Where in Xiaomi is geolocation: all ways to set up and manage

Why is Xiaomi geolocation not working as you expect?

Have you ever noticed that Xiaomi geolocation suddenly turns off and starts to “glut” in the background apps? Or maybe you just can’t find where to turn it on after the MIUI update? This feature is one of the most popular in modern smartphones, but its settings are hidden so deep that even experienced users sometimes lose their sense of purpose. Unlike iPhone or “pure” Android, where the path to geodata is more or less standard, Xiaomi likes to shuffle the menu with each update.

In this article, we will not only show where the geolocation is located in Xiaomi, but also understand:

• 🔍 How different are the settings on Redmi, POCO Xiaomi flagships (spoiler: they are not always the same!)
• 📱 Why geolocation can spontaneously turn off and how to fix it
• 🔒 How to limit access to your location for specific applications
• 🌍 What alternative methods of determining the coordinates are available in MIUI (why GPS — Not always the best option)

We warn you right away that if you use Xiaomi with Global ROM, the path to settings may be different from the Chinese version (China ROM). And if your smartphone is running MIUI 14+, the interface has already been updated - and the old instructions from the Internet will not help you. But don't worry: we have taken into account all these nuances.

Main path: where in the settings Xiaomi includes geolocation

The most obvious way is to go into the system settings, but even here, Xiaomi likes to surprise. Here's the current path for MIUI 12-14 (including HyperOS for new models):

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the Privacy section (on some firmwares – Permissions).
3. Select the Application Permissions option → Location.
4. Activate the main switch at the top of the screen (if it is gray, geolocation is turned off).

On the screen you will see three modes of accuracy:

• 📍 High accuracy - uses the GPS, Wi-Fi, mobile networks and sensors (maximum accuracy but quicker battery drains).
• 📶 Savings on charge – only Wi-Fi and mobile networks (accuracy) ~500–1000 meters).
• 🔄 Only the device, just the device. GPS (more accurate than the second option, but longer determines the coordinates).

Important! On some models (like the POCO F5 or Xiaomi 13T), the path may be slightly different: Settings → Communication and Sharing → Location. If you don't find it, use a search by settings (a magnifier at the top of the screen) and type "location."

Geolocation in notification panels and quick settings

You don't want to go into settings every time? There are two ways to quickly turn geolocation on or off in MIUI:

1. Notification panel: Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.Look for the icon 📍 Location (if not, click on the "Edit" pencil and add it manually).Tap the icon to turn geolocation on/off.
2. Control Center: Swipe down from the top right corner (on MIUI 13+). There should be a geolocation icon here too, tap it.

If the icon is not in the quick settings, you can add: Settings → Notification Panel → Add tiles → Location.

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On some models (for example, Redmi Note 12), the geolocation icon in the notification panel may be hidden behind the “More” button (three dots).

Note that the quick switch in the notification panel doesn't always display the current accuracy mode (high/saving/GPS) it only turns geolocation on or off completely, and you still have to go to the settings to change the mode.

How to Check Which Apps Are Using Your Location

Xiaomi geolocation can work in the background even when you don’t expect it to. For example, Google Maps, Yandex.Maps or TikTok can request access to your coordinates for targeted advertising, to control this:

1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Application Permissions → Location.
2. Here you will see a list of all the applications that have ever requested access to geodata.
3. Tap on any app to change permissions: 🚫 Prohibit - Total ban on access. 🔄 Only during use – access only when the application is open. ✅ Allow – Permanent access (not recommended for most applications!).

Pay particular attention to:

• 📸 Social networks (Instagram, Facebook, VK) — They often collect geodata for advertising.
• 🚗 Maps and Navigators (Google Maps, 2GIS) – They really need your location, but check if they work in the background without the need to be used.
• 🛒 Delivery Clubs and stores (AliExpress, Ozon, Delivery Club) – they need geolocation only for checkout, not for constant tracking.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi system applications (such as Mi Browser or Security) may request geolocation access to “enhance services.” If you are not using these features, feel free to disable permissions – this will not affect the stability of the smartphone.

Why Xiaomi geolocation doesn’t work or doesn’t work well

If your Xiaomi can’t locate or displays it with a large margin of error, the reasons may be:

If the problem does not disappear, try resetting geolocation settings: Settings → System → Resetting → Reset network and geolocation settings.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (Geolocation may conflict with dual applications or second space. If you use them, try disabling duplicate applications that need location access.

Hidden geolocation features in Xiaomi: what you didn’t know

In addition to the standard settings, Xiaomi has several hidden features related to geolocation:

1. Geozone in Mi Home: If you have Xiaomi Smart Home devices (like Mi Band or smart lamp), you can set up automation by location. For example, to have the lamp turned on when you drive up to the house. → Profile → geozones → Add geofence
2. Blacklist of geolocation: B MIUI 14+ The function of blocking location for specific SIM-Useful if you're using two SIMs and you don't want one of them to be on the network. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [choose SIM] → Geolocation locking.
3. False Location: For developers: Xiaomi can emulate any coordinates (useful for app testing). To enable: Settings → About phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times to enable developer mode) Settings → Additional → Developer → Mock Location

Another little-known feature is Google location history, and even if you turn off geolocation in Xiaomi settings, Google can still save your movements through Google Maps or Chronology, to turn it off:

1. Open Google Maps → tap on the avatar → Chronology.
2. Go to Settings → Manage Location History.
3. Turn off the Location History option.

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Even if geolocation is disabled at the system level, individual applications (such as Google Maps) can store your coordinates through their services.

How to turn off geolocation completely (and whether it is worth it)

If you’re paranoid (or just care about privacy), you can turn off your geolocation entirely on Xiaomi.

• ❌ Navigators (Google Maps, Yandex.Navigator), taxi services (Uber, Yandex.Go), geotags in photos.
• ❌ Accuracy will deteriorate: weather widgets, search for nearby cafes / shops.
• ❌ Certain functions MIUI will stop working: for example, Smart lock (unlock at a trusted place) or Device Search.

If you decide to disable geolocation, do it in two steps:

1. Turn off system geolocation: Settings → Privacy → Location → Turn off the main switch.
2. Block background access for all applications: Settings → Privacy → Application permissions → Location → Ban for all.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12 pro POCO X5 Pro) even after the geolocation module has been turned off GPS It's still consuming energy in the background, and to fix that, you need to turn off the geolocation service through the background. ADB: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.location.fused But this is not recommended for inexperienced users - system functions may stop working!

FAQ: Frequent questions about geolocation on Xiaomi