Geolocation on Xiaomi: where is in the settings and how to set up correctly

You're trying to find geolocation on a Xiaomi smartphone, but you can't find the right settings? This feature has become an integral part of modern gadgets, from navigation in Google Maps to the operation of taxi applications and social networks. However, the MIUI interface is regularly updated, and the path to geolocation settings may vary depending on the firmware version and device model.

In this article, we will explore all possible ways to access geolocation on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, including hidden menus for developers and diagnostic tools. You will learn not only where the GPS switch is located, but also how to check its performance, improve the accuracy of determining the coordinates and eliminate typical errors (for example, when applications do not see your location), focusing on the differences between the versions of MIUI 12, 13, 14 and HyperOS, as well as nuances for Chinese and global firmware.

1. Standard method: where geolocation is enabled in Xiaomi settings

The most obvious way is through the main settings menu, but even here, users often face confusion due to different interface translations. Here is the exact algorithm for most models (relevant to MIUI 12-15 and HyperOS):

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to Privacy (in some firmwares – Security or Permissions).
3. Select Application Resolution → Location (or HyperOS Location Services).
4. Activate the main switch at the top of the screen.

There will be three accuracy modes on the screen:

• 📍 High accuracy - uses the GPS, Wi-Fi, mobile networks and sensors (maximum accuracy but increased battery consumption).
• 📶 Charge savings are only mobile networks and Wi-Fi (more precisely in the city, but worse in the field).
• 🔄 Only the device, just the device. GPS (The most accurate signal in the open, but slower to "grab" the signal).

⚠️ Note: On Chinese firmware (China) ROM) The path may be different. MIUI 14 China geolocation hidden in Settings → Additionally. → Special facilities → If you have this version, use the special instructions below.

2. Quick access through the notification panel

Not everyone knows that you can turn geolocation on/off in 2 seconds without going into the settings.

1. Swipe your finger down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. If the panel is shortened, swipe down again for full disclosure.
3. Find the badge. 📍 Location (usually close to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth).
4. Tap the icon once to turn on/off.

If the badge is not:

1. Press on. ⚙️ Edit (pencil in the lower right corner of the panel).
2. Find the location in the list and drag it to the active area.

🔹 Quick activation through the notification panel does not always activate GPS — Sometimes it only allows applications to use a specific location. For full navigation, check the settings manually (see the Mode section). GPS).

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If the geolocation icon on the panel is gray and inactive, it means the function is locked at the system level. Unlock it in Settings → Privacy → Location Services.

Verification of GPS: diagnostics and tests

It's not enough to turn on geolocation, you have to make sure it works properly.

1. Install the GPSTest app (free on Google Play).
2. Open it and wait until the coordinates appear on the screen.
3. Pay attention to this: 🔴 Number of satellites (good): 8+ for GPS, 3+ for GLONASS). 📊 Accuracy (norm: up to 10 meters in open space). ⏱️ Time of first fix (longer than 30 seconds) is a sign of problems).

If no satellites are captured:

• 📵 Check if the metal cover is blocking the antenna. GPS (Especially relevant for Xiaomi 12/13 aluminum-hulled).
• 🔄 Reboot your phone – sometimes the module GPS "hanging".
• 🛠️ Reset geolocation settings (see section below).

4. Hidden GPS settings: a menu for developers

For fine-tuning geolocation, Xiaomi has a hidden developer menu to open:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version and click on it 7 times in a row.
3. The message will be “You are a developer!”
4. Return to the main settings menu – there will be a new section for developers.

In this menu, find:

• 📡 Regime. GPS — Choose a Highly Precision (Uses) GPS+GLONASS+Galileo).
• 🔄 Data resetting GPS — Clears the cache coordinates (helps with "hangs").
• 📱 Maximum refresh rate – set 1 Hz for navigators.

⚠️ Warning: Do not turn on the debugging USB and Unlock. OEM unnecessarily, this reduces the security of the device, and avoid changing the settings. AGPS (Accelerated search for satellites, if you do not understand their purpose.

5. Geolocation on Chinese firmware (China ROM)

Owners of China ROM devices (such as those purchased on AliExpress or imported from China) often find that:

• 🌍 No geolocation switch in a standard location.
• 🚫 Apps like Google Maps don’t identify location.
• ⚠️ Error: Google Play Services are not supported".

Decisions:

1. Activate via hidden menu: Dial in the dialer: ##4636##. Select Phone Information → Settings GPS. Turn it on. GPS-receiver AGPS.
2. Install Google Services: Download Google Installer (e.g. with APKMirror). Install Google Play Services and Google Play Market. Reboot your device.

Firmware for the global version:

If nothing helps, consider flashing on Global ROM via Fastboot or Recovery. instructions are available on the Xiaomi.eu forum.

⚠️ Note: Some Chinese Firmware (MIUI 13/14 China may be linked to Chinese services (Baidu Maps, AutoNavi), in which case, even after installing Google Services, the accuracy will be worse than on global versions.

6. Resetting geolocation settings: when and how to do

If GPS is unstable (long looking for satellites, showing incorrect coordinates), a complete reset of geolocation settings will help, which will delete all stored data about the satellites and return the parameters to the factory.

Instructions:

Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management|Find and select Google Services (Google Play Services)|Press Warehouse. → Delete the data|Reboot the phone.|Open any map application (like Google Maps) and wait for a new location to be determined.-->

After discharge:

• 🔄 The first coordinate determination can take up to 5 minutes (especially indoors).
• 📶 To accelerate, go to an open space (balcony, street).
• 🔋 Battery charge can fall quickly in the first hours – it’s normal.

If the reset didn't help, check:

• 🛠️ Hardware malfunctions: Antenna damage GPS (relevant after falls or repairs).
• 📲 Application Conflict: Some programs (e.g., Fake) GPS) They can block the real coordinates.
• 🔒 Operator restrictions: On some tariffs, mobile data for AGPS Disabled (check with the operator).

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Resetting GPS is a last resort, and before you do that, try updating your AGPS data in the developer menu (Update AGPS) and restarting your phone.

7. Battery consumption optimization when using geolocation

GPS is one of the main charge eaters, to save battery life without losing functionality:

• 🔋 Use Adaptive Mode: C MIUI 14+ Adaptive economy in geolocation settings is optional – it automatically switches accuracy depending on active applications.
• ⏳ Limit background activity: In Settings → Battery → Select applications disable geolocation for unnecessary programs (e.g. social media).
• 📱 Turn it off. GPS When simple: Set up an automatic shutdown via MacroDroid or Tasker (e.g., turn off geolocation at night).
• 🔄 Update the firmware: In new versions MIUI So we've optimized the algorithm for satellite search, for example, in HyperOS, power consumption. GPS reduced by 15% compared to MIUI 13.

Compare battery consumption in different modes (test on Xiaomi 13 Pro, 1 hour of active use of Google Maps):

HyperOS has an experimental feature called Hybrid Location, which combines data from phone sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope) and GPS to save energy. Activated in Settings → Special Features → Additional settings → Hybrid Location.

Frequent questions about geolocation on Xiaomi