Gcam Services Provider is a small app that fakes just enough of the Google Play Services APIs to let the Google Camera (Gcam) app run on devices that don't have Play Services installed. It has no user interface and no icon, it just quietly sits in the background doing the one job it was made for.
Developer: lukaspieper · License: MIT (open source) · Price: Free
Before you start: decide which flavor you need. Basic gets Gcam running but the "open last photo" button won't work. Photosonly adds that button but is meant to be used alongside Play Services or microG, not instead of them. Photos combines both basic and photosonly features in one app. Also check that your Android OS and Gcam version are compatible, since Gcam 10.x and above is currently unsupported, and GrapheneOS users should read the note about GrapheneOS's built-in Gcam support before installing.
Official file from the developer's release · Jul 5, 2025 · SHA-256 3de0a9fee4fc6738…
Key features
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Why isn’t Gcam Services Provider on Google Play?
This app is published by its developer on GitHub and F-Droid, not on Google Play.
Is Gcam Services Provider safe?
The project is open source under the MIT license, and the download comes straight from the developer's GitHub releases page or F-Droid. It requests no Internet, storage, or root permissions, and it has no interface since its only purpose is to quietly provide the APIs Gcam needs. Gcam Services Provider comes straight from its developer rather than through Google Play, so it hasn’t gone through Google’s app review. As with any app, check the permissions it asks for and install it if you’re comfortable with them.
How to install
- Tap the download button above: the APK file downloads straight to your phone.
- When Android asks, allow your browser to install unknown apps.
- Open the file and tap Install.
FAQ
Is Gcam Services Provider free?
Yes, it is free and open source under the MIT license.
Which flavor should I install?
Use basic if you just want Gcam to run, photosonly if you already use Play Services or microG and only want the last-photo button to work with your own gallery app, or photos if you want both features combined in one app.
How is this different from microG?
microG re-implements Google Play Services more broadly and relies on signature spoofing. This app only fakes the minimal APIs needed for Gcam, so it does not need Internet, storage, or root permissions.
Do I need Google Play Services or microG installed?
No for the basic and photos flavors, they are meant to replace that dependency. The photosonly flavor is the exception, it is designed to work alongside Play Services or microG.
More free apps you won’t find on Google Play: Open Source Apps · Best Android apps not on the Google Play Store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gcam Services Provider free?
Yes, it is free and open source under the MIT license.
Which flavor should I install?
Use basic if you just want Gcam to run, photosonly if you already use Play Services or microG and only want the last-photo button to work with your own gallery app, or photos if you want both features combined in one app.
How is this different from microG?
microG re-implements Google Play Services more broadly and relies on signature spoofing. This app only fakes the minimal APIs needed for Gcam, so it does not need Internet, storage, or root permissions.
Do I need Google Play Services or microG installed?
No for the basic and photos flavors, they are meant to replace that dependency. The photosonly flavor is the exception, it is designed to work alongside Play Services or microG.
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