How to completely disable geolocation on Xiaomi Redmi Note 3: 5 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 (including the Pro version) is still a popular device thanks to reliable hardware and flexible firmware MIUI. However, geolocation features that are actively used by both the system and third-party applications are not always convenient for the user: some want to save battery power, others to protect privacy, and others are just tired of intrusive requests for access to the location.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can disable geolocation on the Redmi Note 3, from basic MIUI settings to hidden developer settings, and focus on the nuances of the firmware version (global, Chinese, custom) and the possible implications for applications. If you’re looking for a way to completely block coordinate transfer without root access, here are some working solutions.

Why geolocation consumes battery and how to check it

The GPS, GLONASS and A-GPS modules in Redmi Note 3 run in the background even when you’re not using navigation. Tests show that constant location can increase battery consumption by 15 to 25 percent depending on application activity.

1. Open Settings → Battery → Battery Use.
2. Scroll through the list to System Processes.
3. Find Google Services (if you use GMS) or MiuiLocationService.
4. Pay attention to the percentage of consumption – if it exceeds 5-7%, geolocation is actively used.

In addition, many apps (social media, instant messengers, weather widgets) request location access for targeted ads or “improved user experience,” such as Facebook and Instagram can update coordinates every 10-15 minutes, even when you’re not using them.

Method 1: Disable GPS and location services in MIUI settings

The simplest method is to deactivate the system-level geolocation, which is suitable for all versions of MIUI (7 to 14) and does not require superuser rights.

1. Go to Settings → Additional → Privacy (in new versions, the path can be Settings → Location).
2. Slip the location accuracy (or location services) switch to turn it off.
3. In the window that appears, confirm the action by clicking Disconnect.

After that, all applications will lose access to GPS, Wi-Fi networks and cell towers for positioning.

⚠️ Note: Some system functions (e.g. Mi Cloud for device search) will stop working, and there may be problems with Google Maps, Yandex.Navigator and other mapping services.

Method 2: Disabling geodata in photos (EXIF)

Even if you deactivate your GPS, the Redmi Note 3 camera can default to storing coordinates in image metadata (EXIF), which poses privacy risks, especially if you post photos on social media, to disable geotags:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Slap the gear icon (⚙️) top-corner.
3. Scroll down to the Advanced Settings (or Additional) section.
4. Find the Save Location (or Geotega) option and turn it off.

If this item is not in your MIUI version, try an alternative method:

• 📱 Install a third-party camera app (such as Open Camera) where geotags are manually disabled.
• 🖥️ Use it. ADB-commands for forced shutdown (see Method 5).
• 🔄 After the shooting, delete. EXIF-data with utilities like EXIF Eraser.

Important: some messengers (for example, Telegram in Secret Chat mode) automatically delete geodata when sending photos, but it is better to be safe.

Method 3: Managing Application Location Access Rights

Instead of completely disabling geolocation, you can selectively deny access to individual applications, which is convenient if you want to keep navigators running, but limit social networks.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Permissions.
2. Select Location.
3. The list will show all the programs that have access to geodata.
4. Choose one of the options: Allow all the time (not recommended), Allow only during use (compromise option), Prohibit (complete disconnection).

For convenience, we have compiled a table of applications that can be safely denied access to the location without losing functionality:

Tip: Once permissions are changed, restart your phone so that the changes take effect.Some apps (such as Uber or Delivery Club) may request access again the next time you run.

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If the app stopped working after disabling the geolocation, try clearing its cache in the settings (Settings → Apps → [name] → Storage → Clear the cache).

Method 4: Disconnect via Developer Mode (for power users)

MIUI has hidden settings that allow you to completely block the system-level coordinate transfer, and you need to activate Developer Mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version until you become a developer!
3. Return to the main settings menu and open a new Developer section (usually at the bottom of the list).
4. Find the USB Debugging option and activate it (this is a must for further action).
5. Scroll down to the Location block and disable: Mosk-e location (if any), Choice location provider.

For maximum effect, it is also recommended:

• 🛠️ In the same menu, turn off Automatic Time Synchronization (it can use location data to adjust the time zone).
• 📡 Deactivate Wi-Fi Scanning is always available (in the Network section).
• 🔄 Reboot the device after changes.

⚠️ Note: Some settings in developer mode can cause the phone to run unstable, for example, disabling the Mok-e location will disrupt applications that use virtual coordinates (e.g., emulators). GPS play-off).

Method 5: Advanced Methods (ADB and custom firmware)

If standard methods fail, you can resort to deep customization through ADB or installing alternative firmware, which require technical skills and can affect the warranty.

To disable geolocation via ADB:

1. Install Minimal ADB and Fastboot on PC.
2. Connect Redmi Note 3 to USB and allow debugging.
3. Enter the commands: adb shell settings put secure location_providers_allowed -gps,-network adb shell settings put global location_mode 0

To completely remove geolocation services, you will need:

• 🔧 Install custom restoration (TWRP).
• 📦 Switch modified firmware (for example, LineageOS without GApps).
• 🚫 Remove the system APK-file (MiuiLocationService.apk, GmsCore.apk) via Root Explorer.

Warning: These actions may lead to:

• 🔴 Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty).
• 🔴 Inoperability of Google Services (if removed) GMS).
• 🔴 «Brick phone with firmware errors.

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Use it. ADB-The wrong parameters can disrupt the module. GPS It will be restored forever and will have to be rebuilt through the firmware.

Frequent problems and their solutions

After disabling the geolocation, Redmi Note 3 users often experience side effects.

1.The geolocation itself is turned on after the reset

This is due to automatic updates to Google Play or MIUI services.

• 🛑 Turn off Auto Update for Google Play Services in Settings → Annexes → Google Play Services → Auto-update.
• 🔄 Install App Ops (requires root) to block background activity.

2. Bank applications do not work (Sberbank, Tinkoff)

Many banks require access to location to confirm transactions.

• 🏦 Allow access only for the banking application (see Method 3).
• 📡 Use it. VPN with a location in your area (e.g. ProtonVPN).

3. Navigators (Yandex.Maps, Google Maps) do not build routes

If you have turned off the geolocation completely, but need navigation:

• 🗺️ Just turn it on temporarily. GPS (networkless) in location settings.
• 📍 Download offline maps in advance (in Google Maps: Your location) → Offline maps).

If the problem is not resolved, check:

• 🔋 Signal level GPS (Engineer Mode code ##4636## → YGPS).
• 📶 Availability of updates for MIUI (Sometimes bugs are fixed in new versions).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions