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Android phones have the same GPS hardware as an iPhone, but iOS restrictions mean that getting the phone to run any piece of code that could allow the phone to run programs unattended is an uphill battle or an absolute impossibility.
So, is there a way to trick your iPhone into thinking you're in a different place? It is possible, but not with simple software modifications.
Let's take a closer look at how you can fake your GPS location on an iPhone.
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How do I change my current location on an iPhone?
Fake GPS location can help with some games like Pokémon Go. However, it doesn't work with all apps, and many apps attempt to prevent GPS spoofing.
Using a fake GPS location in a gaming environment may result in a ban if detected, depending on the game. Many apps require your location to work (like Tinder or Bumble). For example, the weather app may not work properly with tampered GPS.
You should also be aware that Apple is quick to recognize methods of spoofing your location and if they detect you using "banned" software, they can take action to shut down your software.
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Finally, if you decide to try to jailbreak your iPhone, it could mess up or even crash your device in a number of ways, including voiding the warranty.
For all these reasons, jailbreaking your iPhone to access GPS spoofing is a pretty risky way to go. But if you insist...
Fake iPhone GPS Location via Jailbreak
By design, a jailbreak hacks your iPhone so you can change most native settings. In fact, you'll be hard pressed to find a jailbreak repository that works well with iOS 12 and later.
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But if you have an older device, you should be able to remove it. Instructions for performing a jailbreak are beyond the scope of this article, but you should definitely read our jailbreak overview to learn how to perform this task.
Once your phone is jailbroken, there are two Cydia apps that might be worth your attention, LocationHandle, and akLocationX. The catch is that akLocationX supports iOS devices with the A7 chip, which means that iPhone 5s and iPads of that era run iOS 6 or 7. LocationHandle is a paid app that works with iOS 9 and 10 but you will need to install a screen controller.
How to fake GPS location on iPhone without jailbreaking it?
If you are worried about breaking your iPhone when you try to jailbreak it, use this method to spoof your location without jailbreaking your phone.
This method requires iBackupBot, a third-party tool to make changes to backup files. It would be advisable to create a master backup of your unmodified system first for safety.
Step 1
After connecting your iPhone to a computer, launch iTunes and click the iPhone icon to access more options. Select "Back Up Now" (keep "Encrypt iPhone" unchecked).
Step 2
When the backup is complete, close iTunes and launch iBackupBot, which should automatically locate and open the backup files.
Now you need to search for the Apple Maps plist file, which can be found in one of two locations.
- User Application Files > com.Apple.Maps > Library > Preferences
- System Files > HomeDomain > Library > Preferences
Step 3
When you open the file, find the tag and insert the following code just below.
_internal_PlaceCardLocationSimulation
After that, you can close iBackupBot but keep the iPhone plugged in and don't open iTunes yet.
Step 4
Proceed to deactivate âFind my phoneâ as follows.
Settings > Your Apple ID > iCloud > Find My Phone (tap to turn off)
With that out of the way, you can reconnect to iTunes and restore from the modified backup.
Step 5
Launch Apple Maps and navigate to the location you want to be. Tap the bottom of the window for location information and you should fine-tune the Simulate Location feature. Tap to confirm and check if it works for your other apps.
Other Ways to Spoof Your Location on iPhone
iTools is a computer app that works with iOS 12 and earlier (although many users said it works on iOS 14). It comes with a file manager in addition to GPS spoofing. It's not really user-friendly though.
You need to connect to a computer with a USB cable and access the Virtual Location feature. You then need to manually remove the fake GPS tag.
Until recently, using a VPN service was probably the best and easiest way to fake your GPS location. NordVPN is among the most popular for iPhone and available for iOS 9.0 or newer. You will still have to pay it.
The hardware solution that many have been waiting for
The basic problem of iPhone users is that Apple doesn't want people to tamper with iPhone locations, so they forbid app developers to write the very simple iOS apps that could do this task.
However, in recent months, a hardware company has introduced an Apple-compatible system that allows you to virtually move your iOS device wherever you want! It's not free, or even cheap, but it works well and is a robust and reliable solution.
GFaker is the name of both the company and the product, and it's basically a small hardware device that you plug your iPhone or iPad into, like you're plugging into an Apple computer.
However, GFaker devices present themselves to iOS as external GPS devices, using Apple-approved chipsets that comply with the Apple External Accessory Framework standard. Then you run the bundled app, which doesn't require a jailbreak, to set the location you want to be in. The GFaker device, masquerading as a new GPS, tells all apps running on your iOS device that your current location is whatever it is. you programmed. It's so simple and elegant, you'll think you have an Android phone.
The GFaker is available in two different models, the GFaker Phantom and the GFaker Pro. The Phantom ($259) works on all iPhones and iOS versions from iOS 9 to iOS 14. However, it has one limitation â it doesn't report elevation data, so apps that are exceptionally "paranoid" at about the GPS coordinates they use might balk. For 99% of applications, however, this is not a problem. The GFaker Pro ($198) is an older model but still works great with iOS 9 through 12. It will also work with newer versions, but there are a few extra installation steps. The Pro will also work with any iPad using the Lightning dock.
Although these products come at a cost, for users needing a simple and reliable GPS solution, GFaker seems to be by far the best approach. Sometimes, especially with Apple products, you get what you pay for.
Latest Thoughts
Ultimately, faking your GPS location on an iPhone is tricky enough unless you're willing to shell out the cash for a VPN service or a GFaker.
Keep in mind that some of the methods listed in this article may work with newer iOS, although Apple may just block it with a new update. If you are looking for a free solution, iTools is your best choice. Let us know your preferred method and the reason for the fake GPS location in the comments section below.
