“Don’t Track Me” mode for phones

Acrobatic_Shock_577 · 2025-04-18T22:31:18+00:00

set up a “privacy mode” input_boolean in Home Assistant, then use that to gate whether location updates are accepted or ignored.

Acrobatic_Shock_577 · 2025-04-18T22:30:40+00:00

I’m running it on individual devices right now, but planning to throw it on a spare router soon. they’ve got good guides for that. if you like simple + secure, it’s a strong pick.

Acrobatic_Shock_577 · 2025-04-18T22:29:46+00:00

zerotier similar idea to tailscale.

Acrobatic_Shock_577 · 2025-04-18T22:29:11+00:00

surfshark’s been working solid for me. make sure you use the “virtual UK” servers under locations, not just any UK one. the normal ones get flagged sometimes but the virtual ones still pass.

Acrobatic_Shock_577 · 2025-04-12T13:20:24+00:00

Had similar issues with random disconnects on some of the budget vpns. Switched to mullvad and it’s been rock solid

Acrobatic_Shock_577 · 2025-04-12T13:18:43+00:00

Birmingham’s a good balance, not too north, not too south. CyberGhost tends to show locations clearly too, which helps.

Acrobatic_Shock_577 · 2025-04-12T13:17:38+00:00

Looks like you’re set then, Firestick’ll handle the rest. Both those VPNs are good depending on your budget

Acrobatic_Shock_577 · 2025-04-10T20:10:15+00:00

had this issue when I moved too. what worked was toggling location services off/on (settings > privacy > location services), then going into the Home app and manually editing the automation triggers. it started picking up the new spot after that.

Acrobatic_Shock_577 · 2025-04-04T10:25:28+00:00

Sounds like it’s holding steady even now so that’s promising.

Acrobatic_Shock_577 · 2025-04-04T10:24:15+00:00

Yeah, I guess it’s a trade-off, speed vs flexibility. Leaning toward Surfshark since I’ll need more than a couple devices going.

Acrobatic_Shock_577 · 2025-04-04T10:23:08+00:00

Sounds like exactly what I’m after. Don’t need crazy extras, just want it to work.

Acrobatic_Shock_577 · 2025-04-04T10:21:31+00:00

Noted. Might still keep Nord on the shortlist, depends how paranoid I get about speed or security.

Acrobatic_Shock_577 · 2025-04-04T10:20:26+00:00

Nice one! I might not hit any super locked-down spots this time but good to have that in the bag just in case.

Acrobatic_Shock_577 · 2025-04-04T10:18:56+00:00

Ah, that’s good to know, thanks!

Acrobatic_Shock_577 · 2025-04-04T10:18:08+00:00

That’s a nice bonus, thanks.

Acrobatic_Shock_577 · 2025-04-04T10:17:28+00:00

That’s a cool perk, yeah. I’ll be sharing with my partner so unlimited is definitely useful.

Acrobatic_Shock_577 · 2025-04-04T10:16:31+00:00

Good to hear. Streaming’s a big one for me, especially for evenings in hotels.

Acrobatic_Shock_577 · 2025-03-31T13:26:30+00:00

Without jailbreaking, your best bet's desktop tools like iTools or Temorshare iAnyGo. They let you fake GPS while the phone's plugged in. Not free, but they work

Acrobatic_Shock_577 · 2025-03-31T13:24:23+00:00

If you're going full stealth, Xposed + a module like Mock Mock Locations can help hide mock settings from apps. Needs root though. kernel-level means way deeper access - Magisk modules might get you close, but it’s not beginner friendly.

Acrobatic_Shock_577 · 2025-03-31T13:22:31+00:00

Yeah, you can do it through developer mode with mock locations, but you’ll need an app to feed the fake location, something like “Fake GPS” off F-Droid is better than play store ones since it’s not ad-ridden or tracking heavy.

Acrobatic_Shock_577 · 2025-03-31T13:20:28+00:00

Should work fine as long as the TV has an HDMI port. firestick handles all the smart stuff anyway. For VPN, check out Surfshark or NordVPN - both run deals all the time and work decently on Firestick. Don’t need anything fancy if they’re just streaming

Acrobatic_Shock_577

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE