Geolocation on smartphones Huawei s shell EMUI works differently than on “pure” Android. Even after blocking Google services, the brand’s devices retain accurate positioning - but for this you need to configure the settings correctly. In this article, we will look at all the ways to activate geolocation, from standard settings to hidden firmware functions, and also explain why on some Huawei models (for example, Mate 50 Pro) GPS can determine coordinates more accurately than on Samsung flagships of the same price category.

You will learn how to enable geolocation through the phone menu, check its operation in maps and instant messengers, and also save battery power without losing accuracy. We will separately consider typical problems - when the phone “does not see” satellites or shows the wrong location - and we will give a checklist for eliminating them. The instructions are relevant for all modern models: from budget Huawei Nova 12 to premium Pura 70.

Why geolocation is needed on Huawei and how it works

Geolocation on smartphones Huawei uses a combination of three technologies:

  • 🛰️ GPS/GLONASS —satellite navigation (maximum accuracy, but high power consumption).
  • 📡 Wi-Fi and cell towers — determination by nearby access points (less accurate, but saves battery).
  • 🧭 Sensors movements (accelerometer, gyroscope) - to smooth the trajectory with a weak signal.

Without geolocation will not work:

  • 🗺️ Maps (Huawei Petal Maps, Google Maps via GMS or alternative services).
  • 🚗 Navigators (Yandex.Navigator, Waze, built-in functions in the car via Yandex.Navigator or Google). Huawei CarKit).
  • 📱 Geotags in photos/videos (automatic linking to the shooting location).
  • 🔍 Search for a device if lost (Find My Device from Huawei or Google).
  • 🎮 Geolocation games (Pokémon GO, Ingress).
📊 What do you most often use geolocation for?
Navigation in the car
Tagging in social networks
Geotags for photo
Finding a lost phone
Games (Pokémon GO, etc.)
Other

On phones Huawei without Google services (models after 2019), geolocation works through its own ecosystem HMS (Huawei Mobile Services. means that:

  • Coordinates are determined via satellites BeiDou (Chinese analogue of GPS) and Huawei servers.
  • Accuracy in cities can be higher due to optimization for Asian regions.
  • Some applications (for example, Uber or Bolt) may require additional permissions.
💡

If you travel abroad, enable the "Wi-Fi Scanning" option in your geolocation settings - this will speed up the search for satellites in new regions.

How to enable geolocation through Huawei settings

The most reliable way to activate geolocation is through the system menu. The instructions are suitable for all models on EMUI 12/13/14 (including Huawei P60, Mate X5, Nova 11):

  1. Open Settings (gear icon on the main screen).
  2. Go to section Privacy → Application permissions → Geolocation.
  3. Activate the slider Geolocation (should turn blue).
  4. Select accuracy mode:
    • High accuracy — GPS + Wi-Fi + cellular networks (maximum accuracy, but fast battery drain).
    • Battery saving —Wi-Fi and cellular networks only (suitable for cities).
    • Device only —GPS only (for open areas).

After switching on the system will prompt you to confirm access for individual applications. We recommend allowing geolocation for:

  • 🗺️ Huawei Petal Maps or Google Maps (if installed via GMS).
  • 🚖 Taxi applications (Yango, Gett).
  • 📸 Cameras (for geotags).
  • 🔍 Find My Device (phone search when lost).

☑️ Checking the geolocation operation

Done: 0 / 4

If geolocation does not work after activation, check:

  • 🔋 Battery charge level (with <15% GPS may turn off automatically).
  • 🌐 Internet connection (to speed up satellite search).
  • 📱 Firmware updates (in Settings → System → Software update).
What to do if there is no "Geolocation" item in the settings?

On some models (for example, Huawei Y7a), the path may be different Try: Settings → Security and privacy → Application permissions → Geolocation. If there is no item at all, check whether system services are disabled via Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Three dots → Show system → HMS Core (must be enabled).

How to check that geolocation is working on Huawei

To make sure that geolocation is working correctly, use built-in tools or third-party applications. The most reliable methods:

Method 1: Through Huawei Petal Maps

  1. Open the application Petal Maps (pre-installed on all new models).
  2. Click on the location icon (📍) in the lower right corner.
  3. If your location is determined with an accuracy of 5–20 m -everything works fine.

Method 2: Through the engineering menu (for advanced)

This method shows technical data about the satellites:

  1. Open the application Phone and enter the combination: 
    ##1472365##
  2. Select GPS Test (or Location Test on new models).
  3. Wait until the phone finds satellites (green columns - active connections).

Normal indicators:

  • 🛰️ Number of satellites: 8–12 (in the city), 15+ (in open areas).
  • 📶 Signal level: higher -120 dBm (the lower the absolute number, the better).
  • 🎯 Accuracy: up to 10 m.

