How to completely disable geolocation on Xiaomi Redmi 5: all ways in 2026

Why to turn off geolocation on a smartphone and when it really needs to

Geolocation on Xiaomi Redmi 5 is not only a convenient feature for navigation or finding nearby cafes, it is also a constant collection of data about your location, which drains the battery, loads the processor and, more importantly, can become a threat to privacy, for example, applications like Google Maps, Yandex.Maps or even social networks continue to track coordinates in the background even when you are not using them.

But there are situations when the disconnection of geolocation becomes not only desirable, but necessary:

• 🔋 Saving battery power - modules GPS and A-GPS consume up 15-20% active-energy.
• 🛡️ Privacy – if you don’t want apps or services to know where you are (for example, when using public Wi-Fi).
• 🎮 Games and cheating – some mobile games (like the ones you see) Pokémon GO) Blocking your account for suspicious location change.
• 📡 Network problems – weak signal in some regions GPS It may interfere with other wireless modules.

However, before you turn off geolocation, keep in mind: without it, maps, taxi services (such as Yandex Go or Uber), weather widgets and even some banking applications (for example, to confirm payments by geolocation) will cease to work.

Method 1: Disable geolocation through basic MIUI settings

The simplest and most obvious method is to use the standard MIUI settings menu, which is suitable for completely disabling all types of geolocation, including GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile network detection.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to the Privacy section → Permits.
3. Select GeoData (or Location depending on the firmware version).
4. Move the slider to the off position (grey).

After that, all applications will lose access to your coordinates, but there is a caveat: some system services (for example, emergency calls or device search via Mi Account) may temporarily enable geolocation in the background.

Method 2: Selective geolocation disabling for individual applications

If you want to leave your geolocation enabled but restrict access to it for specific programs (such as Instagram or TikTok), do the following:

Steps:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want to deny access to geodata (for example, Facebook).
3. Click on Permits.
4. Find the location and set the value to Prohibit.

This method is useful if you want to:

• 📸 Save geotags in photos, but do not give access to social networks.
• 🚕 Use the navigator (Google Maps), but block tracking advertising networks.
• 💰 Restrict banking applications from accessing location (some banks require geodata to confirm transactions).

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If the application stops working correctly after the ban (for example, does not show the nearest establishments), try to give it access to geodata only during use (the option "Allow only when used").

Method 3: Disconnect geolocation through energy saving mode

The Xiaomi Redmi 5 has a hidden feature that automatically disables GPS and other power-hungry modules when ultra-saving mode is activated, which is useful if you want to save battery power, but are not ready to sacrifice geolocation completely.

How to turn on:

1. Open Settings → Battery and Performance.
2. Select Battery Mode.
3. Activate the option Ultramode (or Extreme Energy Saving).

Note that in ultramode, all background processes, including notifications from messengers, are turned off, and base station location may also stop working (used for emergency calls).

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Ultra mode is the most radical way to disable geolocation, but it also blocks most smartphone functions. Use it only in extreme cases, such as when the battery is almost dead and charging is not at hand.

Method 4: Disabling A-GPS and improving accuracy (for power users)

The Xiaomi Redmi 5 also has an A-GPS (Assisted GPS) system that uses mobile network and Wi-Fi data to speed up positioning, which can be turned off separately if you don’t need high accuracy (for example, for walking or cycling).

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on the MIUI Version until the notification "You've become a developer" appears.

Additional → For Developers

• Disable A-GPS (or Improve GPS Accuracy)
• Turn off location determination over Wi-Fi.
• Disable location determination over the mobile network.
• Reboot the phone.

After that, GPS will be slower (especially in cities with tall buildings), but it will completely stop using operator data and Wi-Fi for tracking, which is useful if you want to minimize your location.

Method 5: Physical disconnection GPS-Module (for advanced users)

If software methods do not help (for example, due to viruses or custom firmware), you can completely block the system. GPS-This is done through an engineering menu or special commands. ADB.

Option 1: Engineering menu (access code required):

Enter the dialer: ##4636###


Go to the section "Phone Information"




Select "Disable GPS" (Password may be required)

Option 2: ADB (you need a computer):

adb shell settings put global location_providers_allowed -gps


adb shell settings put secure location_mode 0

⚠️ Attention: Physical disconnection GPS It can make it impossible to use navigation applications even after re-enablement, and it can also disrupt emergency call functions (E911), Automatically transfer your location to emergency services.

What to do if the geolocation is not turned off

Sometimes, even after all the manipulations, the GPS still works, and here are the possible causes and solutions.

• 🔄 Geodata cache - clear it in Settings → Annexes → All applications → Google Services Framework → Clear the cache.
• 📱 Viruses or spyware – check your phone with an antivirus (such as Dr.Web or Malwarebytes).
• 🔧 Castom firmware - some unofficial versions MIUI Ignore geolocation settings. Try to get back the stock firmware.
• 📡 Operator – some mobile operators (e.g. MegaFon or Beeline) force the approximate coordinates through base stations.

If the problem persists, try resetting your network settings:

1. Go to Settings → System and device → Reset settings.
2. Select Network Resetting.
3. Confirm the action.

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If geolocation turns on on itself after a reboot, it’s likely the system app or service (like Google Play Services) that’s to blame.Try updating it via Google Play or rolling back to the factory version.

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling geolocation on Xiaomi Redmi 5