Sharing "fake coordinates" means sending a latitude and longitude that opens to a spot somewhere you are not. iPhone and Android both have multiple ways to do this without changing your phone's real GPS. The recipient sees a normal map preview.
Method 1: Apple Maps Link (iPhone, Free)
Apple Maps URLs follow the format https://maps.apple.com/?q=LAT,LONG. iMessage, WhatsApp, Telegram, Mail all render these as tappable map previews.
Location Changer drops a pin anywhere on the world map and generates the full Apple Maps URL plus the address, exact coordinates and elevation auto-filled. Send the card to any chat. Free.
Method 2: Google Maps Link (Both Platforms, Free)
Google Maps URLs follow https://www.google.com/maps?q=LAT,LONG. Renders in WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger, Signal as a map preview.
- Open Google Maps.
- Long-press the spot you want. A pin drops.
- Tap the pin info card, then Share.
- Pick the chat app and send.
Method 3: Plain Text Coordinates
Some chat apps (Signal, SMS) do not auto-preview map URLs. Pasting just 40.7484, -73.9857 as plain text is also recognized by iOS and Android. The recipient can tap the coordinates to open in their maps app of choice.
For polish, format like:
š 350 5th Ave, New York, NY š 40.748440, -73.985664 ā°ļø Elevation: 374 ft https://maps.apple.com/?q=40.748440,-73.985664
Method 4: Photo with Fake GPS EXIF
A photo carries GPS coordinates in its EXIF metadata. Embed fake coordinates and send the photo. Apps that read EXIF (Instagram location picker, some verification flows) will treat the embedded GPS as the photo's real location.
iPhone: Location Changer's photo feature captures with custom GPS baked in. Android: "Photo Exif Editor" on Play Store lets you edit any photo's GPS field.
Method 5: KML Export for Mapping Apps
KML is the file format Google Earth and other mapping tools use. Sending a KML attachment with fake coordinates lets recipients open the location in any mapping software. Location Changer exports KML directly. Niche use case but worth knowing.
All Five Methods in One Free iPhone App
Location Changer drops a pin anywhere on the world map and generates an Apple Maps card with address, coordinates and elevation. Can also take a photo with fake GPS in EXIF, export to KML, or copy the formatted text block. Share to any chat. Free.
Will the Recipient Know?
Not from the app. WhatsApp, iMessage, Telegram all render shared coordinates as normal map previews with no "mocked" indicator. Detection requires the recipient to inspect EXIF metadata, ask follow-up questions, or cross-reference with what you said in conversation. See our guide on telling if a location is fake.
FAQ
What format should I send coordinates in?
Decimal degrees (40.7484, -73.9857) is the universal format. Both iOS and Android maps apps parse it correctly when pasted as plain text.
How many decimal places do I need?
Five or six decimals (about 1 meter accuracy) looks natural. Round numbers (40.7128, -74.0060) read as fake because real GPS rarely lands on tidy values.
Can I share coordinates that point underwater or in space?
Yes, technically. The maps app will show ocean or null. Mostly useful for jokes.