Method 3: Through Google Maps (if Google services are installed)

If your Huawei is installed Google Mobile Services (via GMS Installer or officially on older models):

  1. Open Google Maps.
  2. Click on the blue dot (your location).
  3. Check the radius of the blue circle - it should be no larger 20–30 m.
💡

If the geolocation accuracy on Huawei is worse than on other phones, try calibrating the compass. To do this, Petal Maps click on the blue dot → "Calibration" and rotate the phone in the air in a figure eight pattern.

Problem Possible cause Solution
Geolocation does not turn on System services are disabled HMS Core Enable in Settings → Applications → HMS Core
Accuracy >50 m Weak GPS or Wi-Fi signal Switch to "High accuracy" mode and go into open space
Location "jumps" Conflict with power saving mode Disable battery optimization for maps in Settings → Battery → Launch applications
Google Maps does not show location No Google services or outdated version Install GMS via LZPlay or update Petal Maps

How to save battery power when using geolocation

GPS is one of the main battery hogs on Android. On phones Huawei this is especially noticeable due to optimizations EMUIthat aggressively close background processes. To extend the operating time without recharging:

  • 🔋 Use the mode Battery saving in the geolocation settings (accuracy ~50-100 m, but the battery lasts 2-3 times longer).
  • ⚡ Disable geolocation when it is not needed (for example, via Quick settings in the notification shade).
  • 📴 Configure automatic GPS turn-off for individual applications:
    1. Go to Settings → Applications → [Select application] → Permissions → Geolocation.
    2. Install Only during use instead Always.
  • 🛡️ Turn on Adaptive battery v Settings → Battery —the system will optimize GPS operation itself.

    • For models with support Huawei SuperCharge (for example Mate 60 Pro), you can use the function Smart Energy Saving:

    1. Open Settings → Battery → Advanced → Smart energy saving.
    2. Activate the option Geolocation optimization.
    💡

    If you often use the navigator in the car, connect the phone to charging via Huawei SuperCharge (27 W and higher). This will not only prevent discharge, but also speed up the search for satellites due to stable power.

    ⚠️ Attention: On some models Huawei (for example, P50 Pocket), the function High accuracy may conflict with the mode Performance in the settings batteries. If GPS is unstable, switch to mode Balanced.

    Solving geolocation problems on Huawei

    If geolocation is determined incorrectly or does not work at all, use this checklist:

    1. Check hardware limitations:
      • Make sure that there are no metal cases or magnetic holders on the phone - they shield the signal.
      • In cold weather (<0°C) GPS may work worse due to the characteristics of the antenna.
    2. Update firmware and applications:
      • Go to Settings → System → Software update.
      • Update Petal Maps and HMS Core via AppGallery.
    3. Reset settings geolocation:
      • Open Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings (does not delete data, but resets GPS/Wi-Fi settings).
    4. Check the developer settings (if enabled):
      • Open Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times to activate developer mode).
      • Go to Settings → System → Developer Options i make sure that the following are enabled:
        • Enable mock locations — disabled (if enabled, GPS will show false coordinates).
        • GPS mode — High precision.

    If the problem persists, try alternative methods:

    • 📱 Install a third-party GPS testing application, for example GPS Status & Toolbox (available in AppGallery).
    • 🔄 Restart the phone in safe mode (hold the power button → Reboot in safe mode) and check the GPS - if it works, one of the installed applications is to blame.
    • 📡 Manually update AGPS (Assisted GPS) data: 
      ##36446337##

      (does not work on all models).

    ⚠️ Attention: On phones Huawei with processors Kirin 9000/9000S (for example, Mate 50 Pro) there may be a delay when first searching for satellites (up to 2-3 minutes). This is normal - wait until the module is fully initialized.

    Features of geolocation on Huawei without Google services (HMS)

    Since 2019, new models Huawei (for example, P40, Mate 40, Nova 9) do not support Google Mobile Services (GMS). Instead, an ecosystem is used, which has its own nuances: Satellites are used for geolocation (Chinese system) instead of GPS. In Russia and Europe, the accuracy may be slightly lower, but the difference usually does not exceed Huawei Mobile Services (HMS), which has its own nuances:

    • 🌍 Satellites are used for geolocation BeiDou (Chinese system) instead of GPS. In Russia and Europe, the accuracy may be slightly lower, but the difference usually does not exceed 10–15 m.
    • 🗺️ Instead of Google Maps set by default Huawei Petal Maps. Maps are downloaded from Huawei servers, so in some regions the data may be less detailed.
    • 🔧 For geolocation to work in third-party applications (for example, Yandex.Maps), you need permission to access Yandex.Maps HMS Core Location Kit.

