How to disable Google geolocation on Xiaomi: all the ways and nuances

Google’s geolocation on Xiaomi smartphones is a powerful tool that makes it easier to use maps, search and personalized services, but not all users are willing to share their coordinates with the corporation, POCO or Mi, where MIUI Integrated with Google services at the system level, disabling geolocation can increase privacy, save battery life and even speed up the device in some scenarios.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to disable geolocation, from basic settings in your smartphone menu to hidden options for power users. You’ll learn how to prevent Google from tracking your location through Android Settings, MIUI, We'll also use third-party tools, and we'll focus on the nuances of different versions of the firmware (MIUI 14/13) and features of models with Qualcomm and MediaTek chips.

Before you start, consider that some features (like Google Maps, Weather, or Google Assistant) may not work properly without access to geodata, but if privacy is more important to you, our instructions will help you find a balance.

Why does Xiaomi collect location data?

Xiaomi smartphones use geolocation not only for Google services, but also for their own functions MIUI. Here are the main reasons why the system may request access to your coordinates:

📍 Google Services: Maps, Search, Assistant, Advertising (yes, targeted ads are based on your location).
🌍 MIUI-Features: Automatic change of the topic by time of day, local news in GetApps, network optimization.
🔋 Battery savings: Some energy saving modes adapt to your typical location (e.g., home vs. work).
🚨 Security: Features like Find My Device or emergency alerts require geodata.

Important: Even if you turn off geolocation in Android settings, some system processes MIUI They can continue to collect approximate data through Wi-Fi and cell towers. Complete shutdown requires a comprehensive approach, and we'll talk about that later.

📊 Why do you want to turn off geolocation on Xiaomi?

Because of confidentiality.

To save the battery

I don’t like targeted ads.

Other

Method 1: Disabling geolocation in Android settings

The easiest method is to use standard Android tools, which is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and other models. POCO base MIUI 12–14.

Instructions:

Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application authorizations → Location.
At the top of the screen, move the location access slider to the off position.
(Optional) Tap on System Services and disable geolocation for Google Play Services, Google App, and other components.

This method completely blocks access to the GPS, Wi-Fi and cellular location data:

⚠️ Note: Google Maps, Yandex.Navigator, and functions like automatic time zone change will stop working after the shutdown. Some applications (for example, banking) may require you to enable geolocation to confirm operations.

☑️ Verification of geolocation disconnection

Go to Google Maps and the error “Location is not available” should appear.Open the weather widget – it doesn’t have to update your city’s dataTry using Yandex.Taxi – the application will request to enable GPS

Done: 0 / 3

Method 2: Disable Google Location History

Even if you block access to the GPS, Google may store your travel history through other sources (e.g., Google may store your travel history, IP-Addresses or data from connected devices to stop it:

Steps to shut down:

Open the Google Maps app (or click on the link in the browser).
Tap on the profile avatar → Your chronicle. → ⚙ Settings → Location history.
Turn off the location history slider and confirm the action.
(Recommended) Click Delete all location history to clean up previously collected data.

Additionally, you can disable "Web and Application Activity":

🔗 Go to My Activity.
📱 Select Activity Management → Web and application activities.
🚫 Turn off the slider and confirm.

This will not block the application access to GPS, But stop recording your movements in your Google account.

What to do if the location history is not turned off?

If the story continues to be recorded after the shutdown, check: 1. Is sync enabled through another Google account (e.g. work account). 2. Are there any applications with administrator rights installed (e.g. family or corporate sharing) MDM-Is the Device Search feature active in Android security settings? 3.

Method 3: Limitation of rights for Google Play Services

Google Play Services is a system component that manages most geolocation features. It can't be removed, but you can restrict permissions. This method is suitable for users who want to partially disable tracking without completely blocking it. GPS.

Instructions:

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
Search for Google Play Services (use search if you don’t see it in the list).
Slip it on the Permit. → Location → Choose to forbid.
(Optional) In the same menu, turn off the permissions for Camera, Microphone and Contacts if you want maximum privacy.

Consequences:

Function	Does it work?	Notes
Google Maps (navigation)	❌ No.	Maps will be opened, but routes will not be built.
Automatic time zone change	❌ No.	You'll have to adjust it manually.
Search for the device (Find My Device)	❌ No.	You can’t find your phone through your Google account.
Local recommendations in Google	❌ No.	Restaurants/shops nearby will disappear.
Work of banking applications	⚠️ Partially.	Some banks require GPS proof-of-payment.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI If you notice a problem with Gmail or Google Drive, return the permissions back.

Method 4: Use Device Only (Android 12)+)

Starting with Android 12, Xiaomi introduced the option Device Only for Geolocation. GPS, Blocks the transfer of location data to Google and other services.

How to turn on:

Open the Settings. → Location.
Tap on Location Mode (or Accuracy in some versions) MIUI).
Choose Device Only (instead of High Accuracy or Charge Saving).

How is this different from a complete shutdown:

✅ GPS works for navigation and maps.
✅ Applications are available coordinates (for example, Yandex.Navigator or 2GIS).
❌ Google does not receive your location data for targeted advertising or history.
❌ MIUI-Features (such as weather on the lock screen) may not work properly.

