(iOS 17 Supported) Change GPS Location on iPhone Using 5 Ways

by J. Robertson Macaulay D. Young Updated On Mar 26, 2024 Published On Jun 18, 2021 Basic iPhone Tips Ideal for Newbies

When it comes to changing your location on iPhone, there are various reasons why one may choose to do so. For example, you might want to adjust your location on a dating app to reflect a new city you're planning to move to, or when you're playing location-based games like Pokémon GO.

In this guide, we'll explore 5 effective methods to change your GPS location on an iPhone and list 3 outdated methods to avoid. Without further ado, let's dive in.

Can I Change the GPS Location on iPhone?

Yes, you can!

One of the challenges faced by iPhone users is the inability to spoof their device's location, as Apple strictly prohibits app developers from creating iOS applications for this purpose. However, there are tools and techniques available to easily change your iPhone's location.

Whether you want to play location-based games like Pokemon Go or keep your location private when using apps like Life360 or Find My, the following methods can assist you in changing your iPhone's GPS location effectively. Additionally, we'll list some outdated and difficult methods that you should avoid.

Change iPhone GPS Using MockGo GPS Spoofer (iOS 17 Supported)

The most efficient way to change your virtual location is by using various third-party software designed for this purpose. These applications save you the effort of going through a lengthy process to change your location.

MockGo is our top recommendation for faking your iPhone's location without jailbreaking. It supports nearly all devices and systems, including the latest iOS 17. Here are its best features:

  • Change GPS location to anywhere without jailbreak.
  • Fake GPS walking with customized speed and route.
  • Simultaneously change GPS for up to 15 devices.
  • Compatible with all iOS devices and versions, including the latest iPhone 15 and iOS 17.
  • Easy and safe to use.

Here are the steps on how to use MockGo to change your location:

Step 1. First, download the app onto your computer. Once installed, launch MockGo.

Step 2. Next, click on Start, and connect your iOS device to your PC using a USB cable.

Connect your iPhone using a lightning cable

Step 3. A map will pop up, and you can select or search for the location you want to set.

search for the location you want to set

Step 4. After that, click the Move Here button.

Move Here

That's all it takes. The location on your iPhone will be changed instantly. You can check your new location on map app.

The location on your iPhone will be changed instantly

Compared to other location changing apps, MockGo offers many advantages such as:

  • It comes with safe and easy controls.
  • Doesn't jailbreak your device.
  • Supports most location-based apps and games such as Pokemon Go, Facebook, Whatsapp, and more.
  • Compatible with the latest iOS versions.

Change iPhone GPS Using 3uTools

The second method we recommend for spoofing your location on iPhone and iPad is by using 3uTools. It's a free and user-friendly tool, but it has limitations: it doesn't support iOS 17 and is only available for Windows computers. Here's how to use it:

If you'd like to give this app a try, here are the steps on how to use it:

Step 1: Download and install the 3uTools program on your computer. Then, connect your device and click on "Toolbox" on the program interface.

Step 2: Click on the "VirtualLocation" option, and select the desired location on the map that appears.

Click the VirtualLocation option

Step 3: Choose "Modify virtual location," and when you receive a prompt confirming the success of the operation, click "OK."

Now select Modify virtual location

If your device prompts you to enter Developer Mode, simply follow the on-screen instructions to proceed.

Please note: During our testing, we encountered errors indicating that the location modification had failed. Additionally, many users have reported occasional failures with the 3uTools virtual location feature. Therefore, if you're seeking a more reliable tool for changing your location, we recommend using MockGo.

3uTools virtual location error

Relocate Reborn is one of the most minimalist tweaks to change your GPS location on your iPhone. Although it hasn't been updated in a while, it works perfectly with iOS 14 and iOS 15.

With this tweak, almost every GPS-enabled app on your iPhone, including Google Maps, Tinder, Find My iPhone, Find My Friends, and Badoo, can be spoofed. The best part? It even sets GPS tags on pictures saved to your camera roll.

