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I've a technical question about Google. Can you advise me ?...

posted 4 years ago by ColumboKate (5787)
17 replies | jump to latest

So, I've installed a vpn but Google Play still knows that I'm in England so it won't let my install American apps. ( I have cleared the data and cache in my phone settings and turned off my location but they are still tracking me!)

I can change this in the settings on the Play store, but this can only be changed once a year.

If I change it does that mean apps that are UK only won't work anymore? Or they will work when the vpn is turned off ?

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[–] [deleted] 4 years ago

I checked google Play's help website and it says if you change the location "You may lose access to some books, movies, TV shows, games, and apps." I think that most likely you would not be able to use the UK only apps if you changed the location, but I don't know for sure.

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[–] ColumboKate (5787) 4 years ago

Yeah that's what I thought too. So basically the vpn is a waste of time regarding streaming 🙄

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[–] [deleted] 4 years ago

You can use to stream through websites and some apps. I have Netflix app downloaded to my phone and I can access american netflix or canadian netflix through the app based on the vpn's settings.

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[–] ColumboKate (5787) 4 years ago

I'm trying to watch Peacock but I need to install the app to play the episodes. I can only access the peacock menu pages with the vpn.

Guess I need to go on holiday to the US to install it!

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[–] [deleted] 4 years ago

i change it to germany, australia or whatever on my firestick and compare it to the canadian version.

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[–] ColumboKate (5787) 4 years ago

OK, so instead using my phone and tablet, I've installed it on my ancient laptop that I never use instead.

And so far it's working! No need to install the app on here.

A message did pop up saying Peacock couldn't be accessed via a vpn but I tried again and it worked. Fingers crossed that it keeps on going 🤞🤞🤞🤞

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[–] [deleted] 4 years ago

i use a vpn with my laptop all the time and almost never have issues with it.

the only service that is a bit wonky at times is amazon prime - they seem to be able to block vpns at least some of the time.

otherwise my vpn works seamlessly with all streaming services around the world.

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[–] Satan2016 (26197) 4 years ago

Did you disable the location setting on Android? That's how they know.

You can have multiple Google accounts and switch between them in apps. Try creating one over VPN.

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[–] ColumboKate (5787) 4 years ago

Yeah, I think the only way to do it is by creating a new Google account tbh.

I've done it on my laptop instead and so far, so good 👍

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[–] plusplus (467) 4 years ago

If it's only about installing a few specific apps, you could export the apk file on your laptop and "adb install" it on the phone via cable - as long as the apps don't check again for themselves at runtime.

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[–] ColumboKate (5787) 4 years ago

To technical for me! Thanks though ☺

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[–] TrentnQuarantino (9443) 4 years ago

Is the "out" end of your VPN in England? You need to have your IP show up as an American IP address.

Or perhaps your computer/tablet/device is giving you away as well.

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[–] ColumboKate (5787) 4 years ago

Yeah i have the vpn set in America. This works as I can access America sites. But with Peacock I needed to install the app to actually watch an episode and get past the menu. Play store wouldn't let me as it knew I was in England.

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[–] TrentnQuarantino (9443) 4 years ago

Then it is getting your location from something other than your IP ... are you doing this from a phone/tablet? I.e. sounds like a handshake from whatever app store you are transacting with.

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[–] ColumboKate (5787) 4 years ago

I put it on the laptop instead as you don't need an app to access episodes.

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[–] TrentnQuarantino (9443) 4 years ago

Did it work?

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[–] ColumboKate (5787) 4 years ago

Yeah it's working fine on it 👍

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