How to Enable Mock Location on Android? [2025 Guide]

LocaChange - Mock Location Alternative

Change locations on Android to anywhere in the world with 1 click. No root. Working on all GPS-based apps and games like Pokemon GO, Life360. Free trial is available now.

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If you often use location-based apps like Pokemon GO, Life360, or Snapchat, you've probably heard of the "Mock Location" feature on Android. This handy developer tool allows you to fake your GPS location to anywhere in the world, helping you access region-locked features, test apps, or protect your privacy.

By enabling mock location on your Android device, your phone and installed apps will recognize a virtual location instead of your real one - making it appear as though you're somewhere else.

In this guide, we'll show you how to enable mock location on Android, step by step. We'll also explain what mock location is, how it works, and introduce the best mock location app you can use safely in 2025. Let's get started!

What Is Mock Location on Android?

Mock Location on Android is a developer feature that lets your device simulate GPS data and appear to be somewhere else. Instead of sending your real location, your phone transmits fake coordinates to the apps and services you use.

Originally created for app developers to test location-based features, mock location has become a popular tool for regular users as well. Many people now use it to hide their real location, access region-locked content, or try out location-based games like Pokemon GO without physically moving.

To use it, you first need to turn on "Allow mock locations" inside Android's Developer Options. Once this setting is enabled, you can download a mock location app (or fake GPS app) from Google Play or a trusted source. These apps allow you to set any location manually or simulate movement along a route using joystick controls or custom paths.

Why Enable Mock Location on Android?

There are several reasons why users choose to enable mock location on Android, and not all of them are about gaming or spoofing. Here are the most common use cases in 2025:

Protect Your Privacy: Enabling mock location helps you hide your real position from apps that track you continuously. This is especially useful if you want to prevent unnecessary data collection from social or ad-based platforms.

Test Apps and Services: Developers use mock location to simulate travel or test how apps behave in different regions - for example, checking map accuracy or ride-hailing coverage.

Access Region-Locked Content: Some streaming, shopping, or dating apps offer limited features depending on your country. With mock location, you can virtually switch regions and explore global content without needing a VPN.

Play Location-Based Games More Flexibly: AR games like Pokemon GO, Monster Hunter Now, or Soundmap rely on GPS data. Mock location lets you explore faraway areas, attend in-game events, or find rare Pokemon without traveling.

Simulate Real Movement: Many mock location apps now include auto-walking or route simulation features that let you move naturally on the map - perfect for testing, gaming, or exercise-tracking experiments.

Note

Since Android 12 and later versions have introduced stricter detection against fake GPS signals, you should always choose a trusted mock location app with advanced anti-detection systems to avoid errors or bans in sensitive apps.

How to Enable Mock Location on Android? [Step-by-Step]

Now that you know what mock location is and why it's useful, let's go step by step through how to enable mock location on Android.

Whether you're testing an app, playing AR games, or hiding your real location, this setup process works on almost every Android device (Android 8–16).

Step 1 Turn On Developer Options

Before you can allow mock locations, you must first unlock Developer Options on your Android phone. Here's how:

1. Open Settings > About Phone or Software Information.

2. Find the Build Number and tap it seven times quickly.

3. You'll see a message saying "You Are Now a Developer!"

4. Go back to Settings > System > Developer Options (exact path may vary by brand).

Now you've unlocked access to advanced developer settings - including mock location controls.

Step 2 Enable the "Allow Mock Locations" Feature

1. Inside Developer Options, scroll down to find the "Select mock location app" or "Allow mock locations" option.

2. Tap it and choose the app you'll use for spoofing (for example, Fake GPS Location, LocaChange, or FlyMeGo).

Once you assign the app, Android will automatically grant it permission to simulate GPS data.

You've now officially enabled mock location on your Android device - halfway done!

Step 3 Install a Reliable Mock Location App

Next, install a trusted mock location app from Google Play or its official website. Many free and paid options exist, but you should pick one that's updated frequently and includes cooldown timers or anti-detection features to keep your account safe.

After installation, return to the "Select mock location app" menu and choose the app you just installed.

Step 4 Set Your Virtual Location

1. Open your chosen mock location app.

2. Search or enter coordinates for the location you want to simulate.

3. Tap Start, Play, or Set Location depending on the app's interface.

Your phone's GPS data will now show this fake location across all apps - including maps, games, or social networks.