If you're ready to use this tool, the first thing you need to do is install the Repository from the Cydia tool. Here's how:

  1. Launch the Cydia app from the Home Screen.
  2. Tap Sources > Edit > Add the Repo URL, which is https://repo.hackyouriphone.org.
  3. Look for the Relocate Reborn tweaks in the Repo you just added.
  4. Now, restart the Springboard to complete the installation.
  5. Tweak preferences will be available from the Settings app.

Once this is done, follow these steps to use the tool:

  1. Install the Relocate tweak from the Repository.
  2. Go to Settings and pick Relocate Reborn.
  3. From the Global Override section, pick Location.
  4. Tap on the map in front of you and set fake coordinates.
  5. Click on Save to make the changes final.

That's all there was to this hack. You can easily make the most of this location spoofer and even for services like Find My iPhone and Find My Friends.

Relocate Reborn

Change iPhone Location Using Xcode

Xcode is a free toolset from Apple primarily used by developers to create apps for Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. Interestingly, you can also utilize Xcode to change your iPhone's GPS location.

Note: This method is more advanced and requires some background knowledge of iOS app development.

Here is how to use Xcode to change iPhone location:

Step 1. Download Xcode on your Mac computer and then install it.

Download Xcode

Step 2. Launch the application and then choose the 'Create a new Xcode project > Single view app' option.

Create a new Xcode project

Step 3. Connect an iOS device to a computer using an original USB cable.

Step 4. After inputting the 'Product name', select 'Next". Choose the place you want to create the project.

 inputting the 'Product name'

Step 5. Log into your Apple ID account by following the path below:

'XCode > Preferences > Accounts > + > Apple ID > log in to your account'

Step 6. To begin the building, proceed to choose 'team' and then select '>'.

choose 'team'

Step 7. After finishing the build process, click the maps icon.

Step 8. At this point, you can choose the location that you wish to fake. The location on your iPhone will change.

choose the location that you wish to fake

Note:

  • This method requires some technical expertise.
  • It offers preset locations to which your device's GPS can teleport.
  • You can also use a GPX file to fake locations that are not on the preset list.

Change iPhone Location Using Hardware Tool

Apart from using software or tweak apps to change iPhone GPS, you can also utilize hardware to alter the location. The GFaker product, developed by a company of the same name, offers a unique solution for iOS users seeking to modify their device's location.

This compact hardware device functions by connecting to an iPhone or iPad, emulating an external GPS device using Apple-approved chipsets, and adhering to the Apple External Accessory Framework standard.

Once connected, users can utilize the provided app to set their desired location without requiring a jailbreak. The GFaker device then broadcasts this new location to all running apps on the iOS device, creating the illusion that the user is located wherever they have programmed it to be.

The GFaker product line comprises two models: the GFaker Phantom and the GFaker Pro. The Phantom, priced at $289, is compatible with all iPhones and iOS versions ranging from iOS 9 to iOS 15. However, it lacks altitude data reporting, which may raise concerns with certain apps requiring accurate GPS coordinates. Nonetheless, this limitation is negligible for most applications.

On the other hand, the GFaker Pro, an older model priced at $279, is compatible with iOS 9 through 12 but may require additional steps for iOS 13 and 14, and potentially future versions.

Although these products come with a cost that has increased considerably since 2020, they offer a reliable and straightforward GPS solution for users seeking an alternative location on their iOS devices.

What is GFaker

Other 3 Outdated Methods to Avoid

1. iSpoofer (It has already been shut down)

There was a time when iSpoofer was the go-to application for altering iPhone locations, particularly for playing Pokémon Go. However, iSpoofer is no longer functional, and you can no longer find it on any official website. Here are the reasons for its shutdown:

  • iSpoofer violated Pokémon Go's terms of service.
  • Niantic, the developer of Pokémon Go, identified many users employing iSpoofer and consequently terminated their accounts.
  • Niantic suspended iSpoofer since its usage was deemed non-essential. If you already have the iSpoofer app, Pokémon Go will not permit its use.

