How to change your location on Android in 2025

There are several ways to change your location on an Android phone, including adjusting the location settings, using a VPN, or employing GPS spoofing apps. While Android's GPS is highly accurate, there are times when changing your location can be useful. For example, you may want to access region-specific content, protect your privacy, or test location-based apps.

Changing your location on an Android device essentially tricks apps and services into thinking you're in a different geographical area than you actually are. This can help you bypass certain restrictions, hide your true location, or simply explore content that isn't available in your region.

Changing your Android location with a VPN

1. Download a reliable VPN. I recommend NordVPN – get with 76% discount!
2. Install the VPN on your device
3. Launch the VPN application and login
4. Connect to a server in a location of your choice

Your phone’s IP address reveals your real location to apps and websites. By connecting to a VPN server, you change your IP address, which makes apps and services think you're in a different region. This method helps you bypass regional restrictions and enhances your privacy.

You can confidently choose from the best Android VPNs, carefully selected by the Cybernews research team after months of testing. These VPNs are perfect for changing your IP address on Android devices.

1. NordVPN – the best VPN for Android devices, offers servers in 125 countries and costs only $3.39/month
2. Surfshark – good price and feature rich VPN, 100 countries for only $2.19/month
3. IPVanish – reliable VPN with unlimited devices in 140 countries for just $2.19/month

How to change your location on Android device: detailed instructions

Changing your Android location is very simple when you use a VPN. Whether you use Samsung, Sony, Huawei, or another model, these steps will help you change your location in a few clicks:

1. Using a VPN

1. Download a reliable VPN. I recommend NordVPN, now 76% OFF
2. Install the VPN on your Android device
3. Open up the application and connect to a server in another country
4. Your Android location will now be changed!

It's worth noting that there are other methods to alter your Android location without relying on a VPN. These options can also be effective for various purposes.

2. Changing Android location settings

If you want to adjust your Android device’s location settings to be less accurate, it’s easy to do. This can help protect your privacy and reduce how much apps track your location. Here’s how to make those changes:

Adjust location accuracy

This will limit your device to using only GPS to find your location, which is less precise.

1. Open Settings on your device
2. Tap on Location > Location Services > Location Accuracy
3. Turn off the Improve Location Accuracy option

Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanning

Disabling these features means your device won't use nearby Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth devices to help figure out your location.

1. Go back to Settings
2. Select Location > Location Services
3. Turn off Wi-Fi scanning and Bluetooth scanning

Manage app location permissions

You can also control which apps can access your location:

1. Open Settings again
2. Tap on Location
3. Select each app to decide if it can use your exact location or just an approximate one

By managing these settings, you can reduce how your Android device shares your location, giving you more control over your privacy.

3. Using GPS spoofer

If you want to trick your Android device into thinking you're in a different location, a GPS spoofer can also help. By enabling developer settings and selecting a GPS spoofing app, you can easily change your device's location.

Here’s how to enable a GPS spoofer on your Android device:

1. Open Settings on your device
2. Tap on About Phone and then select Build Number
3. Tap the Build Number seven times. You’ll see a message that says you are now a developer
4. Go back to the Settings menu
5. Select System > Developer Options
6. Tap on Select mock location app
7. Choose your geo-spoofing app from the list. Make sure to enable the geo-spoofing feature
8. Open the geo-spoofing app (like Surfshark)
9. Enable the Override GPS location feature within the app
10. To confirm that the spoofing is working, open Google Maps or another navigation app. You should see your new location reflected there.

Why would you change your Android location?

Whether you want to change your location on a dating app or play a location-based game like Pokemon GO, you can trick your phone into thinking you’re already in that country without actually traveling there. Here are more reasons why you would change your Android location:

Hide your real location	Stay anonymous and extra secure
Access better deals	Use international discounts as if you’re in that country
Bypass geo-blocks	Access foreign content that’s unavailable in your location
Access remote work while traveling	Trick your device into thinking you’re back home and access work platforms from anywere

• Hide your real location. Many apps request access to your location. For security reasons, you may wish to hide your true location. Alternatively, you may be unable to access certain features on said apps unless you appear to be in a specific location.
• Access better deals. If there is a website or app that has a special promotion for users based in the US and you’re based in Italy, there’s no way you can get that offer. However, with a VPN you can fake your Android GPS location and make it look like you’re in the US to get your discount.
• Bypass geo-blocks. Apps like Netflix and Pokemon GO are subject to location-specific restrictions. By faking your Android GPS location, you can bypass these geo-blocks and unlock content around the world. If you’re looking to access TikTok in a restricted country, a TikTok VPN can help you get around censorship and enjoy the platform without limitations.
• Access your work platforms while traveling. On holiday but need to access your work? You may find that you can’t get into your accounts when traveling because of location-based restrictions. Faking your Android GPS location and tricking your device into thinking you are back home could be the way to get around this issue.

Keep in mind that not all apps support or allow location changes, and some may block users if they detect location spoofing.

Is it legal to change your IP address on your Android?

Yes, it is legal to change your location on Android. VPN not only helps change your IP address but also preserves your privacy so nobody can see your actual location and put your safety at risk.

There are alternative methods, such as GPS spoofing apps or proxies available, but unfortunately, they lack essential security features that come standard with a VPN. Therefore, selecting a reliable Android VPN is a more secure choice, ensuring anonymity and a robust level of protection.

Keep in mind that even though it’s legal to change your IP address with a VPN on Android, it won’t help you if you do it for illegal purposes. In short, a VPN doesn’t make illegal activities legal.

How location works on your Android

Your Android phone uses GPS, Wi-Fi, cell towers, and Bluetooth to determine your location. GPS provides the most accurate tracking by using satellite signals, especially outdoors. When GPS isn’t available, your phone relies on Wi-Fi networks and cell towers to estimate your location. This method is slightly less accurate but still effective indoors.

Additionally, Bluetooth can help improve location accuracy by detecting nearby devices. Other sensors, like the accelerometer (which detects movement), also contribute to fine-tuning your phone’s location data.

You can control how and when your phone uses location through the location settings. Apps need permission to access your location. You can decide which apps can see it. Android’s privacy settings also let you limit location sharing to just when apps are in use. This gives you full control over your data.

Is GPS spoofing secure

GPS spoofing is generally unsafe and comes with significant risks. It involves faking your GPS location, which can be detected by systems that check multiple data sources. Spoofing is illegal in many regions because it can disrupt critical services like navigation and aviation.

For everyday users, GPS spoofing often requires elevated permissions or even rooting the device, which weakens your security and exposes you to malware. While some use spoofing to bypass location restrictions in apps or games, this can lead to account bans or disrupted services.

Additionally, spoofing can lead to legal consequences where tampering with GPS signals is prohibited.

Final thoughts

Using a VPN is a safe and effective option for hiding your location on Android. VPNs mask your IP address and encrypt your connection. This helps you stay private and secure online.

If you don’t want apps to access your location, you can change their permissions easily. Just head to your phone's settings and adjust them for better privacy control.

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