How To Change Your Location in Pokémon Go
Pokémon Go is one of the best augmented reality games out there. The game uses your GPS to make Pokémon appear close by. Players then have to catch Pokémon in the game. This game has taken the world by storm, with dedicated players everywhere.
However, Pokémon Go’s use of players’ locations can be limiting. For example, where you live can affect the Pokémon types you can access. More so, you could also find it harder to locate PokeStops or Gyms if your location is not a hot zone. You can solve this problem by using a VPN to spoof your location.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is software that primarily secures your online data. Connecting to a VPN server gives you an IP address compatible with any location you want. That way, you will be able to access content specific to that location.
You should remember that using a VPN alone might not work, as Pokémon Go can detect the VPN’s presence. Thus, your best bet will be to combine the VPN with a spoofing app.
This review shows you the directions on how to change your location in Pokémon Go.
How To Change Your Location on Pokémon Go
If you travel outside your primary location, you will find it impossible to access your local Pokémon, Poke Stops, and Gyms. Hence, you could be looking to switch back to a different location. Similarly, as discussed above, you may want to change your primary location to access better perks on Pokémon Go. However, that is mostly impossible because the platform strictly monitors users’ IP addresses.
A VPN helps by spoofing your location. It gives you a new virtual IP address compatible with the secondary location you want. A VPN also prevents third parties, like your boss, from monitoring what you access on the internet.
However, a VPN may be an insufficient means to change your location. Pokémon Go checks users’ GPS coordinates and matches them with their IP addresses. If it finds out that you are using a VPN, it could ban your IP address. Thus, you need a GPS spoofing app. This will alter your coordinates to match the location your IP address reflects. That way, Pokémon Go will be none the wiser about your actual location. Hence, you can play Pokémon Go with friends at home even when you are abroad.
Steps To Spoof Your Location on Pokémon Go
There are slight differences in the steps you need to take to spoof your location on Android and iOS devices. The steps for Android devices are a little technical, hence you should pay careful attention to them. Here goes:
Android Devices
- Select, download and install a VPN service. We have a list of great providers below. You can choose any of them.
- Connect to a server in a country you want.
- Download and install a GPS-spoofing app.
- Go to your Settings > About Phone section > Software Information. In the last section, Tap “Build Number” 7 times to enable developer options.
- Click on “Select Mock Locations App” and pick the same virtual location you chose on your VPN. (Bear in mind that this should be the same location your GPS-spoofiing app is set to).
- Open the GPS-spoofing app. Select the country you had selected earlier on the VPN. This will prevent Pokémon Go from discovering that you are using spoofing technology.
- Open your Pokémon Go and start playing.
iOS Devices
- Select, download and install a VPN app.
- Jailbreak your device. This is the only way to change your location on Pokémon Go. However, you should know that jailbreaking your device goes against the terms of your warranty.
- Go to your browser and search for Cydia. Cydia is essentially an app store for jailbroken devices.
- On Cydia, download a GPS-spoofing app.
- Open your location spoofer app and select the location that you want.
- Go back to your VPN app and select the same country that your Spoofer app is set to. Again, this is essential. If not, Pokémon Go will block your access.
- Go to your Pokémon Go app and start playing.
Top Recommended VPNs for Pokémon Go
There are several VPN services that you can use for Pokémon Go. We have compiled a list of the best VPNs:
ExpressVPN
Features
- Number of servers: More than 3,000
- Speeds: Unlimited
- Server locations: 160 in 94 countries
- Maximum devices supported: 5
- 24 live chat: Yes
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Yes
Pros/Cons
- Fastest VPN out there
- Strict no logs policy
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Few discounts
ExpressVPN is perhaps the best VPN provider you can find on the market. It has fantastic features that have endeared it to a lot of users globally. You can trust that it will be able to spoof your location as you play Pokémon Go.
This provider has about 3000 servers in 94 countries and 120 locations. This gives you a broad range of options. For example, you can always switch out your location for one that is favorable to you. Thus, you can change your Pokémon Go location as often as you wish. Similarly, the servers are fast and reliable enough to get through geo-restrictions on other streaming platforms, too. Thus, with ExpressVPN, you can unblock Netflix libraries of whatever location you want.
Your security is given top priority when you use ExpressVPN. The provider uses the acclaimed AES 256-bit encryption model to secure its servers. It also supports fantastic protocols, including OpenVPN and its proprietary creation known as Lightway. Furthermore, this provider uses TrustedServer technology to ensure that your details do not get saved on its servers. In addition, it maintains a strict no-log policy.
This provider’s plans and offers are a little pricey. However, this is because of the wonderful features that it has. You can test the service for 30 days before fully committing. If you are unsatisfied, you can always ask for a refund within this window.
- Pros: Fastest VPN out there; Strict no logs policy; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest price: $6.67
NordVPN
Features
- Cryptocurrency accepted? Yes
- Simultaneous connections: 6
- Dedicated IP-addresses? Yes
- Servers: 5342 in 58 countries
Pros/Cons
- Lots of pricing options
- Netflix support kept up to date
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Slow app
NordVPN is second only to ExpressVPN. This provider is a fantastic gaming service. You are assured of the speed and security features you need to have a wonderful experience while playing different games. More so, you will also have unimpeached security the whole time.
This provider has about 5300 servers in 59 countries and counting. The software works with an intuitive automatic connection process that links you with the best server in any location you choose. It further has great speed and low latency. This will come in handy when you are battling on Poke Gym or looking for Pokémon.
NordVPN excels when it comes to security. This provider uses the standard AES 256-bit encryption model to secure its servers. You also get other special features such as obfuscated servers, dedicated IP addresses, double VPN protection, and Onion over VPN. With the full suite of security features you find on NordVPN, you won’t have to worry about being safe while playing Pokémon Go.
