Setup: Developer options & mock location
Select mock location app on Android (and what to do if it's not showing)
"Select mock location app" is a Developer options setting that chooses which installed app may provide test locations. Install the app first, then open Settings › Developer options › Select mock location app and pick it. If the list is empty or the app is missing, the app doesn't request mock-location access.
Loads from YouTube (youtube-nocookie.com) only when you press play.
Step by step: Select a mock location app on Android
- Install the appInstall the mock location app you want to use from Google Play, in your main profile.
- Open Developer optionsOpen Settings › Developer options. If you don't see it, enable Developer options first.
- Find the Debugging sectionScroll to the Debugging section, or search "mock" in Settings.
- Open Select mock location appTap Select mock location app to see the apps that can provide test locations.
- Choose the appTap the app's name. The row now shows it as the selected mock location app.
- Start a locationReturn to the app and start a location. Apps on the phone now receive that simulated position.
Before you start: two requirements
- Developer options must be on. If you don't see it in Settings, follow How to enable Developer options.
- The app must be installed first. Android builds the list from the installed apps that request mock-location access, at the moment you open it.
Where the setting is, by brand
| Brand | Path |
|---|---|
| Pixel, Motorola | Settings › System › Developer options › Select mock location app |
| Samsung | Settings › Developer options (bottom of Settings) › Select mock location app |
| Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO | Settings › Additional settings › Developer options › Select mock location app |
| OPPO, realme, OnePlus | Settings › Additional settings › Developer options › Select mock location app |
| vivo | Settings › System management › Developer options › Select mock location app |
App not showing? Four fixes
- The app must request mock-location access. Not every GPS or map app does; only apps built to simulate locations appear.
- Install it first, then reopen Settings. Close Settings completely and open the list again.
- Search "mock location" in Settings to make sure you're in the right menu.
- Use your main profile. Apps installed in a work profile, secure folder, second space or another user don't appear in the main profile's list.
Check that it works
Start a location in the app, then open any map app: the blue dot should move to the place you chose. When you're done, stop the simulation and, if you want, set the option back to Nothing — see How to turn off mock location.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my app not in the list?
Either it wasn't installed when the list opened, it doesn't declare the mock-location permission, or it's installed in another profile such as a work profile, secure folder or second space. Install it in your main profile, then close and reopen Settings.
Can I select two apps?
No. Android allows exactly one mock location app at a time. Selecting a new one replaces the previous choice.
What does "Nothing" mean?
No app is allowed to provide mock locations. That's the normal state of a phone and how you switch mock location off.
I can't find the option. Where is it?
Search "mock" in Settings. On Xiaomi it's under Additional settings › Developer options; on Samsung, Developer options is the last item in Settings.
Does selecting an app change my location immediately?
No. Selecting only gives the app permission. Your location changes only while that app is running a simulation.
For testing, development and personal use. Please respect the terms of the services you use.