A modern smartphone is impossible to imagine without navigation modules, and Xiaomi Redmi 4 is no exception. Owners of this popular device often face the need to quickly activate geolocation for use of maps or taxi services. GPS-The module provides not only accurate positioning, but also helps to save battery power in the background.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the ways to activate satellite navigation on the shell of MIUI. You will learn about hidden settings that can significantly improve the quality of signal reception in difficult conditions.
So let's start with the simplest, fastest method that anyone can use, which is that it doesn't require a deep dive into the menu, and it takes only a few seconds, and it's perfect for situations where geolocation is needed right now.
Quick activation through the notification panel
The most obvious way to start navigation is to use a notification curtain, which is the standard Android interface, adapted by Xiaomi engineers to make it easy to access basic features, and just swipe down from the top of the screen to see the array of icons.
Among the many shortcuts, you need to find an icon that resembles an inverted drop or compass, usually signed as "Location" or "GPS." One tap activates the module, and it will start searching for satellites. If the icon is not on the first screen, swipe to the right to access the additional buttons.
Sometimes the system may block the power-saving mode, in which case the operating system will suggest disabling the restrictions to allow services to work properly, and agree to this action if you care about the accuracy of the coordinates.
⚠️ Attention: When switched on GPS The module operates as standard through the notification curtain, and for navigation in the forest or in dense urban areas, this may not be enough, since all available sources of coordinates are not used.
Once activated, the status bar icon will become active, and now applications like Yandex.Maps or 2GIS will have access to your coordinates, a baseline that is suitable for most everyday tasks.
High precision settings in the menu
To get a better handle on the module, you need to go to a deep settings menu, where you can choose a location mode that affects speed and accuracy, and the standard mode can only use satellites, which is slow and energy-intensive.
To change settings, go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Location. In the list that opens, you will see Mode. By clicking on it, the system will suggest several uses for geodata. Choosing the right option is critical for navigation applications.
- 📍 From all sources, it uses GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile networks for maximum accuracy (recommended).
- 📡 Only in the end. GPS — It uses only satellites, which is slow but works without the internet.
- 📶 Network coordinates – determines the location by towers and Wi-Fi, quickly but with a large error.
The All Sources mode is the most versatile for the Xiaomi Redmi 4, allowing the device to quickly “hack” on satellites using data about nearby Wi-Fi networks even without connecting to them, which significantly speeds up the cold start of navigation.
☑️ Verification of geolocation settings
It's worth noting that using all sources increases energy consumption, but with the Redmi 4, with its capacious battery, this is not a critical issue. It intelligently manages modules, turning them off when they're not needed.
Managing permissions for applications
Even if GPS is enabled, a particular application may not be able to access coordinates. MIUI is famous for its strict security and energy saving policies, and users often forget to issue the necessary rights after installing new software.
Go to Settings → Applications → All apps. Find the right navigator or messenger in the list. Select Permissions from the app menu. You need to find the Location category and set the switch to the active position.
The system can offer two access options: "Only when in use" or "Always." For navigators such as Navitel or Google Maps, it is better to choose access always so that the track is recorded continuously.
⚠️ Note: If you have chosen the Super-Saving mode, the system may force you to block the operation. GPS In this case, the navigation will stop as soon as you turn off the screen.
Also check your autorun settings. If the app is not authorized to autorun, it may not work properly with GPS after the phone has restarted. Add important navigation programs to the exception list.
Calibration and signal enhancement
Sometimes it happens that the module is on, but the coordinates are not determined correctly or the cursor is walking around the map. In this case, GPS calibration is required. The Xiaomi Redmi 4 does not have a built-in Calibration button, but there are effective software methods.
One way to do this is to use the engineering menu, and to log in, type ##6484##. In the CIT menu that opens, select "GPS." Here you'll see a map of satellites. If there are few, go out into the open space and wait a few minutes.
You can use third-party tools like GPS Status & Toolbox to get a deeper setup, and this app lets you reset the almanac data and re-search the satellites from scratch, which often helps if the phone has been off for a long time.
| Parameter | Meaning | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Precision (GPS) | Tall. | Error 3-5 meters |
| Precision (Network) | Medium | Error of 50-100 meters |
| Cold start time | 30-60 seconds | Depends on the weather and the location. |
| Update interval | 1-2 seconds | Navigation mode |
Why is GPS slow?
Remember that a metal case or thick protective glass can shield the signal. If the signal problem is constantly observed, try to remove the case and check the module again.
Resetting GPS settings to factory
If no method works and the navigation is not working properly, you can reset your geolocation settings completely, which will bring all the location services back to their original state, as if the phone had just come out of the box.
To do this, go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Restore and Reset. At the bottom of the screen, find the Reset button. Importantly, this step will reset your network and Bluetooth settings, but will not delete your personal files, contacts or photos.
Once restarted, the device will re-scan the airwaves and establish a connection to nearby towers and satellites, often addressing software conflicts that have arisen after a system update or installation of questionable software.
- 🔄 Resets Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings.
- 📡 Cache cleared A-GPS data.
- ⚙️ Standard Positioning Protocols Return.
Use this method only as a last resort when other methods have been exhausted. Before the procedure, make sure you remember passwords from your Wi-Fi networks, as they will have to be re-entered.
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Use the Google Maps app in offline navigation mode, pre-loading a map of the region via Wi-Fi, which will reduce the load on the GPS module and save traffic.
Frequent problems and their solution
Xiaomi Redmi 4 users sometimes report periodic signal loss, most often due to software glitches rather than hardware breakdowns, and the first thing to do is check if you have a modified hosts file or VPN that blocks access to Google servers.
Another common reason is that the date and time are not working properly, and if the phone is running out of time, the encryption and satellite sync protocols may not work properly, and make sure that the date and time settings check the "Use Network Time" box.
Rarely, flashing the communication module helps, but it’s a complex procedure that requires qualifications. For the average user, it’s enough to keep an eye on the system updates that Xiaomi releases regularly.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use "magnetic" phone holders in the car if they cover the top of the body. GPS Redmi 4 is located at the top of the back cover, and the magnet can cause severe interference.
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The stable operation of GPS depends not only on the module being turned on, but also on the correct permissions for applications and the absence of physical obstacles to the signal.
Compliance with these simple rules will allow you to enjoy accurate navigation anywhere in the world. your Redmi 4 is able to perform excellent results in tests of speed and accuracy when properly configured.