How to disable geolocation on Xiaomi Redmi: the complete guide

Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones use geolocation for a variety of background processes, from maps to targeted advertising. However, constant search for GPS satellites and scanning Wi-Fi networks can significantly reduce battery life of the device, many users face the need to completely or partially disable this feature to protect personal data or optimize power consumption.

In this article, we will take a closer look at all the available geo-positioning management techniques in the MIUI and HyperOS shells, and learn not just to turn off GPS, but also to manage permissions for individual applications, disable system data collection services, and adjust location accuracy, allowing you to maintain control of your device without sacrificing the full functionality of navigation services where they are needed.

It is worth noting that a complete geolocation shutdown can affect some applications, such as taxis, maps or banking programs that require region confirmation. So it is important to understand the difference between a global module shutdown and a spot setting of access rights. We will look at both options so you can choose the best use case for your smartphone.

Basic disconnection through the notification curtain and settings

The fastest way to stop the coordinate transfer is to use the control panel, and this action instantly stops working. GPS-It blocks all applications from accessing location data, and you just swipe down the screen to open the curtain and find the location icon (usually a pin or arrow).

If the icon is blue or green, then geolocation is active. One touch deactivates the function. However, in the MIUI shell, a deeper setup is often required, because even when the icon is turned off, some system processes can request coordinates through other channels, so it is recommended to go to the full settings menu for status verification.

Go to Settings → Location. Here you'll see the master switch. It's important to understand that turning it off stops satellites from working, but it doesn't necessarily turn off the scanning of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth networks to determine geoposition, if this option is activated separately, and it's the integrated approach that ensures maximum privacy.

⚠️ Warning: Once geolocation is turned off, Find Device, automatic network time setting and photo geotagging will stop working. Make sure you have an alternative way to unlock the screen if you use Smart Lock.

Configuring accuracy and sources of coordinates

One of the key features in Android and MIUI is to choose the location mode. By default, the system uses High Accuracy, using GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile networks simultaneously. This provides quick positioning, but consumes more energy. Switching to Saving Charge or Device Only mode changes the algorithms of operation.

From Settings → Location → Mode (or Sources), you can choose your preferred method. GPS Only mode (sometimes called Device Only) ignores cell tower and Wi-Fi router data, relying solely on satellites. This increases privacy as your phone stops sending requests to Google and Xiaomi servers for triangulation.

Also worth noting is the Improve Accuracy feature, which allows applications to use Bluetooth and Wi-Fi data even when switched off. GPS-Disabling this option is critical for those who want to limit their digital footprint as much as possible. Without this setup, the system can continue to collect information about your environment.

For advanced users, a hidden GPS testing menu is available. By entering ##64663## in the dialer, you can enter the engineering menu (if supported by a model) where the status of satellites is displayed, which is useful for diagnostics, but not for everyday use.

Managing permissions for individual applications

Global geolocation disabling is not always convenient, as it makes navigation and weather apps unusable. A more flexible approach is to set the access rights for each application separately, and Xiaomi and Redmi do this through a privacy menu where you can set strict restrictions.

Go to Settings → Privacy Protection → Permissions Management → Location. Here you will see a complete list of applications that have requested access to your coordinates. The system allows you to choose from three access options: “Allow”, “Request” or “Refuse”. For maximum security, choose “Request” or “Only when using”.

Pay special attention to applications that are not maps or navigators. Social networks, games and flashlights often require access to geodata without apparent need. Restricting their rights not only protects your (privacy), but also prevents background launch. GPS-module that saves battery power.

Newer versions of HyperOS have introduced Virtual Location or Blurred Location, and if an application requires access to geodata but you don't want to give it an exact address, you can give it approximate coordinates, which is the perfect compromise between functionality and security.

Disconnection of system services and advertising Xiaomi

Shell MIUI It's known for its built-in services that use geolocation to personalize content and advertising, even when it's off. GPS, msa (MIUI System Ads and other system processes may collect your location data through IP-address and Wi-Fi networks.

To limit data collection, you need to disable ad personalization. Go to Settings → Passwords & Security → Privacy → Advertising Services and disable personalization. It is also recommended to go to the Mi Account settings and disable the synchronization of location data with the cloud.

Remember that aggressively shutting down system services can cause some features to function unstable, such as automatic time zone change or smart alarm clocks. A complete shutdown of the msa system service may require you to shut down the Internet before entering the settings menu, since the “Disable” button is often hidden when the network is active.

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Use Do Not Disturb mode in combination with geolocation shutdown at night to completely isolate your smartphone from external signals and radiation during sleep.

Use of energy saving modes to block GPS

An alternative way to manage geolocation is to use built-in energy saving profiles, with Xiaomi and Redmi providing modes that automatically turn off background processes, including GPS, when the battery reaches a certain level or when the phone is in sleep mode.

In the Safety → Battery app, you can set up a Charge Saving profile, in which the system limits background synchronization and disables geolocation for all applications except for the exceptions you manually specify, which is an effective way to extend the life of a smartphone on a trip without having to constantly monitor settings.

You can also create automations through the Shortcuts app (which is part of MIUI tools) and you can set the script to “If home Wi-Fi is connected → Turn off GPS” or “If it’s 23:00 to 07:00 → Turn off location” and this makes the control process fully automatic.

⚠️ Warning: Energy saving modes may delay receiving notifications from messengers and emails. Make sure important contacts are added to the exclusion list if you use stringent background activity restrictions.

Resetting geolocation settings and compass calibration

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the geolocation is not working correctly: the maps show the wrong location or GPS does not catch satellites at all. In such cases, resetting the geolocation settings helps, it does not delete your personal files, but returns the module parameters to factory values.

To perform the reset, go to Settings → Location → Additional (or three dots in the corner) → Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile internet, and Bluetooth settings. Note that this command will also reset saved passwords from Wi-Fi networks and paired Bluetooth devices, so be prepared to re-enter them.

If the problem is that you're not accurately locating the lights or direction of travel, you may need to calibrate your compass. To do this, open the Maps app, click on the blue dot of your location, and select Calibrate. Follow the instructions on the screen, turning the phone in different directions.

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Regular calibration of sensors and resetting of network settings help eliminate software errors that cause increased battery consumption by the GPS module.

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