Abstract Parity-time (PT) and quasi-anti-parity-time (Quasi-APT) symmetric optical gyroscopes have been proposed recently which enhance the Sagnac frequency splitting. However, operating gyroscopes at the exceptional point (EP) is challenging due to the strict fabrication requirements and experimental uncertainties. We propose a new Quasi-APT-symmetric micro-optical gyroscope which can be operated at the EP by easily shifting the Kerr nonlinearity. A single resonator as the core sensitive component of Quasi-APT-symmetric optical gyroscope is used to reduce the size, overcome the strict structural requirements and detect small rotation rate. Moreover, the proposed scheme also exhibits an easy readout method of the frequency splitting. As a result, the device achieves a frequency splitting 105 times higher than that of a classical resonant optical gyroscope with the Earth’s rotation. This proposal paves the way for a new and valuable method for the engineering of micro-optical gyroscopes.