How to protect yourself from automatic time change on your smartphone via GPS spoofing during air raids

Recently, many users in Ukraine have noticed that their smartphones automatically change the time, causing them to be late or even miss important events. This phenomenon is related to the activation of electronic warfare (EW) systems during air alerts, which try to divert enemy drones back to Russian territory. As a result, the GPS on your devices may show that you are not in Kyiv, but, for example, in the Bryansk or Kursk regions, Mezha.Media reports.

What is GPS spoofing and how it affects your smartphone

GPS spoofing is a technology that involves transmitting fake GPS signals to deceive receivers. In the context of military operations, this helps to throw off the course of enemy drones that rely on GPS for navigation. As a result, the Ukrainian Air Force often reports that enemy drones have been lost or returned to Russian territory.

However, this technology affects not only enemy drones but also civilian devices. Modern smartphones use geolocation services to determine the time zone. During the operation of electronic warfare systems, your phone may receive incorrect coordinates, which leads to the automatic switching of the clock to another time zone.

How to fix the problem on iPhone

1. Open the settings on your iPhone.
2. Go to the General section.
3. Select Date and time.
4. Turn off the Install automatically option.
5. Manually select the Kyiv time zone.

After doing this, your iPhone will not automatically change the time zone. Please note that when traveling outside of Ukraine, you will need to turn on automatic time detection again.

How to fix the problem on Android smartphones

1. Go to your device’s settings.
2. Go to the General management or System section (depending on the model).
3. Select Date and time.
4. Turn off the Auto Time or Time Zone by Location option.
5. Set the Kyiv time zone manually.

On some smartphones, such as Samsung, you can separately configure the time zone detection via the operator’s network or geolocation. In this case, leave the “Automatic time zone” option enabled, but turn off “Time zone by location”.

Conclusion.

These simple settings will help you avoid unpleasant situations related to incorrect time on your smartphone. In a difficult time for the country, it is important to be informed in time and not to miss important events. We hope that these tips will be useful and help you stay in touch without any unnecessary obstacles.