Why would you want to change your iPhone’s location?
Your iPhone uses location information for different types of activity. Weather apps, maps, social media, and shopping platforms all rely on it. While it can make life easier, it also means your device tracks where you are. Many people feel uneasy about continuous location monitoring. So changing your iPhone’s location can help you:
- Protect your privacy. Many apps collect location information to build user profiles, deliver targeted ads, or track online behavior. By changing your iPhone’s virtual location or limiting location access, you reduce how much personal data is shared with third parties.
- Keep using services while traveling. Some apps are only available in certain countries, so when you’re temporarily abroad, you may want to keep using the paid subscriptions you already have at home on authorized platforms. If you travel or work remotely, you may need to change the App Store country settings or use tools that affect how websites determine your location so you can keep using the same authorized services you already pay for at home while traveling.
- Support app testing and troubleshooting. In some cases, changing an iPhone’s location is useful for testing purposes. App developers, quality assurance teams, and advanced users may need to check how features behave in different regions.
- Compare prices when booking travel. In some cases, prices for flights, car hire, or accommodation can vary by region. A different iPhone location can help you compare publicly available offers across regions.
- Improve security on public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi networks in cafés, airports, and hotels can expose your browsing data. When you change your online location using a secure method, you add a layer of protection to your connection and strengthen your iPhone’s security.
Change your location using a VPN
A VPN is by far the easiest method to change the location that websites see when you browse. It routes your internet traffic through a remote server and changes your IP address in the process, so sites see the server’s location rather than your usual IP location. If you’re traveling temporarily, a VPN may help you access paid subscriptions from your home country on authorized platforms while you’re abroad. You can also use it at home to make your connection safer and protect against network threats.
Important note: This method only changes the internet location signals, not the device’s sensors. Some apps will still use the GPS data or location services and show your real location. However, for browsing and most online services, a VPN does the trick.
To set up and use a VPN on an iPhone:
- 1.Download a VPN app. Visit the App Store and download a VPN app from the provider of your choosing. Install the app like you would any other iPhone app.
- 2.Log in. Launch the app on your smartphone and sign in or create an account if you haven’t already. You may also need to choose a pricing plan and complete the payment process before you can connect. While free VPNs do exist, they often come with limits on speed, data, or server locations, and some may log your activity. For better performance, privacy, and reliability, a reputable paid VPN is usually the safer choice.
- 3.Select a VPN server location. Once you are inside the app, you will see a list of server locations. Pick the country you want your iPhone to appear in and tap “Connect” to change the IP address on your iPhone and make it seem as though you’re browsing from a different location. Approve any VPN configurations in the settings when iOS prompts you to do so.
- 4.Check your IP. Check your IP address using an online IP checker to confirm that your location has changed and that you’re connected to the correct server. If you need to change the VPN location, simply select a server from a different location.
Please note that using NordVPN to bypass any regulatory or judicial measures, or for any other illegal activities, is strictly prohibited and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure you use NordVPN in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, as well as the terms of any websites or services you access using NordVPN.
Turn location services off
Even with a VPN running, some apps can still see where you are because they use your phone’s built-in location features. The iPhone’s location settings allow apps to access your GPS data, nearby Wi-Fi information, and other signals to figure out your device’s approximate location. If you want tighter control over what your iPhone shares with apps and system services, or if your goal is to change location on an iPhone in a way that affects apps, not just websites, you need to manage these settings.
To turn location services off:
- 1.Open the device’s settings.
- 2.Tap “Privacy & security.”
- 3.Then tap “Location services.”
- 4.At the top of the screen, you will see a switch. Turn it off, and your iPhone will stop sharing location with all apps. This change takes effect immediately.
You can also control location permissions on an app-by-app basis. In the same “Location services” menu, scroll down, pick an app, and restrict access to “While using the app,” grant it “Always,” or deny it completely.
Turning off location services boosts privacy, but it comes with a few trade-offs. Maps, weather apps, ride-sharing services, and the Find My app may stop working correctly. If you rely on such tools, it makes sense to limit your location access for specific apps instead of shutting the location down for all.
Change the GPS location on your iPhone
If you want apps to display a different physical location — not just change your online IP address — you would need to alter the GPS coordinates your device reports to apps and services. This process is commonly known as GPS spoofing. Apple doesn’t support this feature, and most methods of changing GPS data rely on third-party desktop software that connects your iPhone to a computer.
