How to completely reset the geolocation on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Geolocation on Xiaomi smartphones is a two-way sword: on the one hand, it makes the device “smarter” (accurate weather forecasts, quick search for nearby cafes, navigation in Google Maps), on the other hand, it becomes a source of irritation due to constant requests for access, rapid battery discharge and potential leaks of confidential data. But what if you want to not just turn off the geolocation, but completely reset it to the factory settings – delete the cache, erase the history of locations and return the phone to “clean” state?

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including standard MIUI settings, hidden features for developers, ADB teams, and even hardware reset. Importantly, the procedure differs depending on the firmware version (for example, MIUI 12 vs MIUI 14) and the smartphone model (Redmi Note 11 vs Xiaomi 13 Pro).

Why is it difficult to reset geolocation on Xiaomi in one click?

Unlike the iPhone, where geolocation resets are reduced to disabling one option in Settings → Privacy, Xiaomi smartphones use a multi-level tracking system:

• 📍 Hardware module GPS/GLONASS is a physical chip that can not be “nullified” software.
• 📱 System services MIUI — background processes that, even after geolocation is disabled, can store data.
• 🌐 Google Services – If you use Google Maps or Find My Device, your location history is stored on Google servers.
• 🔄 App cache – maps, social networks and instant messengers (for example, Telegram or Telegram) VK) Store geodata locally.

So just turning off geolocation in the settings is not enough, and to really shed all the traces, you have to combine several methods, and we'll break them down by their efficiency, from the simplest to the most radical.

Method 1: Standard reset via MIUI settings (without data loss)

This is a good way to turn off geolocation and clear your history, but you're not ready to drop your phone before the factory settings. It works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models with MIUI 11 and later.

Steps:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Permissions → Geolocation.
2. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Location History.
3. Click Clear History and confirm the action.
4. Return to the Geolocation section and disable the slider for all applications that do not need location access.
5. Go to Settings → System → Additional → Privacy → Special Access → Access to the location in the background and turn it off for all applications.

This method does not delete data from your Google account (if you use Google Maps or Timeline).To clear it, go to Google Timeline and manually delete the history.

Method 2: Reset via Developer Settings (Hidden Functions)

If a standard reset doesn't work, you can use developer mode, which allows you to disable background geolocation tracking at the system level, but requires you to activate a hidden menu.

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Find the MIUI Version and click on it 7 times in a row. You become a developer notification will appear.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find options: Turn off permissions in the background - turn on. Turn off location access - turn on. Fictitious locations - select Apps only (this will block access to real ones). GPS-data).

Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: After activating the developer mode, some features (such as Mi Pay or Face Unlock) may not work stable. If you notice a failure, return the settings to the original state.

Method 3: Complete reset via ADB (for advanced users)

If you're willing to go further than standard settings, Android Debug Bridge (ADB) will allow you to reset system-level geolocation, a technique that requires you to connect your phone to your computer, but gives you maximum control over settings.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 📋 Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB Tools (you can download from the official website).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → For Developers.
2. Connect the phone to your computer and confirm your trust in the device.
3. Open the command line (or Terminal) and type: Adb devices Make sure your Xiaomi appears in the list.
4. Follow the commands to reset geolocation: adb shell pm clear com.google.android.gms adb shell pm clear com.android.location.fused adb shell settings put global shell settings location_mode 0
5. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB If you are not sure about your actions, skip this method or consult a specialist.

💡

Before execution ADB-commands to back up data through Settings → System system → Backup. It'll help you recover your phone if something goes wrong.

Method 4: Recovery Mode Reset (hard reset)

If geolocation is “hung” (for example, the phone constantly shows incorrect coordinates or cannot determine the location), reset via recovery mode can help.This method does not delete user data, but resets system settings, including GPS modules.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the button combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For Xiaomi 12/13 series: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Mi Recovery

Wipe & Reset

Wipe All Data

leave out

Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

After resetting, the geolocation will work “like new”, but you will have to reconfigure Wi-Fi, accounts and other settings.

💡

Resetting via Recovery Mode does not delete photos, videos, and documents, but resets all system settings, including Wi-Fi passwords and linked accounts.

Method 5: Hardware discharge (last resort)

If all previous methods failed (e.g. GPS doesn’t work at all or shows coordinates with a few kilometers error), the problem may be in the hardware geolocation module.

• 🔧 Flashing your phone through the Mi Flash Tool (deletes all data!).
• 🛠️ Replacement GPS-antennas (relevant for phones after falling or getting moisture).
• 📡 Update the module through the service center (if the problem is the firmware module).

⚠️ Note: Hardware resets should only be performed in authorized Xiaomi service centers. IP-certification, such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra, may result in loss of water resistance and cancellation of warranty.

If you decide to reflash the phone yourself, use only official firmware from the site. MIUI Unofficial builds (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) can disrupt the work GPS-module.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When resetting geolocations to Xiaomi, users often face typical problems.

If none of the methods worked, check your phone for viruses (for example, through Malwarebytes) – some spyware can block changes to geolocation settings.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions