How to Change Location in Pokemon Go Safely [Android & iOS]

Many Pokémon GO trainers wish to explore areas beyond their immediate neighborhood to catch rare Pokémon, participate in unique raids, or access more Pokéstops. Changing your in-game location, often called "spoofing," can make this possible. In this article, we'll explain how to change your location in Pokémon GO on both Android and iOS safely and easily.

Part 1. How to Change Location in Pokémon GO on an Android Device

Changing your location in Pokémon GO on Android is typically done by enabling developer settings and using a mock location app. This technique uses a built-in Android feature designed for developers to test location-based apps.

There are several Pokémon GO spoofer apps for Android users. Here I'll recommend Fake GPS location to you. It's developed by Lexa. You can download it from the Google Play Store and then change your location in Pokémon GO with a few taps. Here are the quick steps.

Step 1 Enable Developer Options

Navigate to your phone's Settings > About Phone. Scroll down and tap on the "Build Number" seven times consecutively. You will see a notification that "You are now a developer!"

Step 2 Choose a Mock Location App

Go to the Google Play Store and download a reliable GPS spoofing app called Fake GPS location.

Step 3 Assign the Mock Location App

Then, go back to your Settings > Developer Options. Scroll down until you find the option for "Select mock location app" and choose the app you just installed.

Step 4 Set Your Location

Now, open the Fake GPS location app. Use its map to move the pin to your desired location anywhere in the world, and press the "Start" or "Play" button.

Step 5 Launch Pokémon GO

Then, open Pokémon GO. Your in-game character should now be at the new location, ready to explore with the on-screen joystick. Remember to respect the cooldown timer if you jumped a long distance!

Part 2. How to Change Location in Pokémon GO on an iOS Device (iPhone/iPad)

For iOS users, the safest and most reliable method involves using a desktop application on a PC or Mac to manage your device's GPS. This avoids installing risky third-party apps directly onto your iPhone or iPad.

Among several popular Pokémon GO spoofers, TunesKit Location Changer stands out because of its high efficiency and ease of use. It works by feeding a mock location to your iPhone at the system level via its USB connection. This is generally considered more stable and less detectable than modified versions of the Pokémon GO app.

Next, let's show you how to change your Location in Pokémon GO without moving by using TunesKit Location Changer.

Step 1 Launch TunesKit Location Changer

Download TunesKit Location Changer onto your PC or Mac which can manage your iPhone's location. Then launch the program after installation.

Step 2 Connect Your iPhone to Computer

Then, connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable. For iOS users, you can also use WiFi to connect your device to the computer.

Step 3 Select a Location Simulation Mode

Now choose "Game Mode" for changing location in Pokémon GO. Tap to "Trust" the computer on your device when prompted. Follow the inscreen instructions to turn on the Developer Mode on the iPhone.

Step 4 Set Your Virtual Location

The software will display a map-based interface. You can either enter an address or simply click on the map to select a new location. Once you've chosen a spot, click the "Start Modifying" button. Your iPhone's GPS, and therefore your Pokémon GO character, will now be at this new virtual location.

Part 3. Important Notes for Changing Location in Pokémon GO

Understanding the risks is very important. The security of your account is your own responsibility.

3.1 Three-Strike Discipline Policy

In fact, changing your GPS location is a direct violation of Niantic's Player Guidelines and Terms of Service. It is considered cheating, and doing so can have serious consequences for your account. To combat this, Niantic uses a Three-Strike Discipline Policy:

• Strike 1: You receive a warning message and your gameplay may be degraded for about 7 days. For instance, you may not be able to find rare Pokémon.
• Strike 2: Your account is suspended, typically for 30 days. You will be unable to log in during this period.
• Strike 3: Your account is permanently terminated.

3.2 Pokémon GO Cooldown Time

If you decide to proceed, this is the most critical rule you must never break. A cooldown is a mandatory waiting period you must observe after performing an action in the game. The duration depends on the distance you "traveled" between actions. Ignoring this is the fastest way to get your account flagged. The basic principle is simple: the further you jump, the longer you wait. The maximum waiting time is 2 hours.

Distance Traveled	Cooldown Time
1 km	~30 Seconds
10 km	~7 Minutes
100 km	~35 Minutes
500 km	~1 Hour
1,000 km	~1 Hour 30 Minutes
1,500+ km	2 Hours

3.3 Best Practices for Staying Under the Radar

Beyond cooldowns, following these tips can reduce your risk profile.

• Simulate Realistic Movement: When you arrive at a new location, use the joystick feature to walk or jog at a realistic speed. Don't instantly jump from one side of a city to another.
• Log Out for Big Jumps: If you are teleporting across continents, a safe practice is to log out of Pokémon GO, change your location, wait the full two-hour cooldown, and then log back in.
• Avoid Suspicious Activity: Don't jump between countries every few hours to catch region-exclusive Pokémon. This behavior is unnatural and easy to detect.

Part 4. FAQs Related to Changing Location in Pokémon GO

Here are some frequently asked questions about changing your location in Pokémon GO. Read them quickly and get your answers.

Part 5. Final Thoughts

Changing your location in Pokémon GO can unlock a new level of gameplay, but it's a "high-risk, high-reward" activity. Success and account safety depend entirely on your diligence in following the rules, especially the cooldown timers. By understanding the methods and respecting the risks, you can make an informed decision about how you want to explore the world of Pokémon. Happy hunting!