How to Change Your Location on Snapchat — Updated in 2024

Reading time: 15 min

  • Elijah Ugoh

    Written by Elijah Ugoh Cybersecurity & Tech Writer

  • Justyn Newman

    Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Lead Cybersecurity Editor

Whenever you use the Snapchat app, it tracks your location using its Snaps feature. This can be annoying, especially if you’re worried about your online privacy. It is also impossible to use the geofilter feature without making your actual location visible to friends.

A VPN helps you use the internet anonymously, and I found the best VPNs for using Snapchat securely. You could theoretically also use a VPN to change your Snapchat location filters, but please be warned that this goes against Snapchat’s Terms of Service.

Of all the VPNs I tested, I found ExpressVPN to be the best, considering its superior security features, such as the TrustedSever technology and anonymous browsing. It has super-stable connections, ensuring uninterrupted communication. You can test ExpressVPN yourself, and if you’re not satisfied, you have up to 30 days to claim a refund. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Try Snapchat with ExpressVPN

Important! No one (not even ExpressVPN) can track your online activities when you use a VPN, which means it’s your responsibility to make sure you’re abiding by the terms and conditions as well as any applicable laws.

Quick Guide: 3 Easy Steps to Change Your Snapchat Location With a VPN

  1. Get a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN because of its excellent security features and reliable server network. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. Connect to a server. After installing the VPN app, choose a location and connect to a server in that location.
  3. That’s it! You can now open your Snapchat app securely and use the filters available in your location.

Why Do You Need a VPN for Snapchat?

If you’re concerned about your privacy on social media, you should consider using a VPN. A VPN encrypts your online traffic and secures your data from third parties. By default, your location is set to private (Ghost Mode) in Snapchat, but when you need to share your location, a VPN can be useful to secure your privacy.

Snapchat offers diverse filters, badges, and content, depending on your region. Theoretically, a VPN can alter your IP address so you can try more global features. A VPN can also help you switch your SnapMap location, if you want to surprise your friends. But keep in mind that this might break Snapchat’s Terms of Service, so be sure that you aren’t breaking any rules.

How to Change Your Snapchat Map Location Settings

Changing your Snapchat location requires you to take a few steps, as Snapchat uses both your IP address and GPS location. However, it only uses GPS tracking when you open the app.

To change who can see your Snapchat Map location:

  1. Open Snapchat, and choose Settings at the top of your SnapMap.
  2. Go to Find Location Settings.
  3. Disable or enable Ghost Mode to change who can see your location.
  4. You can also choose specific friends to share your location with.
  5. If you choose My Friends, Snapchat will share your location with all your friends.

You can also set the duration of these options if you want them to last a certain amount of time before returning to default settings.

Change Your Snapchat GPS Location on Android

Follow these steps to set it up:

  1. Sign up and download a VPN with GPS-spoofing features, such as Surfshark.
  2. Activate the “Override GPS Location” option.
  3. In your device’s Settings, navigate to the “About Phone” category and tap “Build Number” 7 times to enter developer mode.
  4. In the developer options, choose “Select Mock Location App.”
  5. Choose Surfshark to set it as your mock location app.
  6. Return to the Surfshark app, and you should see a confirmation that the setup is complete.

If you’d like to use a different VPN, such as ExpressVPN, which doesn’t have built-in GPS spoofing, you can use a third-party app. You can try the “Fake GPS Location” app on Google Play Store or any other suitable option.

Note that I do not condone the irresponsible and unethical use of location-spoofing features. Be sure to respect Snapchat’s Community Guidelines and adhere to the platform’s terms of service.

Change Your Snapchat GPS Location on iOS

This is a little tricky on iPhone due to Apple’s restrictions on GPS-changing apps. However, you can use the tools below to change your Snapchat location on iOS using apps such as iTools, iAnyGo, or Dr.Fone:

  1. Connect your iPhone to the Mac using a USB cable.
  2. Select the virtual location you want to connect to.
  3. Change your GPS location.

Always be cautious of potential risks when utilizing third-party applications to modify your device’s GPS location. Third-party apps can impact the performance of your iPhone, especially if it’s already slow or overloaded.

The Best VPNs to Change Your Location on Snapchat in 2024

1. ExpressVPN — #1 VPN for Protecting Your Privacy on Snapchat

Key Features:

  • More than 3,000 secure servers in 105 countries
  • 8 simultaneous device connections
  • Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more
  • 24/7 customer support available via live chat, email, and step-by-step guides
  • Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for protecting your privacy on Snapchat because of its superior security and privacy features, impressive browsing speeds, and ease-of-use. Its unique TrustedServer Technology ensures that none of your data stays on the hard drive, as ExpressVPN runs strictly on RAM-based servers.

