How do I switch on my location and change my location settings?
Your device uses a combination of Wi-Fi, GPS and mobile networks to determine your location. This allows you to use location-based apps such as Pokemon Go or Google Maps, or to help you locate your phone if it is lost or stolen. Different accuracy settings allow you to choose whether to more accurately pin-point your location or reduce accuracy in order to save data usage or battery power.
Certain apps may not be available in different regions. If you move countries, you will need to change your default country in the Google Play app in order to access local apps.
Please note: To change the country of your Samsung Account, delete your account, then create a new account in the new country. You will also need to remove the old Samsung Account from your device, then set up the new Samsung Account on your device.
Please note: You can also switch location on and off via the Settings menu. The location of the setting will be different depending on your device or operating system.
For devices running on Pie and above, go to Settings > Biometrics and security > Location
- For devices running Nougat and Oreo, go to Settings > Connections > Location
- For older operating systems and devices, you will find it either in: Settings > Privacy & Safety > Privacy > Location OR Settings > Location
Your device has different settings to determine the location of your phone or tablet. High accuracy settings use multiple sources to accurately pinpoint your location but will use additional mobile data and power to do so.
Please note: The location of the setting will be different depending on your device or operating system.
- For devices running Android 10: Settings > Location
- For devices running Pie and up (newer devices) go to: Settings > Biometrics and security > Location
- For devices running Nougat and Oreo, go to: Settings > Connections > Location > Locating Method
- For older operating systems and devices, you will find it either in: Settings > Privacy & Safety > Privacy > Location > Locating Method
- OR Settings > Location > Mode
Please note: On some devices you may need to tap "Biometrics and security", then tap "Location".
Mock Locations is available within the Developers Options on your device and is generally used by developers to test GPS and location-based apps.
You will need to turn on the Developer Options menu in order to use Mock Locations on your device. Please note that the primary purpose of the developers menu is for developers to test apps and software. Making changes to your device via the developers menu may affect the running of your apps and system. Some location-based apps (especially games) will not work if Mock Location is turned on.
Find My Mobile allows you to locate, lock and wipe your device remotely. To use Find My Mobile, first enable the Remote controls feature on your device:
Please note: On some devices you may need to tap "Lock screen and security" or "Security".
Please note: You will need to have a Samsung account in order to enable remote controls. If you are not signed into a Samsung account, you will be prompted to sign in or register.
Your Google Play country determines what content you see in the store. To change your country, you first need to set up a new country in Google Play. To set up a new country you must be in that country and have a payment method from the new country.
Please note: It is only possible to change your Play Store country once per year. For full information about Play Store country options, go to Google Support.
Please note: The "Country and profiles" option will not appear if you are not currently in a new country (this will be based on your IP address) and or you have changed your country in the last year.
Your Samsung Account is registered to the country where you initially set it up. To change the country of your Samsung Account, first delete your Samsung Account, then set up a new Samsung Account. You will also need to remove the old Samsung Account from your device, then set up the new Samsung Account on your device.
For further information, find out how to delete, remove and set up a Samsung Account.
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