How to Change Location in Pokemon GO in 2023: Reliable Hack

Niantic's geoblocks make it tough to spoof your Pokemon GO location — whether you want to hunt Shiny Pokemon, collect region-specific creatures, or use your regular Gym from abroad. Niantic is constantly updating its geoblocking tech, too, so finding a method to spoof locations that actually works is difficult.

My team and I tested a bunch of different methods and found one that works. You’ll need a phone running Android 6.0 to 10.0, GPS spoofing software, and a simple app called a VPN to do it. However, since Niantic also actively blocks VPN connections, some VPNs won’t work with PoGo.

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for changing Pokemon GO locations. Its huge network of 3,000 servers in 94 countries are great for changing your location, and its top-notch security keeps your real location hidden. Plus, it offers fast speeds to maintain smooth game performance. You can try ExpressVPN with PoGo completely risk-free since it offers a money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with it, you have 30 days to claim a full refund.

Play PoGo With ExpressVPN

Important! It’s against Niantic’s Terms of Service to spoof your location to play Pokemon GO. If you get caught, you will receive a warning. If this happens, I advise that you stop spoofing your location or you may risk losing your account completely.

What You Need to Change Pokemon Go Locations

You need various apps and a desktop PC to spoof PoGo on Android. Niantic goes to great lengths to prevent all kinds of location spoofing, blocking Android emulators and standalone spoofing apps. Despite what some sites might tell you, there is no longer a working method for spoofing PoGo on iOS/iPhone. Here’s what you need to spoof PoGo on Android:

• A VPN. This is a simple app that can give you an IP address in a country of your choice, allowing you to virtually change your location.
• A rooted Android running OS 6 to 10. This guide only works for Android 6.0 to 10.0. Rooting your device allows you to install Magisk Manager.
• Magisk Manager. This gives you added functionality to use developer options so you can modify apps, including your GPS location.
• A desktop PC with Smali Manager. This allows you to install the patcher that will spoof your location.
• Fake GPS Joystick. This handy app lets you navigate your location on a map.

Changing your location can also help you bypass an IP ban. IP addresses identify your location and it’s one of the methods Niantic uses to ban users from PoGo.

Play PoGo With ExpressVPN

How to Change Pokemon GO Location: A Complete Guide

Niantic uses 2 location-determining methods: your IP address and GPS location. To change your location in Pokemon GO, you need to change both your IP and GPS location. While a VPN can change your IP, a GPS emulator (or spoofing app) can alter your GPS location.

Step 1: Download a VPN

I recommend ExpressVPN as it has servers in 94 countries for catching Pokemon worldwide. Connecting to servers far away from your actual location can seriously slow down your gameplay, but ExpressVPN has terrific speeds over distance.

ExpressVPN’s app is compatible with Android 6.0 to 10.0 — the OSs that work for spoofing PoGo

Step 2: Create Smali Patch and Install on Android

You need a desktop PC and a rooted Android for this method to work. Rooting your Android allows you to install Magisk Manager, which gives you advanced developer options so you can modify apps. You can then use your PC to install a patcher on your Android to modify your GPS location.

There are many variations of this process, but I’ll focus on the Windows 10 PC solution as it seems to work for the most devices.

1. Download Magisk Manager. This allows you to modify apps on your Android in developer mode. Get the APK file and install it on your Android. You must root your Android before you do this. If you want to know how to root your Android, see the guide below.
2. Connect your Android to a PC. You will need a USB cable to do this. Important: make sure you enable USB debugging under developer options in your Android first.
3. Download Smali Manager to your PC. Get the zip file from the XDA Developers forum, which should be called [email protected]. Extract it, then copy and paste the unzipped folder to Local Disk (C:) on your PC.
4. Run Smali Manager in admin mode. Open the folder; it should contain a file called SmaliPatcher.exe. Right-click it and scroll to ‘Run as administrator’, and it will launch the patcher. At the bottom of the app, you should see ‘Dumping framework X%’. Wait until it says ‘Idle’. It may take several minutes.
5. Click ADB PATCH. Check the boxes for ‘Mock locations’ and ‘Signature spoofing’. It will give you another zip file in the same folder as the Smali exe.
6. Send the zip file to your phone. It should be named [email protected]. Right-click the zip file, go to ‘Send’, and select your phone. You should see a prompt, click ‘Copy and Replace’.
7. Run Magisk Manager. Click Settings > Modules > “+”, then select the SmaliPatcher zip file and reboot your phone. It can take 10+ minutes for your phone to reboot.
8. Go to Magisk Manager > Settings > Modules. Smali Patcher should have a checked box next to it. Reboot your phone again, which may take several minutes.
9. Go to Magisk Manager > Settings > Hide Magisk Manager, and reboot your phone again. It may take a while.
10. Enable PoGo. Run Magisk Manager, go to Magisk Hide, check the PoGo box, and reboot your phone. You guessed it! It will take a few minutes.

