Last updated Mar 5, 2024 at 8am ET
Most currently available Android applications use your device’s GPS signal to accurately pinpoint where you are. While it’s useful for location-based tools like Google Maps, sometimes it’s a hindrance. This is especially the case if you want to access specific content or platforms but can’t because of your location.
It might be tempting to utilize GPS-changing apps, but they aren’t as effective when used on their own. Whether it’s bypassing restrictions, remaining anonymous online, or circumventing speed throttling – a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the right tool for the job. Robust VPNs change the IP address of Android devices, encrypt your traffic and make sure you can access everything you need quickly.
🏷️ BLACK FRIDAY OFFER: Get 74% discount + 3 months FREE!!🏷️
How to change your location on Android with a VPN: shortlist
- Subscribe to a trusted VPN. We recommend using NordVPN, currently available for 74% off!
- Install the VPN on the Android device of your choice
- Connect to a server in another country
- Access any content you want without restrictions!
Change your Android’s location with NordVPN
Why do you need a VPN for Android in 2024?
A majority of people feel that Android applications which actively track your location are intrusive. Moreso if there is no apparent use for this information and the programs don’t provide services based on where you are. Some just don’t want their Internet Service Provider (ISP) or government snooping on them, looking at where they travel and what they do.
Changing your device’s location with a top Android VPN helps evade monitoring. It’s also a very useful tool for other reasons:
- Securing your connections. It makes your online activities invisible to prying eyes, so you can continue browsing without worrying about being tracked. Furthermore, the best VPN providers have strict no-log policies, meaning they don’t collect any data about you or sell it to third parties.
- Circumventing geographical restrictions. With a simple Android location change, you can gain access to foreign content not usually available in your country. This works for a lot of platforms, from Netflix, Amazon Prime Video to dating, shopping apps, or games like Pokemon Go.
- Protecting your devices. An excellent VPN will protect you from trackers, block intrusive ads, and prevent your phone from being infected with malware. Various tools, like IP and DNS leak protection, a kill-switch, and more make sure your data doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
Recommended VPNs to change location on Android
First and foremost, proper VPN services should be compatible with Android devices. It would be best if they offered the same features as their desktop counterparts as well. For keeping the utmost privacy, a strict no-logs policy and AES-256 encryption are a must. This way, no one will be able to track you or even see your online activities.
There are other things to consider depending on what else you want to do besides spoofing your location with a VPN. If your priority is streaming, look at services with unlimited bandwidth, fast connections, and sizeable networks. If you want to use applications that might ban you if they detect that you’ve changed your location, choose providers with StealthVPN technology. It hides the fact that you’re using a VPN in the first place.
For an excellent experience, check out some of our favorite Android VPN options.
What can you do with a changed location on Android?
Once you change the location on an Android device, you can do a myriad of things. Here are some notable cases where it’s helpful:
- Geo-restricted content. Gain access to foreign libraries, usually unavailable in your country, on such popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and others.
- Region-based mobile games. Get content updates earlier and enjoy gameplay aspects available to specific areas.
- Speed throttling. Bypass internet bandwidth and speed restrictions imposed by ISPs to torrent and stream without any delays.
- Online shopping. Freely change online shop regions or countries to get the best deals on clothing, electronics, and more.
- User tracking. Stop ISPs, governments, and third parties from monitoring your online activities.
- Remote work. Access your workplace’s intranet without issues while you’re travelling.
- Sporting events. Watch championships that aren’t broadcasted in your area.
- Targeted ads. Stop getting advertisements by not allowing third parties to use your cookies and location.
Most effective way to change the IP address on an Android device
Use a VPN to change your Android’s IP address in the easiest way. Be it Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, or some other brand, you can do it by following these steps provided below:
- Subscribe to a robust VPN. Our go-to choice is NordVPN,currently available for 74% off!
- Install the application on your Android device
- Connect to a country of your choice
- And that’s it – your IP address was successfully changed!
