How To Change Your Snapchat Location in a Few Simple Steps

Location-based features are becoming increasingly popular on social media platforms such as Snapchat. Changing your location can open a new world of features, interactions, and experiences for you to explore. 

Continue reading for step-by-step instructions on how to change your location on Snapchat. We'll cover the different ways you can do this, from using one of the best VPNs to manually adjusting your GPS coordinates. You'll be ready to start exploring the world of location-based filters and surprises in no time.

How to update Snapchat location settings

In order to activate or deactivate Location Sharing in Snapchat, simply swipe down from the camera screen and open the Snap Map. From here, click the Gear icon in the top-right corner of your screen. This will open a menu with several location options, including Ghost Mode and Select Friends.

If you want to turn off Location Sharing completely, select Ghost Mode from this menu. When asked how long you want to keep Ghost Mode activated, choose “Until turned off”. This will stop Snapchat from sharing your location with any other user until you deactivate Ghost Mode again in the future.

Understanding your location settings options

Now that we've gone through how to turn on/off Location Sharing in Snapchat, it's important to understand some of the other settings available on Snapchat related to locations and privacy. Below is a brief overview of the settings you can adjust in Snapchat:

• My Friends: This setting allows you to see where your Snapchat friends are located on the Snap Map. It also makes it easy for them to find your location. 
• Select Friends: With this setting, you can manually choose a specific group of friends that will be able to view your location when they open Snap Map. You'll simply need to select each friend's name from your contact list, and they will have to add you back as a friend to appear on the list.
• Ghost Mode: Ghost Mode is a privacy feature that stops Snapchat from sharing any information about your location with other users (unless you explicitly choose for it to do so). When activated, no one else will be able to view your location on the Snap Map.

Safety and privacy considerations

Regardless of which setting you choose, it's important to consider safety and privacy when using Snapchat's location features. Snapchat collects a lot of personal data, including your GPS location. This means that Snapchat knows where you are and can use this information to target ads or suggest nearby friends and places. (Thankfully, Snapchat doesn't track your real-time location and only logs your location data when the Snapchat app is open.)

For instance, if teens allow other users to see their location, they may be vulnerable to potentially dangerous situations, such as meet-ups with strangers. Additionally, if someone knows your exact location, they can track your movements over a period of time.

We recommend Snapchat users enable Ghost Mode whenever possible or selectively share their locations with trusted friends only. This will help keep users safe while using Snapchat's location services and prevent potential privacy violations.

How to change your Snapchat location with a VPN

If you’re looking for a way of changing your Snapchat location, using a VPN is an easy and secure method. A virtual private network (VPN) is a service that encrypts and secures your internet traffic while also allowing you to access websites that may be blocked in your current location.

By connecting to a server located in another country, you can change the IP address associated with your device, thus fooling services such as Snapchat into thinking you are located somewhere else. This can be especially useful for those who want to use features such as geo-filters or geofenced messages that require users to be located within certain areas.

Here's how to get started with using a mobile VPN on Snapchat:

1. Sign up for a reputable VPN.
2. Download the mobile app from your device’s respective app store (e.g., Apple App Store or Google Play Store).
3. Open the VPN app and connect to a server in the location you wish to appear in while using Snapchat. You can find out what locations are available by consulting the provider's list of servers on their website or within the app itself.
4. Launch Snapchat.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy unrestricted access to Snapchat from any part of the world, even if there are geographic restrictions in place. Whether you’re traveling abroad or simply want to access different filters for fun, using a mobile VPN enables you to do this quickly and easily.

Best VPNs for Snapchat

If you're looking for a reliable VPN to use with Snapchat, you've come to the right place. We've taken the time to research and review the best VPN services for Snapchat and have compiled this list of our top recommendations.

NordVPN

Customizable Coverage That is Simple to Use

4.9

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Editorial Rating

Learn More

On NordVPN's website

VPN

NordVPN

Up to 66% off 2-year plans + 3 months extra

• Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
• Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
• 3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
• Too many confusing plans

NordVPN is our No. 1 choice for Snapchat users. It offers strong encryption and fast speeds so you can safely share your Snaps without worrying about being tracked or monitored by third parties.

NordVPN also has excellent unblocking capabilities, allowing users to access sites such as Netflix and YouTube that are normally blocked in certain locations. The only downside is that it's slightly more expensive than some of the other options on this list.

Get NordVPN | Read Our NordVPN Review

Surfshark

Unlimited Device Protection and Large Server Network

4.9

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Editorial Rating

Learn More

On Surfshark's website

VPN

Surfshark

79% off + 2 months free

• All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ RAM-only servers in over 100 countries
• Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
• One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support
• Headquarters in Nine Eyes Alliance

Surfshark is our budget choice for unblocking most sites. It's fast and reliable, which makes it a great option for Snapchat users who also want to access streaming content. 

The downside here is that it can be slower than NordVPN in some cases, but overall performance is still good. Plus, Surfshark's low price makes it an attractive option if you're looking to save money while still getting strong protection when using Snapchat.

Get Surfshark | Read Our Surfshark Review

ExpressVPN

Extensive Server Network Provides Protection Wherever You Go

4.6

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Editorial Rating

Learn More

On ExpressVPN's website

VPN

ExpressVPN

Save 49% (3 months free)

• Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
• Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
• Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices
• More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost

ExpressVPN is another excellent choice when it comes to VPNs for Snapchat. It works well with Snapchat and excels at unblocking popular streaming content such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer so you can watch your favorite shows while keeping your activity private. 

One of the biggest benefits of using ExpressVPN is that it offers great speeds and reliable connections, so you don't have to worry about your snaps being slow or not loading at all. The downside is that it's a bit more expensive than other options on this list, but if speed and reliability are what you're looking for, then ExpressVPN is worth considering.

Get ExpressVPN | Read Our ExpressVPN Review

Snapchat location FAQ

Bottom line

Now that you know how to change your location on Snapchat, you can take advantage of the social media platform’s unique features and tools. You can also stay safe while using it as well by ensuring your privacy settings are set correctly and downloading a VPN if necessary. In addition, be sure to educate yourself on best practices when it comes to staying safe online in general.

Remember that changing your location on Snapchat isn’t complicated or difficult; all it takes is a few clicks and following a few simple steps. So protect yourself by downloading one of the best VPNs for iPhone, and then enjoy the many fun features Snapchat has to offer. Now you can use the app with confidence, know you’re secure, and know your location is where it should be.

Customizable Coverage That is Simple to Use

4.9

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Editorial Rating

Learn More

On NordVPN's website

VPN

NordVPN

Up to 66% off 2-year plans + 3 months extra

• Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
• Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
• 3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices
• Too many confusing plans

Author Details

Ryan L. Clancy

About the Author

Ryan Clancy is a freelance writer and blogger. With 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, he's passionate about all things engineering and tech. He loves bringing engineering (especially mechanical) down to a level that everyone can understand.