Play PoGo With ExpressVPN

Step 3: Install a GPS Spoofing App

You can do the rest of the process on your Android; you won’t need your PC again to complete this Pokemon GO GPS guide.

1. Disable all Google location services. For Android 6-7, set your device to GPS Only or Device Only. For Android 8-10, disable Improve location accuracy. Turn off anything else like Find my device or Google location sharing.
2. Download a spoofing app. I recommend Fake GPS Joystick — it costs a one-off payment of a few dollars. Free spoofing apps are available, but I haven’t found one that works with PoGo.
3. DO NOT systemize the app. Instead, tap the 3 dots > App Settings. Expert Mode should be disabled and grayed out.
4. Configure your settings. This step is different for Android 10 than for 9 and below. Listed below is the step you should take depending on your device.
   Android 10:
   • Smali Patcher Mode — click to enable
   • FusedLocationApi — sometimes works enabled or disabled; try both
   Android 9 and below:
   • No-Root Mode — uncheck the box
   • Wait Dialog No-Root Mode — uncheck the box
   • Catch-A-Rex — uncheck the box
   • Enable Joystick — tap to enable
   • Joystick Size — customizable
   • Joystick Transparency — customizable
   • Update Interval — set to 500
   • GPS Accuracy — set to 1
   • Move Around Fake Location — must be disabled, or you’ll get a warning from PoGo
   • GPS Speed — up to 9.0
5. Play Pokemon GO anywhere. Choose your location with your GPS spoofer, and connect to the same server location with your VPN. Now go catch ‘em all!

   Set your GPS location to NYC, then connect to ExpressVPN’s USA - New York server to play PoGo in Manhattan

Note: With this method, you can’t enable ‘Move Around Fake Location’ in your spoofing app because PoGo will detect it, and you’ll get a warning. Even though you can’t move much, you can let the Pokemon spawn around you, or catch them by throwing a Curveball.

Play PoGo With ExpressVPN

How to Root Your Android

Rooting your Android unlocks the ability to fake your GPS location in PoGo — but it does come with risks; for example, it may invalidate your device’s warranty. Other risks include bricking your phone, and exposing yourself to security threats. Many apps block rooted devices, so some may stop working.

I used a Windows 10 PC to root my Android. There are many other ways of rooting, but I found this one the easiest. Any guide that claims to work without rooting is obsolete, we tested it ourselves to be sure.

1. Back up anything you want to keep. Rooting can damage your Android and wipe any data you have on it. Better yet, use a cheap or used secondary phone.
2. Use your phone’s current ROM. Don’t use a custom one from a third party.
3. Turn on Developer Options/Developer Mode. Go to Settings > About Phone > Build Number. It differs depending on your model, but you’ll find it with other software info. Tap the build number 7 times, go back to settings, and you’ll now see Developer Options.
4. Go to Developer Options. Check the boxes for USB debugging and OEM unlocking.
5. Download Android SDK Manager to your PC. Extract the zip file to a memorable location.
6. Ensure you install the proper USB drivers. This enables your Android to communicate with your PC.
7. Connect your Android to your PC. Put your Android into fastboot mode (usually by holding down the Power and Volume down buttons for 10 seconds).
8. Open Command Prompt on your PC. Type “cmd” after opening the start menu, enter the correct command (it’s different for each phone) and then press enter.
   • Nexus: fastboot oem unlock
   • Pixel and Samsung: fastboot flashing unlock
   • HTC: unlocktoken Unlock_code.bin
9. Enable ‘Allow unknown app installations’. You can find this option in your device’s settings.
10. Get Framaroot. Download the APK file and open it from your downloads folder. Click ‘Root mobile’ and follow the prompts. You should see the ‘Exploit Result - Success, Binary installed’ pop-up.
11. You’re rooted! Now you can customize your apps and spoof your GPS.

Best VPNs to Change Location in Pokemon GO in 2023

1. ExpressVPN — Effortlessly Changes Locations So You Can Hunt the World for Rare Pokemon

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested July 2023

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN facilitates effortless virtual location swapping with its intuitive and easy-to-use application. Connecting never took more than a few moments, even to servers situated thousands of miles away. I bookmarked my preferred locations for tracking down elusive Pokemon — Tokyo, San Francisco, and New York. This enabled me to reconnect to each city with just one tap in future sessions. The app also flawlessly transitions between WiFi and mobile data to ensure uninterrupted gameplay.

