Xiaomi GPS setup: from basic parameters to problem solving with accuracy

Geolocation on Xiaomi smartphones is not only navigation in Google Maps or Yandex.Maps, but also the basis for many services, from food delivery to fitness trackers. However, many users are faced with the fact that the GPS on their Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Mi 11 works unstable: long searches for satellites, shows inaccurate coordinates or refuses to determine the location, the reasons can lie in both the software settings and hardware limitations of the device.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways to configure GPS on Xiaomi smartphones, from basic settings in the Settings menu to hidden features for power users. You’ll learn how to speed up satellite search, improve positioning accuracy, and what to do if GPS stopped working after the MIUI update. And we’ll also reveal some little-known tricks that the manufacturer does not advertise, but which can significantly improve geolocation.

Check the basic GPS settings on Xiaomi

Before you start complex manipulations, make sure that your Xiaomi has all the necessary settings on it to ensure that GPS works correctly. Often the problem lies in the options turned off or the default system restrictions.

Open the Settings menu → Applications → Permissions → Geodata. Here you will see three key items:

• 📍 Geodata accuracy – High accuracy option (uses) should be enabled GPS, Wi-Fi, mobile networks and sensors) Saving charge or Device only impairs accuracy.
• 🔄 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Scanner – These technologies help to quickly determine the location in the rooms where the signal is sent GPS - Switch both switches.
• 🚫 Application Exclusions – Check if access to geodata is blocked for navigation programs (e.g. Google Maps or 2GIS).

Also, look at Settings → Additional → Privacy → Special Permits → Access to Geodata. Here you can see which apps have recently requested your location and, if necessary, deny them that access.

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If you use Xiaomi with custom firmware (like LineageOS), check for the presence of the gps.conf file in the /system/etc/ folder. its absence or incorrect settings can completely disrupt the GPS operation.

How to speed up satellite search: hidden MIUI settings

Even with the basic options included GPS Xiaomi can catch satellites for a long time, especially after flashing or resetting settings. AGPS-Data (Assisted) GPS), which accelerate the initial location determination.

For this:

1. Install the GPS Status & Toolbox app from Google Play.
2. Open it and go to the AGPS tab.
3. Press Reset and then Download. The app will update data from Google servers.
4. Return to the home screen and wait until the program finds at least 4 satellites (their status will be displayed in green).

If this method doesn’t work, try resetting your GPS settings through the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##4636##.
2. Select the Testing item → GPS.
3. Press Delete AGPS data and Reset GPS.

GPS problems after MIUI update: what to do

Many Xiaomi users find that after the MIUI update (especially on versions 13-14), GPS stops working or determines the location with a large error, the reason usually lies in the reset of configuration files or conflict with new energy saving algorithms.

Here's what we can do:

• 🔧 Reverse the update (if the problem appears immediately after the update). → The phone. → Update MIUI, Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Delete the latest update.
• 📱 Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network resets, which will remove stored Wi-Fi hotspots and mobile Internet settings, but often solve problems with the Internet. GPS.
• 🔄 Enable Developer Mode and Disable Optimization MIUI for navigational applications:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times until the notification “You became a developer” appears).


2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers.




3. Find the option "Optimize MIUI" and disable it for Google Maps/Yandex.Maps.

If none of the methods worked, try installing an alternative firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU or Pixel Experience), but keep in mind that this may take you out of warranty.

Table: Comparison of GPS accuracy on popular Xiaomi models

The accuracy of the coordinates depends not only on the settings, but also on the hardware stuffing of the smartphone. Below are the test data (conducted in urban conditions with the option High accuracy included):

Note that models with Galileo (European navigation system) and BeiDou (Chinese) perform better in cities where GPS signals can be shielded by buildings. If your smartphone does not catch satellites of these systems, check if their support is enabled in the settings.

How to improve GPS indoors and in poor signal conditions

In enclosed spaces (malls, underground parking lots) or in densely built areas, GPS often loses its signal, and a combination of several methods will help:

• 📶 Use Wi-Fi and mobile networks. Enable High Accuracy in geolocation settings and allow applications (such as Google Maps) to use data about nearby Wi-Fi hotspots and cell towers.
• 🔄 Calibrate your compass. In Google Maps, click on the blue dot of your location, then select Calibrate your compass, and rotate your phone in the air, drawing an eight, which will help improve the orientation of the map.
• 📱 Turn off power saving for navigation applications. Go to Settings → Battery → Selection of applications and set for Google Maps or Yandex.Maps mode No restrictions.
• 🛠️ Check the antenna. GPS. On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11), the antenna is located at the top of the body. If you use a metal case or a car holder, it can shield the signal.

Include high accuracy of geodata|Download offline maps to Google Maps|Disable energy saving for navigation applications|Check for updates to be made to GPS-module (in the engineering menu)|Make sure your phone has enough free memory (less than 10% can slow down your work) GPS)-->

If you are often in places with a bad signal, consider buying an external one. GPS-receiver (for example, Bad Elf) GPS or dual XGPS150A), which connects via Bluetooth and provides stable position determination even in tunnels.

Frequent GPS Errors on Xiaomi and How to Fix Them

Some GPS problems are systemic and occur on most Xiaomi devices, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

⚠️ Note: If after resetting settings or firmware GPS stopped working at all (no satellite is found), this may indicate damage to the gps.conf file. ADB or-flashing.

If neither method worked, try flashing the GPS module with the QPST utility (requires an unlocked bootloader and ADB experience).This procedure is risky and can lead to a complete loss of GPS functionality, so it is recommended only for advanced users.

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On Xiaomi models with Qualcomm processors (like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2), GPS is usually more stable than on devices with MediaTek chips (like the Helio G99), which is due to better firmware optimization for Qualcomm modules.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent GPS Questions on Xiaomi