Other security features that set ExpressVPN apart from the other VPNs I tested include:

  • Private DNS on every server — protects you against DNS leaks so no one can see your internet activity.
  • Built-in obfuscation — its servers are all obfuscated for additional protection.
  • No-logs policy — ExpressVPN doesn’t store or share any of your personal data with others.
  • Leak protection — encrypts your traffic whenever your mobile device is connected to an ExpressVPN server.
  • Automatic kill switch — shuts down your internet connection if the VPN disconnects, preventing websites and apps from reading your real IP address.

Thanks to ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol, I could find and communicate with friends on SnapMap and share my snaps without interruption. The Lightway protocol provides faster internet speeds and is ideal for high-bandwidth activities. It’s faster, more reliable, secure, and doesn’t use as many computer resources as other protocols.

ExpressVPN showed impressive speeds on all the servers I tested

However, keep in mind that ExpressVPN is slightly more expensive than other VPNs, which makes it not so budget-friendly. But you can look out for ExpressVPN’s active deals. For example, you can opt for the 2-year + 4 months free plan, which goes for /month.

Not only will you be able to save up to % on a subscription, but it is also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. And so are all ExpressVPN plans. If you’re unsatisfied with the service, you can request a full refund within 30 days.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

ExpressVPN works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, Android TVs, smart TVs, routers, and more.

Get ExpressVPN's Black Friday Deal! You can subscribe to ExpressVPN for as low as per month + get extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to %)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.

 

2. CyberGhost — Fast Security Protocols Ensures Your Protection While Using Snapchat

Key Features:

  • 11,670+ servers in 100 countries
  • Connect 7 devices simultaneously
  • Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more
  • Provides 24/7 online support via live chat and email
  • 45-day money-back guarantee on long-term plans

CyberGhost offers some of the fastest security protocols on the market. When using Snapchat, you can choose WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, or L2TP/IPSec to secure your connection and still send snaps with decent connection speed.

Here are other CyberGhost’s impressive security features that make it one of the best VPNs in 2024:

  • AES 256-bit military-grade encryption — protects your data from any prying eyes, ensuring you remain anonymous.
  • Automatic kill switch — shuts down your internet connection whenever the VPN is interrupted.
  • Audited no-logs policy — ensures your data is never stored or shared with anyone.
  • NoSpy servers — fully managed by CyberGhost, ensuring no third party can access them.

While testing CyberGhost, I didn’t notice any drop in my internet speed. CyberGhost has more than 11,670 servers spread across 100 countries. This made it easy for me to test its connection speed while using Snapchat’s geofilters in different locations. I could send snaps at decent speeds while using geofilters.

I noticed that CyberGhost doesn’t have a built-in feature for changing GPS locations on mobile devices like smartphones. However, you can use CyberGhost in combination with a GPS location spoofing app on your phone. However, be sure you’re using a trusted GPS location chaining app.

I got an % discount on my subscription with CyberGhost’s 2-year + 2 months plan. You can try CyberGhost yourself, as it is backed by a 45-day money-back guarantee. I tested this by reaching out to customer support for a refund, got it approved without hassles, and received my reimbursement within 5 days.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

CyberGhost works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome, Android, iOS, Edge, PlayStation, Xbox, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, smart TVs, routers, and more.

3. Surfshark — Built-In GPS Spoofing Feature for Easily Changing Your SnapMap Location

Key Features:

  • Over 3,200 servers across 100 countries
  • Allows up to unlimited simultaneous device connections
  • Support is available via a 24/7 live chat, email, and online guides
  • Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more
  • 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans

Surfshark has a built-in GPS spoofing feature, which allows you to use geofilters in Snapchat without installing another application. However, note that this feature is only available on Android devices. I tested it on several Surfshark servers and could try different geofilters, send snaps, and communicate with friends.

To ensure its connection speed was consistent, I tested Surfshark’s server speed in multiple locations. I could view profiles on the Map, send snaps to my friends, and view snaps sent by other people on the app — all without experiencing any lag.

Surfshark also offers some of the best security and privacy features, including:

  • 256-bit encryption — frequently changes your encryption keys to avoid security breaches and protect your data.
  • Camouflage mode (obfuscation feature) — makes your connection look like regular browsing traffic to anyone.
  • NoBorders mode — activates automatically in restrictive countries to ensure your data is not logged, and you can log into your account.

