How to Change Fake GPS Location on Android

This guide shows you how to set a fake GPS location on an Android phone using a mock location app. You’ll learn the required developer options setup, how to choose a reliable app, and how to troubleshoot common issues like Google Maps reverting to your real location.

What You’ll Need

• An Android phone running Android 6.0 or newer (most modern devices).
• A third-party fake GPS app installed from the Google Play Store (e.g., Fake GPS Location, GPS Joystick, or similar).
• USB debugging enabled on your phone if you plan to use a computer-based method (optional but often more reliable).
• Google Play Services and Google Maps updated to the latest versions.

Step-by-Step

1. Enable Developer Options: Go to Settings > About phone. Tap the Build number field 7 times until you see a message saying “You are now a developer.” You may need to enter your PIN or password.
2. Open Developer Options: Go back to Settings and you’ll now see Developer options in the main menu (or under System on some devices). Tap it.
3. Enable USB Debugging: In Developer options, scroll down to USB debugging and toggle it on. This is required for the mock location app to communicate with the system.
4. Set Mock Location App: Scroll further to find Select mock location app (or Mock location app on older Android versions). Tap it and select your installed fake GPS app from the list.
5. Install a Fake GPS App: If you haven’t already, download a reputable fake GPS app from the Play Store. Look for one with good ratings and frequent updates. Avoid apps that ask for unnecessary permissions.
6. Open the Fake GPS App: Launch the app. You’ll typically see a map. Grant the app location permission when prompted (choose “Allow all the time” if available for better stability).
7. Set Your Fake Location: Tap on the map at the spot where you want your phone to appear. A pin or marker will drop. Some apps let you search for an address or use coordinates.
8. Start the Fake Location: Tap the “Play” or “Start” button (usually a triangle or a location icon) in the app. The app will now override your GPS signal.
9. Verify with a Maps App: Open Google Maps or another navigation app. It should show your chosen fake location. If it shows your real location, you may need to restart the Maps app or toggle the fake GPS app off and on.
10. Stop the Fake Location: When you’re done, return to the fake GPS app and tap the “Stop” button. Your phone will revert to its real GPS location.

Common Mistakes

• Not enabling Developer Options: Without this, the “Select mock location app” setting won’t appear.
• Selecting the wrong app: If you have multiple mock location apps installed, you must select the exact one you’re using in Developer options.
• Not granting location permission: The fake GPS app needs location permission to work. If you deny it, the app may crash or fail to spoof.
• Using a mock location app that’s incompatible: Some apps are outdated and don’t work with newer Android versions. Always check the app’s last update date.
• Forgetting to stop the spoof: Leaving the fake GPS running can drain your battery and may cause apps to behave oddly.

Tips

• Use a stable app: Apps like “Fake GPS Location” (by Lexa) or “GPS Joystick” are widely used and reliable. Avoid apps with many ads or that ask for root access unless you know what you’re doing.
• Clear Google Maps cache: If Maps doesn’t update, go to Settings > Apps > Google Maps > Storage > Clear Cache. This often forces Maps to re-read the GPS.
• Use a nearby location: For most apps, a fake location within a few hundred kilometers is more believable than jumping across the world. Some apps detect unrealistic jumps and may show errors.
• Keep Developer Options on: You only need to set the mock location app once. After that, you can turn off USB debugging to save battery, but keep Developer Options enabled.
• Use the app’s “walking” mode: If you want a smoother experience, some apps have a joystick or route simulation feature that moves your location gradually, which is less likely to trigger anti-fraud systems.

Troubleshooting

Google Maps still shows my real location: This is the most common issue. First, ensure the fake GPS app is running (check its notification). Then, force stop Google Maps and reopen it. If that fails, go to Settings > Location and make sure location is set to “High accuracy” (not “Battery saving” or “Device only”). Some devices also have a “Improve accuracy” setting that uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanning—turn those off temporarily.

The fake GPS app crashes on start: This usually means the app is incompatible with your Android version or lacks the correct permissions. Uninstall and try a different app. Also, make sure you’ve granted the app “Allow all the time” location access, not just “While using the app”.

The location jumps back to real after a few seconds: This can happen if the mock location app loses priority. Go back to Developer options and re-select the app. Also, ensure no other app is requesting location updates that might override the mock.

Apps like Pokémon GO or dating apps detect the fake: These apps use anti-cheat systems that look for mock location indicators. The fake GPS app may need a “root mode” or “system mode” to hide itself, which requires rooting your phone—not recommended for most users. For casual use like checking a different timezone, this is not an issue.

No “Select mock location app” option: On some Samsung or Xiaomi devices, the option is hidden under a different name. Look for “Mock location app” or “Choose mock location app” in Developer options. If you can’t find it, search your phone’s Settings for “mock location”.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to fake my GPS location? It’s generally legal to spoof your location for personal use, but it violates the terms of service of many apps (like social media or games). You could be banned from those apps if detected. It’s also illegal to use fake GPS to commit fraud or evade law enforcement.

Will faking GPS affect my phone’s other functions? Yes, temporarily. While the mock location is active, any app that uses GPS will see the fake location. This includes weather apps, ride-sharing apps, and location-based reminders. Once you stop the fake GPS, everything returns to normal.

Do I need to root my Android to fake GPS? No. The method described above works on non-rooted devices. Rooting is only needed for advanced features like hiding the mock location from anti-cheat systems.

Can I use fake GPS on Android Auto? Android Auto uses the phone’s GPS, so a fake location will be reflected in navigation. However, it’s not recommended because it could cause unsafe driving directions.

Why does my fake GPS not work in some apps? Apps that use Google’s fused location provider (which combines GPS, Wi-Fi, and cell tower data) may still see your real location if the fake GPS app doesn’t override all sources. Turning off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanning can help.

How do I completely remove the fake GPS app? First, stop the fake GPS app. Then, go to Settings > Developer options and set “Select mock location app” to “None”. Finally, uninstall the app like any other app. Your phone will then use its real GPS.

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