Wherever GPS-Xiaomi antenna Mi5: location, diagnosis and repair

Xiaomi Mi5 — The iconic 2016 smartphone that is still used by many users, but over time, owners face problems with location accuracy or complete absence. GPS-The reason is often a malfunction. GPS-antennas, but before you carry the device to the service, it is worthwhile to figure out where it is and whether it is possible to fix the problem yourself.

In this article, we will take a detailed look at:

• 📍 Exact location GPS-antennae Mi5 (picture-wise)
• 🔍 How to check the operability of the module without disassembly
• 🛠️ Possible causes of malfunctions and ways to eliminate them
• ⚠️ Risks of self-repair and when it is better to contact specialists

1. Xiaomi's design Mi5: hidden GPS-antenna

Xiaomi. Mi5 (model MI 5, MI 5s, MI 5s Plus) GPS-antenna is integrated into the upper part of the motherboard and is connected to the main wireless communication module (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/GPS). Physically, it is a small metallized portion on the board, connected to the Qualcomm Snapdragon chip. 820 via special paths.

Key location details:

• 📱 The antenna is located under the upper cover of the case, next to the headphone jack (3.5 mm).
• 🔌 It is connected to the motherboard via a flexible plume, which is also responsible for the operation of the main camera.
• 🛡️ To protect against interference, the antenna is shielded with a metal plate (in the photo below, circled in red).

Important! The Mi5 uses a combined module (GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou), so if the antenna is damaged, the signals of all navigation systems can disappear at the same time. If the GPS problem is only working, and GLONASS is working, the cause may be in the software settings or firmware.

2. How to verify GPS-phone-off

Before disassembling your smartphone, make sure the antenna is the problem.

Enable Developer Mode (7 times click on "Build Number" in Settings → The phone)|Activate GPSTest or GPS Status & Toolbox from Google Play|Check the number of satellites visible (normal: 8-12)|Compare accuracy with other devices in the same place|Try resetting your network settings (Settings) → System system → Reset → Resetting network settings)

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If the satellites are not detected at all or their number does not exceed 1-2, the problem may be:

• 📶 Antennae (physical damage or disconnection of the plume).
• 🔧 Wireless communication module (chip on the board).
• 📱 Firmware (especially after update) MIUI).

Critical: If not only GPS but also Wi-Fi/Bluetooth is lost after the phone crash, there is a 90% chance that the motherboard or antenna plume is damaged.

Total lack of signal|Low accuracy (jumping on the map)|Long-term location determination|Problems only in the room|Other-->

Typical malfunctions GPS-antennae and their causes

In Xiaomi Mi5 most often encountered the following breakdowns related to GPS:

The Mi5 is particularly vulnerable to falling to the top right corner, which is where the antenna is located, and even a minor impact can cause micro-cracks on the board or detachment of contacts.

⚠️ Note: If the battery is lost after replacement GPS, Check if you've damaged the antenna plume during the disassembly. Mi5 It passes next to the battery and breaks easily when it is not properly removed.

4. How to get to the airport by yourself GPS-antennae

If you decide to disassemble the Xiaomi Mi5 to check the antenna, follow this instruction.

• 🔧 Plastic blades for disassembly.
• 🔥 Hair dryer (to soften battery glue).
• 🧲 Magnetic screwdriver (screws in) Mi5 petty).

Step-by-step process:

1. Turn off the phone and remove the tray for SIM-map.
2. Heat the back cover with a hair dryer (especially at the edges) and gently tuck it with a plastic spatula.
3. Unscrew 10 screws that fix the metal plate (they are of different sizes - remember the location!).
4. Disconnect the battery plume (it is glued, so pull carefully without tearing off!).
5. Remove the metal screen above the antenna (it is mounted on the latches).

After that, you will have access to GPS-- Check the antenna:

• The integrity of the plume (whether there are tears or scuffs).
• Fixing the antenna to the board (contacts should not be oxidized).
• The state of the tracks on the motherboard (microcracks can be seen when magnified).

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If you notice that the antenna plume is broken during the disassembly, don't try to glue it together! This is a temporary solution that will lead to a deterioration of the signal. Mi5: XIAOMI-001-005).

5. Repairs. GPS-antennas: what can be done with your own hands

Depending on the diagnosis, you may attempt the following:

🔧 Replacement of antenna plume

If the plume is torn or the contacts are oxidized:

1. Order a new plume (cost ~300-500 rubles).
2. Carefully disconnect the old plume from the motherboard (use tweezers).
3. Install a new one, making sure it sits tightly in the connector.

🧹 Cleaning contacts

If the antenna is not damaged, but the signal is weak:

• Wipe the antenna contacts and connector on the board with isopropyl alcohol (at least 90%).
• Check if the metal screen is bent – it can close the antenna.

🔄 Flashing the module GPS

Sometimes the problem is solved by updating. AGPS-Data (accelerated satellite search algorithms:

1. Install the GPS Status & Toolbox app.
2. Go to the A-GPS Management → Reset.
3. Upload the latest data via the Internet.

⚠️ Note: If after the ration of the tracks on the board GPS If you do not work, do not repeat the procedure - you risk damaging the Snapdragon 820 chip.

6.When the repairs GPS-antennae are not appropriate

It's not always worth repairing -- sometimes it's cheaper and more reliable to buy another smartphone.

• 💸 The cost of repair exceeds 30-40% of the price Mi5 secondary-market (~2,000-3,000 rubles.).
• ⚡ Problems with GPS are accompanied by failures in work 4G, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (indicates damage to Snapdragon chip).
• 🔄 The phone has been repaired several times, and each analysis increases the risk of new breakdowns.

In such cases, it is possible:

• 📱 Use externally GPS-receiver (connects via Bluetooth, cost from 1,500 rubles.).
• 🔄 Upgrade to a newer Xiaomi model (e.g. Mi 8 or Mi 9) GPS-modules are more reliable).

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If the GPS in the Mi5 is lost after falling or getting moisture, the probability of successful repair of the antenna is no more than 50%, in such cases, more often you need to replace the motherboard.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)