Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro uses your location data, from navigation in Google Maps to targeted advertising in MIUI. But the constant operation of GPS and background services drains the battery, and the collection of geodata raises privacy issues. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to disable the location on the device, from basic settings to hidden developer parameters.
Many users are faced with the fact that even after turning off GPS in the notification curtain, applications continue to determine coordinates through Wi-Fi networks or mobile towers. We will show how to completely block geolocation for individual programs, system services and even for hidden MIUI functions.
Before you start, check out the MIUI version on your Redmi 8 Pro: Settings path → About Phone → MIUI version. The instructions below are relevant for MIUI firmware 12, 13 and 14, but may differ for custom builds (e.g. Xiaomi.EU or PixelExperience). If you have unofficial firmware installed, some menu items may not be available.
1. Quickly shut down GPS via notification panel
The easiest way to deactivate geolocation is to use a notification curtain. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Quick Settings panel. Find the Location icon** (usually stylized as a navigation icon or arrow) and tap it. If there is no icon, swipe the panel completely, swipe down again.
Once you click the icon, the GPS indicator will disappear from the status bar, but this method does not completely disable geolocation: some system services (such as Google Play Services) and applications can continue to determine your location via Wi-Fi or mobile networks.
⚠️ Attention: If after the shutdown GPS The location icon is still on the curtain – check the settings of specific applications (see section 3.
To make sure that geolocation is actually turned off, open Google Maps or any other navigation app. If you see a message on the screen that says "Enable geolocation services," then the basic deactivation worked. If the map shows your current location, move on to the following methods.
2. Completely disabling location in MIUI settings
For deep geolocation settings, go to the main system settings: Settings → Privacy → Location. Here you will see three key switches:
- 📍 Location accuracy – improves positioning with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (unplug to save charge).
- 🔄 Scanning – allows applications to search for devices nearby (for example, for AirDrop or Mi Share).
- 🚫 Location – the main switch (similar to the button in the curtain, but with advanced options).
Turn off all three. After that, the system will show you a list of applications that recently requested access to geodata, tap any of them to deny access permanently or restrict it only while using the program.
☑️ Verification of geolocation disconnection
Notice the System Services section at the bottom of the list, which may be hiding background processes that continue to collect data even after GPS is disabled, such as Google Play Services, which often ignores user settings to block them:
- Find Google Play Services and tap it.
3. Disabling location for individual applications
Even if GPS Globally disabled, individual programs may request access to geodata through alternative methods (IP-address, operator data, to fully control the process:
Go to Settings → Privacy → Application Permissions → Location. This shows the complete list of programs that have ever been accessed.
- 🟢 Prohibited - full block.
We recommend you to set "Disallow"** for all applications except navigation (e.g. 2GIS or Waze).
- 📱 Social media (Facebook, VK, TikTok – collect geodata for targeted advertising.
- 🛒 Marketplaces (AliExpress, Ozon) – use location for offers by region.
How to check which applications use geolocation in the background?
On Redmi 8 Pro with MIUI 14, some system applications (such as Mi Security or Mi Cloud) can automatically enable geolocation to "improve security." To avoid this, disable auto-update for these services in Settings → Apps → Auto-Run.
4. Hidden developer settings: blocking mock location
If you want to completely block any attempts at positioning (including swapping your location via Fake) GPS-activate the developer mode and change the hidden parameters:
- Go to Settings → About Phone and tap 7 times on the MIUI Version until the notification “You became a developer!” appears.
- Return to the main settings menu and open a new Developer section (usually at the bottom of the list).
- Find the Mock Location option (or “Location Simulation App”) and select “No.”
- Disable Debugging over USB and Allow location simulation if these options are active.
This will block the possibility of substitution. GPS-coordinates through third-party utilities (for example, for games or testing:
- 📡 Wi-Fi scanning – prevents location from access points.
- 📶 Bluetooth Scanning – Blocks the use of beacons for geolocation.
⚠️ Attention: Changing the developer settings can lead to unstable work of some functions, for example, Mi Band or Smart Home devices. If after disabling the scan, smart gadgets stop working, return the settings to the original state.
5 Energy saving: how geolocation affects the battery
Constant GPS and background location services can increase battery consumption by 15-30%, especially if you are in a low signal area (for example, in the subway or outside the city).
| Setting up | Impact on the battery | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Constant GPS (high accuracy) | ⚡⚡⚡ (up to 25% charge per hour) | Disable or use only when necessary |
| Geolocation over Wi-Fi/network | ⚡⚡ (5-10% charge per hour) | Limiting social media and marketplaces |
| Bluetooth background scanning | ⚡ (2-5% charge per hour) | Disable if you are not using smart devices |
| Google Play Services (auto-update) | ⚡⚡ (8-12% charge per hour) | Disable access to location manually |
For maximum energy saving:
- Activate the “Energy Saving” mode in Settings → Battery.
- Turn off Auto Weather Update and Geoservices MIUI» In Settings → Additionally.
- Use manual GPS control: only turn on when necessary (for example, for navigation on a trip).
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If you need to temporarily enable geolocation (for example, for Uber or Delivery Club), use the "Only when used" mode in the app's permissions, which will prevent background data collection after the program is closed.
6.Alternative methods: disabling through ADB and third-party utilities
If standard methods do not help (for example, on custom firmware), you can use ADB-This method is suitable for advanced users.
To disable geolocation via ADB:
- Install Platform Tools on your PC and connect Redmi 8 Pro over USB (with debugging enabled).
- Open the command line and type: adb shell settings put global location_mode 0 This command will completely deactivate all location services.
- To return settings, use: adb shell settings put global location_mode 3 (where 3 — high-precision).
To block geodata at the system level, you can use applications like AppOps or XPrivacyLua (root rights required).
- 🔒 Prohibit access to GPS individual processes.
- 📵 Substitute coordinates for random values.
- 🛡️ Block system geolocation requests.
⚠️ Attention: Use ADB Or root applications can disrupt system functions, such as Find My Device. Before experimenting, back up your data through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup.
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Turning off geolocation through ADB or root applications is a last resort. Start with standard MIUI settings, and only if they don't help, move on to advanced methods.