How to Change Your Location in Pokemon Go
Since its launch, Pokemon Go has encouraged players to step outside, explore their surroundings, and discover hidden Pokemon. However, not everyone has access to ideal locations for catching the most desired creatures, visiting unique PokeStops, or conquering rare Gyms. Changing your location in Pokemon Go has become a popular strategy to experience the game in a whole new way. This guide unveils the secrets behind changing your location in Pokemon Go, providing insights, step-by-step instructions, and solutions to common challenges.
Why Change Your Location in Pokemon Go?
Changing your location in Pokemon Go opens up countless opportunities:
- Access Rare Pokemon: Some Pokemon are exclusive to specific regions, like Mr. Mime in Europe or Tauros in North America. Changing your location allows you to catch these exclusive Pokemon without traveling.
- Participate in Special Events: Niantic, the developer of Pokemon Go, often hosts in-game events in certain cities. By changing your location, you can virtually attend these events and access rare items and Pokemon.
- Explore New PokeStops and Gyms: Players can experience new challenges by virtually exploring locations with different PokeStops, Gyms, and Raids, which adds variety to gameplay.
Important Considerations Before Changing Your Location
Before diving into the process, keep in mind that location spoofing in Pokemon Go is technically against Niantic’s terms of service. Here are some tips to consider:
- Use it sparingly: Changing locations frequently or teleporting to far-off places too often can trigger Niantic’s anti-cheat system.
- Avoid suspicious activity: If Niantic suspects unusual location activity, it may issue a soft ban or limit your account’s functionality temporarily.
Now, let’s dive into how you can change your location in Pokemon Go while minimizing risks.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Location in Pokemon Go
There are several methods to change your location in Pokemon Go, primarily using VPNs and GPS spoofing apps. Let’s go over these methods step by step.
Method 1: Using a VPN and GPS Spoofing Apps (For Android)
For Android users, combining a VPN with a GPS spoofing app can help change your location. Here’s how:
- Download a VPN app: Choose a reliable VPN service to mask your IP address and change your device’s virtual location. Popular choices include NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
- Enable developer options on your Android device: Go to your phone’s Settings > About Phone > Build Number and tap it seven times to activate developer mode.
- Install a GPS spoofing app: Go to the Google Play Store and install a GPS spoofing app, such as Fake GPS Location or GPS Joystick.
- Set your mock location: In developer options, go to Select mock location app and select the GPS spoofing app you downloaded.
- Turn on your VPN: Open the VPN app and connect to a server in the desired region.
- Open the GPS spoofing app and set your location: Choose the desired location within the GPS spoofing app.
- Launch Pokemon Go: With both the VPN and GPS spoofing app active, launch Pokemon Go and enjoy exploring your new virtual location!
Note: Using VPN and GPS spoofing together can prevent Niantic’s anti-cheat detection from flagging your account, but use these tools wisely to avoid any risks.
Method 2: Using Location Spoofing Apps on iOS Devices
For iOS users, changing your location in Pokemon Go is slightly more complicated due to Apple’s stricter app policies. However, it’s still possible by following these steps:
- Install a location spoofing software on your computer: Popular options include iTools and Dr.Fone. These apps allow you to manipulate the GPS location on your iOS device.
- Connect your iOS device to your computer: Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer.
- Open the location spoofing app and choose your desired location: Select the location you want to appear in within the spoofing app.
- Launch Pokemon Go on your iOS device: Once the spoofing app has set your new location, open Pokemon Go and start exploring your chosen area.
Tip: If you have a jailbroken iOS device, you can also install location-changing tweaks directly on your phone, but jailbreaking can void warranties and expose your device to security risks.
Method 3: Using Desktop Emulators
If you’d like to play Pokemon Go from the comfort of your computer, using a desktop emulator like BlueStacks is an option. Here’s how:
- Download an Android emulator: Install BlueStacks or NoxPlayer on your computer. These emulators allow you to run Android apps, including Pokemon Go.
- Install a GPS spoofing app: Search for a GPS spoofing app within the emulator’s app store, similar to an Android device.
- Set your desired location: Open the GPS spoofing app and set your location before launching Pokemon Go.
- Start playing Pokemon Go: Open Pokemon Go within the emulator, and you should see yourself in the location you selected.
Important: While emulators are a convenient way to play Pokemon Go, Niantic is strict about using them, as they can trigger bans if detected. Be cautious and avoid using emulators as a long-term solution.
Troubleshooting Common Issues When Changing Your Location in Pokemon Go
Changing your location in Pokemon Go can sometimes lead to errors or problems. Here’s how to troubleshoot some of the most common issues:
Issue 1: “Failed to Detect Location” Error
If you see a “Failed to Detect Location” error, it typically indicates that your spoofing app or VPN isn’t functioning correctly. Here’s how to fix it:
- Disable Mock Locations: Go to Developer Settings and turn off “Allow mock locations” if it’s still enabled. Some Android devices require this setting to be off for Pokemon Go to recognize the GPS location.
- Restart GPS Spoofing App: Close and restart the spoofing app and reset your location.
Issue 2: Soft Ban from Pokemon Go
If Niantic detects suspicious location changes, they might issue a soft ban. This ban prevents you from interacting with PokeStops or catching Pokemon for a limited time. To fix this:
- Wait It Out: Soft bans usually last between 1-12 hours, so you may simply need to wait.
- Spin a PokeStop Multiple Times: Go to a PokeStop and spin it 40 times. Some players report that this trick can lift a soft ban faster.
Is Changing Your Location in Pokemon Go Worth It?
For many players, changing location in Pokemon Go enhances the game’s enjoyment and accessibility, offering a new experience that wouldn’t be possible without physically traveling. However, it’s essential to understand the risks associated with spoofing. As long as you follow the guidelines and take precautions to avoid detection, changing your location can provide exciting opportunities to explore the Pokemon Go world.
For those who wish to explore alternative ways to progress in the game without changing locations, you can check out our guide on improving your Pokemon Go skills for additional tips and tricks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, changing your location in Pokemon Go can help you access rare Pokemon, experience new events, and explore unique locations. Whether you’re an Android or iOS user, there are ways to spoof your location safely and responsibly, though always with a level of caution to avoid any negative impacts on your account.
Remember, while these techniques offer exciting possibilities, it’s essential to prioritize account security and respect Niantic’s terms of service to continue enjoying the game. With the right knowledge, you can broaden your Pokemon-catching horizons and make the most of your Pokemon Go experience!
This article is in the category Guides & Tutorials and created by GameMasterHub Team