How to Change Location on Google
Ever wished Google Chrome understood your location better? Like, if you’re in London but want to see New York’s weather without searching for ages? Well, you totally can! Let’s say you’re planning a vacation to Japan and want to know cool places to visit. Changing your Chrome location can ensure the search results show you exactly that. It’s like telling Chrome, “Hey, I’m in Tokyo right now!” even if you’re on your couch back home.
Don’t worry, it’s easy-peasy. We’ll show you how step by step. No tech wizardry needed. Just simple changes for a smoother online journey.
Why change location on Google?
You might wonder, why bother changing your location in Google Chrome? Well, here are some everyday scenarios where this simple trick can make a real difference.
Travel planning made easy
Imagine you’re dreaming about a getaway to a sunny beach in Bali. You want to know about the best spots to snorkel and chill. By changing your Chrome location to Bali, you’ll get search results that are tailor-made for that area. No more digging through irrelevant information – it’s like having a virtual travel guide.
Smart shopping
Let’s say you’re shopping for a new gadget, and you want to find the best deals. By changing your location to a city known for tech bargains, you’ll get prices and reviews from that area. It’s like having insider knowledge to score the best discounts, all without leaving your home.
Local services and reviews
Craving some mouthwatering pizza? Change your Chrome location to your favorite pizza-loving city, and you’ll discover local pizzerias and reviews that match your taste. It’s like having a friend who knows all the best spots around town.
Language learning
Learning a new language? Change your Chrome location to a country where that language is spoken. Now, your searches and content will be in the language you’re trying to learn, giving you extra practice and exposure.
Keeping up with news
Maybe you’re an expat missing the news from your home country. Changing your Chrome location can bring you news and updates from back home, helping you stay connected to current affairs.
Changing your Google location isn’t just a tech trick — it’s a way to customize your online experience to fit your needs, interests, and wanderlust. So, whether you’re planning a vacation, shopping smart, or simply exploring new horizons, this simple feature can transform your virtual journey into a more insightful and enjoyable one.
How to change your location on Google on a PC or Mac
If you’re a Google user, chances are you’re browsing with Google Chrome. If you’ve been curious about how to change your location on Google, especially within the Chrome browser, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a straightforward way to do it on your PC or Mac.
1. Open a new tab. Launch Google Chrome and open a new tab if you don’t have one already.
2. Access developer tools. To begin, press CTRL+Shift+I (or Cmd+Option+I on Mac) on your keyboard. This opens Chrome’s developer tools, which might look a bit technical, but don’t worry — we’ll guide you through.
3. Navigate to More Tools. Once the developer tools panel pops up, look for a small icon resembling three vertical dots or lines — that’s the “hamburger” menu. Click on it.
4. Select More Tools: In the dropdown menu that appears, click on “More tools.”
5. Find Sensors: Among the additional tools, you’ll find “Sensors.” Click on it to access Chrome’s location-related features.
6. Choose a Pre-set Location: You’ll see a “Location” dropdown menu. Click on it and choose from the pre-set locations available. This instantly changes your virtual location to the selected spot.
7. Set a Custom Location: If you want to set a more specific location, choose “Custom” from the dropdown. Enter the latitude and longitude of your desired location. You can find these coordinates by searching for the location on Google Maps.
A few things to keep in mind
- Temporary change. Remember, this change is temporary and applies only to the same tab where you made the adjustments.
- Not foolproof. While this trick is handy, it might not work against advanced geolocation tracking methods, like IP-based tracking.
With these simple steps, you can explore the virtual world from different digital vantage points, making your browsing experience more versatile and exciting. Whether you’re planning a trip or simply curious about how websites look to users in other places, this feature puts the power of location in your hands – or rather, your keyboard shortcuts.
How to change your Google Chrome location on Android
When it comes to changing your location in Chrome on an Android device, things are a bit more straightforward, but not without limitations. Instead of choosing a new location, you can disable location tracking. Here’s how:
- Open a Chrome tab. Start by opening Chrome on your Android device and opening a new tab.
- Access settings. Look for the three-line menu icon — it’s called the hamburger menu. Tap on it.
- Navigate to site settings. From the menu, choose “Settings.” Then, find and tap on “Site Settings.”
- Turn off location tracking. Inside Site Settings, you’ll find a setting called “Location.” Tap on it to open it.
- Block location. Now, you’ll see a toggle switch. Just switch it to “Blocked.” This will stop Chrome from tracking your location.
And that’s all there is to it!
How to change your location settings on Google Chrome on iOS
Similar to Android devices, altering your location in Chrome on an iPhone or iPad is easy, but it comes with a twist — you don’t really alter it, you can only block it. Here’s what you need to do:
- Access Settings. First, open the “Settings” app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Locate Chrome settings. Scroll down and find “Chrome” in the list of apps. Tap on it to access Chrome’s specific settings.
- Manage location. Inside Chrome’s settings, look for “Location.” Give it a tap.
- Choose never. You’ll see different location options. To keep Chrome from knowing your location, tap on “Never.”
Done! While you can’t switch your location like a magician, you’ve successfully taken control of your privacy by preventing Chrome from tracking your location on your Apple device.
Change your virtual location with VPN
If you’re looking to shift your location on Google, there’s a simple solution — using a VPN. In just a few seconds, you can not only change your location but also add an extra layer of security to your connection.
So, what’s a VPN? It’s short for “Virtual Private Network.” It’s like a secret tunnel for your internet data, making sure it passes through a server first. When this happens, your data gets linked to that server’s IP address.
Normally, Google figures out where you are from your device’s IP address. But here’s the trick: when you use a VPN, you’re using the IP address of the VPN server. So, Google (or any other website) thinks you’re connecting from wherever that server is. This means you’ve practically changed your online location.
Here’s how to get a VPN for Chrome up and running:
- Subscribe to HQ VPN: Start by subscribing to HQ VPN.
- Install HQ VPN extension. Click this link and grab the HQ VPN extension for Chrome.
- Log in. Launch the extension and log in.
- Choose a server. Connect to a server located in the place you want Google to think you are.
- Done and done. That’s it! You’ve successfully changed your virtual location.
Remember, this kind of VPN extension only works with data sent and received through Chrome. If you want all your data to be secure, you can also install a full VPN on your device. With HQ VPN, you’ve not only altered your online whereabouts but also made your internet connection more secure.