That's it - you've successfully learned how to enable mock location on Android. Once activated, you can use it for safe testing, privacy control, or region-based gaming without leaving your home.

Best Mock Mock Location Alternative - LocaChange

If you're looking for a reliable way to mock location on both Android and iOS, LocaChange is by far the best option.

Unlike most mock location apps that require rooting or jailbreaking, LocaChange lets you fake GPS location safely on any device - no technical setup, no risk, and full compatibility with the latest Android and iOS systems.

Whether you want to test location-based apps, protect your privacy, or play AR games like Pokemon GO and Monster Hunter Now, LocaChange makes it effortless with just one click.

Key Features of LocaChange

• Mock mock location on Android and iPhone without rooting or jailbreaking.
• Compatible with Android and iOS devices.
• Easily fake your location on WhatsApp, Grindr, Snapchat, Life360, and other social or tracking apps.
• Use the dedicated Game Mode to safely spoof in Pokemon GO or Monster Hunter Now without triggering soft bans.
• LocaChange automatically hides mock location data, ensuring a 99.9% safety rate against app detection.
• One subscription works across Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac, letting you switch devices freely.

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Here's how to use LocaChange to easily mock locations on your Android.

Step 1: Download and install LocaChange into your Computer.

Step 2: Launch LocaChange, then connect your Android via USB cable or Wi-Fi. (USB connection is recommended for 100% accuracy.)

Step 3: Choose the Teleport Mode, Two-Spot Mode, or Multi-Spot Mode, enter any location you want to mock, and click the Move button to change your GPS location.

Now, you will see that your GPS location is successfully changed on your Android.

FAQs About Mock Location

1. Can mock locations be detected on your phone?

Yes, most standard mock location apps can be detected by system checks or third-party apps. Many mobile apps use the "isMockLocationEnabled()" API to identify spoofed GPS signals.

However, LocaChange works differently. It doesn't rely on the Android "mock location" option at all. Instead, it directly simulates GPS movement through a secure channel. This design, combined with a built-in cooldown timer, keeps your spoofing activity undetectable and safe, even on Android 16 and iOS 26.

2. Why are mock locations prohibited on Grindr and other social apps?

Apps like Grindr, Tinder, or Bumble restrict mock locations to maintain user safety and authenticity. Newer app versions can now detect spoofing behavior more effectively, especially from unverified GPS apps.

If you still wish to change your Grindr location safely, use LocaChange. Unlike risky third-party spoofers, it updates your GPS data in real time and avoids triggering detection flags that recent Grindr versions monitor for.

3. Why can't I find "Allow Mock Locations" on my Android phone?

You must enable Developer Options first. Go to Settings > About Phone > Software Information, tap Build Number seven times, then check Settings > Developer Options.

4. How to hide or disable mock location?

If you want to hide mock location from apps:

• Turn off Developer Options in Settings.
• Clear permissions for any fake GPS app you've used.
• Restart your device to reset GPS signals.

Or, simply use LocaChange, which automatically hides mock behavior from app detection - no need for extra setup.

5. Why should you use mock location features?

Mock locations help protect privacy, access geo-blocked content, test apps, and enhance gaming (e.g., Pokemon GO or Monster Hunter Now). It's a safe way to control how your GPS data is shared.

6. Is using mock location safe?

Yes, mock location is a built-in Android function mainly for developers. It allows you to change your location on Android device and it's a built-in factory feature on Android, so it is safe. Developers can take advantage of this feature to do testings coveniently and other users can use it to block unnecessary tracking from applictions. It's a legitimate and secure function.

Conclusion

The mock location feature allows you to modify your device's location by transmitting fake coordinates to your GPS. When you set this to change your location, all the location-based apps on your device will show that you are in the selected fake location.

A good alternative for the same purpose is to use the location changer LocaChange. This tool not only covers all the functions of mock location but also fulfils them effortlessly, as there is no need to activate the developer option every time, and it eliminates the risks associated with rooting or jailbreaking your device. Now LocaChange is at a discount, and you can try the free version. Go ahead and try!

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Philip Williams

• Pokémon GO
• GPS Spoofing
• AR Gaming

• AR gaming and GPS spoofing specialist with over a decade of software experience. He is a trusted writer on Pokémon GO tips and safe location-changing strategies, helping over 2 million users worldwide. As an Apple enthusiast and expert in location-changing technology, he brings both technical depth and gaming insight to every guide.

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