If you want apps to believe you're in a different place, Surfshark can hide your IP. On Android, it can also fake your GPS so mapping apps show a different location. Here’s what works in 2026, who can use it, how to set it up step by step, what it costs in GBP, the legal limits under UK law, and some practical tips to make sure it works without causing problems.

Quick reference

What this does: masks IP address and — on supported Android phones — replaces device GPS coordinates so apps read a different physical location.

Works on: Android (GPS spoofing built into Surfshark app); other platforms get IP-only location masking.

Cost: Surfshark subscriptions often start at under £3 per month if you pay for multiple years upfront, while monthly plans usually cost between £10 and £12. Surfshark offers a 30‑day money‑back guarantee and unlimited simultaneous connections (prices vary; check Surfshark site for exact 2026 offers).

Legality in UK: GPS spoofing itself isn't a named criminal offence, but using a false location to commit fraud can breach the Fraud Act 2006 and other statutes. Don’t use spoofing to break terms of service or commit illegal acts.

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Prerequisites

Point is, before you begin, make sure you have:

  • A Surfshark subscription and the Surfshark app installed from Google Play (or the APK if your device requires it).
  • An Android phone running a relatively recent version of Android — most GPS spoofing features require Android 8.0 or later; older versions may not support the mock location API or the Surfshark GPS tool.
  • Your device unlocked for developer options (required to enable mock locations for third‑party spoofing apps); the Surfshark built‑in feature avoids some of this, but you may still need to permit location access and overlay permissions.
  • Apps you want to test with — Google Maps, WhatsApp live location or a streaming app for location‑restricted content.

Step-by-step: change GPS location using Surfshark (Android)

Follow these numbered steps. Do each one in order.

  1. Buy and install Surfshark. Subscribe at surfshark.com. In 2026 the provider still advertises a 30‑day money‑back guarantee and unlimited devices; expect to pay between about £1.50–£12 per month depending on plan length and promotions.
  2. Open the Surfshark app and sign in. Allow VPN permissions when prompted. Grant the app permission to create a VPN connection — this is standard and needed to route your traffic through Surfshark servers.
  3. Enable location permissions. Go to Android Settings → Apps → Surfshark → Permissions → Location and set to "Allow only while using the app" (or as required). If you deny location, Surfshark can't spoof device coordinates.
  4. Enable GPS spoofing in the Surfshark app. In the app's Settings look for "GPS Spoofing" or "Fake GPS" (label may vary in 2026 UI). Turn it on. The app will usually explain that it will override your device location for apps that ask for GPS data.
  5. Select a fake location. Use Surfshark’s map or search box to pick the city or coordinates you want. Tap to confirm. The app will show a pinned location and a confirmation that GPS is being spoofed.
  6. Connect to a Surfshark VPN server in the same region. For best results pair the spoofed GPS location with a VPN server in the same country or city. For example, if you set GPS to New York, connect to a Surfshark server in New York. Mismatched IP and GPS can trigger checks and fail location‑sensitive apps.
  7. Test with a location app. Open Google Maps or share live location in WhatsApp. The app should show the fake location you set. If it shows the real location, go to the troubleshooting section below.

Step-by-step: what to do on iPhone, Windows and other devices

Apple limits spoofing, so you can’t fake GPS on iPhones or iPads using the App Store version of Surfshark. Options are:

  • Use Surfshark VPN to change your IP address — this may be enough for many services.
  • Use a Mac and Xcode to simulate locations for development and testing (requires a Mac, a connected iPhone and some technical steps via Xcode’s Debug → Simulate Location).
  • Jailbreaking enables spoofing but carries security risks and will void warranties; not recommended for most users.

Tips for reliable spoofing

  • Make sure to connect your VPN to a server in the same city or country as your fake GPS location. Many apps check both your IP and GPS to catch mismatches.
  • Clear the app cache or force‑stop the app you're testing before reopening it (Settings → Apps → [app] → Force stop). This forces the app to request a fresh location.
  • Turn off Wi‑Fi network location where needed. Android can use nearby Wi‑Fi to refine location; disabling Wi‑Fi helps the spoofed GPS take priority.
  • Use developer options sparingly — enabling "Mock locations" can help with third‑party spoofing apps, but Surfshark’s built‑in GPS tool may not require mock location mode.
  • Test with multiple apps: some services use IP, GPS and sensor fusion (Wi‑Fi, cell towers). If one app still sees your real location, it may be using extra signals.

Common mistakes to avoid

These are the most frequent errors people make when trying to change GPS location with Surfshark.

  • Not pairing IP and GPS — selecting a US GPS location while connected to a UK VPN server triggers location checks.
  • Assuming spoofing works on iOS — Apple’s architecture prevents third‑party apps from faking GPS unless using developer tools or jailbreaking.
  • Forgetting to give Surfshark location permission — without it the app can't override coordinates.
  • Using spoofing to break terms or defraud services — doing so risks account suspension and may be unlawful under the Fraud Act 2006 in the UK.
  • Relying on streaming sites to accept spoofed location. Many streaming companies use advanced checks and can block VPNs and spoofing attempts; that’s at their discretion under service terms.

Alternatives and comparison

If Surfshark’s GPS spoofing doesn’t meet needs, consider:

  • Other VPNs with GPS spoofing on Android — only a handful of providers add this feature. Compare privacy policies, refund windows and server locations in 2026 before committing.
  • Dedicated mock‑location apps (Android) paired with a VPN — these require enabling developer options and mock locations and can be fiddly, but give fine control over coordinates.
  • Using desktop tools for testing — Xcode on Mac or Android emulators on PC let developers simulate GPS without touching real hardware.

Legal and policy notes (UK)

Still: changing your device’s reported GPS location for harmless testing, privacy or to access your own content is generally tolerated. But using a false location to get money, services or benefits you’re not entitled to can be prosecution under the Fraud Act 2006. The Computer Misuse Act 1990 may also be relevant if you bypass security measures. If you’re unsure about a use case that could affect another person or business, get legal advice or don’t do it.

Related Articles

Surfshark’s GPS spoofing gives Android users an easy way to override device coordinates while the VPN masks IP. It’s powerful for testing and privacy, but it isn’t magic — pairing IP and GPS, clearing app data and knowing platform limits (especially on iOS) are essential. Costs in 2026 vary by plan, but Surfshark offers a 30‑day money‑back guarantee and unlimited connections so you can test it risk‑free. And remember: don’t use spoofing to commit fraud — UK law treats deceptive financial gain as a crime under the Fraud Act 2006.

This article was created with AI assistance.