How to enable geodata transfer on Xiaomi phone: all ways and solutions to problems

Geolocation on Xiaomi smartphones has become an integral part of everyday use, from navigation in Google Maps to taxi services and social networks. However, many users face problems when applications can not determine the location or the device does not transmit coordinates at all. In this article, we will discuss not only the basic settings for enabling geodata, but also the hidden MIUI parameters that affect the accuracy of location.

Xiaomi smartphones feature additional energy-saving modes and privacy features that can block the transfer of geodata even when GPS is turned on. We will show you how to check all critical settings, bypass common errors (for example, Error Code: 16 in navigation applications), and optimize geolocation without compromising the autonomy of the device.

Basic ways to include geodata on Xiaomi

To start with, the obvious is activating GPS through the standard menu, which works on all versions of MIUI (12 to 16), but can vary visually depending on the shell.

1. Open “Settings” (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. Go to Memory and Geoposition (in older versions – Additional → Geoposition).
3. Activate the location accuracy switch (or geodata).
4. Select the mode of operation: 🔍 High accuracy - uses the GPS, Wi-Fi, mobile networks and sensors (maximum accuracy but increased battery consumption). 📡 Charge savings – only mobile networks and Wi-Fi (more precisely than the GPS indoors, but less accurately in open areas). 📍 Only GPS — Minimum battery consumption but slow determination of coordinates.

After activation, wait until the geolocation icon appears in the status bar (arrow or dot on the map). If the icon does not appear more than 30 seconds, go to the "Problem Solutions" section.

Is High Accuracy Mode Enabled | App-specific geodata allowed | Mobile Internet or Wi-Fi enabled | Google Play--> Updated Services

Important: on some models (e.g. POCO F5), the path to settings may be different. If you do not find the geoposition section, search by settings (the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner).

Setup of permissions for applications

Enabling geodata at the system level is only half the battle, with each application (e.g. Yandex.Maps or Uber) requiring a separate location access permit to issue it:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the application you want (such as Google Maps).
3. Go to Permits. → Geoposition.
4. Set up one of the options: 🔒 Always access geodata at any time (needed for navigators). 🕒 Only during use – access only when the application is open. ❌ Prohibit – complete ban (the app will not be able to determine the location).

Note that MIUI 14+ has a feature called Background Resolutions, which if it's disabled, apps like jogging trackers won't be able to track location when they're rolled up, to activate it:

Settings → Privacy → Special Permits → Permits in the background

Xiaomi models with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chips (such as the Xiaomi 13T Pro) may require additional resolution to accurately position via BeiDou satellites. It can be included in the Settings menu → Memory and geo-position → Additional settings → Satellite navigation systems.

Google Maps|Yandex.Maps|2GIS|Other |Not using a navigator-->

Hidden MIUI settings to improve geodata accuracy

If your Xiaomi location is highly inaccurate (like jumping on a map or showing the wrong address), the problem may lie in hidden system settings.

Calibration of compass and sensors

An uncalibrated compass causes the tag to shift by 50 to 200 meters on the map.

1. Open the Compass app (if not, download it from Google Play).
2. Follow the instructions on the screen: rotate the phone in space, describing the eight.
3. After calibration, restart the navigation app.

Energy saving settings

Ultra-saving or Super-Wallpaper mode can restrict GPS operation.

Settings → Battery and performance → Energy saving mode → Disconnect

For individual applications (such as Waze), set up an exception:

Settings → Battery → Applications → [Application Name] → Without Limitations

3. Update AGPS-data

Assisted GPS (AGPS) speeds up satellite search, but its data may become obsolete.

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In the GPS Test menu, click Delete AGPS, then Download AGPS. This will help if the phone is long enough to “catch” satellites (more than 2-3 minutes).

Solving Common Errors with Geodata

If after all the manipulations, geolocation still does not work, the cause may be system failures or software conflicts.

