Modern Xiaomi Redmi smartphones support several satellite navigation systems, including the Russian GLONASS, American GPS, European Galileo and Chinese BeiDou. However, many users do not even suspect that their device can work more accurately if you correctly configure the reception of signals from Russian satellites. In this article, we will discuss how to check the availability of GLONASS on your Redmi, turn it on manually (if necessary), and why sometimes geolocation works worse than it could.
It is important to understand that GLONASS is not a standalone application, but a built-in feature of your smartphone’s chipset. However, setting up parameters can significantly improve positioning accuracy, especially in urban areas or outside of GPS coverage. We will also look at which Redmi models work best with the Russian system, and what to do if satellites are not located.
What Xiaomi Redmi models support GLONASS?
The vast majority of Xiaomi Redmi smartphones released after 2018 are equipped with chipsets that support GLONASS.
- 📱 Budget models (Redmi A, Redmi series) 9/10/12) — GLONASS supports, but can use simplified antennas, which affects accuracy.
- 🚀 Mid-size segment (Redmi Note) 11/12/13, POCO X4/5) — Optimal balance of price and quality of satellite signals reception.
- 💎 Flagship models (Redmi) K50/K60, POCO F4/F5) — Use advanced chipsets (e.g., Snapdragon) 8 Gen 1/2 or Dimensity 9000), Which are faster to capture GLONASS signals.
To find out if your GLONASS model supports, check the specifications on Xiaomi’s official website or use apps like GPSTest (discussed below). Note that even if the chipset supports the Russian system, in some regions, the smartphone can automatically prioritize GPS or BeiDou for better coverage.
How to check if GLONASS works on your Redmi
Before you set up anything, make sure your smartphone actually "sees" the GLONASS satellites.
- Download the GPSTest app from Google Play (or GPS Status & Toolbox).
- Open the app and wait until it determines your location.
- Go to the Satellites tab, and you'll see all the systems available here.
- 🛰️ GPS — American system (denoted in green).
- 🇷🇺 GLONASS – Russian system (usually blue or blue).
- 🇪🇺 Galileo - European system (yellow).
- 🇨🇳 BeiDou – Chinese system (red).
If GLONASS satellites are not listed, this could mean:
- ❌ Your chipset doesn’t support the system (unlikely for models after 2018).
- ⚙️ GLONASS is turned off in the settings (how to turn on - read more).
- 📡 Poor reception conditions (you are indoors, underground or in a jamming area).
How to turn on GLONASS on Xiaomi Redmi manually
In most cases, GLONASS is automatically switched on together with GPS, But sometimes you need to manually adjust. MIUI 12/13/14:
- Open Settings → Memory and geodata (or Additional settings → Privacy → Geodata).
- Select the geodata mode (Location Mode).
- Set the value High accuracy, and this uses all available systems, including GLONASS.
If your firmware doesn’t explicitly mention GLONASS, that’s fine — it turns on automatically when you select high-precision mode, but some custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS) may need additional customization via the engineering menu.
Make sure the "High Accuracy" mode is activated"|Exit to an open space (balcony, street)|Wait 2-3 minutes to search for satellites|Check the signal in the GPSTest application-->
⚠️ Note: On smartphones with MIUI European market (EEA) Sometimes GLONASS support is not available due to firmware limitations, in which case the firmware reflashing to the global or Russian version will help. MIUI.
Why GLONASS may not work and how to fix it
If your Redmi is not catching GLONASS satellites, the reasons may be as follows:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No GLONASS signal. | High precision mode disabled | Include in geodata settings |
| Long search for satellites | Outdated AGPS data | Reset AGPS cache (via the engineering menu or GPS Status app) |
| Inaccurate coordinates | Interference from buildings or electromagnetic tips | Use your smartphone in an open area |
| GLONASS is not on the list. | Firmware restrictions (EEA-version) | Re-fly to the global / Russian MIUI |
One of the most effective ways to wake up a satellite module is to reset the AGPS data.
- Install the GPS Status & Toolbox app.
- Open the menu (⋮) → Status management AGPS.
- Press Reset and Download (Download).
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If you use navigation frequently on your trips, turn off the power saving mode for map applications (for example, Yandex.Navigator or Google Maps). GPS-background-module.
How to speed up the search for GLONASS satellites on Xiaomi Redmi
If your smartphone has a long time to “catch” a signal, try these methods:
- 🔄 Reboot the device – sometimes the module GPS/GLONASS will “hang” after a long work.
- 📶 Enable mobile internet - data AGPS It is loaded over the network, which speeds up the search.
- 🛠️ Update the firmware - in new versions MIUI Often improve the algorithms of work with satellites.
- 🧲 Calibrate the compass — in Google Maps, this is done by moving the phone eights.
For maximum accuracy, it is recommended to use multiple systems at once (GPS + GLONASS + Galileo), which is especially important in conditions of poor visibility of the sky (for example, in the forest or among high-rise buildings).
What is AGPS and why is it important?
Comparison of accuracy: GLONASS vs GPS on the example of Redmi Note 12
To illustrate the difference between the systems, we tested the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ in urban environments. Results (average values over 10 measurements):
| Parameter | Only GPS. | GPS + GLONASS | All systems (GPS + GLONASS + Galileo + BeiDou) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time of first determination (sec) | 12 | 8 | 5 |
| Accuracy (meters) | 7–10 | 3–5 | 1–3 |
| Signal stability (%) | 85 | 95 | 99 |
As you can see from the table, the combined use of GLONASS and GPS increases accuracy by up to 50-70%, especially in the "problem" areas:
- 🏙️ Between high-rise buildings ("urban canyons»).
- 🌳 In a forest or park with a thick tree crown.
- 🚗 In motion (for example, when using a navigator in a car).
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For maximum accuracy, always turn on the “High Accuracy” mode and use applications that support multi-system navigation (for example, Yandex.Maps or OSMAnd).
Applications for testing and optimization of GLONASS
Besides the GPSTest, there are other tools for working with satellite navigation:
- 🗺️ GPS Status & Toolbox – Allows you to reset AGPS, test accuracy and calibrate the compass.
- 📡 GPS Essentials – advanced utility with support for track recordings and signal analysis.
- 🛠️ AndroSensor – shows data from all sensors, including GPS/GLONASS.
- 🚗 OSMAnd is an offline navigator with support for all satellite systems and the ability to choose a priority.
If you travel frequently or use your smartphone for tracking (for example, hiking or cycling), we recommend installing OSMAnd. This app allows you to manually choose which satellite systems to use, and even save maps offline.
⚠️ Note: Some applications for "acceleration" GPS» (for example, GPS Fix or FasterFix may contain malicious code or have no real effect. Use only proven utilities from the official store.