternative: You can use the Camera2API module. Download the
Camera2API
Enable Magisk and install it on your device to enable the Camera2 API on your device.
Alternative: Use a Terminal Emulator. Download the
- Terminal Emulator from the Google Play Store.
- Open the app and then execute the following command: sue persist. camera.HAL3.enabled 1 exit
- After that, reboot your smartphone and check if the Camera2 API is enabled.
- That’s it!
Hopefully, this article remains helpful for you, and you have successfully verified and enabled the Camera2 API on your device. If there is any query, share it with us in the comment section below. Keep an eye out for future updates on the subject.