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Editorial Team
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Asked: 2026-05-16T22:25:39+00:00

I would like to replace the default GPS location provider on android phones with

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I would like to replace the default GPS location provider on android phones with my own coordinate source.

Is there any layer/API/library/provider that would allow to be replaced with my signal provider instead of the built-in hardware GPS, or read from an external plugin? It should allow all apps that rely on the GPS service to receive my signal instead of GPS.
Ideally, the replacement should still be able to access the GPS signal (for comparison/correction or to toggle between the two providers).

I am thinking for example of implementing my own LocationManager, and registering it in the system (as optional or default), if that is possible. But at this stage, I am still trying to find out what is possible and suitable.

Thank you for any pointers.

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  1. Editorial Team

    I’m pretty sure the default location providers for fine location are baked into Android.

    Given that Google are becoming more conscious about potential misuse and abuse of system resources by applications, i’d say that’s a good thing. Otherwise people would be able to trick the user into thinking they’re somewhere else, using the trustworthy sounding ‘Use GPS satellites’ setting.

    The only way I can see that you can add a location provider is via android.location.LocationManager.addTestProvider(……), which requires the permission ACCESS_MOCK_LOCATION. Now, this method and permission are both documented as being for “testing” purposes. I can’t find a source that specifically says that that permission is not granted for market release apps, but I strongly suspect that to be the case.

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