    If you want use Google Maps or other applications that depend on GMSthere are two options:

    Option 1: Installing Google Mobile Services (GMS) via LZPlay

    This is a semi-official method that works on most models:

    1. Download the utility LZPlay from the official website (search in telegram channels dedicated to Huawei).
    2. Connect your phone to the PC and follow the instructions of the app.
    3. After installation, reboot the device and log in to your Google account.

    Option 2: Using alternative cards

    If you don’t want to install GMS , use analogues:

    • 🗺️ Petal Maps — built-in maps from Huawei (there is an offline mode).
    • 🚗 Yandex.Maps or 2GIS —support HMS without additional settings.
    • 🌐 OsmAnd —offline navigator based on OpenStreetMap (available in AppGallery).
    ⚠️ Attention: Installation Google Mobile Services on a model without official support GMS (for example, Huawei P50) may lead to unstable operation of some functions, including geolocation. Before installation, make a backup copy of your data.

    How to disable geolocation on Huawei (completely or for individual applications)

    If you want to save battery power or are concerned about privacy, geolocation can be disabled completely or selectively.

    Disable geolocation completely

    1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Application permissions → Geolocation.
    2. Deactivate the slider Geolocation.

    Disable for individual applications

    1. Open Settings → Applications → [Select application] → Permissions.
    2. Find the item Geolocation and set Prohibit.

    You can also configure automatic disabling of geolocation in certain situations:

    • 🔋 When the battery is low: Settings → Battery → Advanced → Automatically turn off geolocation.
    • 🏠 In certain places (for example, at home or at work) via Settings → Geolocation → Smart control.

    If you use Huawei Share (a function for transferring files between devices), disabling geolocation may prevent the detection of nearby gadgets. In this case, leave the mode enabled Device only (without Wi-Fi and). cellular networks).

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about geolocation on Huawei

    ❓ Why does geolocation on my Huawei work worse than on an iPhone?

    GPS accuracy is influenced by several factors:

    • 📡 Huawei it uses satellites as a priority BeiDou, which better optimized for Asia. In Europe and Russia, the signal may be weaker than that of GPS (used in the iPhone).
    • 🔋 Power saving modes EMUI aggressively limit background GPS activity.
    • 📱 In budget models (for example, Huawei Y7) less sensitive GPS modules are used.

    To improve accuracy:

    1. Enable the mode High accuracy.
    2. Activate Wi-Fi scanning in the geolocation settings.
    3. Go out into the open for the first search for satellites.
    ❓ Is it possible to use geolocation on Huawei without the Internet?

    Yes, but with reservations:

    • 🛰️ Pure GPS (mode Device only) works without the Internet, but searching for satellites takes up to 5–10 minutes.
    • 🗺️ For offline navigation, download maps in advance in Petal Maps or OsmAnd.
    • ⚠️ Without the Internet, functions such as real-time traffic jams or searching for nearby objects will not work.

    To speed up the search for satellites without the Internet, first download AGPS data (in the engineering menu or through applications like GPS Status).

    ❓ How to enable geolocation for a child on Huawei (parental controls)? summary>

    To control the child’s location:

    1. Install the application on his phone Huawei Family (available in AppGallery).
    2. On your phone, open Huawei Family and add the child’s device through your account Huawei ID.
    3. Enable the function Location tracking in the application settings.

    Alternative applications:

    • 👨‍👩‍👧 Yandex.Children (works without GMS).
    • 🧒 Kids Place (requires manual setting of permissions).
    ⚠️ Attention: On phones Huawei s EMUI 13+ to track the location of a child, the mode must be turned on on his device High accuracy and access to geolocation is allowed for Huawei Family.
    ❓ Why does geolocation turn on by itself?

    Automatic inclusion of geolocation may be related with:

    • 🔄 System services: HMS Core or Petal Maps periodically check the location to update the weather, traffic jams, etc.
    • 📱 Applications: messengers (Telegram, Viber) or social networks (TikTok, Instagram) can request geodata for targeted advertising.
    • 🛡️ Security functions: Find My Device from Huawei turns on GPS when the battery is low.

    To disable automatic enable:

    1. Go to Settings → Applications → Three dots → Accessibility → Autorun.
    2. Disable autorun for applications that should not use geolocation.
    3. In Settings → Geolocation → Advanced disable the option Allow automatic activation.
    ❓ How to transfer geodata when changing phone Huawei?

    When switching to a new one Huawei geolocation settings are not transferred automatically, but you can save:

    • 📍 Favorite places to Petal Maps: export via Profile → Favorites → Export.
    • 📸 Photo geotags: they are saved in file metadata (transferred along with photos).
    • 🔄 Application settings: some navigators (for example, OsmAnd) allow you to export the configuration.

    For transfer, use:

    1. Huawei Phone Clone (transfers most settings, but not geolocation permissions).
    2. Manual export/import via Huawei Cloud (authorization required).