How to change the location on Android: from simple applications to ADB commands

Changing geolocation on Android may be needed for a variety of reasons: from bypassing regional restrictions in applications to testing functions tied to a specific location. For example, you want to play Pokémon GO without leaving home, access content Netflix from another country, or simply hide your real location in instant messengers. In this article we will analyze all the current methods - from standard settings to advanced tools like ADB i Xposed Framework.

It is important to understand that not all methods are equally reliable. Some applications (especially banking or taxi services) actively combat GPS spoofing and can block an account if fraud is detected. We do not recommend using these methods to deceive systems - the article is for informational purposes only. If you need to temporarily hide your location, it is better to use official VPN services.

Also note: on devices with Android 12+ i Android 13 Google has tightened control over geodata. Many old applications for fake GPS stopped working without root access or additional manipulations. We have updated the instructions to reflect these changes.

1. Standard Android settings: high accuracy and battery saving modes

Before resorting to third-party tools, check the basic geolocation settings in the system. Sometimes the problem lies not in the coordinates, but in incorrect settings.

Go to Settings → Security and location → Location. Here you will see three modes:

• 📍 High accuracy —uses GPS, Wi-Fi, mobile networks and sensors. Maximum accuracy, but fast battery consumption.
• 📶 Battery saving —determines location only via Wi-Fi and cell towers. The accuracy is lower, but the battery drains slower.
• 🔍 Only by device —works exclusively via GPS. The most accurate, but the most power-hungry mode.

If you selected battery saving, the system may show incorrect coordinates - especially in a room where the Wi-Fi signal is weak. Try switching to high accuracy and reboot your phone. Sometimes this is enough to fix “jumping” marks on the map.

⚠️ Attention: Google has removed the ability to select a mode Android 14 Google has removed the ability to choose a mode Only by device in standard settings. Now this option is only available through ADB or modified firmware.

2. Applications for fake GPS without root (Android 9–13)

The easiest way to replace coordinates is to use specialized utilities. We tested several popular solutions and selected those that still work in 2026.

Application	Android support	Requires root	Features
Fake GPS Location	9–13	No	Simple interface, supports routes, but may not work with some games.
Fake GPS GO	10–14	No	Optimized for Pokémon GO, has a "joystick" function for moving.
Lexa Fake GPS	8–12	No	Save support frequently used points, but outdated design.
Fake GPS Location – Hola	11–13	No	Built-in VPN for IP masking, but shows ads.

For these applications to work, you need to fulfill two conditions:

1. Enable developer mode (click 7 times on build number in Developer mode → For developers Settings → About phone).
2. In developer settings (Settings → System → For Developers) select your application for fake GPS in the paragraph Selecting a mock application.

On Android 12+, many applications have stopped identifying the mock location as "real". data-i="94">and Google Maps And Uber ignore spoofed coordinates, and in Pokémon GO a spoofing warning may appear. If you need 100% performance, go to methods with root or ADB.

3. Changing location via ADB (without root, but from a PC)

If applications for fake GPS do not work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) a tool for debugging via a computer. This method does not require root access, but you will need a PC with installed drivers and USB debugging enabled.

Instructions:

1. Download ADB Tools and unzip to any folder.
2. Connect your phone to the PC, enable USB debugging in the developer settings and confirm trust in the computer.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB and run:

adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 1
adb shell settings put global mock_location 1
adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.DevelopmentSettings
adb shell settings put global development_settings_enabled 0

After this, an item will appear in the developer settings Selection mock applicationsSelect any application for fake GPS from the previous section.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example MIUI or ColorOS) ADB commands may not work due to manufacturer restrictions. In this case, only unlocking the bootloader or root will help.

4. Root methods: Xposed Framework and Magisk Module

If you have root accessopportunities for substitution geolocations expand significantly. The two most reliable methods:

Method 1: Xposed Framework + FakeGApps

Module FakeGApps for Xposed allows deceive even those applications that usually detect fake GPS (for example, Pokémon GO or SnapchatPlease note that Xposed does not support Android 10+ on most devices - for new versions use LSposed or EdXposed.

