If your Xiaomi smartphone is making a mistake, you can’t activate it. SMS-Positioning is not just a trifle — without the function working properly, you lose accurate location over mobile networks. E911 (Emergency calls in the United States, services LBS (Location-Based Services) or enterprise monitoring systems. GPS, SMS-Positioning works even without the internet, using cell tower data – but only if it is properly configured.
The bug can be manifested in many ways, from a harmless notification “Activation failed” in the settings to the complete absence of the option on the menu. 80 percent of the time, it is not hardware failures, but software conflicts — from outdated versions of MIUI to blocking by the operator. We analyzed reports from users of Redmi Note 10 Pro, Poco X3, Mi 11 and other models to make a checklist of solutions that work in 2026. Importantly, some methods require root rights or access to the operator — but most problems are solved without this.
What is it? SMS-Positioning and Why You Need It on Xiaomi
SMS-Positioning (or Cell-ID) is a technology for locating a device from the cell towers it's connected to. GPS, depending on the satellites, this method:
- 📡 Works in the premises where GPS-signal is weak (for example, in basements or densely built-up areas).
- 🚨 Kritical is important for emergency services: in the US and the EU, operators are required to transmit coordinates when calling on the phone. 911/112.
- 📱 Used by banks to confirm geolocation transactions (e.g. SberBank Online).
- 🔄 Less accurate than GPS (error of up to 500 meters, but consumes 10 times less energy.
On Xiaomi, the function is activated through the Settings menu → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [choose SIM] → Positioning by SMS. If this is not the case, the problem may be:
- ⚙️ Firmware versions (up to) MIUI 12.5 The option was hidden for some regions).
- 📶 Type SIM-Cards (virtual eSIMs do not support Cell-ID).
- 🔒 Operator policy (e.g. Tele2 blocks feature for subscription-free fares).
⚠️ Attention: Disconnection SMS-Positioning may lead to blocking of emergency calls in some countries, for example, in the United States, from 2022, operators are required to refuse connection to 911 if the device does not transmit coordinates.
Top.-5 Reasons why it is not activated SMS-positioning
Analysis of 4PDA forums, Mi Community and service center reports revealed the main causes of the failure, and we ranked them by frequency, from the most common to the rarest:
| Reason. | Manifestation | Xiaomi models where it meets |
|---|---|---|
| Outdated firmware | The option is not in the menu or gives an error Not able to activate | Redmi 9A, Poco M3 (MIUI 11 and below) |
| Blocking by the operator | Activation button is inactive (grey) | All models on MTS, Beeline (tariffs without a subscription fee) |
| Conflict with Dual SIM | The function works on only one SIM, the second one gives an error. | Mi 10T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+ |
| Failure in the modem module | Persistent Errors Network Unavailable or Activation Error | Poco F3, Mi 11 Ultra (Qualcomm Snapdragon 888) |
| Regional restrictions | The option is hidden in the firmware for a specific country | Models for China (China ROM) |
Critical information: On smartphones with a MediaTek Helio G chipset (such as the Redmi 9C), the activation error may be due to a hardware bug in the MT6765G module. In this case, only a replacement motherboard will help.
Step-by-step instruction: how to turn on SMS-positioning
Before you start, check two key conditions:
- Make sure that SIM-The card is activated (not new, not blocked by the operator).
- Check the balance – some operators require a positive account to activate LBS-service.
If the conditions are met, follow the algorithm:
- Update the firmware: Go to Settings → The phone. → System updates, if version is available MIUI 13+, For models older than 2020 (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro), you may need to manually run the firmware via Fastboot. → Additionally. → Backup|Charge the phone to 50%+|Connect to Wi-Fi|Shut down. VPN-->
- Check the settings. SIM-maps: Open Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [choose SIM] → Positioning by SMS. If you don’t have an option, try #4636## → Phone information → Choose. SIM → Turn on "LBS Testing"
- Reset network settings: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Reset network settings. After restart, try activating the function again.
- Use the Engineering Menu (for advanced): Enter ##36446337##, select Field Test → Modem Settings → LBS Configuration. Set the parameter. SMS Cell Broadcast means Enabled. ⚠️ Warning: Incorrect changes to the engineering menu can lead to network loss.
💡
If after resetting the network settings SMS-The positioning worked, but it went off again a day later -- check out apps like DualSpace or Second Space. They can conflict with the modem module.
What to do if the operator is blocking SMS-positioning
Mobile operators may restrict access to LBS-services for several reasons:
- 💰 The fare plan does not support additional services (for example, Tele2 "My conversation").
- 📄 No agreement for processing of geodata (required by law 152-FZ).
- 🔄 SIM-The card was issued before 2018 and does not support modern protocols. 3GPP.
Decisions:
- Call the operator: Check if your tariff supports SMS-Positioning. Examples of queries: For MTS: "Plug geo-positioning for [your number] number." For Beeline: "Activate." LBS mine SIM-map».
Replace. SIM-map:
Contact the salon for a new nano-SIM (older mini-SIMs may not support Cell-ID) and make sure you need a USIM (not just SIM) card.
Use alternative methods:
If the operator refuses to connect the service, configure the location determination through:
- 📡 Wi-Fi Positioning (included in Settings) → geodata → precision → Improve accuracy).
- 🛠️ Apps like Google Maps (using a combination of the two) GPS + Wi-Fi + Cell-ID).
⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek (e.g. Redmi) 10C) forced inclusion LBS through ADB It may cause a loss of communication with one of the SIM-Before experimenting, back up your computer. IMEI.
Hardware malfunctions: when to carry in the service
If none of the software methods worked, the problem may lie in the physical malfunction of the components of the smartphone.
- 📵 Complete absence of a network on one or both SIM-card.
- 🔥 Overheating of the area around the slot SIM-map.
- 🔄 Spontaneous reboots when attempting to activate positioning.
- 🛠️ Errors in the engineering menu: Modem Crash or RF Failure.