How To Enable Camera2 API On Android: Latest Guide 2024
There is one thing you must know before you download the Google Camera Port for your smartphone: you must enable the Camera2 API. In general, such ports will further improve the camera quality and deliver fantastic photos and videos all by itself. But, as always, it may be frustrating to learn that your mobile phone does not support the camera APIs after testing its performance.

It’s your last resort to either root your Android phone or install a custom recovery in order to get that application programming interface. In this article, we will take look at several methods of how to enable the Camera2 API on your phone without issues. However, before we proceed, it is necessary to explain the following terms if the reader encountered them for the first time. So, first of all lets learn what is Camera2 API.
What Does Camera2 API Mean?
Camera2 API is a framework introduced by google for android that provides developer with enhanced camera capabilities. This API replaced the original camera API to offer more advanced features and flexibility allowing developers to tap into the full potential of camera hardware.
The built-in camera API on older Android phones is usually very subpar. But the Camera2 API is released by Google is in Android 5.0 Lollipop version. It is a better program that has numerous enhancements that help enhance the phones’ onboard camera system.
This function alone delivers better HDR+ results and also integrates great features with software for low light photography.
Therefore, we recommend that the reader visit the official page for more information.
Prerequisites for Using Camera2 API
Note: You will find that there are many methods of getting root access to your device, however, we recommend using Magisk for a basic setup.
Ways to Enable Camera2 API
After enabling the developer mode, some OEM’s like Realme provide Camera HAL3 under the additional options for third-party camera apps.
(Works best for all Real me phones with Android 11 or higher updates only). Of course, for many cellphones, that isn’t the case. In that instance, you can use the following techniques:
1. Using Terminal Emulator App (Root)
2. Using X-plore application (Root)
3. Magisk Modules Library (Root)
The benefit of Flexible Rooting but with Magisk is that when rooted, you will have full access to the modules directory.
4. Flashing zip file through TWRP (Root or Not Root)
Key points About Camera2 API
Here are some of the key points about camera2 API:
Is It Possible to Enable Camera2 API Functions Without Root Permission?
Because these files are normally available when the device has full root authorization you would therefore require root access if you are to unlock the camera2API.
But before you do so and if you want to get access to the API features and you have much time in your hands, we recommend that you follow the following instructions.
Access Camera2API without Root
You will be given the ways on how to get the camera API files without folders of the system files below. That having been said, let me proceed to describe the fact that has formed the basis of the procedure the basic essentials so to speak.
Products should have before the Process:
- The bootloader of the Android device should also be unlocked.
- By using the developer mode, you should make USB debugging possible.
- It is also recommended to work on a PC or a laptop using Windows 7, 8, 10 or 11.
- A processing unit to process information which is received by the phone from the PC through the USB cord.
- Download TWRP file for your mobile device.
- The two files are minimal_adb_fastboot.zip and ADB Driver.zip
Follow the given steps below to install Camera2 API without Root:
1: Create a Complete Setup
2: Run the Command Prompt
3: Use TWRP Mode for Modification
4: Enter Second-phase Commands
How to Restore Camera2 API as before?
There is little question that all of Step 4 must be executed again from scratch in an identical fashion as if the Camera API was installed in the preceding section.
- The only that is left to do is replace the > setprop persist. camera.HAL3.enable 1 camera to setprop persist. camera. HAL3.enable 0 if one wants to avoid the camera API being overwritten.
- Type in > “exit” then press “Enter.”
- Lastly, to reboot the phone type > adb reboot.
Note: In other words, you have no problem receiving updates since you don’t flash TWRP. Moreover, if you have done the OTA update, the Camera2API shall work properly as before again. Further, the changes can be also confirmed by checking the compatibility with cameras with the help of ordinary vision.
Conclusion
In short, to root permission and TWRP setup which are unique methods to access the camera2API. After the process, the installation of GCam application on any Android device is a very easy task. On the other hand, if you have any questions regarding the camera2 API activation, please enter the comment section below.