A modern smartphone is impossible to imagine without access to maps and navigation systems, and Xiaomi Redmi 9 is no exception. Many users face the situation when after buying a device or resetting the settings, geolocation is turned off, which blocks the work of popular applications such as taxis, food delivery and navigators. Activation of this feature opens up access to a wide range of possibilities, making use of the gadget truly smart and convenient in everyday life.
The setup process may seem complicated at first glance, but it actually takes only a few minutes. The MIUI operating system that you have installed on your device has flexible location access management tools. In this article, we will go into detail on all the ways to activate GPS, from fast methods through the notification curtain to deep tuning system parameters to improve the accuracy of positioning.
It’s important to understand that using the geo-positioning module correctly affects not only convenience but also data security, and that you can control which programs have the right to know where you are right now and which can access your travel history. Competently set up avoids battery drain while maintaining all the necessary features to keep your Redmi 9 running comfortably.
Quick activation through the control panel
The easiest and fastest way to start a satellite search is to use a quick access panel, so you don't have to go through a complicated menu, just swipe from top to bottom, and this is ideal for situations where geolocation is urgent, like calling a taxi or launching a navigator in an unfamiliar area.
In the menu that opens, you'll see a number of icons, which you'll want to find an icon that looks like an inverted droplet or compass, which is usually signed with the word "Location" or "GPS." If you don't see the icon on the first screen, scroll through the list of widgets to the left, because in MIUI, they often exceed the space of one page.
⚠️ Warning: If the icon is gray and does not respond to pressing, perhaps the device is enabled "Flight" or activated power saving mode, which forcibly disables GPS charge-saving.
Once the icon is turned on, it takes some time for the system to initially capture the satellites, especially if you are in a room with thick walls. At this point, the corresponding indicator may appear in the status bar. To check the health, immediately run any mapping application to make sure that the blue dot of your location appears on the screen.
If you want more detailed control of your positioning, you need to go to the full settings menu, which allows you not only to turn on the function, but also to choose the coordinate method, which is critical for the balance between accuracy and energy consumption. Go to the Settings app and find the Additional Settings section or immediately select Location in the main list.
Inside the menu, you'll see a switch that needs to be activated. Below is Mode, which offers several options for the module. Selecting All Sources (or High Accuracy) mode will involve the use of the switch. GPS-Satellites, Wi-Fi networks and mobile towers simultaneously, providing the most accurate positioning, up to several meters, necessary for pedestrian navigation.
Network coordinates use only Wi-Fi and mobile network, ignoring satellites. This allows you to quickly determine approximate location in urban conditions and consumes much less battery power, but accuracy can fall to several hundred meters. For the Xiaomi Redmi 9 with its capacious battery, it is recommended to keep high accuracy if you actively use navigation.
Why do you need to scan Wi-Fi even when Wi-Fi is turned off?
In modern versions of Android and MIUI, the Wi-Fi module can be used for geolocation even when you are not connected to the network. It scans the surrounding access points whose addresses are in Google databases, which helps determine your location inside buildings where the satellite signal does not pass.> App permissions management Just turn on GPS at the system level is not enough to fully operate the software. Each application that requires access to your coordinates must obtain the appropriate permission. Android and the MIUI shell have a strict privacy policy, so when you first run a map or messenger, the system will ask you for access rights. In the "Permissions" section, look for "Location" and you'll be given three options: ban, allow only when using the app, or allow always. 📍 Prohibit: the application will not be able to know where you are, the geolocation functions in it will not work. 📍 Only when used: the safest and most recommended option, access to the GPS Only when the window is open. 📍 Always: The program can track your movement in the background, which is useful for activity trackers or family monitoring, but consumes battery. If you allow the app to access Always, it can periodically poll satellites even when you're not using your phone, which can lead to unexpected battery drain, so only give those rights to trusted system services or dedicated trackers. Calibration and accuracy enhancement GPS Sometimes it happens that the geolocation is turned on, but the navigator shows the wrong location or the cursor "jumps" on the map, this may be due to the need to calibrate the sensors or outdated data from the satellite almanac. Xiaomi Redmi 9 doesn’t have a built-in Calibration button, but there is a proven algorithm for improving signal reception. The first thing to do is make sure that the date and time settings are automatically determined. If time is lost, satellite synchronization may be disrupted, and it is also recommended to enable Bluetooth device scanning in geolocation settings, as modern iBeacon beacons help to more accurately determine the position inside shopping centers and large buildings. For deep calibration, you can use special utilities from the Google Play store, such as: GPS Status & Toolbox. These apps let you reset cache GPS-And then you can download the latest satellite almanac over the Internet, and you have to go out and wait. 5-10 Satellites Recommended value Impact on operation Mode on all sources Maximum accuracy Wi-Fi Scans Included Accuracy indoors Places History Option Google Statistics Date and time Auto-network Synchronization of satellites Optimization of energy and autonomy GPS-Module is one of the most energy-intensive processes for a smartphone. Xiaomi Redmi 9 is equipped with a battery capacity of 5020 mAh, which allows you to comfortably use navigation, but constant survey of satellites can still significantly reduce battery life. To extend the life of the device without completely abandoning geolocation, you should use built-in optimization tools. In the battery settings you can find a list of applications and limit their background activity. If the map or taxi does not need to track you constantly, set a limit "No restrictions" only for the duration of the trip, and the rest of the time keep strict control. There is also a function "Charge Saving", which, when you reach a certain percentage (usually 20%), automatically disable background geolocation for most programs, if you use it from Google's one more effective method. This feature constantly records your movements to the cloud account, consuming traffic and processor power. You can turn it off in Google account settings via the Data and Personalization section. Solving common location problems Even after you set it right, users may find that the phone can't see the satellites or coordinates takes too long. Often the reason lies in a physical obstacle: a metal case, thick basement walls or dense building can shield the signal. In such cases, you should move closer to the window or go outside. If the problem is of a software nature, try resetting the settings for too long. This is often a physical obstacle: a physical obstacle: a metal case, a metal case, a metal case can return your data to your mobile networks, or a photo of the data to the factory, but will return your Wi-nets. The path to this function: Settings → Connection and sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. ⚠️ Warning: Before resetting your network settings, make sure you remember passwords from your Wi-Fi networks, as they will have to be re-entered after the procedure is performed. GPS-If neither software nor resetting works, and the phone can't see satellites even outdoors in clear weather, you may need to be diagnosed at a service center (FAQ) Why does Redmi 9 quickly run out of battery when geolocation is enabled? This happens when applications have permission to access the location of "Always" and are actively used. GPS Check permission settings and restrict access to unnecessary programs. Can I determine the location of the phone if GPS No exact location, but the approximate geo-location (city, neighborhood) can be calculated by IP-The address of the mobile network or Wi-Fi router to which the device is connected. How do you turn off location for a particular photo in the gallery? To do that, you need to remove geotags. Open a photo, click More or three dots, select Information or Info and find the option to delete location data. To prevent photos from saving geodata in the future, turn off saving geodata in the camera settings. Does the case affect work? GPS Yes, cases with metal inserts, magnetic rings for car holders or very thick protective cases can significantly impair satellite signal reception.