Explainer
What is LocalDevVPN, and is it safe?
Updated · By the Geovo team
LocalDevVPN is a free App Store app that creates a private network connection inside your iPhone, so an app on the phone can reach the iPhone's own developer services, the ones a computer normally uses over a cable. Geovo's iPhone app uses it to change location without a computer. It uses iOS's VPN feature, but it doesn't carry your internet traffic or change your IP address.
Why does an iPhone app need LocalDevVPN?
Because iOS only offers its developer services over a network connection. A computer reaches them through the cable or Wi-Fi. An app on the iPhone has no such path to its own phone, so LocalDevVPN creates one: a small virtual network inside the iPhone whose traffic loops straight back to the device. Geovo then opens the same secure tunnel a computer would, and sets the location. How location simulation works.
Is LocalDevVPN a real VPN?
Not in the usual sense. It uses iOS's VPN feature only because that's how iOS lets an app create a network interface. Here's what that means in practice:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does it carry my internet traffic? | No. Your browsing and other apps work exactly as before |
| Does it change my IP address? | No |
| Does it collect data? | Its App Store privacy label says "Data Not Collected" |
| Will I see a VPN icon? | Yes, a small VPN badge in the status bar while it's connected. That's expected |
| Does it work on cellular? | Yes. The first connection goes through most reliably on Wi-Fi; after that it works on cellular too |
| Can I use another VPN at the same time? | iOS generally keeps one VPN connection active at a time, so you may need to switch between them |
| Who makes it? | Coxson Engineering LLC, a separate developer (not Geovo) |
| What does it cost? | Free on the App Store |
Is LocalDevVPN safe?
It's a free developer tool published on the App Store, so it went through Apple's review, and its privacy label says the developer collects no data. Its job is narrow: a private connection that stays on your iPhone. The places you pick in Geovo never go through any server. As with any VPN configuration, iOS asks your permission before adding it, and you can turn it off or delete it at any time.
How do you set up LocalDevVPN for Geovo?
- Install Geovo's iPhone app from Geovo for Mac or Windows (setup guide).
- Open Geovo on the iPhone and tap Start the Helper. If LocalDevVPN isn't installed, Geovo shows Get LocalDevVPN (free): install it from the App Store.
- In LocalDevVPN, tap Connect. The first time, iOS asks to Add VPN Configurations: tap Allow and enter your passcode.
- Go back to Geovo. It carries on by itself once the connection answers. You can also turn on Automatic Connection in Geovo's settings so Geovo starts the helper for you.
- Allow Geovo to use the Local Network if iOS asks: that's how it talks to the helper.
What if LocalDevVPN is on but Geovo can't connect?
On mobile data, iOS sometimes sends the first connection over cellular instead of through LocalDevVPN. Turn Cellular Data off for two seconds and back on in Control Center, or switch to Wi-Fi once; Geovo carries on by itself. Also check Settings › Privacy & Security › Local Network › Geovo. Every fix is in Geovo on iPhone can't connect.
Do you need LocalDevVPN to change your iPhone's location?
Only for changing location on the iPhone with no computer. From Geovo for Mac or Windows, over the cable or Wi-Fi, LocalDevVPN isn't involved. Other on-device tools use the same approach: Vanish's iPhone app, for example, also uses LocalDevVPN according to its own setup tutorial (checked September 2026).
Try it
Try Geovo free for 15 minutes with a free account (email code, no password, no card). Pro is unlimited: $6.99/week, $12.99/month, $29.99 for 3 months, $79.99/year ($6.67/month) or $129.99 once for lifetime, on 2 computers and 2 iPhones. The iPhone app is included in the trial. Download Geovo or see pricing.
Use it responsibly
Geovo is for lawful use only: testing apps and websites, keeping your exact position private from an app that doesn't need it, demos, travel planning and teaching how location services work. Don't use any location tool to mislead people who rely on your location, or to break the terms of an app or service you've agreed to. Stop simulating whenever your real location matters, for example in an emergency.
Frequently asked questions
- What is LocalDevVPN?
- A free App Store developer tool that creates a private network connection inside the iPhone, so apps on the phone can reach the iPhone's own developer services. Geovo uses it to change location without a computer.
- Is LocalDevVPN safe?
- It's on the App Store, its privacy label says it collects no data, and it doesn't carry your internet traffic or change your IP address. iOS asks your permission before adding it, and you can remove it at any time.
- Does LocalDevVPN slow down my internet?
- It isn't in the path of your internet traffic, so browsing and other apps work as before. It only handles the private connection between Geovo and the iPhone's developer service.
- Why is there a VPN icon on my iPhone?
- LocalDevVPN uses iOS's VPN feature, so iOS shows the VPN badge while it's connected. It's expected and doesn't mean your traffic is being routed elsewhere.
- Can I use LocalDevVPN with another VPN?
- iOS generally keeps one VPN connection active at a time, so you may need to switch between LocalDevVPN and another VPN app. Geovo for Mac or Windows doesn't need LocalDevVPN at all.
- Who makes LocalDevVPN?
- Coxson Engineering LLC, a separate developer, according to its App Store listing. Geovo doesn't make it.
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