How to completely disable geolocation on Xiaomi Mi 8: all ways

Xiaomi Mi 8 is the flagship of 2018, which is still relevant thanks to the powerful hardware and support for MIUI updates. However, many users face the problem of excessive battery consumption due to background geolocation or worry about data privacy. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to disable geolocation on the Mi 8 – from standard settings to hidden MIUI functions.

It is important to understand that geolocation in a smartphone works not only through GPS, but also through Wi-Fi networks, mobile towers and even Bluetooth. Complete shutdown requires a comprehensive approach. We will look at options for different versions of MIUI (10 to 14), and also explain which functions will stop working after deactivation of geodata.

If you’re looking for a way to save battery power or limit app access to your location, this guide will help. For Mi 8 SE, Mi 8 Pro or Mi 8 Explorer Edition owners, the process will be similar, as all models are built on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 platform and use the same firmware.

Why geolocation drains the battery on Xiaomi Mi 8

On the Xiaomi Mi 8, the Qualcomm Snapdragon X20 LTE chip, which is integrated into the main processor, is responsible for processing geodata. Even in standby mode, the GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou modules consume energy if:

• 🔍 Apps request location in the background (e.g. maps, weather, fitness trackers).
• 📡 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scans enabled to determine coordinates on nearby networks.
• 🔄 High-precision location (using all available sources).
• 📲 Google or Xiaomi system services (e.g., Device Search or Smart Assistant»).

According to the tests, constant geolocation can increase battery consumption by 15-25% depending on the activity of applications, for example, Google Maps in the background consumes up to 1% of charge per hour, and Mi Fit (for fitness bracelets) – up to 0.5%.

In addition to battery, geolocation affects privacy, and many apps (including system apps) collect movement data for targeted advertising or analytics, such as Xiaomi Cloud, which stores location history by default unless you manually disable this option.

Method 1: Disable geolocation through the notification panel

The quickest way to temporarily deactivate geolocation is to use the Quick Settings Panel, which is suitable if you need to turn off GPS for a short time (for example, to save charge on a trip).

1. Swipe your finger down the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Find the badge. 📍 Location (can be hidden under the “More” or “Edit” button»).
3. Touch the icon once - it will turn gray, and the geolocation will turn off.

⚠️ Note: This method only disables GPS and GLONASS, It does not block location through Wi-Fi and mobile networks.

If the badge 📍 Location not on the panel:

1. Click on the icon «⚙️ Edit" (pencil) in the lower right corner.
2. Find the “Location” list and drag it to the active area.
3. Save the changes.

Method 2: Completely disabling in MIUI settings

To fully deactivate geolocation (including Wi-Fi and mobile networks), you need to use system settings, which is suitable if you want to permanently disable the collection of geolocation with all applications except for emergency calls.

1. Open Settings → Privacy → Location.
2. Translate the “Access to Location” slider to the Off position.
3. Confirm the action in the dialog box (if it appears).

After that:

• ✅ All applications will lose access to geodata.
• ✅ Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanning will be turned off to determine coordinates.
• ❌ Google Maps, Yandex.Navigator, Uber and other location-dependent services will cease to work.
• ❌ Functions like “Call for Phone” or “Emergency Call (E911)» They may not work properly.

💡

If after disabling geolocation banking applications (for example, SberBank or Tinkoff) stopped working, add them to the exceptions in the Privacy settings → Special access → Access to location

Some versions of MIUI (e.g. MIUI 12.5 and later) may require additional shutdowns:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Special Options → Location Accuracy.
2. Turn off the “Improving Accuracy” option (using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth).

Method 3: Disabling geolocation for individual applications

If you need to leave your geolocation enabled but restrict access for specific applications (such as social media or games), use MIUI permissions.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Choose the app you want (like Facebook or Instagram).
3. Go to Permits. → Location.
4. Select “Disallow” or “During Use Only”.

Recommended settings for popular applications:

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. SberBank Online or Tinkoff) may block the login if they do not have access to geolocation».

Method 4: Disconnect geolocation through energy saving modes

If you're trying to save battery life, not privacy, you can use MIUI energy saving modes, which automatically limit background activity, including geolocation.

1. Go to Settings → Battery → Energy Saving Mode.
2. Choose “Balanced” or “Super Energy Saving”.
3. Activate the option to limit background location (if available).

Difference between regimes:

• 🔋 Balanced – limits geolocation for most applications except system.
• ⚡ Super energy saving - shuts down GPS completely, but may interfere with calls and notifications.
• 🌙 Night mode – automatically turns off background geolocation from 23:00 to 7:00.

For maximum battery savings, combine this method with manually turning off GPS (Method 1), according to tests, this approach increases the battery life of the Xiaomi Mi 8 by 20-30%.

💡

Super Power Saving mode not only disables GPS, but also background synchronization, push notifications and application auto-update, and only use it at critical charge levels.

Method 5: Disable geolocation via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods do not help (for example, geolocation is turned on itself after a reboot), you can use ADB commands. This method is suitable for MIUI 11-14 and requires connecting the smartphone to the computer.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can cause system failures. Backup data before executing commands.

1. Enable Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times)
2. Activate debugging over USB in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect Mi 8 to your PC and open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
4. Enter the commands in turn: adb shell settings put global location_mode 0 adb shell settings put global location_providers_allowed -gps,-network
5. Reboot your smartphone.

To return the geolocation, use the commands:

adb shell settings put global location_mode 3


adb shell settings put global location_providers_allowed +gps,+network

This method completely blocks access to geodata at the system level, including:

• 📡 GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou;
• 📶 Definition of mobile networks;
• 📶 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanning.

What to do if the geolocation is turned on itself

Some Xiaomi Mi 8 users are experiencing a problem when GPS is automatically activated after:

• 🔄 Rebooting the smartphone;
• 📱 Updates MIUI;
• 🔧 Resetting settings;
• 📲 Install certain applications (e.g. Google Play Services).

Causes and solutions:

If the problem persists, try:

1. Delete the cache and data of Google Play Services (Settings → Apps → All Apps → Google Play Services → Storage).
2. Disable auto-update apps in Google Play Market.
3. Install an alternative firmware (e.g. LineageOS) if the problem is related to MIUI bugs.

FAQ: Frequent questions about geolocation on Xiaomi Mi 8