With ExpressVPN, you can spoof PoGo location on up to 5 devices at the same time

ExpressVPN’s lightning-fast speeds let you play PoGo without lag. Connecting to remote servers can slow you down; especially over great distances. For glitch-free gaming, I recommend at least 5 Mbps. I tested its UK - London server and my speed was barely affected. I got 30.43 Mbps (a 4% drop), allowing me to play PoGo without interruptions. When I tested a long-distance server in Bulgaria, I got 25.06 Mbps. The fast speeds are partly due to Lightway, ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol built for speed, and battery conservation.

There are 3,000 servers in 94 countries, so you have tons of PoGo location options. During my tests, I hopped around the globe collecting rare Pokemon without seeing a single warning message. While connected to Japan - Tokyo, I attended PoGo virtual training in Tokyo.

A slight drawback is that ExpressVPN isn’t the cheapest compared to other VPNs. The cheapest plan is for the longest subscription term and costs $6.67/month. But, ExpressVPN has promotions running all the time — I was able to get a 49% discount on the long-term plan when I signed up.

All ExpressVPN’s subscriptions also come with a money-back guarantee. If you’re not totally satisfied, you’ve got 30 days to claim a full refund. I tested this by contacting ExpressVPN’s 24/7 live chat. The agent didn’t pressure me or try to persuade me to stay and issued my refund straight away. My money was back in my PayPal account 2 days later.

Play PoGo With ExpressVPN

2. CyberGhost — Block Content Feature to Keep You Safe on PoGo

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost has a highly effective Block content feature for safe gaming on PoGo. Rooting your Android can compromise your security leaving you vulnerable to hackers and cybercriminals. I tested CyberGhost with PoGo for several days without an issue. Other security features are enabled by default; you won’t need to adjust your settings for PoGo.

CyberGhost’s download-optimized servers give you great speeds for PoGo

The Android app is simple and user-friendly — making it ideal for VPN beginners. You can connect to servers in 91 countries and save your favorite locations for quick access. While testing, I saved Rome, Barcelona, Las Vegas, and South Korea (Seoul), since I use them regularly. Connecting never took more than a few seconds, even to distant locations.

Its fast speeds are perfect for playing PoGo without lag. While connected to UK - London, I got speeds of 24.71 Mbps (about a 6% drop) and a ping of 61 ms. Ping (or latency) measures how responsive a game is to your actions — under 100 ms is ideal for PoGo. You really need low ping to turn a Nice Throw into an Excellent Throw.

A point of frustration with CyberGhost is that it logs users out of their accounts upon reaching the device limit, necessitating re-signing in on each device. While ExpressVPN permits fewer connections, users can remain logged in on multiple devices as long as they aren't connected to a server simultaneously. Thankfully, using a password manager made the process of logging in again relatively quick.

CyberGhost has a range of plans, with prices starting from $2.19/month. The longer the plan, the more you save per month. I’d advise against the shortest plan as it’s the most expensive and only offers a 14-day money-back guarantee.

You can try CyberGhost with PoGo without risk. With a long-term plan, you’ll have a generous 45-day money-back guarantee. I tested the refund process myself, so I can offer peace of mind. When I contacted 24/7 live support to request a refund, they agreed without any hassle, and I got my money back in 4 days.

Play PoGo With CyberGhost

3. Private Internet Access — Customization Options For Secure Gaming

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

Private Internet Access has a variety of features to protect your device while you play PoGo. During my tests, I automated PIA to connect whenever I entered a public WiFi hotspot to ensure I’m always protected when playing PoGo. Plus, this helps you bypass media restrictions and bandwidth caps that hotspots impose. In addition, PIA’s block list helps protect rooted Androids, which is useful since they’re more vulnerable to malware.

Strong security also makes it harder to detect that your’e spoofing your location to help avoid a PoGo ban

PIA has one of the largest server networks, which is great for globe-hopping on PoGo. It has 53 locations in the US alone, so I could really pinpoint my location to places like like Alaska, Honolulu, and Wilmington. Although my speeds dropped to 10.64 Mbps (from 30.69 Mbps) my ping remained low at 62 ms when connected to UK - London; still enough for lag-free PoGo.

With its user-friendly interface, the app offers a seamless experience when it comes to selecting locations and locating nearby gyms. Accessing the server list requires just a single tap, providing convenience at your fingertips. Additionally, there are options to sort countries alphabetically or by latency, allowing you to quickly identify the most responsive server. Notably, the ping information is color-coded as green, amber, or red, enabling me to swiftly choose a high-speed server.

