• Xiaomi mi5 use as a navigator. How to fix GPS problems on Xiaomi. Possible problems with MiKey

    Today I once again thought about the issue of poor GPS signal reception on my Chinese smartphone Jiayu G2. But, unexpectedly for me, the problem was solved in just a couple of minutes - the “Chinese” finds satellites within 20 seconds. And now let's talk about everything in order.

    In October, I received a Chinese phone ordered from Aliexpress. The phone is excellent for the money, and everything would be perfect, but the GPS module found the satellites for a very, very long time, in about an hour, no faster. And this is with Wi-Fi turned on and A-GPS and GPS EPO assistance checked. This didn’t make me happy at all and I had to remember a useful post on the livejournal blog, the advice from which I used when setting up my first smartphone on Android. It came down to editing gps.conf auxiliary programs. This helped the “Chinese friend”, but after the first (and so far last) reset to factory settings, GPS reception began to get even worse - I left it outdoors for an hour to search for satellites and no results. And today I started looking again for that useful post on the livejournal blog and came across an update in the post header:

    "Fantastic!" I thought and immediately followed the link. Compared to the first post, this time even more specific actions were proposed, namely replacing the contents of the file gps.conf(you can find it along the way /etc/gps.conf, must be root-rights) to the following settings:

    NTP_SERVER=ua.pool.ntp.org
    NTP_SERVER=0.ua.pool.ntp.org
    NTP_SERVER=1.ua.pool.ntp.org
    NTP_SERVER=2.ua.pool.ntp.org
    NTP_SERVER=3.ua.pool.ntp.org
    NTP_SERVER=europe.pool.ntp.org
    NTP_SERVER=0.europe.pool.ntp.org
    NTP_SERVER=1.europe.pool.ntp.org
    NTP_SERVER=2.europe.pool.ntp.org
    NTP_SERVER=3.europe.pool.ntp.org
    XTRA_SERVER_1=/data/xtra.bin
    AGPS=/data/xtra.bin
    AGPS=http://xtra1.gpsonextra.net/xtra.bin
    XTRA_SERVER_1=http://xtra1.gpsonextra.net/xtra.bin
    XTRA_SERVER_2=http://xtra2.gpsonextra.net/xtra.bin
    XTRA_SERVER_3=http://xtra3.gpsonextra.net/xtra.bin
    DEFAULT_AGPS_ENABLE=TRUE
    DEFAULT_USER_PLANE=TRUE
    REPORT_POSITION_USE_SUPL_REFLOC=1
    QOS_ACCURACY=50
    QOS_TIME_OUT_STANDALONE=60
    QOS_TIME_OUT_agps=89
    QosHorizontalThreshold=1000
    QosVerticalThreshold=500
    AssistMethodType=1
    AgpsUse=1
    AgpsMtConf=0
    AgpsMtResponseType=1
    AgpsServerType=1
    AgpsServerIp=3232235555
    INTERMEDIATE_POS=1
    C2K_HOST=c2k.pde.com
    C2K_PORT=1234
    SUPL_HOST=FQDN
    SUPL_HOST=lbs.geo.t-mobile.com
    SUPL_HOST=supl.google.com
    SUPL_PORT=7276
    SUPL_SECURE_PORT=7275
    SUPL_NO_SECURE_PORT=3425
    SUPL_TLS_HOST=FQDN
    SUPL_TLS_CERT=/etc/SuplRootCert
    ACCURACY_THRES=5000
    CURRENT_CARRIER=common

    These settings are designed for residents of Ukraine, but for residents of Russia they are very easy to adapt by replacing ua.pool on ru.pool.

    On my own behalf, I can add that I use the GPS Status application, and after rebooting when I first launched the application, I reset the cache data: call up the menu in the program, then select Tools, there Manage A-GPS state and click Reset and then Download.

    I take my hat off to the author of the original post, dear mechanicuss. His advice helped not only me, and can help many more sufferers.

