How to turn on GPS on Xiaomi smartphone: 5 ways + solving problems with geolocation

Are you trying to open maps but your phone can't determine your location? Or does the taxi app give you a "GPS disabled" error? On Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, Poco and Mi), the geolocation enablement is sometimes hidden behind the non-obvious settings of the MIUI shell. In this article, current ways to activate GPS for all versions of Android (10 to 14) with the specifics of Xiaomi's firmware.

It's important to understand that today's smartphones use not only satellite GPS, but also combined location technologies -- A-GPS (accelerated GPS over the Internet), mobile tower data and Wi-Fi networks. On Xiaomi, these modules can work independently, so even with GPS on, accuracy sometimes limps, and we'll take a look at not only basic activation methods, but also hidden settings to improve navigation accuracy.

1. Quickly turn on GPS via notification panel

The easiest way is to use a notification curtain.It works on all Xiaomi models (from Redmi Note 8 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra), but there are nuances with the MIUI versions:

• 📱 MIUI 12-14: swipe down from the top of the screen twice to open the full panel. Find the Location icon and tap it. If there's no icon, click Edit and add it manually.
• 🔄 MIUI 11 and older: You may need to swipe down with one finger for a short bar, then another swipe for a full menu. GPS Sometimes hidden behind the "More" button".
• 🚫 Problem: If the gray icon is not activated, the geolocation is blocked at the system level (see Section 3).

Check the GPS status after you turn on: the icon should turn blue or green (depending on the version of MIUI). If the color has not changed, restart your smartphone or check the settings in the next section.

2. enable GPS through Android settings

If the notification bar doesn't work, use system settings. The path may vary depending on the version of MIUI, but the general logic is maintained:

1. Open the Settings app (cog on the desktop).
2. Go to Privacy → Location (on some models – Security and Privacy → Location).
3. Activate the location slider at the top of the screen.
4. Slip on Mode and select High Accuracy (uses GPS + Wi-Fi + mobile networks).

On Xiaomi with Android 13/14 (MIUI 14+), the path may be different: Settings → Connections and Sharing → Location. If there is no partition, search by settings (the magnifier icon at the top).

The location icon in the curtain is active (blue/green)

In the settings enabled mode "High accuracy"

Applications (e.g. Google Maps) are granted geolocation rights

Smartphone is not in power saving mode (limits GPS)

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App Permissions: Why GPS doesn’t work in a particular software

Even if GPS is enabled at the system level, individual applications (e.g. Google Maps, Yandex.Navigator or Uber) may not have access to geodata.

• 📌 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Find the right app (such as Maps) and tap it.
• 📍 Go to Permits. → Location.
• 🔘 Select "Always" (for navigators) or "Only during use" (for social networks).

Xiaomi with MIUI 13+ has an option “Exact Location” – it also needs to be activated for GPS to work correctly. If the application requests geodata for the first time, a pop-up will appear – be sure to allow access.

⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as TikTok or Instagram) may request GPS Refuse access if the application functionality does not require geolocation.

4 Hidden GPS Settings: How to Improve Accuracy on Xiaomi

If GPS detects your location with a large error (deviation 50-200 meters), the problem may lie in the settings of the module A-GPS or energy saving.

1. Update A-GPS: Open dial and enter ##1472365# (GPS test code). In the GPS Test menu, select Delete AGPS Data, then Update AGPS Data. Wait 1-2 minutes to update the supporting data for a quick satellite search.

Power saving switch for GPS:

• Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management.
• Find apps that use GPS (like Google Maps) and set them to “No Limits” mode.

For the Poco X3/X4 and Redmi Note 10/11 models, it is also useful to turn off the Adaptive Battery in the power settings - it can force GPS to turn off in the background.

5. GPS is blocked: what to do if the location is gray and not activated

If the GPS icon is in the gray notification curtain and does not respond to taps, the problem may be related to:

• 🔒 Device Policy: On work phones, the administrator can block geolocation through Settings → Memory and devices → Device administrators: Delete unnecessary profiles (e.g., Knox or corporate) MDM).
• 🛡️ Antivirus or firewall: Applications like Avast or 360 Security are sometimes blocked GPS. Check their settings.
• 📱 Guest mode or child profile: in MIUI These modes restrict access to geodata.

Xiaomi with MIUI for Global Market (EEA) can also trigger the GDPR restriction – the system requests confirmation when you first turn on GPS. If you missed this window, reset the application settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three Points (menu) → Reset App Settings.
2. Confirm the reset and restart the smartphone.
3. Try to turn on GPS again, a permission request window should appear.

Verification of GPS: tests and diagnostics

To make sure that GPS is working correctly, use specialized applications:

• 📡 GPSTest (from Chartcross Limited): shows the number of satellites found, the accuracy and speed of fixation. Normally, 8-12 satellites with accuracy < 10 meters.
• 🗺️ Google Maps in navigation mode: the blue dot should move smoothly, without jerking. If the dot jumps, it's a problem with accuracy.
• 📊 AndroSensor: displays raw data with GPS-module including height and speed.

To diagnose hardware problems:

1. Enter ##4636## (Android test menu)
2. Select Phone Information → Testing GPS.
3. If the satellites are not detected at all (0/0), the antenna or module may malfunction.

⚠️ Attention: At Xiaomi Poco F3/F4 redmi K40/K50 bug-in GPS post-stitch (TWRP). If you have installed unofficial software, restore the original boot.img via Fastboot.

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If GPS is not working well indoors, go out to the balcony or outdoors — the walls of buildings shield the satellite signal. To speed up your search, turn on mobile Internet: A-GPS uses network data to pre-determine location.

7. Hardware problems: when to carry the phone to the service

If none of these methods helped, there may be physical malfunctions:

• 📶 Damage. GPS-antennas: often occurs after falling or disassembling the phone. the antenna is located at the top of the body (near the camera).
• 🔌 Oxidation of contacts: ingress of moisture can disrupt the connection GPS-The motherboard module: GPS It works periodically or only after restarting.
• 🔧 Module malfunction: on older models (Redmi) 4/5, Mi A1/A2) GPS-The module may fail due to overheating.

Before visiting the service, check:

1. Is the GPS in safe mode (press the power button → Safe Mode)? If so, the software problem.
2. Is location determined via mobile networks (turn off GPS, leave only "Accuracy over Networks")
3. Is there physical damage to the body near the upper left corner (there is usually an antenna).

The cost of GPS repair on Xiaomi:

• Replacement of antenna: 1,500–3,000 ₽ (model-wise).
• Contact cleansing: 800–1,500 ₽.
• Replacement GPS-module: 3,000–6,000 ₽ (on flagships such as Xiaomi 13 Pro).

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If the GPS stopped working after replacing the battery or display, it is likely that the master damaged the antenna plume, in which case the repair must be free of charge under the warranty of the service center.

FAQ: Frequent questions about GPS on Xiaomi

Through ADB (for Advanced):

adb shell settings put global location_mode 3

This command will turn on GPS in high accuracy mode (requires debugging over USB and unlocked bootloader).

⚠️ After unlocking, reset the password through Settings → Password and security, otherwise GPS shut down again.