Protect your anonymity with NordVPN
Alternative ways to change location on Android
If a VPN isn’t enough, other options that allow you to change the phone location on Android systems are available. Keep in mind that you’ll still have to download a separate app or set up additional networks. There is no way to change these calibrations on Android itself.
Proxy servers
The first option would be to utilize the proxy settings. You’ll create a proxy server that will act as an intermediary between your phone and the websites or services you want to access. The page you’re accessing will see this server as the actual visitor instead of you, keeping your IP address hidden.
There are many kinds of proxy servers (HTTP, SOCKS, etc.) available either for free or for a monthly fee. While they work great for masking your IP address for browsing, they aren’t as safe and secure as VPNs.
It boils down to a simple fact. A VPN redirects all your traffic through an encrypted tunnel. A proxy, on the other hand, only works on an application level – it only reroutes traffic from a specific app or browser you set up your proxy with. Another downside is that it doesn’t encrypt your connection and leaves it vulnerable to third parties.
Follow these instructions to create an Android proxy server:
- Go to your device’s Settings
- Tap the Wi-Fi option
- Tap and hold the name of your network
- Select Modify Network and then choose Advanced Options
- Tap Manual
- Change the proxy’s settings: first, enter the hostname of the server you want to use (format – proxy.example.com) or its IP address, then enter the port number
- OR choose Proxy Auto-Config. You’ll have to enter a value into the PAC URL field (format – https://www.example.com/proxy.pac).
- Tap Save
- Check your IP address
Fake GPS applications
Another option is to use a GPS Spoofing application. The Play Store has lots of different ones, but not all of them actually change your location. Before you download the first one you see, check out the user reviews to assess if it works and whether it’s safe or not.
Downloading and installing the app is the easy part – for it to actually work, you have to enable Developer Mode and allow mock locations.
Follow these instructions to turn on Developer Mode for Androids:
- Go to your device’s Settings
- Tap About Phone
- Tap Software information
- Find and tap your Build Number 7 times – this will enable Developer Mode. You might need to input your device’s unlock code.
- Go back to Settings and tap Developer Options
- Toggle Allow Mock Locations on
- Tap Select Mock Location App
- Select the app you downloaded from the store
Now you can open the app. Grant it access to your device’s location, select a new location on the interactive map, and you’re done!
Keep in mind that some of these GPS Spoofing apps collect your data and send it to third parties, invalidating your privacy. This is why it’s recommended not to use them and choose VPNs with strict no-log policies instead.
Toggling location settings on Android
Your Android device has location settings that control two things:
- Whether your device’s sensors (GPS) and network-based location services (Google) track where you are
- Which applications can access your location data
You can turn off location tracking or calibrate it to be more accurate, but it will only affect how the system detects your device’s physical location. When disabled, websites and applications can still estimate your whereabouts with your IP address.
That is because this address is your device’s identifying number associated either with a certain computer or a whole network of them. It’s enough to determine where you approximately are, and definitely enough to track your online activities.
Furthermore, Google Location Services can also determine your location. It just needs information from your device’s sensors and mobile & Wi-Fi networks closest to you. So, changing or disabling the GPS location on Android is simply not enough.
This is why a VPN is quite handy as it masks your IP address by tricking websites, applications, and services into thinking you’re somewhere else. This tool also encrypts your connections, making everything you do on the web hidden from prying eyes. Turning off intrusive location tracking settings is also a must for complete privacy.
How to turn off location on Android devices?
- Go to Settings
- Select Location
- Toggle the Location switch off – now your device won’t use the GPS signal anymore. If you want to turn the location back on, simply tap the switch again.
How to turn off Google Location Services?
- Swipe down to open the dropdown menu on your device
- Touch and hold the Location button – a new window will appear
- Select Google Location Accuracy and toggle this option off
NordVPN offers the biggest variety of servers to change your IP and browse without restrictions. You’ll stay anonymous and your Android device will remain safe from malicious third parties.
