Xiaomi’s smartphone geolocation is not just a navigation feature, but a key tool for many applications, from maps and taxis to social networks and fitness trackers. However, users often face problems: GPS does not catch satellites, applications can not determine location, the battery runs out too quickly. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of activation and optimization of geolocation on Redmi devices, POCO and other Xiaomi lines – from basic settings to solving typical errors.
It's important to understand that geolocation on Android works not only through GPS, but also through mobile networks, Wi-Fi and even Bluetooth. On Xiaomi smartphones with a MIUI shell (or HyperOS on new models), these settings can be hidden in non-obvious menus, and their improper configuration leads to failures. We will show how to enable geolocation correctly, what permissions to give applications and how to save battery power without losing accuracy.
Why you need a geolocation on Xiaomi and how it works
Geolocation is the determination of the coordinates of a device using several technologies:
- 🛰️ GPS/GLONASS - satellite navigation (the most accurate, but energy-consuming).
- 📡 Mobile networks – approximate location of cell towers (low accuracy, but minimum battery consumption).
- 📶 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth – determination by the nearest access points (more precisely mobile networks, but requires Wi-Fi enabled).
On Xiaomi smartphones, these methods are combined automatically, but the user can manually choose the priority mode. For example, for the navigation Yandex.Maps or Google Maps, it is better to use high accuracy (GPS + networks), and for a weather widget, an economical mode (networks only) will suffice.
Xiaomi devices with Qualcomm chipset (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro+) are more stable than models with MediaTek (such as the POCO M5), due to differences in GPS modules. This does not mean that MediaTek is worse – just additional adjustments may be needed to eliminate the “jumping” coordinates.
How to enable geolocation in Xiaomi settings
The basic geolocation activation takes less than a minute, but many users miss important details.
- Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
- Go to Location (HyperOS may be called Geodata).
- Activate the master switch at the top of the screen – it includes all geolocation services.
- Press Mode and select: High accuracy - GPS + mobile networks + Wi-Fi (maximum accuracy, but high battery consumption). Charge savings - only mobile networks and Wi-Fi (suitable for background tasks); only the device - only GPS (the most accurate, but slow and energy-consuming).
Once activated, check the geolocation: open Google Maps or Yandex.Maps and wait for the blue dot to appear. If it does not appear within 10-15 seconds, go to the troubleshooting section.
☑️ Verification of geolocation
Setup of permissions for applications
Even if geolocation is enabled at the system level, individual applications may not have access to coordinates.
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the app you want (like 2GIS or Uber).
- Press Permissions. → Location.
- Set one of the values: 📍 Always access geodata at any time (needed for trackers or navigators). 🕒 Only during use – access only when the application is open (recommended for most services). 🚫 Disallow – complete shutdown of access.
⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g., government services or banking services) may require geolocation access to confirm transactions.
Xiaomi also has a special access feature, which allows applications to use geolocation even in the background, to configure it:
- Back to Settings → Location.
- Click App Permissions → Special access.
- Turn on the switch for the desired applications (for example, for Yandex.Navigator).
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If an app requests geolocation access but you are not sure about its reliability, check the reviews on Google Play. Fraudulent programs often collect geodata to show targeted ads or sell to third parties.
Optimizing accuracy and speed of location determination
If your Xiaomi GPS takes too long or with too much error, try these methods:
| Problem. | Decision | Applicable to models |
|---|---|---|
| Long-term location determination | Turn on Flight Mode for 10 seconds, then turn off - this will reset the connection with the satellites. | All models. |
| "Jumping" coordinates | Turn off Charge Savings in the battery settings for the navigator app. | Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4 |
| Low accuracy in the room | Turn on Wi-Fi (even without a network connection) – this will improve the definition of access points. | All models. |
| GPS is not working after the update | Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings. | Xiaomi 12/13, Mix 4/5 |
To speed up the search for satellites, you can use applications such as GPS Status & Toolbox (available on Google Play) shows the current state of play GPS-The module allows you to manually update the almanac data (satellite list). On new Xiaomi models (for example, Xiaomi 14), this feature is built into the Settings → Location → Show status GPS.
What is AGPS and why is it needed?
How to turn off geolocation to save battery
Continuous use of GPS and network geolocation can reduce Xiaomi’s life by 15-30%.
- 🔋 Use Charge Saving mode in location settings (enough for most applications).
- ⏳ Limit background access to geodata: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → Select the application → Limit background activity.
- 📴 Turn off geolocation completely when you don’t need it (for example, at night).
- 🔄 Set up automatic shutdown via Automation in Settings → Additionally. → Automation (for example, switching off) GPS When connecting to a home Wi-Fi).
⚠️ Attention: On models POCO F4/F5 redmi K50/K60 When Ultra Battery Saver is activated, geolocation is automatically turned off. To avoid this, add the right applications to the exceptions.
For advanced users, you can turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanning for geolocation if you don't use features like Google Nearby or Find My Device.
- Go to Settings → Location → Show additional settings.
- Turn off Wi-Fi Scanning and Bluetooth Scanning.
Solving Typical Geolocation Problems on Xiaomi
If GPS is not working or if it is not correctly located, use the following algorithm:
- Check hardware limitations: Make sure the device doesn't have metal covers or magnetic holders - they shield the signal. Stay outdoors (indoor GPS works worse).
Update:
Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and install the latest patches. On Xiaomi, GPS errors are often fixed in monthly security updates.
Reset the network settings:
Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Reset network settings. This will remove stored Wi-Fi and cellular settings, but often solves geolocation problems.
Check the AGPS files:
Install the GPS Test app and update your AGPS data via the Manage A-GPS State → Reset menu.
If the problem persists, it may be faulty. GPS-This is true for devices that have fallen or got moisture, and only the service center will help.
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On Xiaomi models with Snapdragon processor (e.g. Redmi) K70) trouble GPS More often associated with software failures, while on MediaTek (POCO M6) There may be hardware limitations due to weak GPS-chip.
Additional geolocation features on Xiaomi
In addition to standard settings, Xiaomi offers unique features based on geolocation:
- 📍 Geofencing: Automatically performs the steps you enter/exit a given zone, for example, you can set up Wi-Fi on when you return home. → Additionally. → Automation → geozones.
- 🔍 Find My Device from Xiaomi allows you to track your phone GPS, Even if it's off (on supported models). Activation: Settings → Xiaomi account → Find My Device.
- 🚗 Driving mode: Automatic navigator switching on and blocking notifications when driving. Setup: Settings → Lock screen → Driving mode.
New HyperOS devices (such as the Xiaomi 14 Ultra) have a "Precise Location" feature that uses barometer and accelerometer sensors to determine floors in multi-storey buildings, to activate it:
- Open Settings → Location → Additional settings.
- Turn on Precise Location.