For some time now, many users have been reporting various GPS issues with their Xiaomi devices. Apparently, the positioning function fails or doesn’t work in apps like Google Maps or Waze . In this case, the source of the problem may lie in the phone’s hardware or software. While in the first case, the only feasible solution is to contact Xiaomi’s official technical service, the second case can be easily resolved using a series of methods , which we’ll discuss below.
The steps we will describe below are compatible with any version of MIUI and Xiaomi mobile. We can apply them, therefore, on models such as the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4, the Redmi Note 5, the Redmi Note 6 Pro, the Redmi Note 7, the Redmi Note 8T, the Redmi Note 8 Pro , the Mi A1, the A2, the A3, the A2 Lite, the Mi 8, the Mi 9, the Mi 9T, the Mi 9T Pro, the Redmi 5, the Redmi 6, the Redmi 7, the Pocophone F1 and versions such as MIUI 9, MIUI 10 and MIUI 11 .
Turn off location accuracy enhancement
Although it may seem counterintuitive, this setting can actually cause problems with the GPS on some Xiaomi phones, such as the Xiaomi Mi A1, Mi A2, or Mi A2 Lite. To disable the precision enhancement, simply go to the MIUI settings, specifically to the Passwords and Security section .
Within this section, we’ll go to Location and finally to the Location Accuracy option , which we can find at the bottom of the interface. If the option is enabled, we’ll disable it to fix Xiaomi’s GPS issues.
And activate high-precision GPS mode
In the same Location section, there is another option that can help us solve GPS problems in MIUI.
We’re talking about High Accuracy mode , which, as the name suggests, helps improve GPS accuracy using all the phone’s sensors and connections: GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile networks. Battery consumption, however, can skyrocket if we use apps like Google Maps.
Download GPSFix to fix GPS on Xiaomi
GPSFix is a powerful application that helps reconnect the mobile’s GPS sensors with the main Earth satellites, such as GLONASS, Beidou or Galileo .
- Download GPSFix
Once we’ve downloaded the app, we’ll open it and grant it location permissions. Then, we’ll tap the Start Fixing button . After clicking this, the repair process may take several minutes (more than 10 in some cases).In any case, it is advisable to keep the application in the foreground to resolve any connection issues.
Clear cache and data from Google Maps and Waze
Or any other GPS app. Sometimes, Xiaomi GPS issues can be due to a problem with the app itself. Before proceeding to uninstall the app in question, it’s recommended to clear its data and cache .
In this case, the procedure is as simple as going to the Applications section in Settings. Next, navigate to Manage Applications until you find Google Maps, Waze, or any other app that requires the GPS chip. Within the app settings, tap Clear Data, then Clear Cache and Clear All Data .
If this doesn’t work, we’ll have to reinstall the app again to rule out a sensor issue.
And reset the phone to factory settings
In the event that none of the above has worked correctly, the only viable solution is to reset the phone to factory settings, but not before making a backup of all the data we want to keep , since we will lose all the information on the device along the way.
To reset a Xiaomi mobile phone, we will only have to click on My device in Settings and then on Backup and reset .
Within this menu, we’ll select the option to Erase all data and finally All files on the phone . If we have older versions of MIUI, we can find this setting in Additional settings/Backup and reset/Erase all data.
