FAQ
TL;DR: Fix weak in‑car GPS on Xiaomi Mi5 by using a Bluetooth GPS receiver. New modules support 2 constellations; "It works great in the car in the pit." Configure apps to use external GPS or mock locations. [Elektroda, tos18, post #17121314]
Why it matters: Drivers with Android phones like the Mi5 can regain reliable turn‑by‑turn guidance without buying a dedicated sat‑nav.
Quick Facts
- Newer receivers support GLONASS and Galileo (2 constellations). [Elektroda, tos18, post #17121314]
- Pentagram P3101/P3105 kept satellite lock even when carried in a pocket. [Elektroda, tos18, post #17121314]
- Google Maps accepted an external Bluetooth GPS; Waze required internal GPS and Yanosik blocked mock locations. [Elektroda, Jacko0o, post #17131245]
- Some apps need an “external GPS” setting; others can’t detect Bluetooth GPS. Disabling integrated GPS may help. [Elektroda, DriverMSG, post #17124630]
- Older Bluetooth GPS units can be ~12 years old and scarce on marketplaces. [Elektroda, Jacko0o, post #17121251]
How do I quickly improve Xiaomi Mi5 GPS accuracy in my car?
Use a Bluetooth GPS receiver for navigation. Users reported faster connection and more precise navigation. “Not only was I faster getting connected, but the navigation worked more precisely.” Search for “Bluetooth GPS module” to find current models. [Elektroda, DriverMSG, post #17121519]
Are Bluetooth GPS modules the simplest external option versus antennas or boosters?
Yes. Ready‑made Bluetooth GPS modules exist specifically for this purpose. Example: Nokia LD‑3W. [Elektroda, DriverMSG, post #17120989]
Which Nokia Bluetooth GPS model did users cite?
Nokia LD‑3W was suggested as an external GPS module for phones. [Elektroda, DriverMSG, post #17120989]
What other external receivers were reported to work well?
Pentagram Pathfinder P3101 and P3105 were mentioned. A user kept one in a pocket and still caught satellites reliably, including in a car. [Elektroda, tos18, post #17121314]
Do Bluetooth GPS receivers work with modern Android apps?
Yes, with some apps. Google Maps worked well with a Bluetooth GPS module. Waze demanded the phone’s GPS and didn’t detect the module. Yanosik blocked the mock‑location needed for the Bluetooth GPS app. [Elektroda, Jacko0o, post #17131245]
Why doesn’t Waze detect my Bluetooth GPS and how do I navigate anyway?
Waze required the phone’s internal GPS and ignored the external feed. Use Google Maps for turn‑by‑turn while the Bluetooth GPS provides position. Pick warning apps that accept mock locations. [Elektroda, Jacko0o, post #17131245]
How do I feed a Bluetooth GPS position into Android apps?
Use a helper app that injects location. How‑To:
- Install the “Bluetooth GPS” app (by Googoo) from Google Play.
- Enable Developer Options and allow mock locations for that app.
- Pair and connect your receiver in the app, then start the service. [Elektroda, Jacko0o, post #17131982]
My navigation still uses the phone’s GPS—how can I force the external one?
Set your navigation app to use an external GPS receiver if it offers that option. Some navigations cannot detect Bluetooth GPS sources. Disabling the phone’s integrated GPS can help force the external feed. [Elektroda, DriverMSG, post #17124630]
Can I hide the receiver away and still keep a lock?
Yes. A receiver kept in a pocket maintained a solid lock. “It works great in the car in the pit.” [Elektroda, tos18, post #17121314]
Do newer Bluetooth GPS modules support GLONASS or Galileo?
Yes. New modules can support GLONASS and Galileo in addition to GPS. Look for multi‑constellation support when comparing models. [Elektroda, tos18, post #17121314]
Are these receivers still easy to find today?
Availability can be limited. One member noted few listings and age: “After all, the equipment is 12 years old.” Expect to search or consider newer modules. [Elektroda, Jacko0o, post #17121251]
What symptoms indicate my phone’s GPS fix is poor?
Large position offsets and frequent fix drops. One report showed the phone placing the user about 50 meters off the road. [Elektroda, Jacko0o, post #17120973]
Will an external receiver help with large position errors?
Yes. Users reported faster connections and more precise navigation after adding a Bluetooth GPS. “Not only was I faster getting connected, but the navigation worked more precisely.” [Elektroda, DriverMSG, post #17121519]
Any alternative navigation apps that worked better with an external GPS?
One user tried the offline app package com.navigation.offlinemaps.gps from Google Play. It seemed to include all needed features, comparable to Sygic. [Elektroda, Jacko0o, post #17131982]
I recognize the topic.
