How to Spoof Your Location on Chrome, iOS, and Android

Have you ever encountered the region-locked error? Unable to watch the NFL live online? Can’t find more Pokemons because you are in a dead zone? You are not alone. Many of us are unable to squeeze the most out of any streaming service or an online game just because we are living in a specific country. 

Fortunately, there are a few ways to overcome this regional restriction. This guide explains how you can spoof your location to access region-specific content, online services, and even gaming servers from anywhere.

What is Location Spoofing or Geo Spoofing?

Location spoofing (geo-spoofing) is the act of changing your IP address and connecting to a virtual location to somewhere else. For instance, you are living in Argentina, and you can spoof your location and virtually transport your device to the USA.  

Why Would You Consider Spoofing Your Location?

Here are some certain situations in which you could consider faking your location.

1. Enhanced Anonymity

You can prohibit apps and websites from tracking your real-time online activities and browsing history.

2. Bypass Geo-Restrictions

You can access and watch American Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu shows that aren't available in your region due to licensing contracts.

3. Online Gaming

You can catch Pokémon GO or Ingress easily via location spoofing because most of the players are stuck because of regional limitations.

4. Virtual Geofencing

If you’re traveling abroad, but you don’t want to change your accounts or Settings to match your current location, you can always spoof your location to virtually appear to be in your home country.

5. Test Applications

Software developers and application testers can spoof their location to test location-based services and features from a remote location.

6. Privacy in Dating Apps

You can spoof your location to meet individuals from different places or to retain privacy by not sharing their actual location while using dating apps.

7. Lower Ticket Prices and Discounts

You can find better, discounted deals and discounts because many airline ticketing sites and shopping platforms show different costs based on your real location. 

How to Spoof Your Location on iOS Devices 

While iOS does not include a built-in method for spoofing your location, some workarounds can be effective:

1. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A VPN can hide your IP address and make an encrypted connection to a remote server, making it look as if you are in another place.

2. Jailbreak Your Device

Jailbreaking your device enables you to install third-party apps that can spoof your location. However, this technique is dangerous and you won’t be able to claim your warranty if you are caught jailbreaking your device.

3. Use a Third-Party App

Some third-party apps can spoof your location, but their efficiency varies and can't be compatible with all other apps. Here’s how you can change your location with a third-party location spoofing app:

1. Download and install a reliable fake location app from the App Store.
2. Choose a location on the map or use the search bar to set up a fake location.
3. When the "Succeeded" notification appears, select Modify virtual location and then OK.
4. Restart your smartphone to get real GPS data again.

How to Spoof Your Location on Android Devices 

1. Go to Settings > About Phone and tap on the "Build Number" multiple times until you see a message saying "You are now a developer."
2. Go to Developer Options and enable "Mock location apps."
3. Download and install a reliable fake location app from the Google Play Store.
4. Open the app and select the desired location on a map or enter the coordinates.
5. The app will then replicate your device's location to the chosen coordinates.

How to Spoof Your Location on Chrome Browsers at Home

1. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner, then "More Tools," and finally "Developer Tools" (Ctrl + Shift + I on Windows, or Cmd + Option + I on Mac).
2. Navigate to the "Console" tab in Developer Tools.
3. In the Developer Tools panel, click the three vertical dots, then pick "More tools," followed by "Sensors."
4. In the Sensors panel, under "Geolocation," click "Custom location" and enter your desired latitude and longitude.
5. Refresh the page, and your spoof location will be updated!

How to Spoof Your Location on WhatsApp

1. Download a location spoofing app, such as "Fake GPS Location" (Android) or "iTools" (iOS users with a computer).
2. To access Developer Options, navigate to Settings > About Phone and touch "Build Number" seven times. 
3. Then, click on Settings > Developer Options and turn on "Allow mock locations."
4. Open the location spoofing app and set it to your desired place by inputting latitude and longitude or selecting a location from the map.
5. In the spoofing app, enable the location spoofing feature.
6. Launch WhatsApp and go to the chat where you wish to share the bogus location.
7. Click on the attachment icon (paperclip), select "Location," and choose "Share Live Location" or send a “Send your current location” option showing the spoofed location.

In Conclusion!

Location spoofing can be a useful technique, but it should be used carefully and ethically. While VPNs can hide your IP address, they can't be sufficient for accurate GPS spoofing. Dedicated apps or device modifications are required, although these approaches are risky and should be done carefully.