Why VPN is Not Hiding Your Real Location (How to Solve It)

One of the VPN features is the ability to virtually change your location. It does that by masking your real IP address and using a VPN server to connect to websites on your behalf.

Changing the location allows you to access restricted content and browse privately. But does it hide your location all the time?

You might have noticed that websites sometimes still know your location even when on a VPN. So why is VPN not hiding your real location when it is supposed to?

Let’s see why you can still be discovered and how to solve it.

Why is VPN not hiding your location?

A VPN may not hide your location for a few reasons. First, the VPN you use might have IP leaks that reveal your real location. Second, websites use cookies, browser fingerprinting, and browser’s geolocation API to track you. A VPN can not hide your location completely if these methods are used.

Let’s take a look at possible reasons why VPN is not hiding your location.

Your VPN leaks IP address

There are three types of leaks: IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. IP leak protection is critical for a VPN to hide your location at all times. Even temporarily exposing your IP may reveal where you are, and it’s a serious privacy issue.

• IPv4 and IPv6 leaks: nowadays your ISP assigns you two types of IP – versions 4 and 6. VPN services mostly use IPv4 and block IPv6 addresses. If any of those are leaked your location is exposed to the websites.
• DNS leak: before connecting to a website your device makes a DNS query to turn a domain name into a website’s IP address. These queries are often leaked if a VPN is not configured properly. DNS leaks can reveal your real location and show the visited websites to your ISP.
• WebRTC leak: this type of leak is a browser-specific leak. A VPN apps have no control over it and it needs to be turned off in the browser settings. Find suggestions on how to turn it off below.

Websites use tracking cookies

Many websites use cookies either for functionality or tracking. Cookies can hold up information about your identity, location, and previously visited websites.

Unfortunately, a VPN can not block cookies as they are files that are downloaded inside a VPN tunnel. So even with your IP changed they still may reveal the information about where you are.

Some websites inject third-party cookies that can track you across the internet. These are mostly used by advertisers that can determine your approximate location.

Another tracking technique is called browser fingerprinting. It uses your browser’s parameters to partially identify you and your approximate location.

Your browser geolocation is used

Your location may be revealed by your browser GPS functionality. Some websites ask permission to use your browser’s geolocation API to let them know where you are. A VPN can not protect from that as all the coordinates are sent over the VPN, inside the encrypted tunnel. You should set browser location permissions manually as a VPN has no control over it.

Websites often find your location by your IP address. But, if they use browser geolocation, they can find you even with a VPN. You can test this at https://www.where-am-i.net/.

How to hide your location using a VPN

Even with a VPN, you can still hide your location. You just need to fix IP leaks, stop tracking, and handle geo-location. It’s simple.

Here’s how to hide your location on a VPN:

Test for IP leaks

To check if your VPN works, test for IP leaks. Visit www.ipleak.net or https://browserleaks.com/ip. They show if your real IP addresses are exposed.

If you see a WebRTC leak, install a VPN browser extension. Disable the setting there. Top VPNs include these extensions.

If tests fail, your VPN leaks your location. You should change your service provider. NordVPN or ExpressVPN are the best and don’t leak any IPs.

Cut Off Tracking Cookies

A VPN alone can’t block tracking cookies. But, some services have features to block malicious websites and advertiser tracking. They also protect against third-party cookies.

Using an incognito window is another good tip. It deletes cookies after you close it. This way, your browsing starts fresh every time. You can find it on every browser:

You can open Private Incognito Window in any browser by keyboard commands:

• Chrome: CTRL/Command + Shift + N
• Firefox: CTRL/Command + Shift + P
• Safari: Command + Shift + N

Disable geolocation on your browser

To hide your location on a VPN, you need to set your browser’s location permissions. Geolocation can reveal your location even with a VPN. You can do this on every browser.

Disable browser geolocation API On Chrome:

1. Go to Menu > Settings
2. Select Privacy and Security > Site Settings
3. Then Location
4. Turn on “Ask Before Accessing”

Disable browser geolocation API On Safari:

1. Go to Preferences > Privacy
2. Select Website Tracking
3. Checkmark “Prevent cross-site tracking” and “Ask websites not to track me”

Disable browser geolocation API On Firefox:

1. Go to Menu > Options
2. Select> Privacy And Security
3. Then Permissions > Location
4. Add checkmark on “Block new requests” or manage permissions

Conclusion

Using a VPN doesn’t always keep your location secret. This can happen if your VPN leaks your real IP address. Browser geolocation APIs and cookies might also reveal your location.

But, hiding your location with a VPN is usually enough. Just block browser GPS settings. Here are the top VPNs for this: