Geo-spoofing: Change Location on Google Chrome and Firefox

Justice Ekaeze Last updated: May 25, 2023 Read time: 14 minutes Disclosure

Learn what geo-spoofing is and how to spoof your browser's geo-location to bypass content restrictions while staying safe online using VPNs.

Geo-spoofing answers geo-restrictions, the latter being the restrictions on content within a specific location. It means you would be unable to view if you were outside the location or the list of locations. With a VPN, however, you can quickly solve this problem since it helps to switch your IP address to one from the desired location. But that’s not all spoofing is suitable for; it can also protect your traffic and data from prying eyes. Only the best VPNs can do both the spoofing and safeguarding of your IP address and location, including the three listed in this article.

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:

  1. First, you need to subscribe to a premium VPN provider. We recommend ExpressVPN.
  2. Next, download the VPN app for your preferred device, install and allow for the addition of browser extensions – most VPNs come with extensions.
  3. Now, launch the VPN app or its appropriate extension, and select a server where you wish to browse and connect to it.
  4. This action has now given you a new but temporary IP address to stream geo-restricted content.
  5. If you complete these steps and still can’t access blocked content, consider clearing any cookies and caches in your browser. Reach out to the VPN’s customer care if this does not work.

Three best VPNs for geo-spoofing – Quick list

  1. ExpressVPN: Best for spoofing your location, an all-rounder packed with unique features such as stable connections and a large network of servers in over 90 countries. It is secure, thanks to its strong encryption, and very user-friendly. It also supports streaming and offers 24/7 support.
  2. Private Internet Access (PIA): Best budget VPN, affordable subscription, and is packed with excellent security and privacy features. Its unblocking capabilities are also top-notch thanks to its server network of over 29,000 in over 80 countries.
  3. NordVPN: Great VPN for spoofing your location. Unblocks Netflix and HBOMax, and Amazon Prime Video. Operates with more than 5,000 servers and features P2P and Double VPN servers. Other features of NordVPN include reliable 24/7 customer support and a strict zero-logs policy.

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.

Both 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.
  • 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