Geo-spoofing: Change Location on Google Chrome and Firefox

Although it is now prevalent, many people have no idea why their devices and browsers request access to their locations. Most of the time, we click “Allow.” However, the ones that know understand that this feature helps us enjoy a wholesome experience while using the browser, app, or device.

While this is great for tagging photos, ordering pizza, and ensuring Uber know where to drop you off, it can also be harmful. Since your location is open to the app and third parties, there is a risk of your privacy getting invaded.

If you are worried about this privacy risk, there are a few methods to protect yourself; you can either deny access to your location or spoof it.

Spoofing involves making your location appear to be someplace it is not. To fake your location, you have three methods that will work. First is a VPN, toggling the location settings on your device and using a browser extension.

This article will cover all three methods of spoofing your location because sometimes, it takes multiple methods to spoof your location successfully.

How to use a VPN to fake your location successfully – Quick guide

Geo-spoofing, or making your location appear entirely different with a VPN, is straightforward. Below is a simple breakdown of the steps to follow:

Three best VPNs for geo-spoofing – Quick list

What is geo-spoofing?

Geo-spoofing refers to hiding your device’s location and making it appear different. It is a simple concept with a straightforward explanation – after all, you have to change your IP address, but the process has a little more depth we can explore. First, you would require a server situated at the preferred location to change your IP address.

You can hide the location of your device with two main methods. The first is with a proxy, a middleman that helps route your traffic through a remotely located server. The second method is using a VPN, the best and most recommended method.

The proxy and VPN make your traffic appear as if it originates from a different source. Still, the VPN encrypts and routes this traffic through a safe “tunnel,” keeping it safe and hidden from anyone trying to monitor or steal your data. The VPN can also ensure that “spoofing” isn’t just limited to your browser and device.

Advantages of geo-spoofing

Geo-spoofing has some benefits, which include the following:

• Unblocking foreign content: With geo-spoofing, you can access your favorite free movie sites and shows that were otherwise blocked from viewing. (Check out our article with the 50+ best free movie streaming websites for sources inspiration if you need.)
• Protecting your privacy: One major pro of geo-spoofing is that it prevents anyone, not even your ISP, from pinpointing your exact location.
• Maximizing gaming experience: It can let you spoof Pokemon Go to access game features in different locations. The same trick applies to other similar games online.
• Blocking any surveillance: This is an essential advantage if you live in a country where the law allows the government to monitor citizens’ activities. It is also a great way to eliminate all kinds of government or criminal surveillance.
• Ad-blocking: Geo-spoofing makes it difficult for ad agencies to track and curate ads since your location continues to change.
• Increased speeds: Geo-spoofing cuts out the ISP’s monitoring and thus prevents them from throttling your internet connections.

Disadvantages of geo-spoofing

There are two main cons to geo-spoofing, they are:

• DNS leaks
• DNS poisoning

DNS leaks occur when you have a flaw in your VPN’s security that allows the ISP to detect any DNS requests. While this is not particularly the fault of geo-spoofing, it occurs more likely with the process.

On the other hand, DNS poisoning refers to a scenario where the VPN routes your traffic to a fraudulent IP address, and this fraudulent IP address spreads malware to your browser and device at large.

Three best VPNs for geo-spoofing – Detailed list

1. ExpressVPN

A rich-featured VPN service that offers blazing-fast servers and dependable geo-unblocking capabilities to spoof your location from anywhere.

Visit ExpressVPN

Has nodes in 90+ countries with over 3,000 fast servers

TrustedServer technology (RAM-based servers)

Secures connection with dependable AES-256 data encryption

Does not keep log of user traffic usage

A useful split tunneling feature

Boasts Network Lock (kill switch) feature

Supports Tor over VPN

Peer to peer traffic allowed on servers

There are five simultaneous connections allowed per account

30-day tested refund policy

Pros

• Unblock many streaming sites like HBO Max, Hulu, and others
• Bypasses all types of geo-restrictions
• Observes unbreakable data security practices

Cons

• A bit more expensive than other VPN providers

ExpressVPN is arguably the safest, most secure, and quickest VPN today. It is perfect to use if you wish to spoof your location. In addition, it has an impressive number of servers; it has over 3,000 servers in 94 locations, ensuring you can find one near you to get the fastest speeds possible.

ExpressVPN also helps to keep your connection hidden thanks to its high-grade 256-bit encryption technology and advanced security features. The VPN service also has a strict no-logs policy that ensures none of your data is stored while connected to the service. 

ExpressVPN is also available on popular operating systems and devices and has excellent device and platform compatibility.

2. Private Internet Access (PIA)

An impressive VPN vendor with an extensive server network. It boasts strong unblocking features that allow you to access geo-restricted content.

