Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, which is great for navigation tasks. However, many users face difficulties when first turning on the navigator. GPS If you don't catch satellites, if you're not using the maps, if you're running late, if you're not using the voice prompts, then you're going to take a look at all the ways that navigation functions are activated, from basic settings. GPS-module to optimize the operation of Yandex.Navigator and Google Maps.
It's important to understand that a smartphone navigator is not just one application, but a set of technologies: a hardware GPS/GLONASS receiver, software-based location algorithms (A-GPS) and mapping services themselves. We'll go through each step to ensure that your Redmi 9 accurately shows the route even in low signal conditions.
1. Verification of hardware support GPS on Xiaomi Redmi 9
Before setting up apps, make sure your smartphone is technically capable of handling navigation. Xiaomi Redmi 9 is equipped with GPS + GLONASS + BeiDou module, but its operation depends on several factors:
- 📡 The antenna is intact – physical defects in the body (especially in the upper part) can block the signal.
- 🔋 Energy saving – aggressive battery modes are often turned off GPS background.
- 📱 Version. MIUI — firmware MIUI 12.5 Geolocated critical bugs fixed.
To check the GPS hardware serviceability:
- Open the Phone app and enter the combination ##4636##.
- In the testing menu, select Phone Information → GPS information.
- If satellites appear on the list (even without fixation), the module works, and the lack of a list is an excuse for diagnosis at the service center.
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If the satellites are not caught even in open areas, try resetting the network settings: → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
2. Incorporate GPS into system settings
Basic geolocation activation occurs through the settings menu. On Xiaomi Redmi 9, the path may differ depending on the version of MIUI, but the general scheme is as follows:
- Go to Settings → Privacy → Permissions → Geodata.
- Activate the Geodata switch (should turn blue).
- Click GeoData Mode and select High Accuracy (uses GPS + mobile networks + Wi-Fi to clarify coordinates).
Note: in the mode of Saving charge smartphone will determine the location only on cell towers and Wi-Fi, which reduces the accuracy to 50-200 meters (versus 5-10 meters with full GPS).
Enable geodata in settings |Select High Accuracy mode |Deactivate power saving for maps |Update MIUI to the latest version
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⚠️ Attention: If, after activation, GPS The geolocation icon in the notification bar flashes but doesn’t lock – check if the Security app blocks access to the location (Permissions section) → geodata).
3. setup Yandex.Navigator on Xiaomi Redmi 9
Yandex.Navigator is one of the most popular solutions for Russian users thanks to offline maps and voice prompts.
- Download the app from Google Play or AppGallery.
- At the first start, allow access to Geodane, Microphone (for voice input) and Memory (for downloading offline cards).
- In the application settings (⚙️ → Navigation settings activate: 🗺️ Download cards automatically (for offline mode). 🔊 Voice prompts and select a voice (for example, Alyona or Oleg). 🚗 Driving mode (for motorists) or Pedestrian mode.
To save traffic and battery, download maps of your region in advance: Menu → Offline maps → Select a region. One area takes ~200-500 MB.
Yandex.Navigator |Google Maps|2GIS|Other |Not used-->
| Parameter | Yandex.Navigator. | Google Maps |
|---|
| Offline maps | Yes (regions of 200-500MB) | Yes (whole world, ~1-2GB) |
| Voice prompts | Russian-speaking (Alyona, Oleg) | Multilingual (including Russian) |
| Real-time traffic jams | Yes (Yandex data) | Yes (Google data) |
| Battery consumption (1 hour of navigation) | ~8–12% | ~10–15% |
4. Google Maps Optimization for Redmi 9
Google Maps is more versatile for international travel, but requires additional customization on Xiaomi:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- In MIUI settings, allow autorun for Google Maps: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Google Maps → Autorun.
- In Google Maps itself: 📱 Activate Offline Maps (Profile) → Offline maps → Choose your card). 🔊 Enable Voice Navigation in Settings → Navigation. 🚘 Choose the type of transport (car, bicycle, walk).
To speed up location determination in Google Maps, use the High Accuracy feature (see Section 2). If the map is loaded for a long time, clear the app cache: Settings → Apps → Google Maps → Clear the cache.
