Testing geofencing with Google Play Services 6.5.+

Question

I've been testing the geofencing api available in the latest Google Play Services, using the official sample available here: https://github.com/googlesamples/android-Geofencing/ And of course, following the training course: http://developer.android.com/training/location/geofencing.html

The sample displays a notification when you are nearing two Google buildings in San Fransisco, so I tweaked it to be triggered when I'm nearing my home or my work place.

If I use a real device, it works. The notifications are triggered properly. But when I'm using a simulator, and change the location with telnet or ddms, nothing happens. I also tried with Genymotion, with the Gapps installed, and same stuff: nothing.

Would anyone have any pointer about how to test geofence, without actually moving my butt? Because in the street, there is no way to debug the code...

Answer 1

Here is what you need to do:

1. Settings -> Developer options -> Allow mock locations

2. Add the following permission:

<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACCESS_MOCK_LOCATION" />

3. Ensure your GPS location service is ON (high accuracy) not Network location

4. Download an app called Fake GPS (it has yellow happy fact holding a remote control) from the app store. You can set your fake GPS using that app

Hope this answers you question :)

Answer 2

I had the same issue, if you have a device you can easily fake the location by enabling mocking location in the settings

Settings-> Developer options-> Allow mock locations

And you also have to add this in the manifest:

 <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACCESS_MOCK_LOCATION" />  

I never tried on the emulator, but try to open the emulator and do the same things (go to settings and enable mock locations), good luck!