Did you buy a new Xiaomi smartphone and find that maps misplace your location and navigation apps are unstable? or maybe you just want to know where you are physically located. GPS-The module in your device and how to activate it correctly? In this article, we will examine everything from the location of the antenna to the intricacies of geolocation settings in the computer. MIUI.
Xiaomi Group Equips Its Smartphones with High-Precision GPS-And it's not just hardware-dependent, but software-based, and configuration errors can lead to a jumping location, a long search for satellites, or no signal at all. GPS, Where to look for geolocation settings in different versions MIUI, What to do if your smartphone doesn’t see satellites.
Where is the physical location GPS-module in Xiaomi smartphones
Unlike a removable battery or slot for SIM-map, GPS-The antenna in Xiaomi smartphones does not have a separate "visible" connector, it is integrated into the motherboard and is usually located at the top of the case - next to the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules.
For example, in the Redmi Note 10/11 Pro and POCO X3/X4 models, the GPS antenna is located under the upper cover of the case (on the display side), closer to the right corner. In the flagship Xiaomi 12/13, its location is similar, but due to its more compact layout, it can be shifted closer to the center. Importantly, physical access to the module is possible only when the smartphone is completely disassembled - for the average user this is not required.
- 📱 Budget models (Redmi) 9A/10A): The antenna is often combined with a module. NFC (if any) and located under the top cover.
- 📱 Mid-segment (POCO X5, Redmi Note 12): GPS-chip is placed separately, next to the processor.
- 📱 Flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mix Fold 3): Multi-channel modules with support GPS+GLONASS+Galileo, located in the shielded area.
If you notice that the GPS signal disappears when holding the smartphone in a certain way (for example, clamping the upper edge), this may indicate problems with the antenna or its contacts, in which case you should contact the service center.
How to turn on GPS on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions
Activation of geolocation in MIUI takes less than a minute, but many users are lost in settings. Here is a universal algorithm for all modern models (relevant to MIUI 12/13/14):
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the Privacy section → Permits → geodata.
- Activate the Geodata slider (should turn blue).
- Click Accuracy Mode and select High Accuracy (Uses GPS+Wi-Fi+ Mobile Networks).
For quick access to geolocation, you can use the notification panel:
- Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the curtain.
- Find the GeoData icon (usually looks like an arrow or dot on a map).
- Tap it to turn it on/off.
☑️ Verification of work GPS
If the GPS applications still don’t determine the location after turning on, check:
- 🔄 Updates: Go to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 📶 Network signal: no internet (mobile or Wi-Fi) GPS work slower.
- 🔧 Application permissions: c Settings → Annexes → Permits to verify that the cards have access to geodata.
GPS accuracy modes in MIUI: which one to choose
There are three geolocation modes available in MIUI, each of which affects the accuracy and speed of positioning, as well as battery consumption:
| Regime. | precision | Data used | Battery consumption | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Only the device | Low. | Only GPS. | Minimum | To save charge, if you do not need high accuracy. |
| Battery savings | Medium | GPS + Wi-Fi + mobile networks | Moderate. | It is optimal for everyday use. |
| High precision | Maximum | GPS + GLONASS + Galileo + Wi-Fi + mobile networks | High-pitched | For navigation in the car or walking routes. |
For most tasks (finding the nearest cafes, tracking traffic jams) it is enough to save battery. However, if you use your smartphone as a navigator in your car or to track sports routes, choose High accuracy.
⚠️ In some regions (for example, in Russia) the High Accuracy mode can automatically connect GLONASS satellites, which improves accuracy, but increases the time for searching the signal by 10-15 seconds.
To change the regime:
- Go to Settings → Geodata → Accuracy mode.
- Choose the right option.
- Confirm the selection (some versions of MIUI require a reboot).
💡
If you frequently switch accuracy modes, add the GeoData shortcut to the home screen: Click on the blank space on the screen → Widgets → find GeoData and drag it.
GPS problems on Xiaomi: causes and solutions
Even new Xiaomi smartphones can experience GPS malfunctions, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
- 🌍 Long search for satellites (more than 2-3 minutes):
- 📍 Inaccurate coordinates (Error 50)+ meters):
- 🚫 GPS doesn't work:
If the problem persists, try resetting your geodata settings:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find Google Play Services and click Storage → Clear Data.
- Reboot your smartphone.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9T) post-discharge AGPS You may need to re-authorize your Google account!
What if GPS only works with mobile internet?
How to check the work of GPS Xiaomi without maps
If you're in doubt about the accuracy of GPS, but you don't want to go out, you can test the module with specialized applications. Here are two reliable ways to do this.
Method 1: Appendix GPS Test
Install GPS Test from Google Play and watch for the following options:
- 📡 Number of satellites: Ideally 8-12 (in the city) or 15+ (open-air).
- 📊 Signal level (SNR): A value above 30 dB is a good signal.
- 🎯 Accuracy: A mistake less than 10 meters is considered normal.
Method 2: Engineering menu (for advanced users)
Enter the dialer code in the phone number:
##4636##Go to the Testing → GPS section. Here you will see:
- Satellite fixation status.
- Coordinates (if defined).
- Time for the last update.
If the GPS does not show coordinates in the engineering menu, and the satellites are not fixed, this may indicate a hardware malfunction of the module.
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For accurate GPS testing, go out into the open (balcony or yard) and indoor satellite signal is weakened by 10 to 100 times, which distorts the results.
Setting up GPS for specific applications
Not all programs use geolocation the same way, like Google Maps and Yandex.Navigator require high accuracy, and Weather or Instagram can work with approximate data.
- 🗺️ Google Maps / Yandex.Maps:
- 🚗 Yandex.Navigator/Sygic:
- 📸 Camera (geoteca):
To save battery power, you can restrict background access to geodata for unnecessary applications, such as Facebook or TikTok often request a location for targeted advertising, which can be turned off without compromising functionality.