Geolocation on Xiaomi Mi 8: how to turn on GPS and troubleshoot

Smartphone Xiaomi Mi 8, released 2018 The year, equipped with modern at the time of release module GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou, But many users have difficulty setting it up, and problems range from simple menu errors to hardware failures after firmware. This article will not only show where the geolocation switch is located, but also explain why services like Google Maps or Yandex. GPS.

The Mi 8 features a hybrid location system that combines data from satellites, cell towers and Wi-Fi networks, which means that it is not enough to activate the module in the settings to accurately work the geolocation: You need to properly configure permissions for applications, check the operation of sensors and, in some cases, update the firmware of the module GPS. Below we will analyze all the nuances - from basic steps to the diagnosis of complex malfunctions.

Where is the geolocation setting in MIUI

Depending on the version MIUI (10 to 14) the path to geolocation settings may vary slightly, but the general logic persists.The main menu is hidden in the Security section, which often confuses users - many search for GPS in “Connections” or “Additional settings».

To open geolocation options on Xiaomi Mi 8:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Scroll down and select the Security section.
3. Slip on the item Geodata (in some versions - Location).
4. Activate the main switch at the top of the screen.

After activation, the system will prompt you to select the accuracy mode:

• 🔍 High accuracy - uses the GPS, Wi-Fi, mobile networks and sensors (maximum accuracy but increased battery consumption).
• 📡 Charge saving – determines location only on cell towers and Wi-Fi (more precise than “Device Only”, but less accurate than “High»).
• 📱 Only the device works exclusively through GPS (The most accurate signal for navigation, but the slowest signal).

Important: If you choose Device Only, some applications (such as taxis or food delivery) may not work properly, as they require fast location binding via Wi-Fi networks or cell towers.

Setup of permissions for applications

Enabling geolocation at the system level is only half the battle, and every application that needs to access your location (maps, social media, weather) requires a separate permission. GPS The service will not be able to determine your coordinates.

To set up permits:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want (for example, Google Maps or Yandex.Maps).
3. Slip on the Permission.
4. Find the Location section and set the switch to the Allow position.
5. Select access mode: 🔄 Always – the application can use geodata at any time (for example, to track the route). 🕒 Only during use – access is only granted when the app is active on the screen. ❌ Prohibit - Full access block.

Selected Google Maps or Yandex.Navigator|

"Location" permit included|

Access mode is set to "Always"|

In the application settings, the option "Exact location" is enabled"-->

Please note: in MIUI 12 and later, Special Access, which allows applications to use geodata even in the background, for navigators (such as Waze or CityDrive), this option must be activated, otherwise, when the screen is blocked, the tracking of the route will stop.

Verification of work GPS: test-and-diagnosis

If geolocation is enabled, permissions are configured, but apps still don’t determine your location, you need to check yourself. GPS-On the Xiaomi Mi 8, there are several ways to do this, from built-in tools to third-party utilities.

Method 1: Integrated MIUI test

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
2. In the menu that appears, select Testing (or Testing).
3. Go to the GPS section.
4. Press Start Test and wait for the satellites to appear on the screen.

💡

If in the test GPS If you don't have satellites for more than 5 minutes, try going out into the open (away from high-rises and trees) or restart your smartphone. MIUI.

What do the test scores mean:

Update of data AGPS and reset GPS

System system AGPS (Assisted GPS) It speeds up satellite search by downloading auxiliary data from the Internet, if that data is outdated or corrupted, GPS It can run slowly or not at all. on Xiaomi Mi 8 reset AGPS two ways.

Method 1: Through the Engineering Menu

1. Enter the phone code in the app: ##3644633##.
2. In the menu that opens, select GPS.
3. Press Delete. AGPS Data (delete data) AGPS).
4. Then select Download. AGPS Data (download new data).

Method 2: Using the GPS Status app

1. Install GPS Status & Toolbox from Google Play.
2. Open the app and go to the Manage tab A-GPS state.
3. Press Reset, then Download.

After discharge AGPS recommended:

• 📶 Connect to mobile internet or Wi-Fi (data) AGPS downloaded through the network).
• 🌍 Go out into the open area (balcony, street) for the first search for satellites.
• ⏳ Wait 1-2 minutes – the module needs time to synchronize.

Hardware problems: when iron is to blame

If all the software methods have been tried, but GPS It still doesn't work, it could be a hardware malfunction. On Xiaomi Mi 8, the most common problems are the following:

1.Aerial damage GPS

antenna GPS The Mi 8 is located at the top of the body (near the main camera:

• 💥 Strikes or falls (especially on the upper left corner).
• 🔧 Incorrect disassembly of the phone (damage to the plume).
• 📵 Exposure to moisture (oxidation of contacts).

Problems with the module GPS

The chip GPS (In the Mi 8, it is Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 with integrated module) rarely fails, but may not work properly after the launch:

• ⚡ Firming with errors (especially when using custom ROM).
• 🔋 Strong voltage drops (for example, after using non-original RAM).
• 🔥 Overheating (if the phone is often heated above 60)°C).

💡

If GPS stopped working after falling or getting moisture, self-repair is impossible - you need to replace the antenna or the entire module in the service center.

How to check the hardware serviceability:

1. Install the GPSTest app and compare the number of satellites found to another device in the same location.
2. Try using it. GPS in safe mode (press the power button) → Safe mode. If it's geolocated, the problem is the software.
3. Check if the upper part of the body is warm when switched on GPS (Overheating may indicate a short circuit in the antenna).

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI GPS Stop working, don't rush to carry your phone for repair. First try to roll back to the previous firmware version or reset to factory settings. In 30% of cases, the problem is solved software-based.

Additional Tips for Improved Accuracy GPS

Even if GPS The Xiaomi Mi 8 works, and its accuracy can be improved with a few tricks, which is especially true in urban environments, where the signal is often shielded by buildings.

1. Optimization of MIUI settings

• 📵 Turn off traffic savings in settings SIM-Cards (can block data loading) AGPS).
• 🔄 Enable Autosynchronization of Date and Time (Settings) → Additionally. → Date and time).
• 📶 Use both. SIM-maps (if any) – this increases the number of triangulation towers available.

2. Software utilities for acceleration GPS

Several applications help speed up the search for satellites:

• 🛠️ GPS Locker – fixes the connection with satellites, preventing signal loss.
• 🌐 FasterGPS – allows you to manually select a server AGPS for your region.
• 📡 GPS Fix - sheds the cache GPS and enforced updates of data.

Physical factors

On signal quality. GPS influence:

• 🏙️ Urbanized terrain – between high-rise signals are reflected, creating interference.
• 🌧️ Weather conditions – rain or snow can weaken the signal by 10-20%.
• 📱 Covers with metal elements - shield the antenna.

💡

If you use a navigator in your car a lot, you can attach your smartphone to the windshield closer to the top of the windshield, which improves signal reception by making it more visible to satellites.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Below are typical problems with GPS Xiaomi Mi 8 and how to eliminate them:

⚠️ Note: If after updating to MIUI 13/14 GPS Stop working, try rolling back the firmware to a stable version MIUI 12.5. In the new builds there are bugs with drivers GPS for Snapdragon 845, Which Xiaomi has not yet fixed.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions