Using Golub
Golub tutorial: how to use the location simulator for Android
Golub is a location simulator for Android. After selecting it as the mock location app in Developer options, you tap a place on the map and press Start, and apps on the phone see that location. It also moves along real roads, follows GPX files, offers a floating joystick, walks within a radius and runs on schedules.
Loads from YouTube (youtube-nocookie.com) only when you press play.
Step by step: Set a location with Golub
- Install GolubInstall Golub from Google Play and open it. It walks you through setup the first time.
- Enable Developer optionsSettings › About phone › tap Build number seven times.
- Select GolubDeveloper options › Select mock location app › Golub.
- Pick a placeTap the map or search for a place.
- Press StartPress Start. Apps on the phone now see that location.
- Stop when you're donePress Stop in the app, the notification or the Quick Settings tile to restore your real location.
Setup in 60 seconds
Golub needs two Android settings, and it guides you through both on first launch: enable Developer options, then select Golub as the mock location app.
Set a location
Tap anywhere on the map, or search for an address or place, and press Start. A green Active badge shows the simulation is live. Press Stop to restore your real location.
Routes on real roads
Pick a start and destination, add up to 8 stops, choose walking, cycling or driving, and Golub moves your location along real roads at a realistic, traffic-aware speed — with an optional return trip.
GPX import and export
Import a .gpx file to replay a recorded track or a route you drew, and export routes as GPX to reuse them. See How to create a GPX file.
Floating joystick
A small joystick floats over any app so you can steer your location by hand, with adjustable size and speed presets.
Walk around
Your simulated spot strolls within a radius from 100 m to 1 km, like someone exploring on foot. Combined with natural GPS drift, the location never looks like a frozen dot.
Schedules
Go to a place or stop automatically at the times you choose.
Widget and Quick Settings tile
Start or stop from your home screen or the notification shade without opening the app.
Favorites and collections
Save places, group them into collections by project or trip, and find them again with history and search.
Free and Premium
| Free | Premium | |
|---|---|---|
| Set any location, stop in one tap | Yes | Yes |
| Widget and Quick Settings tile | Yes | Yes |
| Favorites, history and search | Yes | Unlimited favorites |
| Routes on real roads, GPX | — | Yes |
| Floating joystick | — | Yes |
| Walk around, schedules | — | Yes |
| Ads | Only when you choose to watch one | None |
Free use runs on Energy; watch a short, optional video to recharge. Premium is a subscription or a one-time lifetime purchase through Google Play.
Frequently asked questions
Is Golub free?
Yes, with Energy. When it runs low you can watch a short, optional video to recharge; ads only play when you choose to watch one. Premium removes ads and unlocks routes, joystick, schedules and walk around.
Do I need an account?
No. There's no sign-up, and your favorites, history, routes and schedules stay on your device.
Does Golub need root?
No. It uses Android's mock location setting in Developer options.
Which languages is Golub available in?
17 languages, including English and Spanish.
Does it keep running in the background?
Yes. It runs as a foreground service with a notification, and it alerts you if Android stops it.
For testing, development and personal use. Please respect the terms of the services you use.