If you need to change your location on your iPhone, there are a few different ways to do it. You can use a VPN (Virtual Private Network), adjust your location settings, tinker with your Apple ID, or even use certain apps to fake your GPS location. In this article, I will guide you through each of these steps, so you can do it with ease.
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How does your iPhone know your location?
Geolocation is done by gathering info from cellular, GPS, Wi-Fi networks, and Bluetooth connections. So far, there isn’t one cure-all to trick all tracking systems, but it helps to know that most regional app restrictions and allowances are enforced by regional IP (Internet Protocol) blocks. A VPN changes your IP, resolving the geolocation issue.
How to use a VPN to change location on iPhone
Follow these steps to change your iPhone’s location with a VPN:
- Subscribe to Surfshark and download the app from the App Store.
- Connect to a VPN server.
- Make sure your VPN works by checking what your IP address is.
Disclaimer: Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark. Please be sure to act in compliance with all applicable Apple laws and regulations.
However, some apps use more than one form of geolocating. And, those that do, rely on Location Services. Let’s see how to change those.
Turn Location Services off
You can change the iPhone’s location settings by fiddling with the Location Services. It uses data from cellular networks, GPS networks, Bluetooth connections, and Wi-Fi networks. Location-based apps use this feature to track your device’s approximate location to offer location-based services. To turn it off, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on Privacy and Security.
- Tap on Location Services and turn them off.
Note: Some apps and features may not work with Location Services turned off.
Turn Location Services off on a specific app
Follow these steps to toggle Location Services settings off and block a specific app from collecting your location information.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on Privacy and Security.
- Select an app for which you don’t want to allow location access.
- Tap Never.
Change your Apple Store region on iPhone or iPad
Sometimes you’ll need to change your Apple ID region if you want to install an app that’s unavailable where you are. But before you do, remember to spend your store credit, cancel your subscriptions, and choose a new payment method for your new region.
To change your Apple Store region, you have to:
- Go to Settings and select your Apple ID profile;
- Go to Media & Purchases, and View Account;
- Select Country/Region and Change Country or Region;
- Select a new country or region from the list;
- Tap Agree.
Change your Apple Store location online
If you need to change your Apple Store region, and you don’t have your iPhone on you, you can also do it online:
- Go to appleid.apple.com and sign into your account.
- Click Personal Information.
- Click Country/Region and choose the region you want and a valid payment method.
Note: Changing your Apple Store region won’t change your GPS location, and geolocating apps will still know where you are.
How to change GPS location on an iPhone
You could get an app to change your location. Currently, the two most common ones that can spoof your actual location are the iTools Dongle and 3uTools. iTools is a paid service with a free trial period, and 3uTools is free software. However, there’s no such thing as risk-free spoofing, and you should practice caution.
Spoof your iPhone location with iTools:
- Get the iTool app.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer, open their app, and navigate to Toolbox and Virtual Location.
- Choose the Developer Mode and download the iOS Developer Disk Image file.
- Type in a location in the search bar at the top of the screen, select Go, and click Move here to spoof your GPS location.
Change your iPhone location with 3uTools:
- Get the 3uTools software and run it.
- Plug your iPhone into your computer, click on the Toolbox, and then on Virtual Location in the opened window.
- Pick a location, and click on Modify virtual location.
Once you’re done with GPS spoofing, restart your iPhone. Otherwise, every app on your iPhone will show the fake GPS location as your actual one. However, such spoofing isn’t considered safe and doesn’t provide you with any security.
Disclaimer: We don’t recommend this method since we are not responsible for third-party apps and can’t ensure their safety.
Why should you change your current iPhone location?
Changing your location has more benefits than you may realize. By changing location on your iPhone, you can stop apps from tracking and sharing your location, get around location-based restrictions, avoid targeted advertising, and access other markets worldwide.
For some, virtually changing your location means being able to work remotely — certain apps, websites, and services are inaccessible without being there locally.
Closing thoughts — change your location and keep it secure with Surfshark
Changing your location can be beneficial in many ways — from accessing location-restricted digital products or services to improving your online security. While you can manually change your location in your iPhone’s settings or use GPS spoofing tools, changing location with a VPN is easier, faster, and safer.
A VPN, like Surfshark, changes your location by giving you a new IP, circumvents regional blocks, and encrypts your internet traffic. This way, you’ll change your location, keep it private and secure, and have safe public Wi-Fi access. All of that with one click.
FAQ
Can you fake your location on your iPhone?
There are ways to change your iPhone’s GPS location — it requires installing third-party software on your computer and a tethered connection to it. However, we don’t recommend it; if you prefer not to share your location with friends on the Find app, you can simply turn off location sharing.
Is it legal to change your location on your iPhone?
The legality of changing your location depends on your and the service provider’s agreement and their Terms and Conditions. Please make sure to comply with all applicable laws and regulations of your service providers.
How do I change the default location on my iPhone?
To change the default location on your iPhone follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap your name.
- Select Media & Purchases.
- Select View Account and Country/Region.
- Choose a preferred country or region.
- Tap Change Country or Region.
- Select your chosen country or region and review the Terms & Conditions.
- Tap Agree at the top-right corner, and tap Agree again to confirm.
- Choose a payment method, enter your payment information and billing address, and click Next.
