Why is the GPS on the Redmi Note 7 not working properly?
The GPS module in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 smartphone is responsible not only for navigation in Google Maps or Yandex.Maps, but also for the operation of geolocation services - from taxis to fitness trackers. However, users often face problems: prolonged search for satellites, inaccurate coordinates or complete lack of signal.
In this article, we will discuss 5 ways to check GPS, from basic settings to deep diagnostics using an engineering menu, learn how to distinguish a software bug from a physical antenna failure, and get a checklist for quick testing. The Redmi Note 7 feature: its Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chip supports both GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou, but requires proper calibration to work correctly.
Method 1: Quickly check through Android settings
Before you go into the technical details, make sure that GPS-It's powered on and not locked down by energy-saving functions:
- Open Settings → Security and Privacy → Location.
- Activate the location accuracy switch (enables GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile networks to determine coordinates).
- Go to Location Mode and select "High Accuracy".
If you don't have a High Accuracy option, your device is running in power saving mode, which may be due to activated MIUI Optimization (found on custom firmware).
Activate the "High accuracy" mode"|Turn off battery savings for card apps|Ensure that there are no metal obstacles (covers, magnets)|Reboot your phone before the test-->
⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 7 with firmware below MIUI 12 may trigger a bug in which GPS It turns off after you go to sleep. Check this by starting the navigation and locking the screen for 5-10 minutes.
Method 2: Testing with Applications
Standard maps don't always show the real status of GPS. For deep diagnostics, use specialized tools:
- 📱 GPSTest (free, Google Play) - displays the number of satellites found, the signal level and the accuracy of coordinates./BeiDou.
- 🛠️ GPS Status & Toolbox – allows you to calibrate the compass and reset cache AGPS (speed up satellite search).
- 📊 AndroSensor – shows data from sensors, including GPS, real-time.
How to interpret the results in GPSTest:
| Parameter | Norma. | Problem. |
|---|---|---|
| Number of satellites | 8-12 (in open areas) | Less than 4 or constant jumps |
| Precision (DOP) | Less than 2.0. | More than 5.0 - weak signal |
| Time of the first fix (TTFF) | 10–30 seconds | More than 2 minutes - AGPS failure |
| Speed of renewal | 1 time per second | Less than 1 time in 5 seconds |
If the app shows "No GPS fix" for more than 5 minutes, it's a hardware problem (an antenna or chip). If the satellites are located, but the coordinates are "jumping" - calibration is required.
Daily | Several times a week | Only on trips | Nearly never-->
Method 3: Checking through the engineering menu (for experienced)
Xiaomi's engineering menu allows GPS to be tested at a low level, but requires caution. Mistakes can cause the module to crash!
Instructions:
- Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
- Select "Testing" → "GPS".
- Press the Start Test and wait for the results (minimum 5 minutes).
In the results, pay attention to:
- 📡 Satellites in view - list of visible satellites. If there are 0, the antenna is not working.
- 🔄 Fix status - should be 3D Fix (exact binding of 3)+ satellite).
- ⏱️ Time to first fix (TTFF) — norm.
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 7 with Snapdragon 660 chip attempts to change settings GPS through the engineering menu (for example, AGPS Reset) can result in a reset of all geodata. Do this only if you are confident in your actions!
Method 4: Diagnostics of hardware malfunctions
If the software methods did not help, the problem may be:
- 📶 Damaged antenna. GPS — Often suffers from falls or disassembly of the phone. On the Redmi Note 7, the antenna is located at the top of the body (near the main camera).
- 🔌 Oxidized contacts – moisture or corrosion on the motherboard plume.
- 🔋 Faulty chip - extremely rare, but possible in case of overheating (for example, after unsuccessful overclocking of the processor).
How to check the antenna yourself:
- Remove the back cover (requires a mediator and a hair dryer to soften the glue).
- Examine the flexible antenna plume (a thin black wire running from the upper frame to the motherboard).
- Check the integrity of the metal screen layer under the antenna – it should not be torn or detached.
If you see damage, contact the service. Replacing the GPS antenna with the Redmi Note 7 costs 800-1500 rubles (depending on the region), but requires a complete disassembly of the phone.
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Before disassembling, take a picture of the location of all the plumes and screws - on the Redmi Note 7 they have different lengths, and it is easy to confuse them!
Method 5: Resetting settings and flashing
If GPS has been working before, but Suddenly has stopped, it could be a system file failure.
- Reset network settings: Settings → System → Settings Reset → Reset settings Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth.
- Clear the AGPS cache through the GPS Status app (menu → Manage A-GPS State → Reset).
- Return the stock firmware via the Mi Flash Tool if the problem has occurred after the update.
For Redmi Note 7, the following versions of firmware with corrected GPS are relevant:
| MIUI version | Android | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12.5.3 | Android 10 | Stable, without GPS bugs |
| MIUI 13.0.2 | Android 11 | Problems with GLONASS on some devices |
| MIUI 14.0.1 | Android 12 | Requires manual calibration after update |
⚠️ Warning: After resetting or flashing, the first satellite search can take up to 10 minutes -- that's OK!
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If GPS doesn’t work after upgrading to MIUI 13+, try retracing to MIUI 12.5 – newer versions often feature geolocation bugs due to optimizing power consumption.
Additional Tips for Improved GPS
Even if the module is in good working order, the accuracy can be improved:
- 🌍 Update the data AGPS manually GPS Status (menus) → Manage A-GPS State → Download).
- 📶 Turn it off. VPN — Some services (e.g. NordVPN) block access to geodata.
- 🔄 Calibrate your compass in Google Maps (shake your phone with eight in the air).
- 📴 Use an external antenna (connected via a OTG-Adapter – relevant for long-distance travel.
For the Redmi Note 7, it is also useful to disable MIUI optimization for geolocation services:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three Points (menu) → Special Access → Battery Optimization.
- Find Google Play Services and Google Maps, select "No Limits".