How To Change Your Snapchat Location With a VPN
Freaked out by how much Snapchat knows about your location?
Yeah, it’s wild. Even your filters change depending on where you are.
So, if you’re fed up with Snapchat following your every step, worried about someone using it to spy on you, or just want to see what Snapchat looks like in Tokyo… you need a VPN that works on mobile, lets you change your location in a flash, and hides everything you do online.
Our top pick (after many hours of testing) is ExpressVPN. It’s fast, easy to use, and super safe. But if you need convincing, here are a few alternatives:
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We tested each VPN on the desktop and mobile versions of Snapchat to ensure they deliver:
- Fast connections, even when using far-away servers
- Airtight security
- A strict privacy policy
- Extensive network of servers worldwide
- Multiple simultaneous device connections
- Easy-to-use apps on every device
- Affordable plans
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Deep dive: The best VPNs for Snapchat in 2024
Still not sure?
Okay, let’s look at each VPN in more detail. And if you want to learn about every VPN available, check out our complete VPN reviews.
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Methodology: how we tested the best VPNs for Snapchat
At ProPrivacy, we understand the importance of choosing the right VPN for your needs (on Snapchat and elsewhere).
Our unique testing process aims to help you make an informed decision. Here’s what we prioritize:
- Server network: A VPN with a vast global server network lets you easily change your Snapchat location to anywhere worldwide, ensuring smooth access to location-specific filters, lenses, and content.
- Security: The best VPNs offer multi-layered protection with military-grade encryption, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, automatic kill-switches, and much more.
- Privacy: Our favorite VPNs provide additional tools like built-in ad and tracker blockers and IP address rotators for enhanced online anonymity.
- Value: We only recommend VPNs with simple, affordable plans and generous money-back guarantees (at least 30 days).
- Easy to use: A VPN should be user-friendly, allowing you to easily connect to a server and change your Snapchat location with just a few clicks.
- Customer support: Look for VPNs that offer 24/7 live chat support with human agents, YouTube support channels, and active user forums if you need help.
Read our full review process to learn more about our comprehensive evaluation criteria for selecting a VPN.
How to change your location on Snapchat with a VPN
Ready to trick Snapchat into thinking you’re in Tokyo? Here’s how to change your location using a VPN on your phone:
- Choose a VPN: We recommend ExpressVPN.
- Install and connect: Download the VPN app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and install it on your device. Open the app and select a server in the region whose Snapchat content you want to access. For example, choose a Tokyo server to appear in Japan.
- Clear Snapchat cache: This is an important step. Go to your phone’s settings, find Snapchat, and clear its cache. This ensures that Snapchat doesn’t use your location data stored in previous sessions.
- Open Snapchat and enjoy!
You should now see filters, lenses, and local stories from your chosen location. Remember to keep your VPN connected while using Snapchat to maintain the location change.
Feel free to experiment with different server locations to explore all that Snapchat offers!
Can I use a free VPN to change my Snapchat location?
While free VPNs might seem appealing, most fail to deliver an optimal Snapchat experience and may even compromise your privacy instead of protecting it.
This can be an issue when trying to change your Snapchat location, as free VPNs often lack the necessary server options and robust security measures to do so effectively.
Our extensive testing and investigation of free VPNs have revealed several significant issues:
- Only a few server options, which may include a different location than you need to spoof your Snapchat location.
- Struggle to maintain fast connections for Snapchat, making it difficult to share photos and videos smoothly. They may intentionally throttle your speed to push you towards a paid plan.
- Frequently display annoying ads, disrupting your user experience within Snapchat and other apps.
- Compromise your privacy by selling your data to third parties or exposing you to malware and trackers. This can especially concern changing your Snapchat location, as privacy and security are paramount.
- Harbor malware and hackers on their networks, posing significant security threats to your device and personal information.
Low-cost premium VPNs offer a far superior experience for changing your Snapchat location without the limitations and risks associated with free alternatives.
Snapchat VPN FAQs
[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Will changing my Snapchat location with a VPN affect my other apps or my phone?” answer=”
Changing your location with a VPN changes your location across your device. So, any app that uses your location will be impacted, like Netflix and your Maps app.
However, using a VPN with split tunneling can get around this. Split tunneling allows you to feed some internet traffic through your VPN and keep some on your local connection. You can change your location on Snapchat but still use Google Maps to get around your hometown.
Streaming apps may also block you if they detect a VPN.
And finally, VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, which increases data usage. The best VPNs minimize these impacts by hiding from detection and using lightweight code.
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[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Do I need to change my Snapchat location whenever I open the app, or will it remember my VPN setting?” answer=”
Whether you need to change your Snapchat location every time you open the app depends on the type of VPN you’re using:
- Standard VPNs: If you’re using a standard VPN that only changes your IP address, you might need to reconnect to the VPN server every time you open Snapchat to ensure your location change persists. Some VPNs offer an ‘auto-connect on app launch’ feature, which can automate this process.
- VPNs with GPS spoofing: Some VPNs, like Surfshark, offer GPS spoofing functionality. This feature allows you to modify your device’s GPS location data, making it appear like you’re in a different location. With GPS spoofing, you typically won’t need to change your location every time you open Snapchat, as the spoofed location should persist until you turn off the feature.
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[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Why is clearing Snapchat’s cache so important when using a VPN?” answer=”
Clearing Snapchat’s cache ensures the app accurately registers your new virtual location. Here’s why:
- Stored location data: Like many apps, Snapchat stores cached data on your device to improve performance and load times. This cached data may include your previous location information, which could conflict with the new location you’ve set through the VPN.
- IP address conflict: If Snapchat’s cache remembers your original IP address, it might still associate your account with your actual location, even though your VPN is masking it. Clearing the cache removes this stored IP address, allowing Snapchat to recognize the new IP address provided by your VPN.
- Refreshing app data: Clearing the cache forces Snapchat to fetch fresh data, including your updated location information from the VPN server. This ensures the app displays content and features relevant to your virtual location.
By clearing Snapchat’s cache, you’re resetting the app’s memory of your location, ensuring a seamless experience with your VPN’s virtual location.
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Conclusion: Changing your Snapchat location with a VPN in 2024
Changing your Snapchat location with a VPN opens up a world of possibilities. The benefits are endless, from accessing exclusive filters and lenses to keeping your data hidden.
A reliable VPN like ExpressVPN, Surfshark, or NordVPN is vital for a smooth experience. With their extensive server networks and robust features, you can explore Snapchat like never before.
So, go ahead and experiment responsibly! Have fun adding a touch of global flair to your snaps and discover what other hidden gems Snapchat has to offer.