Xiaomi geolocation: how to add, check and correct coordinates

Modern Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi, POCO and Mi line) automatically store location data in photos — if geotags are set correctly — a feature useful for travel, organizing a photo archive or proving a location. However, many users face problems: coordinates are missing, incorrectly indicated or disappear after editing pictures.

In this article, we will discuss all the ways to add geolocation to photos in Xiaomi Android devices, from basic camera settings to manual metadata editing. Also, we will find out why GPS may not work, and how to restore lost geotags. The instructions are relevant for devices on MIUI 12-14 and Android 11-14, including the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO X5 Pro, Xiaomi 13T and others.

Before you start settings, make sure that your Xiaomi has geolocation services enabled and allowed access to them for the Camera app. Without this, no way will work – the smartphone will simply not be able to determine your location.

1. How to enable geotags in a standard Xiaomi camera

The main way to add coordinates is to activate the function directly in the Camera app, which takes less than a minute, but many users miss this step, believing that GPS is automatically turned on.

Open the Camera app and do the following:

1. Touch the gear badge (⚙️) in the upper right corner to open the settings.
2. Scroll down to the Additional section and find Save Location (or Geotegi in some versions of MIUI).
3. Activate the switch, it should turn blue.

After that, all new photos will contain the location coordinates, and it is important that the function only works when geolocation services are turned on in the system (for these, in the next section).

Are geolocation services included in your phone settings?

Is location access allowed for the Camera app?

Is the "Save Location" option activated in the camera settings

Whether the signal level is sufficient GPS (In open space, coordinates are determined more precisely)-->

2. Set up geolocation services in MIUI

If geotags are not saved even after the camera activates the function, the problem lies in the system settings. In MIUI, location access is managed on two levels:

• 📍 General geolocation services – include GPS, GLONASS and network coordinate determination.
• 🔒 Application Permits – Access is configured separately for each program, including the Camera.

To enable geolocation services:

1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Geolocation Services.
2. Activate the geolocation service master switch.
3. Select High Accuracy mode (uses GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile networks for maximum accuracy).

Check the camera permissions:

1. In the same menu (Privacy → Geolocation Services), tap on Application Permissions.
2. Find the Camera in the list and set the resolution Always or Only during use.

⚠️ Note: If you choose Ask Every Time, the camera won’t automatically save geotags – you’ll have to confirm access every time you run.

3. Why geolocation is not maintained: typical errors

Even after the correct setting, the coordinates may not be available. Let's look at the main reasons and ways to eliminate them:

Pay special attention to the power saving mode: in MIUI, when Ultra Mode or Super Saving is activated, geolocation services can be turned off to save charge.

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance.
2. Select Battery Settings → Power Saving Mode.
3. Make sure you select Balanced Mode or turn off the camera restrictions manually.

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If you take indoor photography frequently, turn on the Use Network Data option (if available) in your camera settings to help you locate your nearest Wi-Fi points when GPS signal is weak.

4. How to check geotags on existing photos

To see if the coordinates are saved in the already taken pictures, use the standard Xiaomi Gallery or third-party applications.

1. Open the photo in the Gallery and tap the icon ℹ️ (information) in the bottom menu.
2. Scroll down to the Location section, where coordinates and maps will be displayed.

If there is no data, try alternative methods:

• 📱 Google Photos: Open the photo → ℹ️ → Details. → Map.
• 💻 On PC: copy the photo to the computer, right-click → Properties → Detailed (on Windows).
• 🛠️ Specialized annexes: EXIF Viewer (Android) or ExifTool (PC) will show all metadata, including GPS.

⚠️ Note: When sending photos via WhatsApp, Telegram, geotags are often deleted automatically. To save coordinates, send the original files via Google Drive or WeTransfer.

5 Manual addition of geolocation to photo

If the coordinates are not saved or are incorrect, you can add them manually, and both mobile apps and desktop tools will work for this.

Method 1: Photo Exif Editor (Android)

1. Install the app from Google Play and open it.
2. Select a photo, tap it and go to the GPS tab.
3. Enter the coordinates manually (format: 55.7558, 37.6176) or select a point on the map.
4. Save the changes, the metadata will be updated.

Method 2: ExifTool (PC, for advanced users)

The utility works through the command line. Example of commands to add coordinates:

exiftool -GPSLatitude=55.7558 -GPSLongitude=37.6176 -GPSLatitudeRef=N -GPSLongitudeRef=E "photo.jpg"

Where:

• 55.7558, 37.6176 - latitude and longitude (replace by your values).
• N/E is the direction (North/East; for south latitude or west longitude use S/W).

6. Features of geolocation in different models Xiaomi

The functionality of geotags may vary depending on the model and version of MIUI, for example:

• 📱 Xiaomi 13/13 Pro and newer: support duality GPS (L1 + L5), which increases accuracy to 1–2 meters.

On devices with MIUI 14 and later, the feature of automatic coordinates refining through the Xiaomi Cloud has appeared, and if it is active, the phone can adjust geotags after shooting, comparing them with the data about the movement from other applications (for example, Google Maps), to enable it:

On older models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) precision GPS This may be lower due to the lack of support for modern satellite systems. GPS-receivers (connect via Bluetooth) or adjust coordinates manually.

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On the flagship models of Xiaomi (series 12/13/14) geolocation works more accurately thanks to the support of multisystem GPS (GPS + GLONASS + BeiDou + Galileo).

7.Security and privacy: when to turn off geotaggeds

While geolocation is useful, it poses privacy risks, and the coordinates in a photo can reveal your location to third parties, such as when posting on social media or sending via instant messengers.

• 🏠 Home Photos: Photos from an apartment or country house can give you your address.
• 👶 Photos of children: geotags increase the risk of unwanted tracking.
• 💼 Corporate activities: the coordinates of the office or production facility may be kept confidential.

To remove geotags from existing photos:

1. Use the EXIF Eraser (Android) or ImageOptim (macOS/Windows) app.
2. In Google Photos, open the photo → ℹ️ → Details. → Delete location.
3. On PC: right-click on the file → Properties → Detailed → Delete properties and personal information.

For full control over privacy in MIUI, you can configure automatic deletion of geotags when sending photos:

1. Open Settings → Privacy → More.
2. Activate Delete Location Data when shared (not available on all devices).

FAQ: Frequent questions about geolocation on Xiaomi