The color-coding system was significantly beneficial, especially since PIA's speed performance over long distances doesn't quite match that of ExpressVPN. I managed to get fairly decent speeds of 10.71 Mbps when I connected to a server in Bulgaria, though the ping was 151 ms, which exceeds the suggested 100 ms for optimal gaming. Despite this, a good number of locations in close proximity exhibited robust speed results.

Short-term plans are pricey, but longer-term plans are significantly cheaper — prices start from just $2.03/month. When I subscribed, I got 3 months of service and a year of encrypted cloud storage thrown in for free.

PIA also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans, which I tested myself. I contacted the 24/7 live chat to request a refund; the agent asked one troubleshooting question, then agreed. I got my money back the following day — quicker than most VPNs.

Play PoGo With PIA

FAQs on How to Change Location in Pokemon GO

Can I change my Pokemon GO location on iOS devices?

There is no longer a working method for spoofing PoGo on iOS. To change locations, you need a rooted Android and various apps plus a VPN. It was once possible to spoof a Mac or PC with an Android emulator, but Niantic has updated its blocks to stop all Windows/macOS spoofing methods from working.

Is it illegal to change locations on Pokemon GO?

Not unless VPNs or geo-spoofing apps are banned in your location. If these apps are legal in your country, spoofing your PoGo location is perfectly legal. Although, it does go against Niantic’s terms, which could result in a ban. And rooting your Android could invalidate your warranty, but there are no legal reprucussions for this. That being said, some countries (like China and the UAE) ban VPNs altogether. So just be sure to check your local law and play responsibly.

Can I get banned for changing my Pokemon GO location?

Yes, and VPNs with poor security make you especially vulnerable. Niantic has a “gotta catch ‘em all!” policy on VPNs, so a VPN with top-notch security is essential to change your PoGo location. You also need a rooted Android and a GPS spoofing app. In its terms of service, Niantic clearly states that using any technique to alter or falsify your location is cheating. You will receive a warning which could lead to a ban, so I would recommend that you stop spoofing PoGo upon receiving a warning.

How can I play Pokemon GO if I’m unable to move in-game?

You need to install a GPS spoofing app and use the joystick to select your exact PoGo location. Even though you can’t move around much, just let the Pokemon spawn above you; or you can throw a Curveball to catch monsters. That way, you can visit Times Square, NY in the morning, Shinjuku, Tokyo in the afternoon, and Piccadilly Circus, London in the evening without moving from your sofa.

Can I change my Pokemon GO location on PC or Mac?

Unfortunately, you can’t. The only working method for changing your Pokemon Go location is for a rooted Android. To change locations, you need an Android VPN with servers around the world and a GPS spoofing app. Plus, your device needs to run Android OS 6.0 to 10.0. There’s no working method we could find for changing your PoGo location with any other device at time of writing, including PC, Mac, or iPhone.

Is it possible to buy cheap PokeCoins for Pokemon if I change locations?

Yes, a VPN can connect you to remote servers to access Google Play in other countries. The Play Store offers various PoGo premium subscription apps like Pokemon HOME, Poke Genie, and Pokedex, which you can also buy for less abroad. The cheapest place to buy PokeCoins is usually India or Turkey, so you can connect and grab 2,500 coins and save money.

Can I use a free VPN to change my Pokemon GO location?

Probably not. To reliably change your PoGo location and prevent a ban, use a low-cost premium VPN. Free VPNs have limited server locations, bandwidth caps, and severe data limits. So even if you find one that unblocks PoGo, you probably won't get much time to play and could get thrown out of games due to speed inconsistency. Plus, free servers are usually super crowded since tons of people share them.

Also, free VPNs often lack key security features to truly mask your IP, which can lead to warnings rising to a ban. Worse still, they can bombard you with ads, monitor your data and sell it to third parties, and even infect your device with viruses and malware. In short, they’re not worth it, even though they’re free.

Play PoGo With ExpressVPN

Change Location in Pokemon GO Today

Changing your Pokemon GO location can be tricky; Niantic uses tough geo-blocks to prevent spoofing. That’s not easy to bypass; you need a rooted Android phone and several third party apps, and a top-notch VPN to do it successfully.

After weeks of boosting my XP, I can reveal that the best VPN for spoofing Pokemon GO is ExpressVPN. It can zoom you around the globe in seconds and gives you military-grade def to keep your true location hidden. Plus, it has lightning-fast speeds for gaming. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free because it’s backed by a money-back guarantee. If you find it’s not for you, you have 30 days to claim a full refund.

To summarize, the best VPNs for spoofing Pokemon GO are…

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