Method 2: Magisk Module"Fake GPS"

A more modern solution is a module FakeGPS for Magisk. It works on Android 11–14 and masks the substitution of coordinates at the kernel level. Installation:

1. Download the module from the repository Magisk.
2. Install via Magisk Manager and reboot the phone.
3. In the module settings, specify the desired coordinates or upload a GPX file with the route.

Advantage root methods - they bypass the checks of most applications. The disadvantage is the risk of losing the warranty and violating the security of the system (for example, if you use banking applications).

What happens if you update the firmware with Xposed installed?

Xposed modules are tied to a specific version of Android After updating the system, they will stop working, and in the worst case, the phone may freeze at boot. ("bootloop"). Before updating, be sure to remove all modules via Xposed Installer!

5. Bypassing geo-blocking: VPN + fake GPS

If your goal is to access content from another country (for example, Netflix USA or Disney+ Europe), one shift GPS coordinates are not enough. Services check:

• 🌍 GPS location (determined through coordinates).
• 📡 IP address (determined through the Internet provider).
• 📱 System language and region Google account.

To fool all three parameters:

1. Connect to VPN servers in the desired country (for example, NordVPN or ExpressVPN).
2. Change GPS coordinates in one of the ways above.
3. In your Google account settings (Settings → Google → Google account management → Data and personalization) change region to the target country.

Some services (for example, HBO Max) additionally check DNS and TLS fingerprints. In this case, changing the DNS to public servers (for example, 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1) or using specialized applications like 1.1.1.1: Faster Internet.

⚠️ Attention: Netflix i Amazon Prime Video are actively fighting VPNs and fake GPS. If you see an error "You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy", try changing the VPN server or using Smart DNS instead of a full VPN.

6. Problems and solutions: why the location does not change

Even after all the manipulations, the coordinates may remain the same. Considered errors and ways to fix them:

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
The application does not see fake coordinates	The mock application is not selected in the settings developer	Check the item Selecting a mock application and reboot the phone.
GPS "jumps" between real and fake coordinates	Conflict with others geolocation services	Disable Google Location Accuracy in location settings.
A spoofing warning appears in games	The application detects substitution at the API level	Use root methods or modules for Magisk.
ADB commands do not work	Blocked by the manufacturer (Xiaomi, Oppo, etc.)	Unlock the bootloader or use alternative firmware.

If you use Android 13+, the problem may lie in new restrictions Google Play Services. Since version 23.18 Google has added additional checks for the authenticity of geodata. In this case, it will help:

• 🔄 Rollback Google Play Services to an older version (for example, 22.30).
• 🛠️ Installing a modified version GMS (for example, MicroG).
• 📱 Using a custom firmware without Google Services (for example, LineageOS).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing the location on Android

Is it possible to change the location without a computer?

Yes, but with limitations. Android 9–11 it is enough to install an application for a fake GPS. (for example Fake GPS GO) and select it in the developer settings. Without ADB or root, most applications do not work. Android 12+ Without ADB or root most apps don't work.

Will fake GPS work in Uber or Yandex Go?

No. additional checks, including analysis of movement speed and comparison with the data of the telecom operator. Even with root, there is a high risk of account blocking.

How to return real coordinates after using a fake GPS?

Disable the mock application in the developer settings (Selecting a mock application → No) and reboot the phone. If the coordinates are not restored, check if it is enabled. Is there a mode GPS only in the location settings.

Is it possible to change the location to iPhone?

On iOS without jailbreak this is impossible. The only working one. method is to use a computer with iTools or 3uTools (requires a USB connection). However, many applications (for example, Apple Maps) ignore the spoofed coordinates.

Is it legal to use a fake GPS?

Coordinate substitution itself does not violate the law, but its use to defraud services (for example, ordering a taxi using a fake address or spoofing in games with cash prizes) can lead to account blocking or legal consequences. In some countries (for example, the USA), spoofing was sued in Pokémon GO 1. Standard Android settings: high accuracy and battery saving modes Niantic.