Just like ExpressVPN, NordVPN’s pricing options are a little on the high side. However, you can use its 30-day money-back guarantee window to try out the service. You can always request a refund, no question asked. Additionally, if you run into challenges with using the service for Pokémon Go, you can reach out to NordVPN’s customer care agents to have the problem sorted.
- Pros: Lots of pricing options; Netflix support kept up to date; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest price: $3.71
Surfshark
Features
- Free trial? Yes
- Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
- Ad blocking? Yes
- Servers: 1000+ in 61 countries
Pros/Cons
- No footprints
- Allows torrenting
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Not the fastest
Surfshark is one of the new entrants into the VPN space. It has about 3200 servers in 60 countries and counting. This is a decent number and will ensure you can change your location easily to play Pokémon Go. It has other great features, too, and we recommend this service if you want to change your location on Pokémon Go.
Surfshark servers ensure a steady connection. You can trust that your connection will lag, drop or buffer the entire time. The connection to these servers is swift. Thus, it will only take a few minutes to expand your Pokedex if you want to restart your game.
This provider’s security features are also top-notch. You get the military-grade AES 256-bit encryption model. It also supports other encryption protocols and prevents IPv6 and DNS leaks. It has a NoBorders mode which hides the fact that you are using a VPN. Paired with your spoofing app, Pokémon Go will be unaware that you are in a remote location.
One of the perks you get with Surfshark is that it has no limit on simultaneous connections. Thus, you can get as many devices as possible under VPN coverage. It also has apps for the various device types —iOS, macOS, Android, Windows, and Linux devices. To top it off, it gives users the customers a 30-day money-back guarantee window. Within this period, you’ll be able to use the service and request a refund, no question asked.
- Pros: No footprints; Allows torrenting; 256-bit AES encryption;
- Lowest Price: $2.49
PrivateVPN
Features
- Killswitch Yes
- iOS App Yes
- Data logging No
Pros/Cons
- Servers in 63 countries
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 2048-bit Encryption With AES-256
- App can seem complicated
PrivateVPN is a small provider with capable features. It also has relatively affordable plans. It tops this off with a free 7-day trial window. Within this period, you can use the services totally for free. PrivateVPN is a trusted VPN to use for changing your location on Pokémon Go.
This provider has about 200 servers in 60 countries. This is a small number compared with the other providers on this list. However, the important thing is that you will have server locations to connect to if you want. More so, PrivateVPN servers are famed for their speed. The speed is perfect not just for Pokémon Go but for other streaming services. Thus, with PrivateVPN, you can unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, etc.
This provider also takes your security into account. Its security features include the AES 256-bit encryption model, a kill switch, an IPv6 leak prevention mechanism, and excellent security protocols. This provider sticks to its no-log commitments. Hence, it will neither log nor share your online data.
You can download and use this service on iOS, Android, Linux, and Windows devices. You can connect up to 5 devices simultaneously to one account to play Pokémon Go. You can also install the VPN on a router for broader coverage. However, that would mean that you will have to install it manually.
- Pros: Servers in 63 countries; 30-day money-back guarantee; 2048-bit Encryption With AES-256;
- Lowest price: €2.04
CyberGhost
Features
- Connected devices at once: 7
- Automatic kill switch? Yes
- One click connect: Yes
- Servers: 5900 worldwide
Pros/Cons
- No logs policy
- 24/7 live chat
- Apps for mobile devices and routers
- No free option
CyberGhost is one of the oldest VPN providers in the industry. It has amazing features that place it well ahead of the pack. It is also a gaming provider and makes sure you have all you need for a satisfactory experience on Pokémon Go.
You find more than 6000 servers on this service. The server locations cover some of the very popular locations for wild Pokémon. Thus, you can connect to servers in these locations for a unique experience.
This provider is very fast, delivering the speed you need for a buffer-free gaming experience. CyberGhost also pays careful attention to security. It uses the standard military-grade encryption system to secure its servers. In addition, it prevents IP and DNS leaks. It maintains a reliable no-log policy. Hence, it neither retains nor shares your details with anyone.
This provider has apps for the major device types. Thus, whether you use Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, or Linux devices, you will find an app for you. More so, CyberGhost gives a 45-day money-back guarantee period, higher than the average.
- Pros: No logs policy; 24/7 live chat; Apps for mobile devices and routers;
- Lowest price: €2
Can a Free VPN Work for Pokémon Go?
Not reliably.
The allure of free providers is that they offer their services at no cost. However, they are sometimes unable to prove as useful as you’d want them. In this case, a free VPN may be an unreliable way to change your location to play Pokémon Go.
Niantic, the company that produces Pokémon Go, puts a lot of effort into detecting spoofing technology. It will easily detect if you are using a free VPN. This is because most free providers do not have the high-end features that can keep them outside the surveillance of Niantic.
Additionally, free providers are often very slow. This is because their servers are mostly crowded by the many users who want to take advantage of the free service. Thus, you could even get kicked out because of low speed.
Finally, a free service could expose you to security threats. These providers could have malware embedded into their services. Thus, you could be unwittingly downloading malware into your device. Also, some sell your data to third-party users. These third parties could then use the data any way they want. This may include using your data for illegal purposes.
Conclusion
Changing your location on Pokémon Go could give you access to more features on the game. It will also allow you to continue with your local games even abroad. However, changing your location on Pokémon Go is not as easy. You’d have to combine a VPN and a location spoofing app. This guided review gives you directions on how to do so. Additionally, you find the best VPN services to use.
If you require further reading on the subject of VPNs and gaming platforms, we’ve written extensively about Steam, Geforce NOW and the game emulator Gameloop.