Why Snapchat Location is Wrong 2024 [How to Fix]

Is Snapchat showing the wrong location of your friend on Snap map? When we are about to see the current location of someone then the map shows a different location than the person actually was. This is a frustrating thing to see if you are going to an event or party at your friend’s location.

There are various reasons why Snapchat’s location is wrong or can’t show the accurate location. One thing you have to make sure of is to check the last online status of your friend. The Snapchat location is determined by when a person was last active and where were they at that time.

So, today you will find out the reason for Snapchat wrong location and how to update the snap map as well. Besides, we will also talk to hide your current location on Snapchat and other various factors about the Snapchat map.

Now, let’s get started!

Why Snapchat Location is Wrong?

Snapchat updates the location of a person when they are only online. You may have seen your boyfriend or girlfriend’s location at random places even though they are not at that place. This usually happens when a person is suddenly active on Snapchat for a few minutes while they are walking or going for shopping to buy chips.

But after a person gets offline then you will still see the same location when they are online 10 min ago. This is a confusing thing in a relationship because you have trust in each other. When you saw your partner’s location at one place but he/she declined to be there then it can cause a conflict.

Besides, if you are at your friend’s house and Snap map still does showing the wrong location then there is something wrong with the app. You need to understand that technology can malfunction from time to time. So, it can cause issues at one point or another.

So, if Snapchat shows a wrong location even though you are in right place then simply update the Snapchat app, clear the cache data, and restart your device. Other than this, you also have to make sure that your friend is online whenever you are checking their location.

How to Fix the Wrong Snapchat Location on Android and iOS?

To fix the Wrong Snapchat location on Andoird and iOS devices, follow the ways stated below

  1. Change or Update your GPS location on your phone.
  2. Turn off Ghost mode.
  3. Restart the Snapchat application.
  4. Change Snapchat location settings.
  5. Allow Snapchat to use your device location.
  6. Don’t use VPN.
  7. Clear all the Snapchat cache.
  8. Uninstall and reinstall the Snapchat application on Android and iOS.
  9. Contact Snapchat support.

So these are the 9 ways to fix the Wrong Snapchat location on Andoird and iOS devices.

Who Can See My Snapchat Location?

A Snapchat map is a feature that shows your current location to your friends. When someone wants to view your location or where you are from then they can simply check out your location.

Your location on the Snap map is determined based on your active status. In other words, if you are last active in California that is 3 hrs ago and now you already moved to Florida then Snap map will only show the location of California. It will not update until you are again active on Snapchat.

Similarly, there is a restriction on who can see your Snapchat location. It’s not always visible to everyone on your friend list. You can set a restriction and update the location according to your needs.

Now, who can see your location on Snapchat?

1. Only Me (Ghost Mode)

If you want to stay private or anonymous on Snapchat then you can hide your location from everyone. You can turn on the ‘Ghost Mode’ feature that will simply hide your location from your friends. In this way, only you can view your current location on a Snap map. Besides, you also have full control over whether to share your location or not.

2. My Friends

When you set who can see my Snapchat location to only ‘My Friends’ then only your friend list can access your location. People who are not your friend can’t able to view your exact location or the place where you are living. This is the best thing when you are organizing a party or event and inviting your Snapchat friends.

3. Selected Friends

Other than your friends, you can also choose selected friends who can only see your location and share it. In means, that you can exclude friends who don’t have permission to locate your location on Snap Map. In this way, only the friend who chooses can view your location.

Can Snapchat Location Always be Wrong?

No, always Snapchat’s location is not wrong sometimes due to slow internet connection, not allowing the location permission to the Snapchat application, use of VPN, faking a location, or glitches and bugs you might see the wrong location on Snapchat.

You can instantly fix the wrong location shown on your Snapchat map. To do so

  • Allow Snapchat to use GPS Location.
  • Change your Snapchat location.
  • Use a fake location to set it as the correct location.
  • Troubleshoot the Snapchat application instantly.

So these are the ways to set the correct Snapchat location quickly if the snap is displaying the wrong location on the map.

How to Update Location Settings on Snapchat Map?

You can easily update your Snapchat location according to your needs. It means you can only show your location with your friends or expect some friends or only you. You have full control over your location sharing with someone.

Besides, you can also turn off the ‘request location’ option on your account so that no one can ask for your location.

So, follow the following steps to update the settings of your Snapchat location on Android and iPhone.

Step 1: Open Snapchat App

First of all, launch the Snapchat app on your Android and iOS devices. After that access your account using login credentials.

Step 2: Go to Your Profile Section

Now, tap on your profile “Avatar” which is located in the upper left corner of the screen.

Step 3: Tap on Settings Gear Icon

Once you access your Snapchat account profile then simply tap on the “Settings Gear” icon from the upper right corner.

Step 4: Tap on See My Location Option

Here you are in the settings section of your Snapchat account. So scroll down and select the “See My Location” option.

Step 5: Change Your Location Settings

Now, you can either hide your location or show it to your limited friends only. To do so,

To hide location: Turn on the ‘Ghost Mode’ feature.

To Show your location with friends only: Select the ‘My Friends’ option after turning off the ghost mode.