    That's all. Clear skies and a stable signal from space to everyone.

    What should users do who notice that GPS does not work on Xiaomi Mi5, Mi4, MI3, Plus, Redmi Note 4, 3 Pro, 3X, 3S, Note 2? Why does it happen that the navigator on Xiaomi does not work? Do-it-yourself instructions and repairs in this situation are not very effective, so we recommend contacting a service center for support.

    Instructions: Since in this situation there may be several reasons for the breakdown, the options for eliminating them will also be different:

    1. The GPS antenna is damaged and needs to be replaced.
    2. The GPS module (chip) has been damaged by a shock or power surge.
    3. The wiring of the module in question is faulty. It consists of a huge number of components, so only computer testing will help to detect a defective one.

    Result: You can deal with the problem yourself only in option 1, but if you have 2 or 3 options, then you need to go to a service center for help.

    Repair at Xiaomi Telemama service center

    DIY repair

    Our advantages

    1. Spare parts. We select only original, highest quality parts for your gadgets.
    2. Price. In order to offer you the lowest prices, we order parts in bulk from the manufacturer.
    3. Repair time. As a rule, replacing displays, speakers, connectors, as well as diagnostics is completed in about 20 minutes
    4. We provide a warranty of up to 1 year.

    If your device cannot be repaired at home, then bring it to our service center. The courier can help with the delivery of equipment. We fix simple faults in a matter of minutes.

    We will definitely start repair work with free computer diagnostics and agreeing on prices for further procedures. We always use original components for replacement.

    When the smartphone is repaired, pick it up from the service yourself or the courier will deliver it to your home. Then you and your friends will be served with us at discounts, to receive which you just need to give your order number.

    We have been providing professional service for Xiaomi Mi5, Mi4, MI3, Plus, Redmi Note 4, 3 Pro, 3X, 3S, Note 2 equipment for a long time, and also advise our clients on any questions about self-repairing these smartphones. From us you can purchase at a low price any necessary spare parts for replacement. Prices are always accurately described in the price list. After diagnosing at home, install new components in your phone. For regular visitors, discounts are always valid. If you want to repair your gadget at cost, then follow the terms of our promotions.

    

    The GPS navigation function is now available in every modern smartphone. Most people need this technology almost daily. For example, drivers who do not have car navigators often use their mobile gadget as a portable navigator. Since these devices are not designed to be full-fledged navigators, their operation sometimes fails.

    This is often due to incorrect software settings. For many people, GPS does not work on Xiaomi devices, namely, it shows the incorrect location. There are several ways to make your device search for satellites faster.

    Testing the connection

    To compare the results of your manipulations with the device, we recommend using the GPS Test program. It will show you how many satellites your phone sees, which ones it is connected to and the quality of this connection.

    GPS Status - Displays the GPS status, whether it is currently enabled or not. Each column is a satellite that your phone sees, their total number can be seen in the upper left corner of “In View”, in the upper right corner of “In Use” - how many of them the phone uses. The color and number of the column indicates the connection quality.

    • Gray column - satellite is not used
    • from 0 to 20 (red, orange) - poor connection
    • from 20 to 40 (yellow) - acceptable quality
    • from 40 (green) - excellent quality

    In the program you will find many more useful functions, such as satellite map, compass, accuracy and more.

    We give access to the desired application

    • Additionally;
    • Battery and performance;
    • Background mode;
    • Applications.

    Select the required application that does not work correctly with the GPS module. We give the desired program full access and remove all restrictions.

    Changing system settings

    There are a number of users whose smartphone finds many satellites, but displays the wrong positioning point and works poorly and slowly. Here the firmware version does not play any role. For example, on the Xiaomi Mi5 device there were problems with GPS on most firmware, both custom and stock. The problem can be solved by making changes to the system file.

    In order to make changes to the system, you must obtain the .

