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

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is still one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, despite the release of new models, its reliability and functionality have been appreciated by millions of users, but even such a proven device sometimes has questions about setting up, one of the most common is how to turn on GPS correctly and why geolocation works unstable.

In this article you will find not only standard ways to activate the module. GPS/GLONASS, but also hidden settings that will help improve the accuracy of positioning, we will discuss how to enable geolocation through the notification panel, the settings menu, and what to do if the Redmi Note 8 You can't see satellites or you can't see signals all the time, and we're going to focus on the impact of power saving modes and third-party applications on your work. GPS.

1. Quick way: enable GPS through the notification panel

The easiest method to activate geolocation is to use the Quick Settings Panel, which is suitable if you need to urgently enable navigation for maps or taxis.

To open the panel, swipe down from top to bottom across the screen, and depending on the version of MIUI, the appearance may be slightly different, but the principle remains the same:

• 📱 Find the Geodata icon (usually looks like an arrow or dot on a map).
• 🔘 Click on it once - if the icon lights up, GPS included.
• 🔄 If there is no icon, click on the icon. ⚙️ ("Edit it") and add it to the panel.

Note that this method only includes the GPS module itself, but does not guarantee high accuracy. To better determine the location, additional settings may be required in the Location Options menu.

2. Complete GPS configuration via the parameter menu

If you want maximum accuracy (for example, for tracking or geotags in photos), it is recommended to configure GPS through the main menu.

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the Privacy section → Location options.
3. Activate the Location switch (at the top of the screen).
4. Click on Mode and select High Accuracy (using GPS, Wi-Fi, mobile networks and sensors).

In the same menu, you can turn on Google Location History (if you use Google services) or turn off scanning of nearby devices via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi to save charge.

Is Location switch on | High accuracy mode selected | Access to geodata for desired applications allowed | Power saving mode restrictions disabled-->

3.Why is GPS on the Redmi Note 8 unstable?

Many users complain that the location on the Redmi Note 8 is determined long or with a large margin of error.

• 📵 Weak satellite signal indoors or among high-rise buildings GPS maybe".
• 🔋 Energy-saving regime — MIUI limit background activity GPS battery-saving.
• 🚫 Prohibit geodata for applications – check permissions for maps, navigators, etc.
• 📱 Older versions of the old version MIUI were module bugs GPS.

A critical feature of the Redmi Note 8 is that some batches of 2019-2020 devices have encountered a hardware defect in the GPS antenna, which manifested itself after 1-2 years of operation. If none of the software methods help, you may need to diagnose in the service center.

4. Effect of energy saving modes on GPS

MIUI aggressively optimizes energy consumption, which often causes GPS to be turned off in the background.

1. Open Settings → Battery and Performance.
2. Select Power Saving Mode and set "No Limits" or "Balanced".
3. In Battery Optimization, find applications that need GPS (e.g. Yandex.Maps) and turn off optimization for them.

Also check autorun settings for navigation apps:

• 🔄 Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Select the application] → Auto-start.
• 🔘 Include auto-start permission and work in the background.

💡

If you use your navigator frequently in your car, add it to Secure Apps (Settings → Battery → Secure Apps) to prevent the GPS from being forced to close when you lock the screen.

5. How can we speed up the search for satellites?

If GPS takes a long time to catch a signal, try these methods:

If you are in a city, turn on Wi-Fi (even without a network connection) – this will help you to quickly determine the location through access points.

💡

For maximum accuracy, use the combination GPS + GLONASS + Wi-Fi. In the location settings (Privacy → Location options → Mode), select "High accuracy".

App Permissions: Why Can't Maps See GPS?

Even if GPS is enabled at the system level, individual applications may not have access to geodata to check and fix this:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want (e.g. Google Maps or 2GIS).
3. Go to Permits. → Location.
4. Set "Allow All the Time" or "Only during use".

Some applications (such as activity trackers) may require additional physical activity permission or sensors.

⚠️ Note: If you have denied access to geodata for Google Play Services, it may disrupt your work GPS Check the permissions for this service separately.

7.Reset GPS settings: a last resort

If none of these methods worked, you can reset your geolocation settings to factory settings, and it won't delete your data, but it will bring all GPS settings back out of the box.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → System and device → Additional → Resetting.
2. Select Location Reset (or Network Reset if the first item is not available).
3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

After reset, the compass may need to be recalibrated and loaded. AGPS-data.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi Note 8 firmware resets settings GPS Also resets the saved Wi-Fi networks. Write down your passwords in advance or back up through Settings. → Google → Backup.

FAQ: Frequent questions about GPS on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8