Full Guide to Change Your Location on Snapchat

Social media apps utilize location data to customize the content they offer to their users based on the region they live in. Snapchat is not an exception, as the app has a number of features that can only be accessed if the device’s GPS feature is enabled.

However, knowing that an app is tracking your movements may raise safety concerns, especially if you don’t know the purpose for which this data is used. So, in this article, we are going to help you learn how to switch off Snapchat’s location tracking features and show you what you can do to trick the app into displaying a fake location.

Further Reading: How to Unlock Permanently Locked Snapchat Account >

Why Does Snapchat Track the User Location?

In 2017, Snapchat rolled out a new feature, named Snap Map that if activated displays your location while the app is active. Once you exit the app, it remembers your last location for a few hours before removing it from the Snap Map.

Besides enabling your friends on Snapchat to know your current location, the app utilizes the location data to offer you filters, badges, and other similar content based on the region where the device is located.

This means that some of the app’s content may remain unavailable to you just because Snapchat offers you content that is aimed at the area you live in. Luckily, there are a few workarounds you can use to bypass the app’s geolocation filters.

Reasons to Hide or Fake Snapchat Location

Snapchat wants you to display your actual location at all times, but doing so is limiting your access to filters and other features. So, changing or hiding your current location can enable you to gain access to filters that are not available on your continent.

Also, changing your location on Snapchat can be useful if you want to meet new people in the city you’re about to travel to. Then you can catch up with them during your trip. Faking your Snapchat location can be a cool way of pranking your friends into thinking that you’re in a different country while you’re in fact at home.

How to Hide the User Location on Snapchat

The Snap Map option has to be enabled, and if you haven’t done so by now, the app is not tracking your location. Furthermore, this feature can’t be activated accidentally, as you need to give the app permission to track your location three times and you also have to give the same permission for your Smartphone.

Once enabled, the app’s location feature will track your movements and display them on the Snap Map. So you may be wondering can I change my location on Snapchat map? The answer is no. However, you can choose who can see your current location or even switch it off entirely.

Step 1. Open the Discover, Friends, or Camera screen and tap on the Magnifying Glass icon.

Step 2. After the Snap Map pops up on your screen, you should tap on the Gear icon that is located in the upper section of the screen.

Step 3. Proceed to toggle on the Ghost mode by tapping on this option in the Settings menu, and then select how long the Ghost mode is going to be active.

Step 4. You can choose between 3 hours, 24 hours, and Until Turned Off options. Once any of these options is selected other Snapchat users won’t be able to track your movement, but you will still be able to see your location on the Snap Map.

However, there are no options in Snapchat that would allow you to fake your location on Snapchat and you must use third-party apps if you want to change your location in this app.

How to Fake Snapchat Location on Mobile Phone

All you have to do to fake a location on Snapchat from an Android phone is open the Google Play Store and find the Fake GPS Location app. Afterward, you have to enter the Developer Mode on your phone. See the steps below.

Step 1. Open the Settings app and then chose the About Phone option from the System menu. Once in the About Phone menu, you should expand the Software Info menu and tap on the Build Number 7 times.

Step 2. Insert the phone’s lock code, and then you can enter the Developer menu that is located in the Settings app. Within the Developer Options menu, you’ll be able to find the Select Mock Location App feature, so you just have to tap on it and choose the Fake GPS Location app.

Step 3. Open the Fake Location App and tap anywhere on its map to change your phone’s location. After you select a new location, you should tap on the Play button and the app will change your device’s current location.

How to Change Location on Snapchat via VPN

Unlike other methods, using a VPN is possible to give you a new IP address. Therefore, this is the easiest way to change the location. In this article, we’ll introduce a VPN, called PrivadoVPN. It has a free version and a paid version, so you can choose according to your needs. And now please follow the steps below.

Step 1. Download PrivadoVPN to your iOS device or Android Device and launch it.

Step 2. After launching, you’ll see there are many countries under Selected Server. Please choose any server you like, after connection, you can see that your IP address has changed automatically.

The Bottom Line

Snapchat’s geolocation filters can limit your selection of badges and filters, but at the same time, they can also raise a number of safety concerns. Although disabling the app’s location features doesn’t take more than a few moments of your time, Snapchat doesn’t allow you to fake your location.

You will have to use third-party apps if you want to trick Snapchat into thinking that you’re at a different location, but keep in mind that these apps alter the device’s location which can affect other apps you’re using.

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