To show your location with Limited Friends only: Select the ‘My Friends, Except..’ option after disabling ghost mode.

To turn off location requests: Disable the ‘Allow friends to Request My Location’ option.

Step 6: Refresh Snapchat App

After updating your Snapchat location or map settings then simply refresh the app to save the changes.

How to Change Your Location on Snapchat?

If you don’t want Snapchat to track your location then you can either disable your location using ‘Ghost Mode’ or change your current location to somewhere else. Snapchat will use your location for its filters, ads, and more.

So, in this section, you will learn to change your Snapchat location for your good. Since there is no in-built feature to change your location so you have to use third-party apps to spoof your location.

Change Your Snapchat Location on Android

As I already said, you have to use a third-party application to change your location on Snapchat. There are many apps that are available on the internet but trusting a good one is a difficult part. So, I will recommend using the “Fake GPS Location” app to use fake locations on Snapchat.

Simply download the app to your device and activate it. After that, leave the rest and open your Snapchat app. But run the fake GPS app side by side with Snapchat; otherwise, it won’t work.

Change Your Snapchat Location on iPhone

It is a little bit hard to use fake locations on Snapchat if you are an iPhone user. Since there are no trustworthy apps in the App Store so, you have to use the trial version of a third-party app.

Here, you have to download and start a free trial of the “iTools” app on your device. Once the free trial is over then you have to pay $30.95 for a single-user license.

How to Hide My Location on Snapchat?

When someone is asking for your location or tracking your location each and every time on Snapchat then you can simply hide your location. You have to use the ‘Ghost Mode’ feature to camouflage your Snapchat location from everyone.

So, follow the following steps to hide your location or use Ghost mode on Snapchat.

Step 1: Launch Snapchat App

First, open Snapchat on your Android and iPhone and access your account.

Step 2: Tap on Your Avatar Icon

After accessing your account then simply tap on your “Profile icon” from the upper left side of the screen.

Step 3: Go to Your Settings

Now, you have to tap on the “Settings Gear” icon that is located on the upper right side.

Step 4: Tap on See My Location

Next, scroll down and tap on the “See My Location” option to access your Snapchat location settings.

Step 5: Turn on Ghost Mode

Here, toggle on the “Ghost Mode” feature that will simply hide your location permanently.

How Accurate is Snapchat Location?

Snapchat map shows your current location to your friends. When someone wants to know where you live then they can check out your location.

But the real question is whether Snapchat’s location is always correct.

Yes, Snapchat is 100% correct most of the time. It shows the real data that drive from your current location when you are online. When you open the Snapchat app then it will start to track your location and update it on the Snap map. But you have to open the location service on your device to update your location.

Similarly, the Snap map stops showing the updated location when you are offline or close the internet on your phone.

For example, you are active on Snapchat when you are in a shopping center. But since after you leave the store and went to your home after getting offline on Snapchat, it will still show the location of a shopping center. You have to once again get online so that Snapchat will update the location of your house.

How Often Does Snapchat Update Your Location?

Snapchat will update your location from time to time based on your online status. When you are active then it will start to track your position all the time and gives real-time data. But in case you get offline and went to the gym then it will stop tracking your position and shows the last active location.

Therefore, the moment you are online, your location will change based on your place.

How to Fake Your Location on Snapchat?

Like I said earlier, you can also fake your location on Snapchat so that your friend will never find your correct location. I know this is something you should not try in a relationship but sometimes it can help.

So, follow the following steps to fake your Snapchat location on iPhone and Android.

Step 1: Download iMyFone AnyTo App on a PC

First of all, download the ‘iMyFone AnyTo” app on your laptop.

Step 2: Install the App

After downloading the app then install and launch it successfully.

Step 3: Connect Your Device to PC

Now, use a USB cable and connect your phone to your laptop.

Step 4: Select Teleport Mode

Now, choose “Teleport Mode” from the upper right corner of the screen.

Step 5: Choose a Location

Next, type the location where you want to change your Snapchat location to fake.

Step 6: Click on Move Button

After selecting a fake location then simply click on the “Move” button. Now, all the apps on your device that needs location including Snapchat will completely switch to your fake location.

Why is Snapchat Showing the Wrong Last Seen?

If Snapchat is showing the wrong last seen then your friend may not have turned on their location. When the location is off Snapchat can’t track the person’s location which will not show the correct last seen status.

Similarly, if a person enables the ‘Ghost Mode’ on their account then the last seen status will be different. The ghost mode simply hides your friend’s location and shows a different location and last seen status.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Does Snapchat Mean When It Says ‘Within X Feet’?

When you are in a busy place or area that has a low signal then Snapchat will show “Within X feet” on the map when you are searching for your friend’s location.

2. Can You Tell When Someone Looks at Your Snapchat Location?

No, you can’t tell when someone checks your location on Snapchat.

3. Does Ghost Mode Show Your Last Location?

When you enable ghost mode then it will completely hide your location as well as your last seen status.

Final Word

Location on Snapchat is all based on the online status of a person. As long as your friend is online then you can view their accurate location. But if your friend went shopping while turning off their Snapchat then it will show the previous active location.

So, don’t get frustrated and think too much about the incorrect location of your friend. Simply check their last active status.

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