How to turn on GPS on Xiaomi Redmi 7: 3 ways + solving typical errors

Xiaomi Redmi 7 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even its owners sometimes face problems with turning on GPS. Geolocation is necessary not only for navigators like Google Maps or Yandex.Maps, but also for taxis (Uber, Yandex Go), fitness trackers, social networks and even banking applications. If your Redmi 7 does not determine the location or shows it with a large error, do not rush to carry the phone to the service. In 90% of cases, the problem is solved programmatically.

In this article you will find:

• 🔧 3 ways to get on GPS (via settings, notification panel and hidden developer menu)
• 📡 How to choose a precision mode for battery saving or maximum accuracy
• ⚡ Checklist of the checklist if GPS It doesn’t work even after switching on.
• 🛠️ 5 Common Errors (No Signal, Long Definition, Application Failures)

All the instructions are relevant for Xiaomi Redmi 7 based on MIUI 10-14 (including global and Chinese firmware).If you have another model of the Redmi series (for example, Redmi Note 7 or Redmi 7A), most of the recommendations will also work - the differences are only in the location of some menu items.

1. Method 1: Incorporate GPS through the basic settings

The most reliable and versatile method is to activate geolocation in the settings menu, which works even if you have the fast button panel turned off or your smartphone is in power saving mode.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. Scroll down and select Location Options (in some firmware – Location or Security and Privacy → Location).
3. Transfer the slider Location to the position On (it will turn blue).
4. Click on Mode (or Location Accuracy) and select one of the options: 🔍 High accuracy - uses the GPS, Wi-Fi, mobile networks and sensors: maximum accuracy but fast battery consumption. 📶 The battery saves only Wi-Fi and mobile networks. Accuracy is lower, but the battery runs slower. 📍 Only GPS — It's the most accurate in open areas, but it can look for signals in the city for a long time.

After turning on, wait until the icon appears in the top panel. 📍 (If not, check if the geolocation is blocked by a power saving mode or a memory cleaner application (e.g. Security or Cleaner).

2. Method 2: Quickly activate through the notification panel

If you need to turn on geolocation urgently (for example, to call a taxi), the easiest way to do this is through the notification curtain, which works even on a locked screen (unless the password is configured).

How to turn on:

1. Swipe your finger down the screen to open the notification bar.
2. If you see the Location button (Icon) 📍) — press it once. If you don't have a button, press it. ⚙️ Edit (or Add).
3. In the list of available switches, find the Location and drag it to the active area (the top of the screen).
4. Return to the main panel and press the button. 📍, include GPS.

⚠️ Attention: In some firmware MIUI The default location is hidden. If you can't find it, use the first method (through settings) or update the firmware.

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If the button GPS disappears after rebooting, fix it in the notification panel: press and hold the icon 📍, Then select "Put in the top panel".

3. Method 3: Hidden developer settings (for power users)

If GPS on Redmi 7 is unstable (long searches for satellites, shows incorrect coordinates), you can optimize it through the developer menu. This method requires caution – incorrect settings can worsen the performance of the smartphone.

How to open the developer menu:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the MIUI version and click on it 7 times in a row (you will be notified "You became a developer!").
3. Return to the main settings menu – there will be a new section for developers.

Now, optimizing GPS:

1. Open to the developers → Debugging.
2. Activate the GPSTest option (GPS-status is a utility for diagnosing satellites.
3. Go back and find the Location section in the developer menu.
4. Just turn it on. GPS (without internet, if you want to check the clean GPS-module.

For resetting the GPS cache (useful if the smartphone has not used navigation for a long time):

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three dots (menu) → Show all processes → Google Services → Memory → Clear cache

Table: Comparison of GPS accuracy modes on Redmi 7

The choice of accuracy mode affects the speed of determination of positioning, accuracy and battery consumption. Below is a comparison table for Xiaomi Redmi 7:

🔹 Tip: If you use a navigator in your car often, choose High Accuracy, but connect your smartphone to charging. For walking around the city, Charge Saving mode is enough - it finds location faster due to Wi-Fi.

5 Why GPS on Redmi 7 doesn't work: 5 reasons and solutions

If you have enabled geolocation, but the smartphone still does not determine the coordinates – check these points:

• 🌐 No Internet: GPS-The module for fast satellite search uses data from a mobile network or Wi-Fi. Without the Internet, it can take up to 10 minutes to determine.
• 🔋 Energy saving regime: MIUI switch off GPS In Battery or Super Power Saving modes, Solution: Go to Settings → Battery → Power saving mode and turn it off.
• 📱 Outdated Google Services: Maps and navigation depend on the relevance of Google Play Services.Solution: Open Play Store, search for Google Services and update.
• 🛡️ Resolution Block: Some applications (e.g. Clean Master or Security) may block access to geolocation.Solution: check Settings → Permits → Location.
• 📡 Bad signal. GPS: In basements, tunnels, or tall buildings, the satellite signal is weak. Solution: go out into the open space or use High Accuracy mode (it compensates for the weak one). GPS Wi-Fi).

⚠️ Note: If after all the manipulations GPS still not working, check the physical condition of the smartphone, a drop or moisture could damage the antenna GPS (It's located at the top of the body next to the camera, and you'll need a diagnosis at the service center.

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Before visiting the service, check the GPS through the engineering menu: dial ##4636##, select Phone Information and check the GPS status. If satellites are not caught even in open areas, the problem is hardware.

6 How to check the GPS performance on Xiaomi Redmi 7

To make sure that GPS-The module works correctly, use built-in tools or third-party applications.

Method 1: Through Google Maps

1. Open Google Maps (if not installed, download from the Play Store).
2. Click on the blue dot (your location).
3. Select Calibrate the compass and follow the instructions (turn the phone in the air).
4. If the point is determined to be 5-20 meters accurate, the GPS works normally.

Method 2: Specialized applications

Install one of these applications for detailed diagnosis:

• 📊 GPS Status & Toolbox – shows the number of satellites found, signal strength and coordinates.
• 🧭 GPSTest – Testing the time of first determination (TTFF) precision.
• 🗺️ GPS Essentials – suitable for checking navigation in the background.

Redmi 7: If the app finds fewer than 5 satellites in open areas, it is a sign of malfunction GPS-module.

7. Frequent questions about GPS on Xiaomi Redmi 7