How to turn on GPS on Xiaomi smartphone: 5 ways + problem solving

Navigating through GPS has become an integral part of everyday life, from routing in Google Maps to taxi services like Yandex Go or Bolt. However, users of Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 and others) often face problems: the GPS module either does not turn on at all or determines the location with a large error, the reasons lie in both the software settings of the MIUI and the hardware features of the chipset (for example, Qualcomm Snapdragon or Mediatek Helio).

In this article, we will not only explore basic ways to activate GPS through the settings menu, but also hidden features of high-precision mode, settings to save battery power, and diagnosing problems through the engineering menu. Particular attention will be paid to the unique feature of Xiaomi firmware - forced GPS shutdown in the background for some applications, which often causes "loss of signal" during navigation.

1. Basic method: enable GPS through the notification panel

The fastest way to activate geolocation is to use the Quick Settings Panel, which is suitable for all Xiaomi models based on MIUI 12-14 (including Redmi 10, POCO F4, Mi 13 Lite, etc.).

Instructions:

• 📱 Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
• 🔍 Find the Location icon (usually stylized as an arrow or a dot on a map) if it's not there, swipe left to reveal additional panels.
• 🖱️ Tam the icon once if it lights up blue/green — GPS included.
• ⚙️ For fine-tuning, hold the icon for 2 seconds – the Settings menu will open. → Location.

Note that some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+) may display a notification of increased battery consumption after the GPS is turned on, which is normal – the GPS module consumes up to 100-150 mA per hour when used actively.

2.Configure GPS accuracy modes in MIUI

By default, MIUI offers three location modes that affect the accuracy and speed of satellite search:

1. High accuracy – uses GPS, Wi-Fi, mobile networks and sensors (such as an accelerometer) up to 5-10 meters, but maximum battery consumption.
2. Battery savings – determines the location only on cell towers and Wi-Fi, error up to 500-1000 meters.
3. Only the device works exclusively through GPS-Precision 20-30 meters, average energy consumption.

How to choose a mode:

1. Open the Settings. → Location.
2. Slip on Mode (or Location Accuracy in new MIUI versions).
3. Choose the right option. For navigation in the city, the optimal is "High accuracy", for walking - "Device only".

Set the "High accuracy" mode"|Enable “Scanning is always available"|Disable "Traffic Savings" for Cards|Update the data AGPS-->

Important: on smartphones with a Mediatek chipset (such as the Redmi 9A), the Device Only mode may be slower due to the features of the firmware, in which case it is recommended to use High Accuracy even to save charge.

3. enable GPS through the engineering menu (for power users)

If standard methods don't work, or GPS detects a location with a delay (more than 30 seconds), you can use an engineering menu, which is suitable for diagnosing hardware problems, such as an antenna or module malfunction.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##4636## Some models (e.g. POCO X3 Pro) may require a code: ##1472365###
2. In the menu that opens, select Location Information.
3. Check status. GPS: 🟢 Enabled – Module enabled. 🟡 Disabled – the module is disabled (you need to enable in the settings). ❌ Not available – hardware problem (requires repair).

"Delete AGPS data"

"Update AGPS"

Warning: Do not change other options in the engineering menu without understanding their purpose, for example, disabling the LPP (Location Transfer Protocol) can disrupt the mobile network.

4.GPS problems on Xiaomi: causes and solutions

If GPS is not on or is not working properly, the reasons can be both software and hardware, and here is a table of the most common problems and ways to fix them.

Special attention should be paid to the problem with background GPS shutdown. MIUI firmware aggressively optimizes the operation of applications in the background, which causes navigators (for example, Yandex.Navigator or Waze) to lose signal.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select your navigator (e.g. Google Maps).
3. Activate options: 🔄 "Auto-start" 📱 "Background launch" 🔋 "No battery restrictions"

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If GPS is not working well indoors, try using an external antenna (e.g. for car navigation).Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Black Shark 5) support USB-C connectivity.

5. Applications for GPS diagnostics and acceleration

If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party utilities that allow you to:

• 📡 Testing the speed of satellite search.
• 🔄 Update the data AGPS manually.
• 📊 View detailed information about the signal (e.g, SNR — signal-to-noise ratio).

Top.-3 apps:

Use GPS Status & Toolbox:

1. Install and open the application.
2. Click on “Manage A-GPS state” → “Reset”.
3. Then select Download to download up-to-date satellite data.
4. Reboot your smartphone.

Attention. ⚠️: Some applications (for example, Fake) GPS Locations allow you to change coordinates, but their use can lead to bans in games (for example, in the game, Pokémon GO) Or taxi services. On Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 13+ These applications are often blocked at the system level.

6. Hardware problems: when to carry in the service

If none of the software methods worked, it could be a hardware malfunction.

• 🚫 GPS It does not turn on even after resetting the settings.
• 📶 In the engineering menu, the status of the module is "Not available".
• 🔌 After falling or getting moisture, the signal disappeared completely.

Possible malfunctions:

• 📡 Antenna damage GPS (often after falling or breaking the phone).
• 🔌 Crap of contacts on the board (for example, after replacing the battery).
• 🔧 Chipset malfunction (rarely encountered, usually after overheating).

The cost of repairs in Xiaomi service centers:

Attention. ⚠️: If your smartphone is in water, do not try to turn it on. GPS to dry completely (at least 24 hours in rice or silica gel) Attempting to use a wet device can lead to short circuit and failure of not only the scalp, but also the scalp. GPS, but.

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Before visiting the service, back up your data via Settings → About Phone → Backup. Repairs may require a factory reset.

FAQ: Frequent questions about GPS on Xiaomi