Disable geolocation on Xiaomi Redmi 7: step-by-step guide

Modern smartphones, including the popular Xiaomi Redmi 7, constantly exchange data about your location, which is necessary for the operation of navigation, maps and some applications, but in some cases there is an urgent need to completely disable this feature, for example, if you want to maximize the battery life of the device or worry about the privacy of your movements.

Deactivation of geolocation on the shell MIUI This may seem obscure because there are so many hidden switches. In this article, we'll go through all the control options available. GPS-module, from quick access through the curtain to deep system settings that guarantee a complete stop of coordinate transfer.

It's important to understand the difference between a temporary shutdown and a complete ban on apps. If you set it up properly, you can keep the functionality of your phone running, while removing the overload on your CPU and radio module. Let's look at how to do that on your device.

Quick shutdown via control panel

The easiest and fastest way to stop the transmission of geodata is to use the top notification curtain, which is ideal for situations where you need to “light up” or, conversely, hide from the service radar, just unlock the screen of the Redmi 7 smartphone and swipe from top to bottom.

In the menu that opens, look for an icon that is usually labeled "Location" or has a pin icon. If you don't see it on the first widget screen, swipe left to open an extra page. Clicking on the icon changes its color: the active state is usually highlighted in blue, and the off turns gray.

However, it should be noted that such a shutdown is temporary. After restarting the device or when you start applications, the system may again request permission to access, so for a stable result, it is recommended to check additional parameters.

💡

Use the Battery widget on your desktop for quick access to power saving settings, where you can also control GPS.

Some users notice that even after the icon is turned off in the curtain, the position indicator in the status bar sometimes blinks, which may indicate that background processes are still trying to access the satellites, in which case you need to move to a deeper configuration of the system.

Deep customization through the system menu

To fully control geolocation, you need to go to the phone's basic settings. Find the gear icon in the app menu or notification curtain. The list of options that opens will look for a section that can be called "Advanced Settings" or simply "Location" in different versions of MIUI.

Inside this menu, you'll see a "Use Location" switch, and it shuts down completely. GPS-Below this switch is often the "Mode" item, which determines the accuracy of the positioning. For maximum confidentiality, choose the "Only on" mode. GPS", Although less accurate in the room.

• 📍 High accuracy - uses the GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile networks (maximum battery consumption).
• 📡 Charge saving – determines location only on cell towers and Wi-Fi.
• 🛰️ The device only works through satellites. GPS (It takes a long time to find a signal).

And this section also provides Google Location History, which is a privacy feature that you want to turn off separately, and it stores your movements in the cloud even if your phone's GPS is turned off, and then you can find Google Location History and turn it off.

Note the "Permissions" or "App Access" section, and you can see a list of programs that requested access to your coordinates, and the rights revision allows you to deny access to specific applications, leaving it for the navigator or taxi.

Managing permissions for individual applications

Often users don’t want to turn off geolocation globally, but only for intrusive applications like social media or games. In Xiaomi Redmi 7, this is done through the security menu. Open the Security app (green zipper icon) and go to the Permissions section.

Select Location. You will see a list of all installed programs related to maps or geotags. You can select any application and set it to "Disable" status, in which case the program will either not work or will function with restrictions, but without access to your coordinates.

⚠️ Attention: Blocking access to geo-position for instant messengers can lead to incorrect display of your status "near" or inability to send a geo-position to the interlocutor.

There's also the option, "Location only when using the app." This is the middle ground between convenience and security. The map will work when you open the navigator, but immediately after you fold the program, access to GPS will be blocked.

Remember that some system services, such as Device Search or Google Play services, require constant access to work correctly, and disabling these services can result in you being unable to find your phone if it is lost.

The impact of geolocation on the autonomy of Redmi 7

The Redmi 7 has a 4,000 mAh battery, which is a good indicator, but the constant search for GPS satellites and data transmission over the mobile network significantly reduces the time of operation, and understanding this process helps to optimize power consumption.

When GPS-The module is active, it consumes significant current, especially if the satellite signal is weak (for example, inside buildings or in dense urban areas), the phone begins to work hard with the antenna, which leads to heating of the housing and rapid discharge. Disconnecting geolocation in such conditions is an effective way of energy saving.

There is a myth that a complete shutdown GPS And in practice, if you don't use navigation all the time, you save about a million dollars. 5-10% But when you combine Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with the effect, you can see it.

You can use Flight mode to maximize savings, but it will also shut down communications, and a smarter approach is to use automation scenarios that turn off geolocation at night or when you're at home.

Specificity of the work of Google services on Xiaomi

Google’s ecosystem is deeply integrated into Android, and Redmi 7 is no exception. Even with GPS turned off in settings, Google services can use alternative methods of spotting, such as scanning nearby Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth beacons.

To limit this process, you need to go to Google's settings (through the gear in the app menu). Find the Location section and disable Wi-Fi Scanning and Bluetooth Scanning. These features are often used to clarify the position, but they are also a data leak channel.

It’s also worth checking your advertising ID settings, and in the Advertising section of Google’s settings, you can reset your advertising ID or disable ad personalization, which will indirectly reduce corporate interest in your location.

Additional security measures and hidden functions

For users who want maximum protection, there are additional steps, such as disabling location data transmission for diagnostic reports, as done in the About Phone section -> Advanced Settings -> Sending Usage Statistics.

Another important feature is Find the Device. If you turn off the geolocation globally, it will stop working. If the phone is stolen, you won't be able to track its coordinates. So before you completely shut down the GPS, weigh the risks.

⚠️ Attention: When you turn off system services geolocation may stop working properly functions "Alarm clock" (sunrise) and automatic time zone change.

Some users use third-party firewall applications that require root rights to completely block access to the site. GPS-This is an advanced method that requires caution, since incorrect settings can lead to unstable operation of the system.

Regularly check the list of applications with access to geodata. Software updates can return previously selected rights. Access control is a continuous process, not a one-time action.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)