How To Fake GPS Location On Android Without Root
The introduction of GPS on mobile devices was a revolutionary move which has changed the way we use our phones. If you have used location tracking on your Android device, you might know that it’s not easy to use a location of your choice for apps and services. Instead, you are automatically shown to be in your precise location, thanks to GPS tracking. But did you know that there are ways to actually trick apps into believing that you’re in a different location? We’re not talking about a VPN here, but apps that can actually change your phone’s GPS location as you please.
While not all of us might want to do this, faking your GPS location can be helpful if you want to avoid companies from tracking your location. This will also enable you to trick your friends into believing that you’re in a completely different place than where you actually are. But most apps that help you change the GPS location require root access on Android. Today we’re going to talk about a handful of apps that do not require root access on your Android device to fake GPS location. Let’s have a look at these apps.
How To Fake GPS Location On Android Without Root
Fake GPS location
One thing to remember with these apps is that the names are going to sound identical, given that they’re catering to a specific set of audience. This makes these apps easier to find as well. Anyway, this particular app comes with a comprehensive set of features, allowing you to easily switch your GPS location without much worry. You simply have to search for the location of your choice and your GPS will automatically switch to the region. This is as easy as they come really, although there are some other things to keep in mind, especially if you’re looking to uninstall the app.
The developers mention that it’s imperative to change back to your original location before uninstalling the app, as the device could be tricked into believing that the fake location is the original location. In case you see this issue, you simply have to install the app back, set your actual location and keep it that way for a while. These are small caveats in what is otherwise a pretty handy application. The app is a free download, and you don’t need to make any in-app purchases to unlock features. Be sure to check it out from the Play Store.
Nord VPN
Nord VPN comes up next on our list. We thought it would be important to include a virtual private network on our list for those that need something to help them watch content that might be geo-restricted. Nord VPN allows users to connect up to hundreds of server locations all over the world, allowing people in the US to watch UK-based content, or any other country’s content where there is a VPN server.
Nord VPN is a great way to fake your locale for entertainment purposes; however, it’s also a great way to make sure that your data stays private while browsing the web. Your own ISP isn’t even able to see what you’re doing online with Nord VPN!
Fake GPS
The aptly named ‘Fake GPS’ comes up next on our countdown, working as a great way to spoof your GPS location anywhere you are in the world. The only requirement is that you’ll need to be running a phone that is on Android 4.0 or above, but other than that, Fake GPS is a free download! It’s fairly easy to setup once you have Fake GPS downloaded on your phone.
Go into your phone’s Development Settings, and then make sure the box that says Allow Mock Locations is checked.
Next, switch your phone’s location mode to “GPS Only”, or you can also disable Location Services altogether to avoid receiving cached mock locations after you turn off Fake GPS.
Then, to get Fake GPS to work, just make sure that you open the Fake GPS app, ensure it’s running, and then run the app where you need to fake your GPS location.
Fake GPS GO Location Spoofer
This particular app offers the same set of features as the app we talked about above albeit with a slightly different set of features on board. You simply have to enter the location of your choice and the app will let you fly the world without even leaving your couch. This particular app has been around for quite some time, so the developers have updated it overtime with newer features to enhance functionality. You can even add geotags to your pictures even if you’re not in the mentioned location.
As for the no-root access, you will need to be on at least Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Since most devices come with Android 6.0 Marshmallow, this isn’t necessarily a problem. If you have an older operating system, however, you will need to get root access on your device. Apps like these can only come in handy to fool your friends or to trick people into believing that you’re somewhere else. However, the developers make it clear that it shouldn’t be used for cheating. So make sure you use it only for testing purposes. The app requires a stable internet connection to help you conveniently change your device’s location. It’s a free download but it comes with a handful of ads.
Fake GPS location – Hola
This app comes from Hola, which means it has a much more refined user interface compared to the others. This can be a big plus considering that a refined and enriched UI can make using it a whole lot easier for the customers. The developers mention that this app can be used to break the geo-restrictions imposed by some apps. This is why most customers use fake GPS apps along with VPN servers to lift restrictions on some apps and online content. Hola is also known for its VPN services, so it’s no surprise that the developers also have a GPS spoofing app available on Android.
There really isn’t much you need to know in terms of setting it up. You simply have to download the app and select the location you want the phone GPS to teleport to. It is important for the users to disable high accuracy GPS positioning from the Settings and leave it on GPS Only or Phone Only from the location settings. The app is free to download, although you can make some in-app purchases to support the developers. Some users claim that GPS spoofing doesn’t work on some apps. So be sure you know if there will be any app related restrictions before using fake GPS apps. The app has been downloaded nearly 5 million times, making it pretty popular in the community.
Mock GPS with joystick
A refined and polished fake GPS app, Mock GPS allows you to conveniently shift your GPS location without having to do much. There is a dedicated recents menu here to let you conveniently shift to your recently teleported locations. You will have to set your device’s location settings to High Accuracy to get the best results here. There’s a convenient joystick available on the screen, allowing you to quickly change the location. The app has very favorable reviews from the customers, so if you’re looking for a no frills fake GPS app, this one has to be it. The app is compatible with devices running Android 4.0 and up.
Fake Location (Mock GPS)
The developer here has designed the app exactly like Google Maps, which adds to the overall appeal, and can easily fool anyone into believing that this is an official Google app. You get pretty much the same kind of features here, apart from the appearance. The UI is simple and easy to use, so you shouldn’t find much trouble getting around this particular app. Ideally suited for people who want to trick apps into believing you’re in a different location, this app can come very much in handy. It’s a free download on the Play Store, but it contains ads. The app is compatible with devices running Android 4.3 and above.
Verdict
As you can see, there’s a ton of excellent ways to fake your GPS location, whether you’re truly looking to fake your GPS’ location, or if you’re just trying to “spoof” your IP addresses location for the purposes of watching geo-restricted movies and TV shows.
Do you have a favorite way to spoof your location without rooting your Android phone? Let us know how, or what your favorite app is to use in the comments section below — we’d love to hear from you!