How to make maps in your phone on Xiaomi: setting up navigation

A modern smartphone is impossible to imagine without navigation systems. For owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices, the issue of quality navigation is especially acute, given the popularity of the brand. Often users are faced with the need to quickly activate geolocation or install a specialized app for trips. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to make maps in a phone on Xiaomi as functional as possible.

The setup process can vary depending on the version of the Android operating system and the MIUI or HyperOS shell. Some models come with pre-installed software, others require manual installation via Google Play. It is important to understand the difference between embedded system cards and third-party navigators, as each type solves its own tasks.

We're going to look at not only the installation, but also the fine-tuning that affects positioning accuracy, so you can calibrate your sensors, save battery power when you use navigation, and choose the best source of map data, and turn your gadget into a full-fledged on-board computer.

Verification of the availability and installation of applications

The first step is always to analyze the current state of the system. Most global versions of MIUI already have basic Google Maps services installed. However, in Chinese versions or builds for the markets, they may not be available.

If you don’t have a standard solution or don’t like it, you should go to the app store. For Xiaomi users, the main source of software is Google Play Market. Alternative repositories such as GetApps (formerly Mi App Store), which is preinstalled on the brand’s devices, can also be used.

• 📱 Open the menu and find the Play Market or GetApps icon.
• 🔍 In the search bar, enter the name of the desired navigator, for example, Yandex.Navigator or 2GIS.
• ⬇️ Click the "Install" button and wait for the download to complete.
• ✅ After installation, launch the application and provide the necessary permissions.

It is worth noting that some navigation programs require additional data for offline mode. Immediately after installation, download maps of your region so as not to depend on the quality of mobile communication on the road, this is especially true for trips outside the city, where network coverage can be unstable.

Permit and geolocation setting

The navigation software requires special access rights to work properly, without which the app cannot locate you or route you, and the MIUI framework implements permission management quite strictly for security reasons.

Go to the device settings section. You need to find the application management section. You need to select the navigation device you have installed and examine the rights in detail. You need to pay special attention to location access, which should be allowed always or only when you use it, depending on your needs.

⚠️ Warning: If you deny the app access to background geolocation, voice prompts may be interrupted when the phone screen is turned off.

It is also important to activate the GPS module itself, which can be done through the notification curtain or through the settings menu, and for maximum accuracy, it is recommended to turn on the High Accuracy mode, which uses not only satellites, but also Wi-Fi and mobile network data.

Use of embedded and alternative maps

Xiaomi’s ecosystem offers its own solutions, but they are often inferior in detail to third-party counterparts. However, basic maps can be useful for quickly finding points of interest without installing excessive software.

However, for full navigation, it is better to use specialized applications. The market leaders remain Google Maps and Yandex.Navigator. The first option is ideal for traveling abroad and finding establishments, the second is ideal for traveling to cities in Russia and the CIS, where traffic jams and cameras are taken into account.

The choice of a particular app depends on your habits. Some prefer a minimalist interface, others prefer detailed drawing of buildings. On a Xiaomi phone, you can safely hold several navigators, switching between them as needed.

Calibration of the compass and signal improvement

Sometimes, the blue dot on the screen is walking or showing the wrong direction, which indicates the need to calibrate the sensors. In Xiaomi smartphones, the system service is responsible for this, but you can start the process through third-party utilities or the maps themselves.

To do this, you can take the phone in your hand and start describing the figure of eight in the air. The motions should be smooth but amplitude. Repeat the action several times until the positioning accuracy improves. This helps the magnetic sensor navigate around the world.

If the signal problem persists, check the power saving settings. Aggressive algorithms MIUI They can limit the work GPS-add the navigator to the list of exceptions or select the "No Limits" profile for a specific application.

Setting up the voice assistant and sound

Driving safety is directly dependent on how convenient it is to use the navigator, voice prompts allow you to stay away from the road, and apps can choose the language, voice timbre, and even a particular celebrity, if this option is supported.

Make sure that the media volume of the device is not zero. Often users forget that the navigator uses the media channel, not the call channel. Check the audio settings inside the card application itself to make sure that voice is enabled.

• 🔊 Open the settings of the selected navigator.
• 🗣️ Find the "Voice" or "Sound" section".
• 🎛️ Select the desired voice packet.
• 🔔 Make sure the voice prompt switch is active.

In some cases, voice may be interrupted by the sounds of messenger notifications. To avoid this, set the priority of notifications or use the "Do Not Disturb" mode while driving, adding the navigator to exceptions.

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Use a Bluetooth headset or car system to output the navigator’s sound – this will provide better audibility and security than the phone’s speaker.

Solution: GPS is not working or the signal is lost

Xiaomi users sometimes experience a situation where the navigation stops working suddenly, most often because of a software failure of Google Play services or the geolocation module itself.

If the reboot didn't work, check if the flight mode is on, and make sure you're not in a room with thick concrete walls or underground where the satellite signal can't physically pass.

⚠️ Attention: Using cheap metal sprayed protective glasses or magnetic fastener covers can critically impair reception GPS-signal.

In a pinch, you can reset your network settings. This won't delete your personal data, but will return the connection settings to default. The path to this feature is usually in the Settings menu → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth.

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The stable operation of cards on Xiaomi depends on a comprehensive setup: the correct resolutions, power savings for the application and no physical interference to the signal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)