GPS setup on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: from calibration to troubleshooting

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is equipped with a module GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou/Galileo, but many users face problems with accuracy of location. In this article, we will discuss how to properly configure GPS on this smartphone, check the functionality of the module and fix the typical problems from slow search of satellites to the complete absence of a signal.

The Redmi Note 8 Pro (codenamed begonia) features the Mediatek Helio G90T chip, which requires specific settings to optimize navigation. Unlike Snapdragon devices, it may require additional manipulation of firmware or service codes. We will look at both standard methods through the MIUI menu and hidden features for power users.

1. Verification of GPS hardware support

Before you set up the software, make sure the problem is not the hardware.The GPS module in the Redmi Note 8 Pro is located at the top of the board next to the antenna contacts. Physical damage (falls, moisture) or poor-quality repairs can put it out of order.

To check the hardware serviceability:

• 🔍 Use the GPSTest app (available on Google Play) to show how many satellites the device sees and their signal/noise (SNR). Normal, no less. 8-12 satellite SNR > 20 dB.
• 📱 Enter the engineering code ##4636###, go to Phone Information → GPS-If the satellite field is empty after 5 minutes of waiting, there may be a hardware malfunction.
• 🔧 Check the integrity of the antenna plume (disassembly required) and often the problem is the disconnected contact after the screen is changed.

⚠️ Note: If the GPSTest displays 0 satellites even after resetting, and there is no tab in the engineering menu GPS-status is a sign of a software failure GNSS-Solution: Fastboot flashing with modem partition cleaning.

2. basic GPS settings in MIUI

Start by checking the standard settings. In MIUI 12-14, the path to geolocation settings has changed, so follow the current instructions:

1. Open Settings → Privacy → Permissions → Geodata.
2. Activate the Geodata switch (at the top of the screen).
3. Click Accuracy Mode and select High Accuracy (Uses GPS + Wi-Fi + Mobile Networks).
4. Turn on the Wi-Fi Scanner and Bluetooth Scanner to speed up your search.

For applications (e.g. Google Maps or Yandex.Navigator):

• 📍 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → [Title of the annex] → Permits.
• 🔒 Set the GeoData resolution in Always (not only during use).
• 🔄 Turn on background activity for navigation programs.

Activated geodata in the system settings

Selected "High accuracy" mode

Permissions for navigation applications are set to "Always"

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanner enabled

Updated AGPS data (see section 4)

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If after these manipulations, the GPS still works unstable, proceed to calibration.

GPS calibration: step-by-step instruction

Calibration is needed if the smartphone misidentifies the direction (the compass is lying) or the coordinates are jumping. Redmi Note 8 Pro uses a combination of service codes and third-party utilities to do this.

Method 1: Through the Engineering Menu

1. Enter the code ##36446337## (EngineerMode opens).
2. Go to Location → Location Based Service → EPO.
3. Click Download EPO (Update the Auxiliary System Data).
4. Go back to Location and select AGPS, then Reset.

Method 2: GPS Status and Toolbox

• 📲 Install the utility from Google Play.
• 🧭 Open the Compass tab and perform the calibration (rotate the phone on all axes, following the prompts).
• 🛰️ On the Satellites tab, click Manage A-GPS → Reset → Download.

💡

If calibration doesn't help, try turning off Charge Savings in battery settings.Aggressive Optimization Mode MIUI frequently blocks background work GPS-module.

4. Update of AGPS and EPO data

AGPS (Assisted GPS) and EPO (Extended Prediction Orbit) systems speed up satellite search by downloading current orbital data over the Internet. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, this data can become outdated, especially if the device has not been connected to the network for a long time.

How to update AGPS:

1. Install the GPS Status & Toolbox app.
2. Go to Manage A-GPS → Download.
3. Choose a region (e.g. Europe or Russia).
4. Wait for the download to be completed (internet required).

Update the EPO through the Engineering Menu:

1 Enter ##36446337#


2. Go to Location → Location Based Service → EPO




3.Push Download EPO




4. Wait for the message "Download OK."

After the update, restart the smartphone. AGPS/EPO stored in the module memory and are active until 7 days if GPS not used longer, the procedure must be repeated.

5. Remediation of software failures

If the GPS stopped working after updating MIUI or resetting, the problem may lie in the damaged configuration files.

Resetting geolocation settings:

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting geolocation and security settings.
• 🔐 Enter. PIN-code (if installed).
• 📱 Confirm reset and restart the device.

Cleaning the cache of Google services:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Press three points. → Show system-based.
3. Find Google Play Services → Storage → Clear the cache.
4. Repeat to Google Play Services for AR (if any).

Flashing the GPS module (advanced method):

If standard methods do not help, you can re-post the configuration files of the module via Fastboot.

1. Download the stock firmware for the Redmi Note 8 Pro (begonia) from https://xiaomifirmwareupdater.com/


2. Unpack the archive and find the file modem.bn (in the image folder)




3. Squeeze it through the command:




fastboot flash modem modem.bn




4. perform the reset via fastboot:




fastboot erase modemst1




fastboot erase modemst2

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect Modem firmware can lead to loss IMEI or the mobile network is completely inoperable. Before the procedure, save a backup of the nvram partition with the adb backup command -f nvram.ab -apk com.mediatek.engineermode.

6. Optimization for navigation applications

Even with GPS, some programs (like Google Maps or 2GIS) may not work properly.

For Google Maps:

• 🗺️ In the application settings, enable High Accuracy (Settings menu) → Navigation).
• 📦 Clear the card cache: Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 Update your offline maps (obsolete data can knock navigation down).

For Yandex.Navigator:

• 🚗 Enable Driver Mode in the settings.
• 📡 Activate Use GLONASS (Settings menu) → Navigation).
• 🔋 Turn off Traffic Savings in the App Settings.

General recommendations:

• 🛡️ Add navigation apps to Secure Applications (Settings menu) → Battery).
• 📵 Turn off the Adaptive Battery and Background Limitation for these programs.
• 🌐 Use mobile internet (not Wi-Fi) for first anchoring – this speeds up satellite search.

💡

For maximum GPS accuracy on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, a combination of three factors is needed: current AGPS/EPO data, correct application resolutions, and no software constraints (battery savings, background optimization).

7. Diagnostics of hardware problems

If all software methods have been tried, but GPS still doesn't work, there may be hardware malfunctions.

Signs of hardware failure:

• 📵 Complete absence of signal even after resetting and flashing.
• 🔌 Loss of loss GPS post-fall.
• 📡 GPSTest displays 0 satellites despite updated AGPS.

What to check:

1. Antenna plume: Often departs when changing the screen. Checked by a multimeter (resistance between the antenna and motherboard contacts should be ~0 Ohms).
2. Module GPS: The board is marked as GPS RX/TX. In case of damage, it requires replacement (cost) ~1500-2000 ruble.).
3. Battery interference: A bloated battery can push the board and disrupt contacts. Check visually.

Self-diagnosis:

1. Remove the back cover (requires a mediator and hair dryer).


2. Check the integrity of the antenna plume (thin black wire from the top of the board to the body).




3. Examine the contacts of the GPS-module for oxidation or detachment.

⚠️ Note: If you don’t have experience in electronics repair, don’t try to solder or replace the module yourself. GPS. Incorrect actions can short circuit and fail the entire board.

FAQ: Frequent GPS questions on Redmi Note 8 Pro