Note that it’s located within a 9-Eyes jurisdiction, the Netherlands. This means that it is obliged to report data to the authorities. However, because of its strict no-logs policy, Surfshark doesn’t save any personally identifiable data.

It is also one of the most affordable monthly VPNs on the market. I purchased the 2-year + 4 months plan for $1.99 per month and got a discount of 87%. Surfshark is also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, which means you can try it risk-free.

Surfshark works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Raspberry Pi, Chrome, Xbox, Firefox, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Android TVs, smart TVs, routers, and more.

Comparison Table: Best VPNs to Change Your Snapchat Location

VPN Global Servers and Countries GPS Spoofing Device Limit Best Plan and Price Money-Back Guarantee
ExpressVPN 3,000+ servers in 105 countries 8 2-year + 4 months free plan at a month 30 days
CyberGhost 11,670+ servers in 100 countries 7 2-year + 2 months plan at a month 45 days
Surfshark 3,200+ servers in 100 countries Unlimited 2-year + 4 months plan at $1.99 a month 30 days

Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

How I Tested the Best VPNs to Change Your Snapchat Location

I evaluated various critical features to protect your privacy when using Snapchat. Here’s how I tested the VPNs above:

  • Large server networks — I considered global spread and the number of servers each VPN has. For each server I tested, I confirmed it effectively protected me online in different locations.
  • Strong security and privacy features — I picked VPNs that offer either obfuscation or GPS spoofing for additional security.
  • Fast speeds — I conducted speed tests to assess the effect of each VPN on internet performance.
  • Customer support — I evaluated the responsiveness and helpfulness of each VPN’s support team.
  • Money-back guarantee — each VPN I listed has a real money-back guarantee. This ensures you can try them risk-free.

FAQs: VPNs and Changing Your Snapchat Location

Can I change my Snapchat location with a VPN?

Yes, a VPN can change your Snapchat location. But, since Snapchat uses your device’s GPS data for features like geofilters, you need an additional tool to spoof your location. Note that it’s essential to choose a reliable VPN service that keeps you secure on Snapchat.

Is it legal to change my location on Snapchat?

Yes, changing your location on Snapchat is not illegal, especially if you’re traveling. However, if Snapchat detects that your actual location is different from your IP address, you can be banned temporarily or permanently on the platform.

Can you get banned on Snapchat for spoofing your location?

Yes, you can get banned on Snapchat for spoofing your location, unless you use a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN. Snapchat uses GPS data to read your location, and if it is different from your IP address, the service can suspend or terminate your account.

How do you unblock Snapchat at school?

To unblock Snapchat at school, you can use a VPN with an obfuscation feature like ExpressVPN. However, I do not condone using a VPN to break your school rules or engage in unauthorized activities.

What to do if I can’t change my location on Snapchat with a VPN?

If you can’t change your location with a VPN, Snapchat may be blocking it. To change your location seamlessly, consider clearing your Snapchat cache and data, changing your VPN provider, or contacting your VPN provider’s support for assistance.

Can I change my Snapchat location with a free VPN?

Yes, you can technically change your Snapchat location with a free VPN, but I strongly advise against it, as most free VPNs often come with significant risks. Even though there are some reliable free VPNs, they come with certain limitations such as small free server network, low bandwidth etc. Your best bet is to get a premium VPN for free by making use of its money-back guarantee. For example, you can try CyberGhost for up to 45 days and request a refund before that period runs out.

Get a VPN to Change Your Location on Snapchat Today!

If you’re looking to change your location on Snapchat for privacy reasons, a VPN can help. However, it’s crucial to make an informed choice when selecting a VPN service. While free VPNs may seem tempting, they’re often unreliable.

For a secure Snapchat experience, I recommend using a reputable VPN like ExpressVPN. It has excellent security and privacy features, including obfuscation to ensure your data is safe on Snapchat. ExpressVPN is also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.


Summary — Best VPNs to Change Your Location on Snapchat in 2024

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research, and also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Elijah Ugoh
Written By Elijah Ugoh
Elijah‌ ‌is‌ ‌an‌ ‌avid‌ ‌content‌ ‌writer‌ ‌with‌ ‌a‌ ‌passionate‌ ‌interest‌ ‌in‌ ‌tech-related‌ ‌topics,‌ ‌digitization,‌ ‌and‌ ‌entrepreneurship. His‌ ‌experience‌ ‌and‌ ‌background‌ ‌spans‌ ‌across‌ ‌5‌ ‌years‌ ‌of‌ ‌writing‌ ‌insightful‌ ‌articles‌ ‌and‌ ‌technical‌ ‌content‌ ‌across‌ ‌several‌ ‌niches. ‌ ‌
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