Where is the compass on Xiaomi Redmi: search and configuration

Many smartphone owners in the Chinese company face a situation where the standard navigation app is lost among dozens of folders or disappears altogether after an update.In the MIUI operating system and the new HyperOS, the menu structure often changes, causing confusion among users who are used to the old arrangement of elements.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all possible options for detecting this tool on your device.

Not only will you learn where to look for an icon, but you will also learn how to activate hidden sensor features if the standard method doesn’t work.

The calibration procedure, which is critical to accurately determining the cardinal points in the field, will also be considered.

Search for a standard application in the menu

The first thing to do is to carefully examine the desktop and menu of all applications. In most Xiaomi Redmi models, the navigation tool is preinstalled, but can be hidden in the Tools folder, which is created automatically by the system and groups utilities to save space on the screen.

If you don't find the right icon in the Tools folder, try using the built-in search. Swipe down the center of the screen to open a global search, and type in the word "Compass." The system will instantly show if the application is installed and where it is located. This is the fastest way to find a lost icon without manually combing folders.

In some regional firmware (e.g. Global or EEA), the application may be called differently or integrated into system settings. The standard path often leads to a utility that works in conjunction with Google Maps. If the search does not yield results, it may be that the component has been removed by the user previously or not installed by the manufacturer for your region.

It's worth noting that newer versions of the shell may have different interfaces, and instead of a separate icon, navigation features are sometimes transferred to widgets, try pinching the empty space on your desktop, selecting "Widgets," and checking the list of available items for navigation tools.

⚠️ Note: If you accidentally deleted the system application, do not try to download dubious analogues from unverified sources, as they may request excessive permissions to access the geolocation.

Alternative ways to use Google Maps

Often users do not need a separate application, since the compass functionality is already built into popular mapping services. The Google Maps app, which is on every Android smartphone, has a full-fledged digital compass. To activate it, you just open the map and click on the round target designation icon located in the lower right or upper corner of the screen (depending on the interface version).

Once you press the map, you'll be guided in the direction of travel, and a second tap (or double tap) will turn on the compass mode, where the north is always on top. The blue arrow will show you your current direction, and the cone sector will show you the error of the GPS signal. This is the most reliable way, without needing additional software.

Another option is to use a map widget on your desktop, so you can add a navigation widget that will show the current side of the world without having to run the heavy app completely, saving battery life and speeding up access to information.

Using third-party maps, such as Yandex.Maps or 2GIS, also provides access to the compass. The principle of operation is similar: look for an arrow or target designation icon on the navigation interface. In 2GIS, for example, when you turn the device into horizontal mode, a special compass mode with azimuths is often activated.

Calibration of sensors for accurate operation

Even if you find an app, it can show incorrect data without first calibrating. The magnetic field sensors in Redmi smartphones are sensitive to interference. To get started, open the map or compass app and follow the instructions on the screen. Usually, the system will suggest calibrating the device if it detects a strong deviation.

The most common calibration method is to move the phone in space in the shape of the number "8." Take the smartphone in your hand, stretch your hand forward and start describing the eight in the air in different planes. The accelerometer and magnetometer read the position of the device in space and correct the readings.

You can also use a hidden engineering menu to check the status of the sensors. Enter the code ##64663## (or ##3646633## depending on the model) in the dial number to get into the CIT menu. Here, select Sensor or Compass to manually check and adjust the sensitivity of the sensors.

If calibrating through eight doesn't help, try the Google Map method. Open the maps, click on the blue dot of your location and select Calibrate. Follow the animations on the screen, tilting the phone in different directions until the accuracy is high.

Installation of third-party applications from the Mi Store

If a standard solution is missing or not working properly, you can always contact the GetApps app store (formerly the Mi Store).This is a built-in Xiaomi store that offers proven analogues of system utilities. When searching for a store, type in "Compass" and select a high-ranking app.

Apps from developers specializing in MIUI utilities are popular. They often have a simpler interface and lack the advertising typical of free versions on Google Play. When installing, pay attention to the permissions requested: the navigator only needs access to the location.

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Use applications weighing less than 5MB for compass function to minimize the load on RAM in the background.

When choosing third-party software, note the presence of True North, which takes into account the magnetic declination in your area, which is especially important for tourists and travelers using paper maps. Conventional compasses point to a magnetic pole that is offset relative to the geographic one.

Some advanced tools allow you to display data on a lock screen or use augmented reality (AR) mode, superimposing the direction on the image from the camera, which is convenient when you navigate in urban areas, when you need to understand which building is the desired street.

Comparison of built-in and third-party solutions

Users often wonder if they should switch from a standard app to a third-party app, and if they want to make a smart decision, they need to compare their functionality. Embedded solutions are usually better optimized for Xiaomi’s specific hardware and consume less power.

Third-party developers often offer richer features such as track preservation, high-precision altitude measurements, and integration with weather services, but they may contain ads or require subscriptions to unlock all features.

For the average user who just needs to understand where north is, a regular Google Maps functionality or widget will be more than enough, and complex tools are needed more by specialists, geologists or avid tourists going into the wilderness without communication.

The Android system may not understand which application to control the magnetometer, which will lead to delays in the response of the interface.

Typical problems and their solution

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the compass on Xiaomi Redmi stops working or shows chaotic values. A common cause is the sticking of metal objects on the case or case with a magnetic fastener. The magnetic field of a permanent magnet in the case knocks the calibration of the Hall sensor.

Another common problem is a software failure of the geolocation service, in which case it helps to reboot the GPS module. Go to the settings, find the Location section and switch the switch switch switch off / on. If this does not help, perform a full restart of the smartphone.

⚠️ Attention: Being close to powerful sources of electromagnetic radiation (power lines, transformer booths, speakers) can temporarily disorient the electronic compass.

If the problem persists after resetting and calibration, there may be a hardware malfunction, a smartphone crash could damage the sensor itself or move the plume, in which case the software methods are powerless, and you will need a diagnosis in the service center.

It’s also worth checking the permissions for the app. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find your compass and make sure that the location permission is set to Always or Only When Use. Without this right, navigation won’t work.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

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The electronic compass in a smartphone is a highly accurate tool, but it requires periodic calibration and protection from external magnetic fields to work properly.