How to Change Location on Google to Access Localized Search Results 

How to Change Location on Google
Confused about how to change location on Google? Read this comprehensive guide on how to change location in Google on desktop & mobile devices to access local search results.

Key Takeaways

How to change location on Google?

This question frequently echoes throughout our client conversations. Changing your location on Google not only helps you see localized results but also aids in local SEO if you intend to do competitors’ analysis.

However, it can often become overwhelming without the proper knowledge of how to change location on Google on different devices, such as laptops, PCs, Android or iOS phones.

Don’t worry!

In this article, we will guide you regarding how you can change location on google, along with the benefits of changing location on Google.

 

How Google Uses Location Data for Search Results?

Google is similar to a friendly neighbor who is always willing to help you out in any way. If you look for something, Google employs your area to demonstrate the results that can be applied to where you are. It’s really simple: if you want a bookstore, Google won’t send you across the country; it will show you the ones just around the corner from there. This helpful feature uses things like your device’s GPS, past search queries, and even your IP address to determine exactly where you are located. So next time, when searching for anything, let it sink in that Google has got your back, ensuring that what you need is found right where it should be.

 

Why Should You Change Location on Google?

This question resonates with everyone who struggles with localized search results. It is not just about convenience but also the relevancy of their online experience. So here’s what happens when you switch up your location:

 

Benefits of Changing Your Location on Google

The following are some benefits of changing location in Google.

  • Relevance: Localized search results bring everything closer to home by showing users what is available within their vicinity.
  • Efficiency: Saves time by delivering geographic proximity-based search results rather than having them come from halfway across the world.
  • Personalization: It allows people to enjoy browsing services tailored to local needs and preferences.
  • Market Knowledge: Understand local market trends for businesses and marketers.
  • Content Reach: Remove the barriers that prevent access to content and services.

 

Times You Need Localized Search Results

You might want to change your location on Google in several instances.

  • Traveling: Know about those not-so-famous places in an area, like good restaurants or attractions only known by locals.
  • Moving: Get familiar with what facilities are available and what communities are within.
  • Shopping: Find out where the best deals and products are, whether they are near your home or in a specific city.
  • Cultural Awareness: Engage with the culture of your locality by finding out what events or festivals are happening there.
  • Legal Conformity: Get any region-specific legal or administrative information relevant to your case.

 

It could be a new town you’re exploring; it could be a different part of the same city into which you’ve just moved; it could even just be wanting Google results that know where you are right now-whatever, it is, knowing how to change Google location settings can significantly improve search results’ contextuality.

 

How to Change Location on Google: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you want to view localized content or are simply curious about search results elsewhere, changing your location on Google is a great tip to know. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to do that using Google Search Settings .

  • Visit Google.com: Open your web browser and visit google.com.

Google

  • Find Settings: Scroll-down to the bottom-right corner of the page and click on the link labeled “Settings”.

Google Search Settings

  • Access Search Settings: From the drop-down menu, choose “Search Settings.”.

Search Settings

  • Privacy & Security Settings: Click on privacy and security settings, and head over to site settings.

Privacy and security settings

  • Choose Your Location Preference: Click on the drop-down menu and select a region that corresponds with where you want your searches to be targeted locally.

Location

  • Save Settings: Remember to hit the “confirm/save” button located at the bottom right-hand side to apply these new regional preferences for future searches made later on.

Note: This will cause the search results obtained by this browser to show greater relevance to this newly selected region.

 

How to Change Location in Google on Desktop?

It is quite simple to change the location on Google on a desktop or laptop. You can customize the location settings directly from the Google Chrome browser and access local search results. Just for your convenience here’s a step-by-step guide on changing your location on Google from your desktop.

  • Open Chrome: Click on the browser icon located on your desktop.

Google

  • Go to Developer Tools: On Windows, press Ctrl, Shift, and I together, or press Cmd, Option, and I for macOS to launch Developer Tools.

Google Developer Tools

  • Visit Sensors: Navigate through the pane of developer tools and click the three-dotted menu, menu, then select More Tools>Sensors.

Google Chrome Sensors

  • Set Custom Location: From the drop-down list of Geolocation, choose “Custom location, location,” then enter latitude as well as longitude coordinates for the preferred location.

Google Location Settings

  • Refresh Page: Apply new settings to a location by reloading a page.

 

How to Change Location in Google on Mobile Devices?

  1. Google Chrome App: Unlock your mobile device, go to the apps menu and tap on Google Chrome App icone to open it up.

Google Chrome App

  • Go to Settings: Tap on your profile picture or initials to access the settings option.

Mobile Location Settings

  • Site Settings: From the settings menu, navigate to the site settings tab.

Site Settings

  • Location: Click on the site setting tab, and you will see the location option, click on the location option.

Mobile Location Menu

  • Change Default Setting: Chrome is set to ask for permission for revealing your location, disable this default setting and set up your preferred location.

Mobile Location Setting

Keep in mind that if you change your location settings, this might impact Google Services along with other websites’ search results and content displayed for you. So always make sure that you are comfortable sharing such information about where you are.

 

Final Word

With your business featured in the local search results, you won’t just be able to attract prospects nearby; it will eventually help boost your brand’s visibility. Optimizing your business listing for local search results improves the discoverability of your business within the local vicinity.

However, the technical knowledge and skills required for local search engine optimization might sometimes feel overwhelming. Therefore, it is best to hire a professional SEO agency in Dubai. They could take the additional burden off your shoulders and ensure that your business ranks on top by implementing the best local SEO practices.

 

FAQs

  • How do I change my location on Google?

Access ‘Search Settings’ on Google and set ‘Region Settings’ to the place of your choice.

 

  • How do I change my Google location settings?

Go to “Settings” in Google Chrome, then click on “Privacy and Security,” followed by “Site Settings,” which will enable you to modify locations allowed or denied by various websites.

 

  • How do I change my country on Google?

Under “Region Settings” found in Google’s “Search Settings”, choose the country from among the listed countries after clicking on the drop-down menu.

 

  • How do I change my default location on Google?

Click anywhere within the map; a menu will appear at the top left corner; then go to “Your Places” and set addresses for home as well as work while using Google Maps.

 

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