Error: “Not able to locate” (Code 16)

This error often occurs in Google Maps on Xiaomi phones with unofficial firmware or after resetting settings.

1. Delete Google Play Services app data: Settings → Apps → All apps → Google Play Services → Storage → Clear data
2. Update Google Play Services through Google Play.
3. Reboot the phone.

GPS is not working after the MIUI update

If the problem occurs after installing the new MIUI version, try:

1. Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings
2. Reverse the update (if available) or wait for the patch.

⚠️ Note: On phones with a bootloader unlocked, resetting geolocation settings can cause data loss in applications using offline cards (such as Osmand.

Geodata is off by itself

If GPS is periodically deactivated, the culprit may be:

• 🔋 Battery Optimizer – Add the navigation app to the exceptions.
• 🛡️ antivirus or VPN — temporarily disconnect them and check the work GPS.
• 📱 Do not disturb mode - in its settings there may be a item "Switch off geolocation».

💡

If you use a navigator in your car often, add it to Auto Start» (MIUI 13+). This will prevent the application from accidentally closing when connected to the Bluetooth audio system. → Special facilities → Auto-start

How to check GPS without internet

Many people mistakenly believe that the location requires mobile Internet, but in fact GPS is autonomous, and the Internet is only used to download maps and speed up satellite search (AGPS), to check the "clean" GPS:

1. Activate the aircraft mode (this will turn off the mobile network and Wi-Fi).
2. Turn on GPS in settings (GPS only).
3. Open any application with offline maps (such as Osmand or Locus Map).
4. Wait for the location to be determined (it can take 5-15 minutes).

If the coordinates were determined, the problem was in the mobile network or Wi-Fi. If not, a hardware failure of the GPS module is possible (see the next section).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi phones with MediaTek processors (such as Redmi Note 11) are standalone GPS It may work worse than Snapdragon models because of the chipset, and in this case, it is recommended to use the High Accuracy mode with connection to the mobile network.

Hardware problems: when to contact the service

If none of the software methods worked, the reason could be a hardware failure.

• 📵 GPS It does not work even after resetting the settings to the factory.
• 🔄 The phone can “see” satellites but cannot detect the signal (in applications like the one in the phone). GPS Status is displayed 0/12 satellite).
• 🔥 Overheating of the upper part of the body when trying to turn on geolocation.
• 💥 Physical damage (falls, moisture) before the problem.

In these cases, a diagnosis is required at a service center, and most often, the following fail:

1. GPS antenna – can oxidize or move away after falling.
2. Wireless communication module (a combine chip responsible for GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth).
3. The soldered contacts on the motherboard.

The cost of repairs varies from 1,500 ₽ (antenna replacements) up to 8,000 ₽ (Replacement of the combine chip on secure phones IP68 (Xiaomi 13 Pro repairs may be more expensive due to the complexity of disassembly.

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Before visiting the service, check the GPS in safe mode (press the power button → “Safe mode”). If it works geolocation – the problem is in the software, not in the hardware.

How to Save Battery When Using Geodata

The GPS that's always on is one of the main battery eaters, but there are ways to reduce the consumption without losing functionality.

• 🔋 Use the charge saving mode in navigation apps (for example, Google Maps has the option to save traffic and charge»).
• 📴 Turn it off. GPS, When it is not needed – many apps (such as Instagram) request geodata in the background.
• 🔄 Update. AGPS Only when connected to Wi-Fi – this will reduce the consumption of mobile traffic.
• 🛡️ Limit background activity for applications that don’t need constant location access (e.g. social media).

On Xiaomi phones with a large battery (5000+ mAh, such as the POCO M6 Pro), you can activate the “Adaptive Battery” function, which automatically optimizes energy consumption for frequently used applications:

Settings → Battery → Adaptive battery → Enable

You should also turn off Device Search (unless you use Find My Device), as it uses geodata to track:

Settings → Google → Security → Device Search → Disable

FAQ: Frequent questions about geodata on Xiaomi