How to Change Location on Android in 2024

Imagine this - you’re subscribed to a streaming service such as Hulu, which is geo-restricted to US audiences only, but you end up traveling to a different country. Without changing your location, you will not be able to access geo-restricted apps on your Android phone. 

Accessing geo-restricted content and apps is just one of the many situations in which changing location on Android will help you. Other common benefits of changing location on Android include getting discounts on specific online services, anonymizing yourself online, and more. 

Fortunately, changing location on Android is easy. All you must do is get a capable VPN and connect to a server in a different country. That said, picking the right VPN is crucial.

In this article, we will talk about how to change location on Android with and without a VPN, the best VPNs for Android, and how location tracking on Android works.

How to Change Location on Android with a VPN?

You can change location on Android by opening a VPN app and connecting to a server in a different country. As a result of this, your IP address will change, and hence, your location will also switch to the country you have chosen. 

Here are the steps that you need to follow:

1. Subscribe to a VPN for Android (we recommend NordVPN) 
2. Download the VPN app from the Play Store. 
3. Log in to your account.
4. Set up the VPN on Android by following on-screen instructions.
5. Select your preferred server country. 
6. Tap the connect button.
7. Your location has changed, and you can start browsing securely.

Why Do You Need a VPN for Changing Android Location?

You need a VPN to change your Android location because apps on your phone can track your location using your IP address, and a VPN hides your IP address by masking it.

There are many reasons why you may need to change your Android location. Here are some common ones.

• Location spoofing: You can spoof location on Android to easily access content and apps in countries where they are blocked (such as Pakistan, the UAE, and China).
• Hide your browsing activity: The best VPNs for Android use 256-bit encryption, which even the fastest computers on Earth cannot break. This helps you hide your browsing history from hackers.
• Hide your IP address: All services that are connected to the Internet track your IP address. A VPN can anonymize you by hiding your real IP address. 
• Bypass bandwidth throttling: ISPs often use bandwidth throttling for activities like streaming and downloading to manage network congestion. By using a VPN, you can bypass such restrictions and enjoy full speeds. 
• Avoid local censorship: Countries like China have blocked a wide number of websites and apps. In such heavily censored countries, you can exercise your right to equal internet access by using a VPN.
• Access global content: Netflix has a different selection of movies in every country. Similarly, some YouTube videos get blocked in other regions due to copyright restrictions. By using a location spoofer, you can access such content globally.
• Access local content when traveling: While traveling, you may lose access to content that is only available in your home country. A prime example is Hulu, which is available only in the US. A VPN lets you access such content anywhere.
• Connect safely to public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks are often susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks by hackers. By using a VPN, your data will become encrypted and unreadable.
• Get a better gaming experience: Sometimes, ISPs throttle high-bandwidth activities like gaming, which can cause high latencies. You can solve this issue by connecting to a VPN server closest to your location.
• Avoid price discrimination: Some services follow regional pricing models. For example, Spotify’s US pricing is almost $10/month, but it costs $1.45/month in India. You can get discounts on such services with a VPN.
• Shop safely online: By using a VPN, you can hide your payment details and other sensitive information from hackers who may be spying on your Internet traffic. 
• Secure torrent downloads: A VPN can hide your torrenting activities from your ISP and keep you safe from malicious actors on the same network.

Best VPNs for Changing Your Android Phone Location

The best VPNs to change location on an Android phone should fulfill a set of criteria that includes the ability to unblock geo-blocked services, military-grade security, multiple simultaneous connections, obfuscated servers, and active customer support. 

After extensive testing, we have chosen the following VPNs as our top picks. 

1. NordVPN: This VPN is the best for users who are looking for advanced security features like double-hop, which creates two layers of protection. Other than that, NordVPN also uses 256-bit encryption in combination with OpenVPN and NordLynx. During our testing, NordVPN unblocked all streaming services tested. It also offers obfuscated servers that are designed to hide the fact that you are using a VPN. Get NordVPN Now.
2. ExpressVPN: There are many reasons why we suggest you use ExpressVPN on Android. It unblocks all geo-restricted services seamlessly. Also, it has obfuscated servers in 90+ countries. Then, it uses 256-bit encryption, which is nearly impossible to break. That, combined with secure protocols like OpenVPN, makes ExpressVPN a great location changer for Android. On top of that, it lets you connect 8 devices simultaneously and offers live 24/7 chat support. 
3. CyberGhost VPN: Popular for its specialized streaming servers, CyberGhost is another VPN worth mentioning that lets you fake location on Android. It provides optimized servers for services like Netflix, Disney+, and more. It also has special gaming servers that are configured to provide the lowest latency. CyberGhost also uses 256-bit AES encryption and supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. 

How Does Android Location Tracking Work?

Android location tracking works by gathering your device’s GPS data, tracking IP addresses, and monitoring Google Location Services. 

So, there is not a single technique but a combination of methods that apps use depending on the situation. For instance, apps like Pokémon GO will access your device’s GPS information to track your location and movement.

On the other hand, streaming services like Netflix and Hulu will primarily use your IP address to determine your country. In such cases, a VPN will be sufficient to change your phone location.

How to Change Location on Android Without a VPN?

You can set location on Android without a VPN by turning off your location in the settings and adjusting the location accuracy. Remember that a VPN changes your IP address, but apps that access your device’s location can still find your real location. 

An alternative method is GPS spoofing using a dedicated third-party app. However, we do not recommend installing third-party apps due to safety risks. 

How to Turn Off Location on Android

1. Swipe down from the top of your device’s screen.
2. Hold the location option to open the advanced settings.
3. Toggle off the “Location” button.

How to Adjust Android Location Accuracy

1. Touch the top of your device’s screen and swipe down.
2. Tap the location option and hold it to open advanced settings.
3. Open “Google Location Accuracy.” 
4. Toggle it off. 

Final Thoughts

A VPN on your Android device will change your location by hiding your IP address and changing it to a different country. However, some Android apps can track your location by using your phone’s built-in location settings. You can also turn off your location from Android’s settings, but it may cause some apps to stop working. An alternative is to use a third-party GPS location app. 

Nevertheless, when it comes to changing location on Android, you need a capable VPN with obfuscated servers and top-notch encryption. NordVPN is our top recommendation because it checks all the right boxes. 

We hope that you have learned how to change your location on Android and fully anonymize yourself in the process. If you have any comments, feel free to write them below.