While it may sound tempting, GPS spoofing comes with serious risks. Many third-party GPS modification tools require installing companion software outside the App Store or granting deep system access, which can expose your device to malware and other security threats. Others require jailbreaking, which removes Apple’s built-in security protections. Jailbreaking can void your warranty, break system features, and even brick your device. Once those protections are gone, your phone becomes much more vulnerable to attacks.
It’s also important to understand that GPS spoofing directly violates Apple’s terms of service and platform policies. When you use unauthorized tools, modify system software, or jailbreak your device to manipulate location data, you break Apple’s user agreements and security rules. As a result, Apple can restrict your account, deny service, or limit device functionality. For these reasons, we strongly discourage changing your iPhone’s GPS location.
For most users, changing GPS data is not worth the trouble. A VPN combined with location services turned off usually covers everyday needs like privacy, access, and security. GPS location changes make sense only in controlled environments, such as app development or testing. If your goal is simply to make your iPhone appear in another country for browsing, stick with safer methods and avoid unnecessary risks.
Change your Apple ID’s country or region settings
Changing your Apple ID country or region affects the Apple Store location rather than where your iPhone appears to be located online. This method lets you access the App Store catalog associated with another country or region. It doesn’t change your GPS data, your device’s location, or how location-based apps determine where you are.
Before you update your Apple ID settings, make sure you spend your remaining Apple ID balance and cancel active subscriptions. Keep in mind that Apple also requires a valid payment method for the new region. Without it, you won’t be able to change your location. Apple enforces these rules to ensure purchases and subscriptions continue to work correctly after the change.
To change your Apple ID country or region settings on the iPhone:
- 1.Open the device’s settings.
- 2.Tap your Apple ID profile.
- 3.Tap “Media & purchases.”
- 4.Tap “View account.”
- 5.From there, tap “Country/Region” and choose your new country or region.
- 6.Pick the new country, agree to the terms, and enter valid payment details for that region.
You can also change your region on a Mac or Windows PC using the Apple Music or Apple TV app, or by signing in to your Apple account online. After the change, your App Store content updates to match the new region. Some apps or media from your old region may no longer be available, so keep that in mind.
How to verify your location has changed
After making any changes, it’s worth double-checking your results:
- Check your IP address. The easiest way to confirm your online location is by checking your IP address with an IP lookup tool, like NordVPN’s “What is my IP?” It shows the country and city associated with your current IP. If it matches the VPN server you chose, your virtual location has changed successfully.
- Use a web search. Open a browser and search for “my location” or “Where am I?” Many search engines display a location estimate based on your IP address. If the result reflects the new country or region, your virtual location is active. If it still shows your real location, the VPN may not be connected properly, or the website may be using cached data.
- Test apps and websites. You can also verify your location by checking region-specific websites or services. Open an app that shows regional results and compare. Shopping apps, airline websites, and some social platforms often adjust content based on your online location. If prices, availability, or featured content change, your new location is being recognized.
Which method of changing the location on your iPhone should you choose?
Choosing the right way to change the location on your iPhone depends on what you’re trying to achieve. Some methods affect how websites and online services see your device, while others control which apps can access your location or which content appears in the App Store. Each approach comes with different levels of effort, privacy, and risk.
Below is a brief comparison of the four main methods. Use it as a quick decision guide depending on what kind of iPhone location change you need.
| | VPN | Location services | Apple ID location settings | GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What will change? | IP address (virtual location) | App permissions | App Store catalog | GPS location |
| Setup difficulty | Easy | Easy | Medium | Difficult |
| Security level | Very high | High | High | Risky |
| Pros | ✅Installs quickly ✅Enhances privacy ✅Protects the device on public Wi-Fi ✅Works with most websites ✅Offers a large location choice | ✅Is built into iOS ✅Improves privacy ✅Reduces tracking | ✅Doesn’t require installing third-party services needed | ✅Works with all location-based apps |
| Cons | ❌Doesn’t change all location data ❌May not work with certain apps, or you may still see your actual location | ❌Can break app features ❌Doesn’t change location while browsing | ❌Requires a valid payment method ❌May result in content loss | ❌Introduces risk ❌Requires complex setup ❌Can weaken security |
| Best for | Security and privacy while browsing | Privacy control, battery saving | Access to region-specific apps | Development and testing only |
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