SMS-Xiaomi Positioning: What It Is, How to Include and Why It Needs

If you’ve ever noticed your Xiaomi smartphone is sending or receiving strange SMS-messages with coordinates, short codes or a location request – most likely, we are talking about a function SMS-This technology, despite its name, is not directly related to normal text messages between users, but is instead used to accurately locate a device in an emergency or when working with certain services.

In this article, we will explain in detail what is SMS-Positioning on Xiaomi, how it works, why it is necessary and how to activate it (or disable it if necessary), we will pay special attention to the nuances of settings on different models of smartphones, and also understand what data is transmitted and to whom. If you are afraid for your privacy or, conversely, want to make sure that your phone will be able to transmit coordinates in case of emergency – this material is for you.

What is it? SMS-Positioning and how it works

SMS-Positioning (or SMS-based positioning) is a technology that allows you to determine the location of a mobile device using the exchange of service positions. SMS-communications between the telephone and the carrier's base station. GPS, This method works even in poor signal conditions or inside buildings.

Basic principles of work:

• 📡 The phone sends a location request (or receives it from the network).
• 🔄 Operator base stations measure the delay time of the signal from the device (TA — Timing Advance).
• 📍 Based on data from three or more stations, coordinates are calculated (trilateration method).
• 📱 The result is transmitted back to the phone or directly to emergency services (e.g., when calling 112).

On Xiaomi smartphones, this feature is often activated automatically when the device is first turned on, but it can be configured manually. SMS-Positioning does not replace GPS, a) supplements it, especially in conditions where satellite navigation is not available (e.g. in subways or deep canyons).

Why? SMS-positioning

The main purpose of this feature is to improve the accuracy of positioning in critical situations, and here are key scenarios where it will be useful:

• 🚨 Emergency calls: When calling 112 or a local emergency number, the coordinates are automatically transmitted, even if the emergency number is not called. GPS switched off or not picking up the signal.
• 🔍 Searching for lost phone: Some services (like Find My Device) may use the same. SMS-Positioning as a backup method.
• 📶 Improved geo-dependent services: Maps, taxis, food delivery – all of which get more accurate data.
• 🛡️ Parental Control: Child tracking apps often use this technology to improve reliability.

But there is a downside: potential privacy risks: Because coordinates are transmitted via SMS, they can theoretically be intercepted (although modern protocols encrypt such data), and the feature can increase battery consumption if the phone frequently communicates with the network.

⚠️ Note: In some countries (e.g. Russia and the EU), operators are required to maintain the SMS-positioning for emergency services by law.Disabling the feature may cause your phone to be unable to pass coordinates to rescuers when calling on 112.

How to check if it is included SMS-positioning

Before you activate or disable the feature, you should check its current status. On Xiaomi smartphones, the path to settings may vary depending on the version of MIUI and the phone model.

1. Open the Settings. → Memory and SIM-cards SIM-maps and mobile networks).
2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
3. Find the Additional settings or Network settings section.
4. Look for items like: SMS Positioning Emergency Positioning Allow Location (in SMS context)

If it doesn’t, it means that the feature is either already activated by default or your carrier doesn’t support it (which is unlikely for large providers). On some models (for example, Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5), the option may be hidden in the Security → Emergency menu.

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If there is no explicit mention in the settings SMS-positioning, try to enter in the search by settings (laptop of the screen) the request "positioning" or "SMS location".

Step-by-step instruction: how to turn on SMS-positioning

Activation of the function takes no more than a minute. Follow this instruction (the universal algorithm relevant to MIUI 12-14 is given):

Open "Settings" → "SIM-maps and mobile networks"|Choose active SIM-map|Find "Positioning by SMS" or “Emergency positioning"|Turn the switch to the "On" position."|Reboot the phone (recommended)-->

If the function does not work after turning on, check:

• 📶 Network signal: SMS-Positioning requires a stable connection to the base station.
• 🔄 Software updates: Some firmware (especially custom) may have the function disabled. MIUI last-minute.
• 📱 Access Rights: Make sure the Phone or Emergency Services app has permission to access the location.

On models with duals SIM-cards (for example, Xiaomi) 13 Pro or Redmi K60) You will need to repeat the settings for each card separately, and also note that some operators (for example, for example, the following are the following, Tele2 in Russia) may require additional activation of the service through USSD-request, *111*123# — check on the provider's website).

How to turn off SMS-Positioning and whether it is worth doing

If you're concerned about privacy or battery consumption, you can deactivate the function. SMS-Positioning can prevent rescuers from finding you in an emergency.

To turn off the function:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-map.
3. Find the SMS Positioning (or similar) item and turn it off.
4. Confirm the action if the system requests.

After the shutdown:

• ✅ They'll stop sending out service. SMS coordinate.
• ⚠️ Emergency services will not be able to determine your location over the network (only will be used). GPS).
• 🔋 A slight increase in battery life is possible.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (such as Mi 11 Ultra or Black Shark 5) disable SMS-Positioning can lead to failures in the operation of geolocation services (for example, Google Maps or Yandex.Maps) in conditions of weak GPS-Before deactivating, check how it will affect your applications.

Comparison SMS-Positioning with other geolocation methods

To see how useful this feature is, compare it to other ways to locate on Xiaomi smartphones:

As you can see from the table, SMS-positioning GPS It's very accurate, but it's very reliable where other methods fail, and the best way to do that is to use all the technologies together so that the smartphone can automatically switch between them.

For example, in Xiaomi 14 or POCO F5 You can enable the option High accuracy in the location settings (Settings) → Confidentiality → Location → Mode) which combines GPS, Wi-Fi, mobile networks and SMS-positioning.

Frequent problems and their solution

Despite the simplicity of the technology, Xiaomi users sometimes face difficulties when working with SMS-positioning.

Problem 1: Function is on, but coordinates are not determined.

• 🔹 Check if your operator supports this technology (the list is usually on their website).
• 🔹 Make sure that SIM-The card is activated and registered in the network (the signal status should be LTE or 5G, not just E or G).
• 🔹 Update the firmware: on older versions MIUI (below 12) there may be bugs with SMS-geolocation.

Problem 2: The phone sends too many service SMS, draining the battery.

• 🔹 Disable the function if you are not actively using it (see the instructions above).
• 🔹 Check if you have geolocation-abusing apps installed on your phone (such as some trackers or advertising apps). SDK).
• 🔹 Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-map → Resetting mobile network settings.

Problem 3: After the update MIUI option SMS-The positioning has disappeared from the menu.

• 🔹 This may be due to a change in location. Try to find it through a search in the settings.
• 🔹 If the feature is critical (for example, for emergency calls), contact Xiaomi with the phone model and firmware version.
• 🔹 Install alternative emergency call software (e.g., Google Play’s Emergency Info) that supports the use of emergency call software. SMS-geolocation.

On some models (e.g. Redmi) 10C or POCO M4 Pro) after resetting to factory settings SMS-The positioning is automatically disabled. Remember to check his status after the hard reset.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

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SMS-Positioning is a backup geolocation method that works where GPS And Wi-Fi is powerless. It should be left on if you value security, but you can turn it off if privacy is more important to you.