Pokemon Go is one of the biggest games of the decade, but just how much you get to enjoy it depends on your location. If you’ve stumbled across this blog, it’s likely because you have faced the frustration of hearing about exclusive content available in other parts of the world. Unfortunately, you miss out on a lot, from unique Pokemon to Pokestops and gyms, because of the GPS location restrictions.
Unfortunately, Pokemon Go has become more intelligent to VPNs and spoofing apps designed to change your location. This makes GPS spoofing and bypassing restrictions that bit harder, but it’s not impossible. There are still some ways to spoof Pokemon Go and get your hands on some of that blocked content. The important thing is to avoid detection; Pokemon Go has been known to permanently block players using spoofing apps.
So let’s get down to business. In this blog, we will look at ways to get around the Pokemon Go GPS limitations. Here are some of the best ways that are proven to work.
1. Change Your Location with a VPN
Using VPNs to access Pokemon Go is probably the easiest way. By now, most of us are familiar with VPN services and know the biggest names in the world of internet security. You might already use a VPN to unblock Netflix and other streaming sites, and the process is precisely the same for unblocking Pokemon Go.
All you have to do is download a VPN that has been proven to work with Pokemon Go and install it on your mobile device. Most of the popular VPNs work on iPhone and Android devices and are very user-friendly.
Open the app and connect to a server in the location where the exclusive content is available. This will change your IP address and location, but you may still struggle to unblock Pokemon Go. Why? Because the app itself doesn’t just use your IP address to determine your location, but it also uses your device’s GPS location. This is something a VPN won’t change, so you should combine it with a GPS spoofing app. Here are some of the features you should be looking out for in a Pokemon Go VPN:
- Server locations in your preferred countries to access blocked content, such as The United Kingdom, The USA, Canada, and others. This will mean plenty of IP addresses available.
- Fast speeds capable of handling high levels of data transfer like gaming, streaming, or file sharing. Anything less will result in lag.
- There are no limits so that you’re never cut off or slowed down when you have used a lot of data. Also, no throttling during busy periods.
- High levels of security are in place to protect your details and privacy and ensure that your VPN usage is undetectable.
- Compatibility with Android and IOS devices, both very popular amongst Pokemon Go players.
2. Combine a VPN with a GPS Spoofing App
A VPN will protect your device and prevent cookies, ads, hackers, and phishing attempts. But, Pokemon Go will still be able to determine your GPS location. So, for complete access, you should combine a VPN with a good spoofing app. The spoofing app will give you a mock location and make it possible for Pokemon Go to detect what you are doing.
Both the VPN and the GPS app will work in synch and adjust your phone settings accordingly. So you won’t need to play around with any complicated settings yourself. Such apps are available in the App Store or Google Play Store and can be easily installed and used.
3. Enable Mock Locations (Android)
Android is much more flexible and customizable than IOS, so there are ways to spoof your location on Pokemon Go through developer mode. Here’s how to do it:
- Click ‘settings’ on the main menu and then ‘about device’
- Click on ‘build number’ seven times to open developer mode
- Now head back to ‘settings,’ and you will see ‘developer options’
- Enable ‘allow mock locations’ under the developer options section
As well as this, you will need to install a masking mobile on your Android device called Mock Locations. It stops Pokemon Go from knowing that you have mock locations enabled. However, as with any manual configuration, there are risks involved, and this should only be done by somebody familiar with such Android settings.
How Much Does Pokemon Go Spoofing Cost?
Some VPNs and GPS spoofing apps are entirely free and could be a good option for just starting out. The issue with these free services is that they are limited and often unreliable. Not only will you find fewer servers and locations to connect to, but you will be capped as to how much data you can use too.
Premium VPNs and GPS spoofing apps come with much fewer restrictions but also come at a cost. You can typically get a VPN, should as NordVPN or ExpressVPN, for around $13 per month. This will be even less if you commit to an annual plan. Most GPS spoofing apps that can change your GPS location, like iOS Roaming Guide or Fake GPS, cost around $5 per month. This means that you could be paying up to $20 per month to change the location of your device. Whether or not this is worth the investment depends on how much you play Pokemon Go and how important it is to access geo-blocked content like gyms and exclusive Pokemon.
But Are These Apps Safe for Your Device?
No, not every VPN or spoofing app is safe. Because they’re so popular, there are many scammers out there that can seriously compromise your device and information. You should always read reviews first to check that a service is genuine and trust your gut if something doesn’t seem right.
Always stick to reputable VPN brands, such as NordVPN and Surfshark. These will never install spyware or malware on your device, and each has millions of happy users.
Is it Illegal to Change Your Location on Pokemon Go?
No, you are not breaking any laws by changing your GPS locations to play Pokemon Go. However, you are violating the Pokemon Go terms of service. The game stipulates that those caught using a VPN, spoofing app, or any software that changes their location could be subject to an IP address ban or a complete account closure. This means that you have to be very careful in your attempt to change your GPS location, as, in your bid to unlock content, you could be locked out of the app permanently.
Can I Use a VPN to Play Pokemon Go?
Yes, you can use a VPN to play Pokemon Go, but the game and its parent company don’t like it. To avoid detection, use premium VPN and GPS location spoofing apps that have been proven to work. Additional features to a Pokemon Go VPN should include AES encryption and a network kill switch, both tools to avoid being caught breaking the rules.
If you don’t plan on changing your location but want to protect your device and privacy, a VPN is also a good option.
Can I Use a Free VPN with Pokemon Go?
Free VPNs are not a reliable option for Pokemon Go. Their low resources, slow speeds, and tight limits are better suited for general web browsing or Google searches. There are some activities that a free VPN can’t handle, and these include streaming and gaming. In addition, you will face frustrating lag, error messages, and your actual location may be exposed, putting you at risk of getting banned from the platform. We strongly recommend that you stick to a premium VPN for Pokemon Go – NordVPN is one of the best choices.
Do I Really Need Both a VPN and a Spoofing App?
Yes, to correctly spoof your location, you will need both installed on your device. This is because, although a VPN can change your IP address, it cannot change the location of your iPhone or android. The Pokemon Go app uses GPS to determine where you are, and so an additional app is needed to change your location. Both app types are equally as important and work in tandem to unblock Pokemon Go content effortlessly. One without the other just won’t work.
Does Pokemon Go Spoofing Still Work?
Yes, Pokemon Go spoofing still exists, but it’s more complicated than ever before. When the game first launched, players worldwide could easily spoof their locations and access content from anywhere. The game and its developers have gotten much better at detecting spoof attempts and now imposes bans on those caught. Better detection technology and tougher sanctions mean that changing your location is a risk, and you could lose access altogether. That said, a great VPN with the support of a suitable location change app will help you to fly under the radar.
Hi, I'm Cliff. I'm based in Cleveland, Ohio, with my wife and two kids.
I have a keen interest in cybersecurity and have been writing about it for around a decade now. Due to my background in computer science, I am familiar ...
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