A method for controlling a GNSS receiver includes: providing a state switching criterion; obtaining at least one positioning information; determining whether to switch from a first operation state to a second operation state according to the obtained positioning information and the state switching criterion, a power consumption of GNSS receiver operating under the first operation state and the second operation state is different; the obtained positioning information includes at least one of a speed value of GNSS receiver, a satellite distribution value of GNSS receiver, a satellite signal strength value of GNSS receiver, a location identification of GNSS receiver, instant motion information from a motion sensor, or location information from a WLAN device, a Bluetooth device or a UV light sensor.