How to turn GPS on Xiaomi Redmi 9: All ways + error solving

Why GPS on Redmi 9 won’t work right after purchase

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is equipped with a GPS/GLONASS/BDS/Galileo module, but many users are faced with the fact that geolocation is not determined immediately after the first turn on. The reason lies in the features of the MIUI firmware: by default, the exact location functions are disabled to save battery power. Moreover, in some regions (for example, in Russia), legal requirements may restrict access to high-precision data without the explicit consent of the user.

Another common problem is that you have incorrect energy saving settings, and if you activate Ultra-Economic or Battery mode, the system automatically restricts background activity. GPS-This causes maps (Google Maps, Yandex.Navigator) to show your location with a delay or do not update the coordinates at all. Before you go to the settings, make sure that the smartphone is not in Flight mode - it completely blocks all wireless modules, including the one that is not in the Flight mode. GPS.

Method 1: Quickly turn on GPS through the notification panel

The easiest way to activate geolocation is to use a notification curtain, which is useful if you need to turn on navigation urgently, for example, for a taxi ride or a walk.

• 📱 Swipe your finger down the screen to open the notification bar.
• 🔍 Find the Location icon (usually an arrow or pin) and if it's not, swipe down again to turn the full panel around.
• 🔄 Touch the icon once if it turns blue or green — GPS If the color hasn't changed, it means the module is locked by the privacy settings (see permissions section).

Note: this method includes approximate location (on cell towers and Wi-Fi). Accurate navigation through satellites will require additional activation of High Accuracy in settings (more on this below).

💡

If the Location icon is missing from the curtain, it can be added: click on the pencil icon (✏️) in the upper right corner of the panel and drag the desired element to the active area.

Method 2: Configure GPS through the parameter menu

To fully control the geolocation module, you should use the settings section, where you can not only turn on GPS, but also select the accuracy mode, as well as manage the permissions for applications.

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to Confidentiality. → Location.
3. Activate the Location slider** at the top of the screen.
4. Click on Accuracy Mode and select High Accuracy** (Uses GPS, Wi-Fi, mobile networks and sensors).

You can also set up exceptions for individual applications in the same menu, for example, if you want Google Maps to always have access to geodata, even when other programs are blocked.

• 🔒 Return to Confidentiality → Application authorizations → Location.
• 📌 Find the desired application (for example, Yandex.Maps) in the list and select “Always” or “Only during use».

Is the location in the notification curtain turned on?

Is the “High Accuracy” mode selected?

Is geodata allowed for navigation applications?

Is the “Flight” or “Energy Saving” mode turned off»?-->

Method 3: Activate GPS through an engineering menu (for power users)

If standard methods don't work, you can use the Engineering Mode, which is a method that can diagnose problems with the module or force it to reset. Attention: wrong actions in the engineering menu can disrupt the smartphone. Use this method only if you are sure of your actions.

To open the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app.


2 Enter the combination: ##4636###




3. Select "Phone Information" (or "Testing" in some firmware).




4. Slide down to the "GPS" block and press "GPS Test".




5. Wait until the smartphone finds satellites (can take up to 5 minutes).

If the GPS Test does not identify satellites at all (empty list or error), this may indicate:

• 🛠️ Hardware malfunction GPS-module (repair required).
• 📱 Outdated firmware (update) MIUI through settings → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🔋 Active Power Saving Mode (disable it in Settings) → Battery).

Problem Solving: GPS is not switched on or is not working properly

If, after all the manipulations, the GPS still doesn't work, the reasons can be both software and hardware. Below is a table with the most common problems and ways to fix them:

Special attention should be paid to cache cleaning applications (such as Clean Master or built-in MIUI Security), which often delete AGPS files that are necessary for fast satellite search, to avoid this:

⚠️ Attention: In settings MIUI Security disable the Auto Clean option for system files. To do this, go to Security → Cleanup → Settings and uncheck the box from the item "Clear location data».

How to improve GPS accuracy on Xiaomi Redmi 9

Even if GPS is on, its accuracy may be poor, especially in urban areas with tall buildings. Here are some ways to optimize the module's performance:

• 📡 Update the data AGPS: Use the app. GPS Status & Toolbox (available on Google Play). After installation, click Manage A-GPS state → Reset, then Download. This will download the latest satellite data.
• 🌐 Enable data transfer in roaming: If you are traveling, make sure that in Settings → SIM-Maps and mobile networks activated option "Data transfer in roaming"** - this will help to quickly receive data from satellites.
• 🔄 Calibrate the compass: In Google Maps, click on the blue dot of your location, then select Compass Calibration and follow the instructions on the screen (rotate the phone in the shape of an eight).

For maximum accuracy in navigation applications (e.g. Waze or Osmand) it is recommended to:

1. Open the application in advance (2-3 minutes before the start of movement) so that it has time to “catch” satellites.
2. Use an external GPS antenna (if available) – for example, in a car via a Bluetooth adapter.
3. Disable VPN – Some geolocation services conflict with virtual networks.

Daily (navigator, tracking)

Several times a week

Only when traveling.

I never turn it on.-->

Frequent GPS errors and how to avoid them

Many Xiaomi Redmi 9 users make the same mistakes that lead to unstable geolocation, and here are the most common ones:

⚠️ Note: Never use an app like Fake GPS Mock Locations are not only in violation of the terms of use of many services (for example, Pokémon GO or banking applications, but can permanently damage the calibration of the real GPS-If you have previously enabled Developer Mode and activated "Set Mock Location"**, be sure to turn this option off in Settings. → Additionally. → For developers.

Another common problem is the conflict with Chinese services, where MIUI's default firmware can use Chinese servers to locate, which slows down other regions, and to fix this:

• 🌍 Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Region and select your country (e.g., “Russia” instead of “China»).

It’s also worth remembering that metal cases or magnetic holders can shield the GPS signal. If you notice that without a case, navigation works better, consider replacing it with plastic.

1. Use the "High Accuracy" mode.

2. disable battery optimization for navigation applications.

3. to update the AGPS data regularly (once every 1-2 weeks).

4. Avoid apps for fake location.-->

FAQ: Answers to Frequent GPS Questions on Redmi 9