Visit PIA

Has a server network of over 30,000 VPN nodes spread across 80+ countries

Peer to Peer connection supportive servers

Ensures robust encryption with AES 128-bits and 256-bits customization

Robust protection against malware and adware with in-built MACE

Enforces a strict policy of zero logging

Runs on RAM-only VPN servers (privacy benefiting)

The split tunneling feature works as expected

Boasts a feature-rich kill switch

Each account allows connection to ten simultaneous devices

30-day full money-back guarantee

Pros

• Has native apps for all popular devices
• Security and privacy features are top-notch for streaming
• Has a around the clock customer support

Cons

• Distant servers generally exhibit high latency

This budget-friendly VPN gets the job done regardless – arguably better than most that cost more. Its spoofing capabilities are impressive, with one of the largest server networks of any in the market today. The security features are formidable and run automatically, but you can customize the settings to suit your needs.

A no-logs policy means your online activities always stay private, even to your browser and ISP. It also has DNS and IP leak protection features, so you don’t risk exposure when you use it. PIA is available on multiple platforms and devices and works seamlessly with all.

3. NordVPN

One of the most dependable VPN services for faking your location on Chrome and Firefox and protecting your anonymity.

Visit NordVPN

A network of over 5,000 fast VPN servers present in over 59 countries

Threat protection feature (malware, tracking, and ad blockers)

Military standard, most dependable encryption present: AES-256

Features a kill switch that’s easy to use

Split tunneling feature with high functionality

Offers multi-hop VPN for double encryption

Provides seamless Onion over VPN functionality

No user data is stored

Each account allows users to connect up to six devices simultaneously

No-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee

Pros

• Apps with user-friendly designs and intuitive navigation
• Seamless unblocking capabilities
• Responsive customer support with knowledgeable agents

Cons

• Desktop apps take some sweet time to work

NordVPN is another excellent option if you want a VPN that can spoof your location and keep your private data safe at the same time. It is also budget-friendly and keeps features the same because of the price.

It keeps your data and device safe with its AES 256-bit encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch. For the best torrenting and streaming experience, it is also P2P-optimized and relatively easy to install and use the first time around.

NordVPN is available on MacOS, Windows, and Android smart devices.

How to choose the best VPNs to change your location online

There are significant metrics to consider when selecting the best VPNs for spoofing your location. They are as follows:

1. Speed of connection: The best VPN for spoofing must be able to hide/change your location and maintain the connection speeds. Often, there is the issue of a slower internet connection; this is a non-negotiable.
2. Server network: A VPN with an extensive server network is excellent for spoofing since it has a vast store of locations to choose from, and it can select any of those with lightning speed. 
3. Security features: Not all VPNs are safe to use; while they can spoof your location, they can also expose you to many problems, like an invasion of privacy. It would be best to have a VPN with high-end encryption, a kill switch, and protection from DNS leaks. 
4. Value for cost: Tons of VPNs must offer more for their high subscription cost. It would help if you had a budget-friendly VPN that does the job without compromising features.
5. Unblocking capabilities: Just like having an extensive server network helps with spoofing, it also helps access blocked content. That is because you can switch to a server in the location of the blocked content and watch it as if you were there.
6. Ease of use: It is essential because many people use VPNs for the first time and need to grasp the interface quickly. A VPN that is easy to use is an excellent pick for spoofing. This ease of use includes an active customer care service on standby if you need assistance. 
7. Privacy protocols: Privacy is a significant factor when choosing a VPN. If your choice of VPN service fails to protect your private data, you know you’ve chosen wrong. Our selection of VPNs is great at encrypting your traffic and data to ensure a private and exclusive experience every time.

How Google Chrome and Firefox find your location

Let’s briefly discuss how your browsers can detect your location. We’ll use Chrome and Firefox as case studies.

The first method is probably the most “on-the-nose” method to find your location, and that is through your IP address. Your IP address is unique to you; they can use it to pinpoint your exact location.

Think of it like your postal address but on the web. You can bypass this by getting a VPN to mask your IP address and substituting for a new one instead. But there are additional ways for your browsers to determine your precise location.

Another method is using any nearby WiFi network to triangulate your exact location. There is a directory of registered WiFI network locations and their physical locations, which likely includes your own.

You can beat this method by switching off your WiFi or Bluetooth connections, and if this fails, you can manually change the location using browser extensions.

How does a VPN service spoof your geo-location?

A VPN can spoof your location by sending your internet traffic through a designated server (provided by the VPN), preferably in another country or even within your country. While it is spoofing, two different features come together to ensure it is secure and no one can peek behind and see your exact IP address/location.

The two features also double as some of the benefits of using a VPN; they are as follows:

• Encryption: VPNs encrypt your internet connection, which makes it hidden from any third parties from detecting or snooping in on your online activities
• Location obfuscation: It is the process by which the VPN makes your IP address and, by extension, your location hidden from view. It does so by channeling your traffic through a spoof address and making it appear you are accessing the web from a different location — the spoof location.

It is important to note that although a VPN can spoof your location, changing it to another in a different country, your browser can still see the real one. This is why you need to add the use of the browser extension of whatever VPN you install to make double sure.

The extension and the VPN software will sync and share the exact spoofed location, avoiding leaks or detection.

How to spoof your location on your Mac with Google Chrome

If you want to change Chrome browser location on your Mac, do this:

1. Open a window on your Chrome browser, then press “Cmd+Option+I.” This should open the “Chrome Developer Tools” window.
2. Press the “Esc” key, then select the “Console” menu.
3. Click “Sensors” before changing the Geo-location list of options to “Other…” from the list.
4. Enter the latitude and longitude you want. You can use a preset list of locations as well. 

