How to Make GPS JoyStick a System App

Outdated Guide

This guide is outdated. The tools referenced below (Kingroot, Link2SD) do not work on modern Android versions. Android Verified Boot and dm-verity enforcement prevent direct system partition modification on Android 8 and later. Additionally, System Mode only works on Android 9 and below. Android 10 locked down the ILocationManager interface that System Mode uses via reflection.

For modern devices (Android 10+), use the Smali method instead:

• Setup Guide: Smali, Root, and No Root methods
• Rooting Android in 2026: current rooting methods using Magisk
• Play Integrity & Magisk Module Setup: pass Play Integrity after rooting

The content below is preserved for reference on legacy devices (Android 9 and below) only.

Follow this guide at your own risk. Only proceed if you understand the risks involved with rooting.

Steps

1. Root your phone

Root your phone using Kingroot or another method from the Android Rooting Guide.

2. Install Link2SD and convert GPS JoyStick to a system app

Install Link2SD from Google Play, select GPS JoyStick, and tap Convert to system app.

3. Un-root your phone

Un-root your phone using Kingroot and select Remove Root Permission. This prevents the target app from detecting root access.

4. Configure GPS JoyStick settings

Make sure the following settings are correct in GPS JoyStick:

• Enable System Mode is enabled in GPS JoyStick Settings.
• Enable Indirect Mocking is disabled in GPS JoyStick Settings.
• Mock Locations is disabled in Developer Options.

5. Done

GPS JoyStick is now running as a system app and mocks location through the system provider rather than the standard Mock Location API.

Troubleshooting

If location mocking still isn't working after following these steps, see the Troubleshooting FAQ for solutions to common issues like rubberbanding and GPS signal errors.