Snapchat’s location-based filters allow users to add fun location-specific overlays like time, weather, and landmarks to their snaps. The app determines your location using your device’s GPS and internet connection and then offers filters based on where you are. If you want to change your city filter in the Snapchat app, there are a couple of easy ways to do it.
Using a VPN to Change Location
One of the simplest ways to change your location and city filter in Snapchat is to use a VPN (virtual private network). A VPN allows you to mask your real location and appear somewhere else. Here’s how to change your city filter with a VPN:
- First, choose and install a reliable VPN app on your device. Some popular options are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and TunnelBear.
- Open the VPN app and connect to a server in the city where you want to appear. For example, connect to a Los Angeles server if you want Snapchat filters from LA.
- Once connected through the VPN, the app will show your location as whatever city you selected. Snapchat will now pick up this location.
- Open Snapchat and check the filters. You should now see filters for the city you’re connected to through the VPN instead of your actual location.
- To get filters for a different city, simply disconnect from the current VPN server and connect to one in a new location.
Using a VPN to spoof your location is the quickest way to try out different city filters in Snapchat. Just make sure to choose a VPN service you trust, as some free ones can pose privacy and security risks.
Temporarily Change Location Services
Another option is to directly change your device’s location services temporarily. Here are the steps for iPhone and Android devices:
iPhone
- Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services.
- Under Location Services, scroll down and select Snapchat.
- Change the location permission for Snapchat from “While Using the App” to “Never.”
- Close Settings and open Snapchat. You will get a popup asking for your location. Type in the name of the city you want filters for.
- Snapchat will now think you are in that city and show the relevant filters.
- To revert back, go back to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and change Snapchat’s permission back to “While Using the App.”
Android
- Open your Android device’s Settings app.
- Tap on Location.
- Tap on App-level permissions.
- Find Snapchat in the list and tap on it.
- Select “Deny” to turn off location access for Snapchat.
- Open Snapchat, and you’ll get a popup asking for location. Type in your desired city.
- To undo, go back to App-level permissions in Settings and select “Allow” for Snapchat.
By manually entering a city name when prompted, you can trick Snapchat into giving you geofilters for that location temporarily. Remember to revert the location permission after you are done.
Spoof Location on Rooted Android
For rooted Android devices, you can directly spoof your GPS coordinates to change your location in Snapchat using an app like Fake GPS Location Spoofer. Here’s how:
- Download and install a location spoofer app from the Play Store on your rooted Android device.
- Open the spoofer app and search for the city you want to appear in.
- Tap on the target location and select “Move Here.” This will override your real GPS coordinates.
- Open Snapchat and check for filters of the city you moved to with the spoofer app.
- To revert, open the location spoofer again and disable or remove the fake location.
With root access, you can directly manipulate your device’s perceived location. This method reliably fools Snapchat as long as your device stays rooted.
Change Location on Emulator on PC
You can also change your geofilter location on Snapchat by using an Android emulator for PC like Bluestacks. Here is how:
- Install and open an Android emulator on your computer.
- Download Snapchat through the emulator interface.
- Look for the emulator’s location settings. Search and select the city you want.
- Open Snapchat in the emulator, which will now use the set location.
- Check for and use geofilters for the selected city.
- To get filters for a new city, reopen the emulator’s location settings and choose a different location.
An Android emulator gives you direct control over the perceived location. This lets you easily try out Snapchat filters from different cities and locations.
Considerations When Changing Locations
Here are some things to keep in mind when using methods to change your Snapchat filter location:
- Using VPNs or location spoofers may violate Snapchat’s terms of service if used improperly, so proceed with caution.
- Location spoofs work only until Snapchat refreshes your location. The app may detect your real location after a while.
- You will need to clear cache and data for Snapchat after changing locations for filters to switch instantly.
- Private or insecure VPNs can pose privacy risks, so use reputable providers.
- Rooting your Android device carries security risks, so only use trusted apps and tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I want to change my Snapchat city filter?
The main reasons you may want to change your Snapchat city filter include:
- To get fun filters and lenses for a city you’re planning to visit or pretending to be in
- Testing out filters from places you don’t live in
- Using a specific city’s filter to play pranks on friends
- Getting generic geofilters for snaps when traveling abroad
Is changing your Snapchat location against the rules?
Snapchat’s community guidelines don’t explicitly prohibit changing locations and filters as long as you’re not impersonating someone else or misrepresenting yourself. However, the practice does violate the spirit of Snapchat’s location features.
Can Snapchat detect if I’m spoofing my location?
In most cases, Snapchat relies on your device’s location services to determine your city and filters. So methods like VPNs and spoofers are generally effective. However, Snapchat likely does perform additional verification in the background to prevent abuse. Getting flagged for location spoofing is rare but possible.
What happens if Snapchat catches me changing locations?
If Snapchat determines you are intentionally falsifying your location, the worst that can happen is your account gets temporarily locked or suspended. But an outright ban is unlikely for minor location spoofing. Still, getting caught violates Snapchat’s terms, so use location changing features carefully.
Can I get in legal trouble for changing my Snapchat location?
In most regions, you are unlikely to face any legal consequences just for spoofing your location on Snapchat. The act itself generally doesn’t directly break any specific laws. However, what you do with the altered location could potentially get you in legal trouble in some cases.
Conclusion
Changing your Snapchat filter location can be an enjoyable way to explore geofilters from other cities and spots around the world. Using a VPN is the simplest method, but you can also directly spoof your GPS coordinates or change location through an emulator. Just be mindful of Snapchat’s terms of service and avoid abusing location spoofing features.