How to spoof location in Windows OS with Google Chrome

For spoofing your location on Windows PC, follow the steps below:

1. Open a Chrome browser window, and press “Ctrl+Shift+I.” This should launch the Chrome Developer Tools.
2. Press the “Esc” key, and click on the three dots beside “Console” towards your screen’s bottom. 
3. Click “Sensors” and tweak the “Location” options list to “Other…” from the list.
4. Enter your desired latitude and longitude.

How to spoof Windows and Mac location using Firefox

To fake or spoof your location in Mac and Windows using the Firefox browser, follow these simple steps:

• Type “about:config” in your Firefox browser’s address bar (without quotation marks).
• You should get a prompt warning pop-up informing you of the potential risks associated with modifying the advanced settings. But this is why we’re here, no?
• Brace yourself and select “Accept the risk and continue.”
• You will get another warning: “Changing these preferences can impact Firefox’s performance or security.” We’re already committed, so you go ahead with clicking on the “Show All” link.
• Find “geo.enabled” setting.
• The “geo.enabled” value column tex would be “true.” Double-click “true” to alter the setting there to “false.”

The above steps will keep Firefox away from detecting or tracking your location. To create a new location, the next set of steps will help with that. They are as follows:

• Still in the “about:config,” window, select the “geo-wifi.url” setting.
• Toggle this setting’s value to the precise region you wish. You must input specific latitude and longitude values to change your new location to the desired one. The format to follow is: data:application/JSON,{“location”: {“lat”: (latitude of preferred location, “lng”:longitude of preferred location}, “accuracy”: 27000.0}firefox geo-wifi url

If you want to find specific latitudes and longitudes of the locations you want, you can find those through many online resources, including LatLong.net or GPS Coordinates.

Undoing location spoofing on Firefox

Since Firefox’s spoofing works across all windows, merely closing a window won’t restore your browser’s default location, unlike Chrome.

So, if you want to undo these settings and pick your default location, right-click on a random spot in the “geo. WiFi.url” row and select “Reset.”

Ensure that the manual location spoofing works

Use an online tool like BrowserLeaks.com to check whether your manual location spoofing worked.

1. Using the Location Guard browser addon to fake your geo-location

LocationGuard is more like a GPS spoofing app in an extension form. It is available on Chrome and Firefox extension stores. There are two main pros to using it, they are:

• Location spoofing: This extension has a “Fixed location” feature that allows users to manually select any preferred location by entering it in a search bar.
• Reducing location detection accuracy: This feature lets you stay undetected by nefarious third parties while maintaining the benefits of location detection.

How to use Location Guard

• Install the LocationGuard addon for your Firefox or Chrome browser.
• Scroll to “Options” and tweak the “Default Level” there to “Use fixed location.”
• Scroll to “Fixed Location” and pick a location by either entering an address in search bar you see or clicking on the map.

While this is relatively simple to set up, we must note that Location Guard doesn’t shield your online activities from third parties intent on spying, and a VPN remains your best bet.

2. WebRTC blocking

WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) is a tool that helps with good video and audio browser-to-browser communication. This tool is present in all popular browsers and can still see your precise IP address even when you use a VPN.

Two VPNs on our list have a WebRTC leak protection feature: ExpressVPN and NordVPN. You should consider getting either if you want 100% protection. However, if you don’t have an active subscription and aren’t interested in getting it, you can disable this pesky WebRTC manually on Firefox. Just follow these easy steps:

• Type “about:config” in Firefox URL bar.
• Skip past the two cautions.
• Enter “media.peerconnection.enabled“.
• You will likely see “true” as the value there. If it appears, double-tap the row, to change it to “false.”

This manual method is only available for Firefox; to do it on Chrome, you need to source for extensions with WebRTC leak protection.

Can a DNS proxy spoof my location?

Technically, a DNS proxy can change your IP address and spoof your location, but this is only true if you visit a site with geo-restrictions. Your actual IP address will be displayed if you attempt to visit a site without any geo-blocks.

In addition, it is essential to note that DNS proxies do not encrypt users internet traffic, which leaves you open to monitoring and invasion from third parties. For this reason, you should choose a VPN instead.

Can a free VPN change my geo-location?

The answer is probably. That is because while it can help with spoofing, it also exposes you to many risks since free VPNs severely lack encryption and privacy measures. You can also be flooded with unwanted ads, some malicious, some just downright annoying when using a free VPN. 

In addition, the spoof might need to be more stable. For example, you might have to manually reconnect to a new server location from a limited number of servers to enjoy unblocked content. For this reason, we recommend using a VPN instead. 

Conclusion

We have reviewed the many ways your browser can detect your actual IP address and the many different methods to bypass the browser’s detection protocols. In addition, you can manually change your IP address, leaving you vulnerable to monitoring and invasion. 

A VPN is still the best and most recommended option to spoof your browser’s geo-location and maintain 100% protection and security the whole time. Proxies or extensions are good, but good does not cut it; a VPN is great, and you need great if you want your connection to be secure and keep your private data private.

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