Xcode is an integrated development environment (IDE) created by Apple Inc. It's primarily used for developing software for macOS, iOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Xcode provides a comprehensive set of tools for developers to design, build, debug, and deploy applications for Apple's various platforms
Now, some iOS users also use this tool to spoof location for their iPhone and iPad devices. Here, we will show you how to use Xcode to spoof location by selecting the built-in popular locations, entering coordinates, or adding a GPX file.
Here's a step-by-step guide to use Xcode to simulate location on your iOS device;
Step 1: Assuming that you already have an Xcode account, go to Account and click on "Download Tools." Wait while Xcode is installed. The process may include a few redirects to the App Store.
Step 2: Run Xcode and then connect the iOS device to the computer where you have installed Xcode.
Step 3: Click on File > New > Project to create a new Xcode project.
Step 4: Choose "Single View app" and then enter the Product name. Click "Next."
You should then see the screen as following.
Step 5: Select the location for the new project.
Step 6: In the next window, go to Xcode > Preferences > Accounts > Apple ID and log in to your account
Step 7: Select team and then press the ">" icon to start the building process.
Step 8: Once the build is complete, you will be redirected to a blank page where you can access the Maps application.
You can also change the location manually by entering longitude and latitude:
Step 1. Open the app in the Simulator menu and then go to "Debug > Location > Custom Location.
Step 2. Enter the coordinates for the new location.
If you don't know the coordinates for the new location, you can find them using OpenStreetMap or Google Maps. Simply click on the desired location on the map, and you should be able to see the coordinates.
Note: The simulator also offers "City Run," "City Bicycle Ride," and "Freeway Drive" options to help simulate movement at different speeds.
If you have a lot of location changes to make, using the custom locations option may prove difficult and time-consuming. Xcode has solved this problem by allowing the use of GPX files.
GPX files are in XML format and can make location spoofing very easy, particularly if you don't know the coordinates for the new location you want to use.
There are many places online where you can find GPX files. Once the file is added into Xcode, it corresponds with various pins on the map to indicate the location.
Xcode will then use the GPX file to simulate movement of the device sequentially from one pin to another. When the path is complete, it will return to the starting point.
The time it takes to move from one point to another will be determined by the "time" element in the GPX file that you are using. To spoof location using a GPX file:
1.Go to the Active Scheme section and click on it.
2. Click on Edit Scheme.
3. Select the Allow Location Simulation checkbox in the Run Scheme > Options tab.
4. Open Xcode's main menu and select Debug / Simulate Location / Add GPX File to Workspace to import GPX into the program.
5. Choose the GPX file you downloaded. If you open Debug / Simulate Location / Add GPX File to Workspace again, the GPX file will be shown.
6. In the Debug area of Xcode, you can also select the location by selecting the location arrow symbol.
While Xcode can be highly useful, it might not be the best solution for those new to the process or seeking a simpler alternative. For quickly changing the location on your iOS device or simulating GPS movement, we recommend using MockGo.
MockGo is a straightforward GPS simulator that enables you to change the location of your iOS device to anywhere in the world or simulate GPS movement along a designated path at a customizable speed in a map view.
Moreover, the latest version of MockGo is fully compatible with the new iPhone 15 and iOS 17.
Here's how to use MockGo:
Step 1: Download and install the MockGo on to your computer. Open it.
Step 2: Connect the iPhone to the computer and click "Start" from the interface of MockGo.
Step 2: You should be able to see the device's location on the next screen. Select the "Teleport Mode" in the top-right corner of the screen and then enter the name of the location you want to use. Click "Go".
Step 3: The program will detect the selected location. In the popup that appears, click on "Move Here".
And the GPS location of the device will change to the new location immediately!
To simulate GPS movement between two spots using MockGo, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Once the device is connected and you see the map on the screen, click on the "one-stop mode" icon (the 2nd icon in the top-right corner).
Step 2: Choose the two spots on the map and a box will appear showing the distance to be covered.
Step 3: Select the speed and then click "Move Here".
Step 4: In the popup that appears, select the number of times that you would like to move between the two selected spots and then click "Start" to start the simulated movement.
Faking the GPS on your iOS device doesn't have to be as challenging as using Xcode to spoof location. Tools like MockGo can simplify the entire process, making it as easy as connecting the device to the computer and selecting the new location.
Once done correctly, you can manipulate the GPS to access content that may not be available in your location or to play location-based games. The possibilities are limitless.
Mako is a technical writer with a passion for all things tech. Whether you're wondering about how to fix your iPhone or Android device or trying to get something to work in your settings, Mako is your go-to for professional help. He loves writing, testing solutions, and most of all, making sure his research is factually accurate.