Have you noticed that your Xiaomi Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or other model of the brand determines the location with an error of several hundred meters, or even kilometers? Maps show you on the next street, a taxi can not find, and geotags in photos are put in random places? The problem with GPS accuracy in Xiaomi smartphones is more common than it seems - and the causes can be a dozen, from banal settings to hardware malfunctions.
In this article, we will not just list the possible causes, but analyze them taking into account the features of the firmware. MIUI, hardware-platform Qualcomm/Mediatek You will receive checklists for diagnostics, tables for comparison of correction methods and answers to questions that are not covered even in the official documentation of Xiaomi.
Important: if the error manifests itself in only one application (for example, in Yandex.Maps or 2GIS), the problem is more likely in the software than in the phone.
1. Problems with geolocation settings in MIUI
The first thing to check is the system geolocation settings, which are hidden deeper in MIUI than in pure Android and often get lost after updates. For example, in Redmi 10C after the update to MIUI 14, many users complained about the reset of the resolution for com.google.android.gms, the service responsible for accurate geolocation.
How to check:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Confidentiality → Permits → Geodata and make sure that key applications (Maps, Navigator, Camera) have a "Always" resolution, not "Only during use" resolution".
- 🔄 In the same menu, tap on System Services and turn on "Device Search" and "Improving Accuracy" (this uses Wi-Fi and mobile network data to adjust). GPS).
- 🚫 Check if your current app (like Google Maps) has been added to your Settings list. → Annexes → Special access → Battery optimization. If so, eliminate it!
MIUI feature: In some regions (e.g. Russia) due to the blocking of Google Services, accurate geolocation can work through Baidu or GLONASS. To enable support for Russian satellites, go to Settings → Additional → Region and select Russia (even if you already have Russian).
Hardware malfunctions GPS-module
If the settings are correct, but the phone is still "delusional", the problem may be physical damage. GPS-This is especially true for devices that:
- 💥 Falling from a height (even if the screen is whole, the antenna contact could come off).
- 🌧️ Caught in the rain or were in conditions of high humidity (corrosion of contacts).
- 🔧 Disassembled for repair (for example, after replacing the battery or display).
How to check the hardware serviceability:
- Install the GPS Test app (or GPSTest from Barry Block) from Google Play.
- Run the test and look at the number of satellites visible: 🟢 10+ Satellite module is working normally. 🟡 3-9 satellites - possible interference (for example, metal cover). 🔴 0-2 Satellite: Critical malfunction of an antenna or module.
AGPS-data
How to get into the engineering menu of Xiaomi?
Critical moment: if after the update AGPS The satellites never appear, but in the appendix. GPS The test is hanging with the message "Waiting for location..." which is almost guaranteed to be a hardware breakdown, and in this case, only a replacement will help. GPS-module (cost - from 1,500 to 4000 rubles depending on the model).
Interference and external factors
Even the serviceable. GPS-The module can malfunction due to external conditions:
| source of interference | How it manifests | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| metal case or bumper | The signal disappears when holding the phone in your hand | Remove the case or use a model with a cutout under the antenna |
| Tall buildings (the urban canyon effect) | Coordinates are "jumping" between houses | Use Wi-Fi/Mobile Networks to Adjust |
| Magnetic storms or solar activity | Error up to 500+ meters, even in open areas | Wait 1-2 days or use offline cards |
| Military installations or GLONASS suppression zones | Total absence of signal in a particular location | Switch to A-GPS (via mobile Internet) |
💡 Motorist advice: If you use Xiaomi as a navigator in the car, place it on the windshield closer to the roof - there is less interference from metal body parts. Avoid torpedo attachment next to ducts (they often shield the signal).
4. Software failures and firmware conflicts
Location errors are often associated with MIUI firmware, especially if:
- 📲 You have recently upgraded to a new version (e.g., with a new version). MIUI 13 on MIUI 14).
- 🔄 Install custom firmware (for example, Pixel Experience or LineageOS).
- 🛠️ Manually modifying system files (e.g., via Magisk or Magisk) ADB).
How to fix it:
- Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Reset network settings This will remove saved access points and mobile Internet settings that may conflict with the Internet. GPS.
- Clear the cache of Google services: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points (⋮) → Show system-based → Google Play Services → Warehouse → Clear the cache
- Reverse to the old version MIUI: If the problem has occurred after the update, try returning the previous firmware via Fastboot (instruction below). MIUI?1. Download the necessary firmware version from the Xiaomi Firmware website Updater.2. Go to Fastboot mode (clip the power supply) + Loudness down).3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command:fastboot flash recovery recovery.img fastboot flash system system.img fastboot flash boot boot.img⚠️ It'll delete all the data!