Simulating geolocation on Xiaomi smartphones using the Hola Fake GPS app is a challenge faced by gamers, developers and users who need to change virtual location. However, MIUI (Xiaomi firmware) actively blocks such tools, citing security policies. In this article, we will discuss legal ways to circumvent restrictions, configure Developer Mode and the nuances of working with Hola Fake GPS on Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T and others.
The main problem — MIUI It recognizes the change of coordinates as a potential threat and automatically resets the location settings, so to avoid this, you not only need to install the application, but also to adjust the system settings correctly. With and without bootloader unlocking (for advanced users) (for most users). MIUI 14/15 due to tightening security policies.
Before you start, check:
- 📱 Smartphone model: on POCO F5 Xiaomi 13 Ultra protection algorithms are stricter than on the budget Redmi 10A.
- 🔄 Version. MIUI: newer MIUI 13.0.5 added additional system integrity checks.
- 🔒 bootloader status: unlocked bootloader gives more features, but deprives of warranty.
1. Preparation of the smartphone: unlocking the developer mode
Without activating Developer Mode, you can't install Hola Fake GPS -- MIUI blocks APK installation from unknown sources and restricts access to location settings.
1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2.Put the MIUI version 7-10 times in a row until the notification “You became a developer!” appears.
3. Return to the main Settings menu – a new section for developers will appear there.
In this section, two key parameters must be activated:
- 🔧 Debugging by USB (Settings for developers → Debugging by USB).
- 📍 Allow location simulation (Developer settings) → Simulation of location → Hola Fake GPS).
Attention! On MIUI 14+, the location simulation may not be available, and you will need to adjust it via ADB (discuss below).
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If the “Developers” section disappeared after the MIUI update, reset your phone to factory settings (without deleting data) – this will return the hidden menus.
2. Hola Fake GPS installation: bypassing MIUI locks
Hola Fake appendix GPS Unavailable on Google Play for Xiaomi devices due to policy MIUI. It can only be downloaded from the official website or through third-party repositories (e.g. APKCombo — v1.3.8+), Older builds may not work with newer versions of Google Play Services.
Installation instructions:
- Download. APK-Hola Fake file GPS smartphone.
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Installation settings.
- Activate the “Install from Unknown Sources” option for your browser or file manager.
- Install the application and open it.
After the first launch, MIUI may display a warning about an "unsafe app" and ignore it, but do not click "Delete" - this will result in blocking all GPS simulation functions.
☑️ Preparation for the installation of Hola Fake GPS
3. Set up location simulation via ADB (for MIUI 14/15)
On newer versions of MIUI, the location simulation option is often hidden. It will require an ADB team to unlock it. This method works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and the POCO X5 Pro.
Steps:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB (use the original cable!).
- Open the command prompt (CMD on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
- Enter the command: adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 1 This will force the developer menu to activate if it is missing.
- Next Post: Adb shell settings put global mock_location 1 This team will unlock the imitation GPS.
After completing the commands, restart your smartphone. In the Settings menu → For developers, the “Location Simulation” option will appear, where you need to select Hola Fake GPS.
What if the ADB does not recognize the device?
4. Launch Hola Fake GPS: coordinate selection and operation check
Once you install and configure the app, the most important thing is to check if the simulation is working. Open Hola Fake GPS and do the following:
1. On the map in the application, select the desired location (for example, Central Park of New York or the Eiffel Tower - these points are often used for tests).
2. Press the "Start" button (or "Play" in newer versions).
3. Wait 10-15 seconds – the application should show the notification “Mock location enabled”.
To check the result:
- 📍 Open Google Maps – Your location should change.
- 🎮 Launch the game (for example, Pokémon GO) — If the coordinates are changed, a new location will appear on the screen.
- 🔍 Check through the app GPS Test (available in Play Market) – This shows the source of the signal GPS.
Attention! Some applications (such as Pokémon GO or banking services) can block an account for using fake coordinates. Hola Fake GPS does not guarantee 100% circumvention of protection - the risk depends on the algorithms of the particular service.
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If the coordinates don't change, restart your smartphone and repeat the steps. On MIUI 15, you may need to turn off the "MIUI Security Check" option in the developer settings.
5. Common mistakes and their solutions
Even with the right Hola Fake setting, GPS can be unstable, and let’s look at the typical problems and ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| "Mock location not working" | MIUI blocks the application | Turn off MIUI Security Check in the Developer Settings |
| Coordinates are being reset. | Conflict with Google Play Services | Update Google Play Services to the latest version |
| App flies out | Incompatibility with MIUI 14/15 | Install a modified version of Hola (such as Hola Mod APK) |
| No "location simulation" item. | Hidden in new versions of MIUI | Use it. ADB-teams (section 3) |
If none of the methods worked, try alternative applications:
- 📌 Fake GPS Location (from Lexa) - works on the MIUI 13-14 without root.
- 📌 Mock Mock Locations – Requires ADB, but more stable than Hola.
- 📌 FGL Pro – a paid solution with support Pokémon GO.
6. Alternative method: unlocking the bootloader (for advanced)
If you want 100% stability in the GPS simulation (for example, for professional application testing), the only reliable way is to unlock the bootloader and install custom firmware. This method is suitable for the Xiaomi 12/13 series, POCO F4/F5 and other flagships.
Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will void the warranty and may result in a brick (inoperability) device. Xiaomi officially allows unlocking, but the process takes up to 7 days (due to account verification).
Instructions:
- Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from [official website] (https://en.miui.com/unlock/).
- Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode (press the Power) + Vol− off-phone).
- Connect to your PC and follow the instructions in the Mi Unlock Tool.
Once unlocked, install Custom Recovery (TWRP) and Magisk-enabled firmware. Then activate the "FakeGApps" module via Magisk Module, which bypasses all system-level MIUI constraints.
How to return the guarantee after unlocking?
7 Safety and Risks: What to Avoid
Use of fakes GPS-And the coordinates have risks that many users don't know about:
✅ What's allowed:
- 🔹 Testing of own applications with geolocation.
- 🔹 Bypassing regional restrictions on services (e.g. Netflix, YouTube).
- 🔹 Games without online competitions (e.g. Harry Potter: Wizards Unite).
❌ What is forbidden and dangerous:
- 🚫 Use of the Pokémon GO, Ingress and other games with anticheat – the risk of soft-ban or permanente account blocking.
- 🚫 Switching location in banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online, Tinkoff) – fraud protection can work.
- 🚫 Log in to Google or Mi Accounts with fake coordinates – temporary blocking is possible.
⚠️ Attention! MIUI 15 Xiaomi has implemented a mechanism “Security Patch”, which can send data about the substitution GPS If you use fake coordinates to bypass geo-restrictions in payment systems (such as Apple Pay in non-supported regions), this can lead to the device being blocked in Google services.