We Don't Recommend iSpoofer

2. By Editing Apple Maps Plist File

Some posts suggest changing the location by editing the Apple Maps plist file. However, this method is not on our recommended list due to its lengthy and somewhat complex process, especially for those unfamiliar with gadgets and coding. If you decide to try this method, be sure to follow the steps closely.
  1. First, connect your iPhone to your PC.
  2. After that, head to the iBackupBot website and download the app to your PC.
  3. Now, launch iTunes and click on the iPhone icon.
  4. Next, select Back Up Now. Ensure that the Encrypt iPhone box remains unchecked.
  5. After the backup process is done, close iTunes and launch iBackupBot.
  6. Here, go to User App Files > com.Apple.Maps > Library > Preferences and look for the Apple Maps plist file. If you can't find it there, try System Files > HomeDomain > Library > Preferences.
  7. Once you find it, open the Apple Maps plist file and search for the <dict> tag.
  8. Insert the following code under the tag:

<key>_internal_PlaceCardLocationSimulation</key>

<true/>

  1. Next, close iBackupBot and head to your iPhone device.
  2. Go to Settings > Your Apple ID > iCloud > Find My Phone. Toggle the Find My Phone to off.
  3. Now, launch iTunes again and back up your device again.
  4. After that, launch Apple Maps and navigate to the desired location.
  5. Finally, click on Simulate Location found at the bottom of the window to change your location.

Editing Apple Maps Plist File

3. By Jailbreaking Your iPhone

Jailbreaking your device is another method to change your location on your iPhone. However, devices with iOS 12 and above are more challenging to jailbreak due to enhanced security measures by Apple. While we won't delve into the jailbreaking process here, you can try some apps like LocationHandle or akLocationX from Cydia to change GPS on your jailbroken device.

LocationHandle

FAQs

1. Why Do You Need to Fake GPS Location?

By faking your GPS location, you can access games and shows restricted to certain areas without having to wait for them to become available in your country or region. Some of the main benefits of a fake GPS location include the following:

  • Providing anonymity by hiding your actual location and identity.
  • Accessing games and shows that are restricted to certain regions.
  • Playing location-based games like Pokémon Go.
  • Enhancing your experience on dating apps by helping you get better matches.
  • Gaining early access to updates and other features on your devices.

2. Can VPN Spoof GPS?

While many VPNs claim to spoof your location, they usually only change your IP address, which means they can't effectively spoof your location in apps like Pokémon GO or target a specific audience on TikTok. Changing your GPS location is not the same as hiding your IP address, so it's essential to use a trustworthy GPS spoofer if you want to change your physical location accurately.

3. How to Turn Off Location on iPhone Completely?

Sometimes, you may not necessarily need to alter your iPhone's location to a specific place. Instead, you might only need to conceal your location from certain apps that may be tracking you. Fortunately, we've got you covered with an easy guide to modifying your privacy settings and blocking apps from accessing your location:

  • Step 1: Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
  • Step 2: Select "Privacy."
  • Step 3: Navigate to "Location Services," where you'll find a list of apps that have requested your location.
  • Step 4: Choose the apps you want to prevent from seeing your location information.
  • Step 5: Select "Never," and your location will be concealed from the apps you have chosen.

Wrapping Up

It is clear that using third-party software is the easiest method to change one's virtual location on iPhone devices. Among all of the software mentioned, MockGo is the most reliable and easiest to use. It even comes with walking, cycling, and driving simulations to make the change more realistic. If you have any comments or queries about how to change your location on iPhone, feel free to comment down below.

J. Robertson Macaulay D. Young

Mako is a technical writer with a passion for all things tech. Whether you're wondering about how to fix your iPhone or Android device or trying to get something to work in your settings, Mako is your go-to for professional help. He loves writing, testing solutions, and most of all, making sure his research is factually accurate.

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