At first glance, Android’s mock location app may seem like a useless feature. But, in reality, it can prove to be useful in a variety of different situations. You just need to know how to use it.
So, without any further ado, let’s get right into it!
What is the Mock Location App on Android?
A “Mock location app” is just what the name implies, an app that can fool your phone into thinking that it’s in a different physical location than it actually is.
In order for this to work, you’ll need at the very least two things:
- Developer options
- At least one 3rd party app which has the ability to set custom/fake coordinates
So, first things first, we need to get access to the hidden developer options that should be available for every Android device. The exact steps that you need to take will differ from phone to phone – mostly due to different Android versions and skins.
This is how we do it on our MIUI 11 phone:
- Settings
- About phone
- Tap on “MIUI version” as many times as it takes for you to become a developer
- After you get the “Congratulations, you’re now a developer” message, go back to Settings
- Additional settings
- Developer options
- And that’s it. You now have access to both developer options and the mock location app
It’s more or less the same thing on other smartphones with the main difference being that instead of “MIUI version” you need to tap on “Build number” or something similar. Again, the exact steps may slightly differ but you’re still just looking for the “Build number” in order to activate developer options.
The only thing that remains is to get a 3rd party mock location app. And while there are plenty to choose from, “Fake GPS location” is by far one of the most popular options out there.
All you have to do is install it, head back to the “Select mock location app”, and pick Fake GPS location. After that, simply open it and pick the location of your choice.
Android Mock Location App: Different Uses
At this point, you should be more or less all set up to start using mock location apps. Some picks may also require root access, in which, case, we can’t be of much help to you.
The exact process of rooting can differ a lot from smartphone to smartphone. That’s why we can’t guide you through it. Your best bet for that is to use Google and XDA Developers.
With that out of the way, let’s take a look at some of the best uses that you can put mock location apps to.
1: Tinder
Tinder is a great app to meet new people in your neighborhood or even in your city. However, unless you plan on physically moving to a different place, that’s where your chances end.
If memory serves right, the premium/paid version gives us the option of choosing another location in order to meet people from other places. But this is arguably a bit overpriced – many people aren’t willing to pay for such a thing.
By setting a fake location, you can fool Tinder into thinking that you are actually in a different place and it’ll show you people who are nearby there. And everything will be done without you having to pay a single thing.
All you have to do is open your fake GPS app and set the location of your preference. After that just open Tinder and you’re good to go. Just make sure that it’s closed before you change location or it may not work.
2: Bypassing Regional Restrictions
Some apps will only work in specific regions. One of the most popular examples is Netflix which refuses to display most of its shows unless you’re living in the US.
This is quite possibly for copyright problems. But that doesn’t change the fact that we’re paying the full price while only receiving a small fraction of the service. And again, the same thing applies to other apps and services as well.
One of the most popular methods of bypassing such restrictions is by using a trustworthy VPN.
The only problem is that some apps use not only your IP address but also your physical location. In such cases, using a VPN is not going to be enough as you’ll also need to trick them into thinking that you’re physically there as well. And that’s where a mock location app comes in.
3: Gaming
A small number of mobile games rely on your physical location for both verification purposes and even gameplay. One of the most popular examples is Pokemon Go where you need to physically move in order to play.
But what if you have an injured leg? Or what if the weather sucks (Especially during the winter)? And what if you just feel way too lazy to go out and walk around the city to find something? That’s where a mock location app can come in handy.
In such cases, there are usually fake GPS apps that are specifically made for such circumstances where you can move around the fake location in real-time. However, do keep in mind that by playing in that way, you’re putting yourself at a risk of getting banned.
More often than not, these are temporary bans that last for a few hours to half a day. In some extreme situations, you may not be able to play for even a month or two.
Permanent bans are usually only placed for hacking/cheating, using bots, or anything severe like that. But, if anything happens due to using a fake GPS app, just don’t blame us. You’re doing this at your own volition.
4: Snapchat Locations
Many Snapchat filters are geo-restricted. More often than not, those include regional filters that are only available to those who are living in that region for obvious reasons.
However, if you wish to get access to these filters yourself, there is always the option of doing so by spoofing your physical location. Why? Well, that’s for you to decide.
Some people just like fooling their friends into thinking that they are on an expensive vacation on the other side of the world. Others just want to check out the available filters out of curiosity. Your call to make, really.
Of course, you can do the same thing in other social media as well.
Mock Location App Uses: Wrapping Up
That’s all for now. If that’s a bit too much to take in at once, here is the TL;DR:
- The “Mock location app” feature allows you to use a 3rd party app from Google Play that spoofs your physical (GPS) location
- In order to get access to this, you must first get enable your developer options which is typically done by tapping multiple times on your OS’ build number
- There are multiple uses for GPS spoofing including, but not limited to: Getting Tinder matches in other locations, playing Pokemon Go at the comfort of your couch, fooling social media into believing that you are someplace else, and even bypassing certain geo-restrictions
If you’ve got any questions, feel free to let us know about them in the comments section down below and the WTLS team will try to get back to you.
George Kasiouras
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-k-8246a1169/
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