    1. Download any explorer. You can use ES Explorer or Root Explorer.
    2. Go to the system/etc folder. There we look for a file called gps.config.

    1. We recommend that you copy this file in advance. After making changes, navigation may stop working completely, so a backup copy may come in handy.
    2. Open the file using the built-in text editor, go to the end of the file and add the following on a new line:

    NTP_SERVER=ru.pool.ntp.org

    1. Save the changes and reboot the smartphone.
    2. To be completely sure, you can also reset the cache.

    This method has also been successfully tested on xiaomi mi4 and several other android devices. After making changes to the system file, the smartphone found the location accurately, with an error of only 2 meters.

    Possible problems with MiKey

    A rather banal solution to the problem associated with a special MiKey button. Users of xiaomi redmi note 3 pro devices noticed that GPS does not work when the additional MiKey button is inserted into the headphone jack of the phone.

    In fact, some devices take a very long time to connect to satellites along with a button.

    As it turned out, MiKey interferes with the normal operation of the GPS antenna, so communication is established slowly.

    Checking the contacts of the GPS antenna

    If you have tried all the methods, but your GPS still does not work, then you need to check the GPS antenna contacts.

    Attention, this method involves disassembling the device, which may void the warranty. If you are not confident in your abilities, we do not recommend using this method. You do all actions at your own peril and risk.

    This procedure should be done carefully so as not to damage the motherboard.

    1. Remove the back cover of the phone.
    2. Using a Phillips screwdriver, you need to unscrew the metal cover located above the battery. We remove it from the device.
    3. On the smartphone's circuit board you will see several springs that should be cleaned with a miniature file or screwdriver. These are the antenna contacts that come into contact with the metal cover. If the contact is poor, the signal level will be low, which leads to a long search for satellites.

    1. It is not known exactly which of them is responsible for receiving the GPS signal, so clear everything. Do the same on the metal lid from the inside.
    2. We put the cover in place and tighten the bolts. Close the main back cover and reboot the smartphone.

    One of the American users decided to go a different route; he bent the contacts so that they were in maximum contact with the antennas on the inner cover. His photo report can be seen just below (you can scroll through the photos).

    Antenna location Before fix After fix

    After the operations performed, our experimental device is now searching for a larger number of satellites, the signal quality has increased, and accordingly the location accuracy now has a minimum error.

    GPS is a spatial positioning system that will allow you to find out where you are if you are lost or don’t know how to get to the right place. As a rule, all modern mobile devices are equipped with this module and you can use it if desired. How to enable GPS on a Xiaomi smartphone?

    Instructions

    First of all, lower the notification shade, fully expand the list with quick buttons and look for the GPS item. Depending on the firmware theme, the GSP icon on Xiaomi may differ.

    If the icon is missing, you need to click on the lowest right icon, which opens the settings menu for this block, find the GPS icon and add it to the quick access list.

    However, this system also has some settings. To get to them, you need to hold your finger on the GPS icon for a few seconds and wait for the menu to open.

    In it you should choose exactly how the system will determine the coordinates of your location:

    • only using GPS;
    • only using GSM networks and WiFi;
    • GPS + GSM and WiFi networks.

    The latter option copes faster with searching for coordinates, since each GSM tower instantly transmits its coordinates to the mobile device and, in conjunction with the GPS module, the positioning data will be the most accurate.

    What is GPS used for?

    1. Use your smartphone as a navigator when traveling and visiting unfamiliar places using Google maps, Maps.me and others.
    2. Share your location with friends and colleagues on social networks: Viber, WhatsApp, Instagram;
    3. Play modern games with augmented reality technology. The most popular of these games was the arcade Pokemon Go.

    How to disable GPS on Xiaomi?

    In order to turn off GPS, you need to click on the corresponding shortcut icon in the notification shade. This can be useful if the navigator is not needed and the battery is low. Disabling the GPS module will slow down the energy consumption of your mobile device.

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