How to Change Your Location on Snapchat to Protect Online Identity

Main reasons to change location on Snapchat

You may decide to spoof your Snapchat location for several reasons.

To enhance your privacy and security 

As mentioned, Snapchat is not the safest app to use (as well as another app created by the same developer – Bitmoji). In fact, it collects and stores unencrypted user data, including their physical location, online activities, and more. And this results in negative outcomes – in 2019, several sources claimed that Snaplion (internal Snapchat software) allowed the company’s employees to spy on users! 

Moreover, the app often falls victim to cyber-attacks, from account hijacking to data theft (one of the most significant breaches affected 4.6 million users). That said, using a VPN for Snapchat is a great way to protect yourself from all those threats – more on that in a bit.

For more details, check out our detailed overview of Snapchat security.

To access more content

Did you know that every Snapchat region provides access to different content? Yes, the snaps you can view are limited to your current location, which may get you bored after a while. However, when changing your Snapchat location, you can see more versatile and exciting content from different countries (and even use extra filters, badges, and other features). Moreover, accessing Snapchat from an alternative location will help you reach more users and increase the popularity of your pictures and videos.

To prank your friends

Indeed, protecting your data and accessing more content are compelling reasons to get an alternative Snapchat location. But it’s also an amazing opportunity to trick your friends. While sitting at home, you can move to any place in the world on your SnapMap, so other people will think you’re on a beach in Bali, near the Eiffel Tower, or else.

Now, let’s explore the possible methods to change your Snapchat location and explain why a VPN is your best bet.

Ways to change Snapchat location

To get another Snapchat location, you can turn to one of the following methods.

1. Fake GPS app 

A fake GPS application will allow you to spoof your location tracked by satellite positioning. This option may seem an obvious solution to hide your real whereabouts on social media platforms. But such an app may turn out to be even riskier than Snapchat itself – many of them are unreliable and full of intrusive ads. What’s more, while it’s possible to find a relatively suitable GPS spoofing app for Android, there’s no legit way to use it on iPhone or iPad. 

For more details, read our recent posts on how to hide your location on Android and iPhone devices.

2. Proxy server

Unlike a fake GPS app, a proxy server alters your IP address by running your traffic through a remote server. But that’s all it does. A proxy doesn’t encrypt your data, nor does it protect you from potential sensitive information exposure and other cyber threats lurking across the web. All in all, a proxy server might be enough for changing your Snapchat location. But free options are mostly not worth your trust since they may put your personal information at risk.

3. VPN

Using a VPN is the most secure way to change Snapchat location. Why? Because such a tool doesn’t only change your IP address. It also encrypts your traffic while running through a protected tunnel, so no one can interfere with your Internet activities. 

As a result, your private data (account details, credentials, messages, and so on) will be safe from the prying eyes of online snoopers and hackers. Besides, a good VPN service like VeePN offers multiple handy features to prevent unwanted monitoring, sensitive data leaks, and more.

💡 Pro tip: Note that not all VPNs are equally reliable and efficient. Avoid free services that may not handle changing your location on Snapchat or even compromise your privacy (stay tuned to learn how). Instead, prioritize reputable VPN services with a solid track record like VeePN.

OK, let’s figure out how to change Snapchat location using a VPN in several simple steps.

How to change location on Snapchat with a VPN: A step-by-step guide

1. Download and install the VeePN app on your device. For more details, read our comprehensive guides on setting up a VPN on iPhone and Android.

2. Select the desired server location. Note that for a better connection speed, you can use the Optimal Location feature. But if you want other people to see a specific SnapMap location associated with your profile (for instance, Argentina or Malaysia), simply find it on the list and connect to it.

3. Turn your VPN on. From now on, your IP address and real location are hidden. Instead, the apps and services you’re using will only see the IP of the selected VPN server.

4. You’re all set! Enter your Snapchat account and have fun.

Additionally, it is possible to hide your Snapchat location in the app’s settings. This is a good option if you want to disappear from SnapMap. Here’s how to do it in a few clicks.

How to hide your Snapchat location

1. Open your Snapchat app and head to Settings.

2. Select the Set My Location option.

3. Enable the Ghost Mode. It will make your SnapMap location invisible to all users, including your friends. 

Alternatively, you can hide your location from specific friends or other users by selecting the My Friends, My Friends, Except, or Only These Friends options in your Snapchat location settings.

Keep in mind that this method is only hiding your location on SnapMap. But the app and other users can still detect where you are. Besides, it doesn’t protect your data from potential hacks and other threats. So, if Internet privacy is your main concern, using a VPN makes much more sense. Also, to turn off Snapchat location tracking, you can revoke location permissions and other privacy-related settings on your iOS or Android device. 

Clearly, using a VPN for Snapchat is quite beneficial – but does it have any downsides? Let’s explore the challenges you might face and learn how to overcome them.

The potential pitfalls of using a VPN for Snapchat

• Fake VPNs and scams. Not every VPN is a silver bullet for your privacy and security. Some services may even have the opposite effect. In particular, many free VPN services are not protecting you at all. Instead, they may collect and share your private information to make a profit. Furthermore, some VPNs are fake programs designed to scam users and infect their devices with malware. To avoid this outcome, pick a reputable VPN that follows a transparent No Logs policy (which means it doesn’t gather and store sensitive information about customers). 

• Slower connection speeds. Here’s the deal – every VPN service slightly reduces your connection speed. That is due to intensive data encryption and decryption processes. However, good VPNs offer robust tunneling protocols like WireGuard® and IKEv2/IPsec that ensure the fastest connection possible. As a result, you will hardly notice the slowdown when browsing Snapchat, streaming Netflix, and even playing online games.

• IP and DNS leaks. If your VPN connection suddenly breaks, your private details, such as IP and DNS, may be left unprotected. However, you can address this issue by enabling the Kill Switch feature in your VPN app’s settings. It protects your data by interrupting the Internet connection once your VPN connection fails.

Final thoughts

When chosen wisely, a VPN is a perfect option if you need to change your Snapchat location without compromising your online privacy. This solution will not only spoof your SnapMap, but also protect your data from potential threats associated with this social media platform. Moreover, a good VPN service will boost your overall security and shield your device from public Wi-Fi risks. It will also let you alter your location on other services, from Netflix and YouTube TV to NFL and NBA League Pass, which is particularly helpful for frequent travelers who want to access the desired content with no hassle. 

Looking for a credible VPN to hide your Snapchat location and protect your digital identity? Look no further – try VeePN. It’s a trustworthy service that offers a bunch of powerful security features along with top-grade AES-256 encryption. 

Download VeePN now and gain access to over 2,500 servers in 89 locations across the globe.

Written by VeePN Research Lab VeePN Research Lab is dedicated to provide you latest posts about internet security and privacy.

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