How to check the GPS on the phone Xiaomi Mi

Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones are equipped with high-precision satellite navigation modules that allow not only to plot routes, but also to determine the location with an accuracy of several meters. However, users often face situations when the navigator is not working correctly, slowly catching satellites or completely refuses to determine the coordinates, this can be caused by a software failure, incorrect settings or physical obstacles.

Before you take the device to the service center, you need to conduct a self-diagnosis, a GPS check allows you to determine the true cause of the problem: whether it is in the hardware of the antenna or the problem is solved by software reset and calibration. In this article, we will examine all available testing methods from built-in tools to third-party utilities.

First, make sure you're in line of sight, because inside buildings with thick walls or in basements, the signal can be unstable. It's also important to check if the module itself is on, because sometimes after updating the firmware settings can get lost. The accuracy of the positioning depends on the number of satellites visible and the quality of the signal, and not just on the switch in the curtain.

Basic diagnostics through MIUI system settings

The first step in diagnosing is to check if the smartphone is set up correctly, with a separate section in the MIUI or HyperOS shell where you can activate different geolocation sources, and users often forget to turn on high-precision mode, relying only on satellites, although using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth networks greatly speeds up the process.

To access the basic parameters, you need to go to the Settings → Location menu. Here you will see a switch that activates the module. By clicking on Location Mode, you can select the All Sources option, which will force the phone to use as much data as possible to calculate the coordinates.

Note that some firmware versions have the “Improving Accuracy” feature available, which scans the surrounding Wi-Fi networks even without connecting to them. Google services also play an important role, so make sure that the account is allowed to use geodata. If the situation does not change after all the options are turned on, it is worth checking whether the system does not block the navigation for specific applications.

• 📍 Make sure that the Location slider is activated and lit in blue.
• 📶 Enable High Accuracy mode to use all available sensors.
• 📡 Check permissions for card applications in the "Application Management" section».
• 🔋 Turn off energy saving mode, which may limit work GPS-module.

⚠️ Warning: If you're indoors, step back to the window or go outside.Concrete walls and metal reinforcements can shield the signal, giving the false impression of a module malfunctioning.

Using the Engineering Menu for Deep Testing

One of the most reliable ways to check the status of the antenna and receiver is to log into the engineering menu, a hidden part of the system that is designed for technicians, but accessible to ordinary users through a special code, which displays raw information about satellite signals, their level and noise, which allows you to objectively assess the performance of the hardware.

To get into this section, open the Phone app and enter the code ##6484##. Then the CIT menu will open. You will need to find a item related to GPS or Location in the list of tests. It can be called differently in different Xiaomi models, for example, "GPS", "Location" or "GNSS".

Inside the test, you'll see a satellite map and numerical values. SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) shows the signal quality: the higher the number, the better the reception. If the values are close to zero or the satellites are not displayed even in the open air, this can indicate a physical breakdown of the antenna module or the departure of the plume.

It is important to understand that the first launch after a long downtime can take up to 2-3 minutes. The system must load the current almanacs of orbits. If the satellites are located, but the status of "No Fix" does not change, try pressing the update button or go to the reset A-GPS, which will be discussed below.

Specialized applications for GPS verification

System tools do not always provide enough information for in-depth analysis. For more detailed diagnostics, specialized tools such as GPS Test, GPS Status & Toolbox or Test GPS & Location are best used. These programs visualize the process of finding satellites and allow you to manage the navigation cache.

Once you install the app, run it and give it time to scan the airwaves, and you'll see a diagram where the green columns are the satellites that are in stable contact and the gray columns are the ones that are just visible. Accuracy is usually in meters; a good indicator for urban conditions is less than 10 meters.

These applications often feature A-GPS data reset, which forcefully clears the cache of old satellite data and forces the phone to re-download current almanacs from the Internet, an action that often helps if the navigator “hangs” on old coordinates or can not determine the location for a long time after moving to another city.

• 📲 Install the app GPS Test from the official Play Market Store.
• 🌍 Go to an open space for better signal reception.
• ⏱ Wait. 2-3 minutes, watching the number of satellites connected.
• 🗑 Use the "Manage" function A-GPS state» → «Reset" for cache reset.

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If the app shows a signal, but the coordinates do not change, try turning on and off "Flight Mode" This will restart all the radio modules of the smartphone.

Calibration of compass and sensors

The problem is not the lack of a signal. GPS, It's a misdirection, and in these cases, the blue arrow on the map may point the other way, or it may spin randomly, and this is done by calibrating a magnetic compass that works in conjunction with the other hand. GPS-module.

The easiest way to calibrate is through the Google Maps app. Open the map, click on the blue dot of your location, and select Calibrate the compass. Follow the on-screen instructions that suggest turning the phone in different directions, describing the number eight in the air.

Repeat the procedure until the accuracy status changes from "Low" to "High." Magnetic interference from magnetic clasp cases or car holders can also affect the operation of the sensor, so it is better to remove them during the inspection.

Comparison of indicators: Norm and deviations

To know if your Xiaomi is working, you need to know what is considered normal. The table below shows the main parameters to look for when diagnosing. Compare your data with reference values.

If your readings are stable in the Critical Zone, even outdoors when your settings are reset, the probability of hardware failure is high, but before panic, you should eliminate software conflicts by checking the safe mode.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal covers or stickers on the back of the phone.The metal shields the signal of the antenna located inside the case, which leads to a sharp drop in reception quality. GPS and LTE.

Resetting network settings and software repair

If software methods and calibration didn't work, you can try more radical measures: Resetting network and location settings will return all associated modules to factory settings. This won't delete your personal files, but will reset saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings.

To perform the reset, go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. Confirm action and restart the device. Once turned on, reset geolocation and check navigation. In some cases, cleaning the cache of Google Play services also helps.

For advanced users, there is a possibility of using ADB-forced-dumping GPS. This requires a connection to the computer and the presence of debugging on USB. The team looks like this:

adb shell settings put secure location_providers_allowed +gps,network

This command will force location providers to activate if they have been software-disabled at a deep level. Be careful when typing commands, as incorrect actions can lead to unstable system operation.

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Software GPS failure is 90% eliminated by resetting A-GPS data and calibrating the compass through third-party applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)