How to turn GPS on Xiaomi Redmi 8: All ways + error solving

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is still a popular budget smartphone due to its balanced performance and reliable platform. GPS-modules, especially if you have not previously used navigation on Android, in this article we will discuss all possible ways to activate geolocation, including hidden settings MIUI, We also look at common mistakes and their solutions.

It is important to understand that GPS on Redmi 8 works in conjunction with other positioning systems: A-GPS (accelerated determination over the Internet), GLONASS (Russian alternative to GPS) and mobile tower data. This means that for the precise operation of the navigator, it is not enough to just turn on the module – you need to configure all the components correctly. Next, you will find step-by-step instructions for beginners and advanced users, as well as tips for optimizing battery consumption.

1. Quickly turn on GPS via notification panel

The easiest way to activate geolocation is to use a notification curtain, which is suitable for most everyday tasks, such as working with Google Maps or Yandex.Maps.

Instructions:

• 📱 Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
• 🔍 Find the GeoData icon (usually depicted as an arrow or dot on a map) if it is not present, swipe left to reveal additional tiles.
• 🔘 You can tap the badge once if it's blue — GPS If the icon is grey, geolocation is disabled.

Note: this method includes all geolocation modes (GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile networks) that can quickly drain the battery. For more fine-tuning, go to the next section.

2. Manual activation via MIUI settings

If the geolocation icon is not in the curtain or you need more detailed configuration, use the MIUI menu, which will also help if GPS is disabled at the system level.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Privacy section → Permits → geodata.
3. Activate the slider "Geodata" at the top of the screen.
4. Click the geodata mode and choose the best option: 🔄 High accuracy - uses the GPS + Wi-Fi + Mobile networks (maximum accuracy but high battery consumption). 📡 Charge savings are only Wi-Fi and mobile networks (more precise than Device Only, but less accurate than High Accuracy"). 📱 Only the device, just the device. GPS-Module (most economical, but slower to determine the coordinates).

For most tasks, we recommend High Accuracy mode, especially if you use a navigator in the city, and on hikes or out of town, you can switch to Device Only to save charge.

Make sure that the geolocation icon is active in the notification curtain (blue)

Open Google Maps and wait for the blue dot of your location to appear.

Check that the geodata settings have selected the appropriate accuracy mode

Reboot your smartphone if you GPS not determined within 5 minutes-->

3. Hidden GPS settings: A-GPS and GLONASS

If standard methods don’t help or GPS determines location for too long, you may need to update the A-GPS (Assisted GPS) data or enable support for GLONASS.

How to open hidden settings:

• 📞 Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##36446339##
• 🔧 You'll be on the menu. GPS Test. This shows all available satellites and their signals.
• 🛰️ Press Menu. → AGPS → Reset to drop cache A-GPS.
• 🌍 To turn on GLONASS go to Menu → Settings → Satellite System and select the "GPS + GLONASS".

Important: After resetting the A-GPS, it can take up to 10 minutes for the first positioning, as the smartphone will download new data from satellites, a technique that is especially useful if you haven’t used GPS in a long time or moved to another region.

4.GPS issues on Redmi 8 and their solutions

Even when GPS is turned on correctly, there can be failures, and let's look at the typical problems and how to fix them.

If none of the methods worked, check your physical condition. GPS-On the Redmi 8, it is located at the top of the body next to the main camera, and severe impacts or moisture can cause the module to fail, in which case repairs will be required.

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Before a long trip, download offline maps in Google Maps or Yandex.Navigator. GPS-Module and save mobile traffic.

5. Optimizing battery consumption when using GPS

Active geolocation is one of the main battery eaters, and on the Redmi 8, with its 5,000 mAh capacity, this is especially noticeable when you use your navigator for a long time. Here are some ways to reduce your consumption:

• 🔋 Use Charge Saving mode in geodata settings unless maximum accuracy is required.
• 📴 Turn it off. GPS Immediately after use – many applications continue to work in the background.
• 🌑 Activate dark theme in navigation apps (like Google Maps) to reduce screen load.
• 📶 Turn off automatic app updates via mobile network while traveling.

We also recommend calibrating the compass in Google Maps to more accurately determine the direction:

1. Open Google Maps and click on the blue dot of your location.
2. Select Calibration of the compass and follow the instructions on the screen (you will need to rotate the smartphone in space).

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The most effective way to save battery is to use an external powerbank and turn on GPS only when needed. Even in High Accuracy mode, the Redmi 8 can last 6-8 hours of continuous navigation at a capacity of 5000 mAh.

6. Alternative methods of positioning

If your Redmi 8 GPS is completely out of order or you are in a bad signal area (such as a basement), you can use alternative geolocation methods:

• 📶 Mobile networks - determination by cell towers (accuracy to) 1-2 Activated automatically in charge saving or high accuracy modes".
• 📡 Wi-Fi Positioning — if there are known access points nearby, the smartphone can pinpoint the location to within 50 meters.
• 🧭 Gyroscope and accelerometer – used to track indoor movements (such as in shopping malls) – low accuracy, but better than nothing.

To activate alternative methods:

1. Go to Settings → Geodata → Geodata mode.
2. Select “Saving Charge” – this will turn off GPS, but leave the definition for Wi-Fi and mobile networks.

Remember, these methods are less accurate and can produce significant errors, especially in rural areas. For accurate navigation, it is best to combine GPS with offline maps.

7. Checking the performance GPS-module

If you are in doubt, is it correct? GPS-module on your Redmi 8, you can conduct diagnostics using special applications. GPS Test or GPS Status & Toolbox from Google Play.

How to check the module:

1. Install one of the above applications and open it.
2. Go outside or go to the window, the GPS signal does not pass through the walls.
3. Wait for the app to find the satellites, and normally, at least 8-12 satellites with a signal level above 30 dB should be displayed.
4. If the satellites are not detected for more than 10 minutes, the hardware is likely to be a problem.

You can also use the built-in MIUI test:

• 📞 Enter the code in the phone application: ##4636##
• 🔧 Go to the Information section → GPS Status.
• 📊 This is where all the satellites connected and their signals are displayed. If the list is empty, the module is defective.

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If GPS stopped working after the MIUI update, try rolling back to the previous firmware version or resetting through Settings → System → Resetting → Network Settings Reset.

FAQ: Frequent questions about GPS Xiaomi Redmi 8