This mode is the gold standard for those who want to use navigation but don’t want to share data with Google.

💡

If after switching to Device Only mode, the maps began to determine the location longer, try to turn on the card. AGPS (Assisted GPS) To do this, enter the code ##1472365## in the Phone app and select Enable. AGPS.

Method 5: Disabling geolocation through ADB (skilled)

If standard methods do not help, you can use them. ADB (Android Debug Bridge for deep geolocation disabling, which is suitable for users with unlocked bootloader or root rights, but some teams work without them.

What you need:

🖥 Computer with installed ADB Tools.
📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the version number → Come back to the extra. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Commands to disable:

adb shell settings put global location_mode 0 # Complete geolocation disablement


adb shell pm revoke com.google.android.gms android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION #Exact location ban for Google Services




adb shell pm revoke com.google.android.gms android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION # Prohibition of approximate location

To get it back:

adb shell settings put global location_mode 3 # High accuracy mode


adb shell pm grant com.google.android.gms android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION




adb shell pm grant com.google.android.gms android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB They are reset after resetting or updating the firmware, and some applications (such as Google Maps) can automatically request permissions again.

💡

Use of the ADB — It's the most reliable way to disable geolocation at the system level, but it requires technical skills.

Method 6: Alternative methods (root, custom firmware, Magisk modules)

For users with root rights or custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience), additional ways to control geolocation are available:

🛠 Magisk: Disable Location Consent blocks location requests. Universal SafetyNet Fix masks root, but allows you to disable geolocation for specific applications.
📱 Change the build.prop file: Add the ro.location.mode line=0 for a complete shutdown GPS system-level.
🔄 GApps-free firmware: Install firmware without Google services (e.g. LineageOS for microG), where geolocation is managed via alternatives API.

Advantages:

✅ Complete control of data.
✅ Ability to selectively disable geolocation for individual applications.
✅ No dependence on Google services.

Risks:

⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
⚠️ Possible errors in the system operation with incorrect changes.
⚠️ Some banking applications refuse to work on custom firmware.

If you decide on this path, we recommend you to make a backup through TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When disabling geolocation on Xiaomi, users often face the following difficulties:

Problem.	Reason.	Decision
The geolocation is switched on by itself.	Automatic update of Google Play Services or system applications MIUI (For example, Mi Security).	Turn off Auto Update for Google Play Services in Settings → Annexes → Google Play Store → Auto-update.
Google Maps is not working after the shutdown GPS	The application requires an exact location.	Enable Device Only mode (see Method 4) or use alternatives like OsmAnd.
The banking app has stopped working.	Many banks require GPS confirm transactions.	Add the banking application to the exceptions (Settings) → Annexes → Permits → Location → Exceptions).
The weather on the lock screen is not updated	widget MIUI Use geolocation to determine the city.	Set the city manually in the weather settings or turn off the widget.
Notice "Improving the accuracy of the location"	System alert MIUI, call-in GPS.	Turn off notifications for Google Play Services in the app settings.

If none of these methods helped, check:

🔍 Aren't they established? VPN Antiviruses that can block changes to settings.
📲 Is the child mode or corporate profile activated (Settings) → Accounts. → Working profile).
🔄 Is it necessary to update the firmware (sometimes geolocated bugs are fixed in new versions) MIUI).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

Can geolocation be turned off for specific applications only?

Yeah, in MIUI This is done through settings. → Annexes → Permits → Location: Select an app (e.g. Google Maps or Instagram) and set permission to Disable or Allow only when you use. Please note that some system applications (e.g. Google Play Services) do not have separate settings and require you to completely disable.

Will the battery be saved after the geolocation is turned off?

Yes, but the effect depends on how often you use navigation. GPS It can consume up to 5-15% of the charge per day. If you rarely use maps, turning off geolocation will extend the smartphone life by 10-30%.+ or POCO F4), module GPS More energy-intensive than on MediaTek.

How to check if the geolocation is turned off?

There are several ways to open Google Maps – if the location is not determined, it means, GPS It's locked. Use the app. GPS Status & Toolbox from Play Market, which will show satellite status. Check your Google account location history, no new data should appear. Enter #4636## in the engineering menu and select Phone Information if in the section GPS No data, so the module is off.

Can you turn off geolocation only for Google, but leave it for other applications?

Yes, but partially. You can: Disable your Google Account Location History (see Method 2). Disable access to geodata for Google Play Services and Google App (see Method 3). Use Device Only (see Method 4) mode, which blocks data transfer to Google but leaves it in the same mode. GPS But you can't completely isolate Google from geodata without root rights, because some system processes will still send approximate information.

Does the geolocation shutdown affect work? 5G or wifi?

No, 5G Wi-Fi is available regardless of GPS. However: Some operators (e.g. MegaFon or Beeline) may use location data to optimize the network, but this does not affect the speed. If you turn off the exact location in the Wi-Fi settings (Settings) → Wi-Fi → Additionally. → Exact location, the smartphone will connect to new networks longer.