How to reset Google Maps to factory settings? Open Settings → Annexes → Google Maps → Warehouse → Delete the data. Then you have to log in to your Google account and download the offline maps.--> 5. Solving problems with GPS Xiaomi Redmi 9 If the navigator is unstable, use these methods
🔄 Reboot. GPS-module: Install the application GPS Status & Toolbox from Google Play and click Reset GPS. 📶 Calibration of the compass: In Google Maps, make eight a phone in the air – the blue arrow should stabilize. 🔋 Power Saving Disconnect: Add the navigation app to Without Limits via Settings → Battery → Choice of applications. 📡 Update AGPS: Enter ##36446337## and select Update AGPS. If the problem persists, check if the work is disturbed. GPS Third-party applications, such as Greenify or Battery Doctor, can force geolocation to be disabled. → The phone. → Updating the system. ⚠️ Note: Redmi 9 with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) GPS This may not work properly due to the lack of proprietary Xiaomi drivers, in which case you need to manually firmware the gps.conf. 6 module. Saving charge during long navigation Continuous operation GPS — One of the most energy-intensive tasks for a smartphone is to extend battery life: 🔋 Use an external battery (powerbank) or car charger with Quick Charge 3.0 support. 🌑 Activate the dark theme in the navigation settings (for the AMOLED-This reduces the cost of screen by 10-15%). 📵 Turn off mobile data if you use offline cards (but you will lose information about traffic jams). 📴 Reduce screen brightness to 30-40% and turn on Adaptive Brightness. For maximum savings, close all background apps through Recent → Close everything and activate the mode In the aircraft with manual switching on GPS. This will save up to 25% of the charge per hour of navigation. 7. Alternative navigation apps for Redmi 9 If standard Yandex.Navigator or Google Maps do not suit, consider alternatives: Application Advantages Disadvantages 2GIS Detailed maps of cities, offline mode, search organizations Weak navigation outside the city, high battery consumption Osmand Fully offline, support for bicycle routes Complex interface, paid high-resolution maps Waze Social traffic jams, police Radars, voice alerts Requires constant Internet, a lot of advertising Maps MegaFon Free traffic for subscribers MegaFon, offline maps Limited functionality outside Russia For the installation of alternative navigators use official stores (Google Play, AppGallery) or proven APK-- files from sites like APKPure. Avoid pirated versions, which may contain malicious code that blocks the use of the software. GPS. FAQ: Frequent questions about the navigator on Xiaomi Redmi 9 Why? GPS on the Redmi 9 Identifies the location with error 50–100 The accuracy depends on the number of satellites visible and the quality of the signal. 50 To improve accuracy: Select High Accuracy in geodata settings. Use applications that support A-GPS (Accelerated determination via mobile networks. Wait for fixation in open areas 8+ satellite (checked in the GPS How to turn on voice prompts in Yandex.Navigator if they are missing? The problem may be related to application settings or system restrictions: Open Yandex.Navigator → Settings → Navigation → Voice prompts and select voice. Check if the sound is turned off in the system settings (Settings) → Sound). Make sure the app is allowed to access the Microphone (required for voice input). If the prompts are interrupted, try reinstalling the app. Can I use Redmi? 9 How is it a full-fledged car navigator: 📱 Mounting on a torpedo (magnetic or on a suction cup). 🔌 Charger with Quick Charge support (navigation drains the battery for the battery) 3–4 hour). 🔊 External speaker or Bluetooth connection to the tape recorder for loud clues. 📡 3G/4G-modem or stable mobile internet for online maps. For convenience, set up automatic navigator start when connected to a Bluetooth headset (via Settings) → Devices → Bluetooth → What to do if the navigator constantly loses the signal GPS? The reasons may be hardware or software: Check the antenna: if after the fall of the smartphone GPS It stopped working, maybe the antenna plume has gone (requires disassembly). MIUI There were driver bugs. GPS. Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Reset the network settings. Use the external GPS-receiver (connected via Bluetooth, for example GlobalSat) BU-353). How to reduce traffic consumption when using online maps? Follow these guidelines: 🗺️ Download offline maps in advance (in Yandex.Navigator or Google Maps). 📵 Turn off Background data transfer for maps in the application settings. 🔄 Turn on Traffic Savings in Mobile Network Settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Saving traffic). 📊 Limit the update to traffic jams (in Google Maps: Settings) → Navigation → Traffic jam updates → Only when used). When actively navigating Google Maps consumes ~5-10 MB / hour, Yandex.Navigator - ~3-7 MB / hour.