Pinmist

The basics

Do I need to jailbreak my iPhone?

No. Pinmist uses the location simulation Apple provides for developers. It needs Developer Mode switched on, and you can switch it off again whenever you like.

Does Pinmist install anything on my iPhone?

No. Everything runs on your computer. The iPhone only needs to trust the computer and have Developer Mode on.

Which iPhones work?

Any iPhone running iOS 17.4 up to iOS 27. Earlier versions of iOS 17, and anything older, are not supported.

Which computers work?

Macs with macOS 13 or later, on Apple Silicon or Intel, and PCs with Windows 10 or later.

Can I use Wi-Fi instead of a cable?

Use a cable. Setup needs one, and a cable gives the steadiest connection. Once your iPhone trusts your computer, Pinmist may also see it over the same Wi-Fi network, but a cable is what we recommend.

Using Pinmist

How quickly do apps see the new location?

Usually within one to three seconds.

Which apps see it?

Any app that asks iOS for your location: maps, weather, social apps, family-sharing apps and games. They all see the same simulated location.

Does it fake my movement or step count?

No. Pinmist changes the location only. It does not touch the accelerometer, gyroscope or step counter, so apps that watch motion, such as drive detection, still see what you are really doing.

Why did my real location come back?

The simulated location lasts only while Pinmist is connected and simulating. Pressing Reset location, unplugging the cable, quitting Pinmist or restarting the iPhone all bring the real location back. The Static mode guide explains how to keep the location after unplugging.

My location is wrong after a reset. What now?

iOS can take a few minutes to settle back on GPS. Opening a maps app outdoors helps. Restarting the iPhone is the quickest fix.

Find My still shows the old location. Why?

Apps that read your location live, such as maps, update straight away. Find My shows the last place your iPhone reported, so it can keep showing the simulated location until your iPhone next reports, which can take a while. To refresh it sooner, open Find My on the iPhone itself. If that does not move it, turn Location Services off and on in Settings > Privacy & Security, or restart the iPhone.

Rules and safety

Is it allowed?

Using a developer feature on your own phone is up to you. Many apps, though, forbid simulated or misleading locations in their terms, and some suspend accounts that use them. Check before you use Pinmist with an app. Following its rules is your responsibility.

Could someone use Pinmist on my phone without me knowing?

Not easily. Pinmist needs the iPhone unlocked, plugged in and trusted with its passcode, and Developer Mode needs a restart and the passcode again. If you find Developer Mode switched on and did not do it yourself, turn it off in Settings › Privacy & Security › Developer Mode.

Who can use Pinmist?

Adults aged 18 or over, with devices they own.

Account and billing

Open Pinmist and enter the email you bought it with. We email you a 6-digit code to type in. The same email signs you in to your account page.

How many computers can I use?

One at a time per account. Signing in to Pinmist on another computer signs the first one out, and Pinmist tells you which computer it was. You can also sign a computer out from your account page.

What if I am offline?

Pinmist checks your account when you start a simulation. If it cannot reach us, it carries on for up to 14 days from the last successful check. After that it asks you to connect once.

How do I cancel?

On your account page, choose Manage billing. You keep Pinmist until the end of the period you have paid for.

Can I get a refund?

Yes, within 14 days of a payment. See Refunds.