Is it legal to change your location on Android?
It’s completely legal to change an Android’s location. Generally, it’s even recommended to do so for maintaining the utmost privacy. This way, various applications, websites, and even your ISP won’t be able to see what you’re doing on the web.
There are several ways to do this. Some people go with proxy servers, others download GPS Spoofing apps, but the most reliable tool for the job is NordVPN, the most trusted VPN in 2024. Not only is it more secure – it comes with various features that the other options lack, like encryption, malware protection, and more.
However, VPNs aren’t legal in every country. Before you subscribe to a provider and download the app, make sure you’re not breaking any laws.
Cannot change the location on Android with a VPN?
So, you just got a VPN subscription, tried connecting to another country, but it doesn’t go through. In short, your VPN is not working as intended. You might be unable to change your location due to a few reasons
- Your device’s GPS location doesn’t match your IP address
- Your IP address is leaking
- Your browser cookies are showing your actual location
- Your chosen VPN provider can’t circumvent certain restrictions
Here’s what you can do to solve the VPN error and finally change the location of your Android phone:
- Clear your browser’s cookies & cache
- Contact your provider’s customer support and troubleshoot the issue together
- If the above solutions don’t work – subscribe to NordVPN, a robust VPN that can do its job
Can I spoof the Android GPS location with a free VPN?
There are much more free VPN providers on the market than there are paid ones. It might be tempting to save your money and change your Android’s location at no cost at all, but you would be making a mistake. It will cost you your privacy & security in the long run.
Oftentimes, free Android VPN services:
- Can’t bypass simple geo-restrictions
- Don’t have basic security features, such as Threat Protection, DNS filtering, kill-switches, etc.
- Sneak ad-trackers into the app
- Collect data about you and sell it to third parties
- Impose data-caps
- Throttle speeds
- Inject malware
If you’re really unwilling to part with your money, the next best thing for spoofing your GPS location is a reliable free VPN for Android. That is, using free trials of trusted VPN services. Keep in mind that they are also quite limited, with fewer servers, security features, and less overall protection.
You can also use VPNs with free versions. Our top recommendations are Proton VPN and Hotspot Shield.
Bottom line
Changing your Android device location opens up a lot of options. From circumventing geo-restrictions to simply keeping yourself anonymous & secure, it’s a beneficial practice for many Android users.
While there are different ways you can achieve this, the safest and most recommended option is to use a robust VPN. Providers like NordVPN not only change your IP address but protect the device as well. These services encrypt your connections, prevent malware infections, secure your device, and more.
Have you tried to change the location on an Android phone with a VPN before? How did it go? Let us know by leaving a comment!
You may also like to read:
Best VPN for Windows 11
How to unblock Spotify
How to unblock YouTube
How to unblock Instagram
How to change Snapchat location
How to change location on Bumble
Change location on iPhone
Best VPNs for TextNow
FAQ
How to fake the location on Android?
The easiest way to change the location on an Android phone is with a VPN. Simply download the application, connect to a server in a different country, and that’s it. Now your real IP address is hidden and apps will only recognize the “fake” address.
Can I change my Android location without a VPN?
Proxy servers and GPS Spoofing apps can change the location, but they aren’t effective on their own. GPS Spoofing in particular needs a VPN to form a full combo to override your whereabouts. Furthermore, you have to do some additional changes to your settings to set them up properly or they won’t work. The fastest way to do it is with a VPN.
Does a VPN change the Android phone’s GPS location?
A VPN only changes your phone’s IP address, but, some providers like Surfshark, can also spoof the GPS location. Your device’s physical location can still be tracked with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GSM modules.
What is the best VPN for Android?
NordVPN is the best VPN service for Android. An audited no-logs policy, best speeds, unblocked streaming, and obfuscated servers are but a few exceptional features this provider offers both for desktop and mobile users.
