Have you ever wondered why your VPN (Virtual Private Network) fails to conceal your actual location? If you’ve encountered this issue, you’re not alone.
VPNs are designed to provide anonymity and enhance privacy by masking your true IP address and location. However, there can be instances where your real location remains visible despite using a VPN.
![Why Is My VPN Not Hiding My Real Location? [Fixed]](https://www.privacypapa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Why-Is-My-VPN-Not-Hiding-My-Real-Location-1024x576.webp "Why Is My VPN Not Hiding My Real Location? [Fixed]")
In this article, we will delve into the possible reasons behind this dilemma and provide effective solutions to ensure your VPN is functioning correctly. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to troubleshoot and resolve any issues preventing your VPN from properly hiding your real location.
⏳ Short in Time? Here’s a Quick Summary
- Location concealment failure can occur when your VPN experiences an IP leak.
- To address an IP leak, consider utilizing a VPN equipped with a Kill Switch feature, such as NordVPN.
- Additional factors like browser fingerprinting and geolocation can impact the effectiveness of your VPN.
- Follow the provided solutions below to address and resolve any potential causes for VPN location concealment issues.
The Importance of VPN Location Hiding
VPNs protect your online privacy by masking your IP address and location. This prevents websites, advertisers, and hackers from tracking your online activities and targeting you with personalized ads. Moreover, VPNs also allow you to bypass geographical restrictions, granting you access to content that might be unavailable in your region.
However, if your VPN is not hiding your location effectively, it compromises your online privacy and defeats the purpose of using a VPN. Therefore, it’s crucial to identify and resolve any VPN location hiding issues to maintain your privacy and security online.
Identifying VPN Location Hiding Issues
To determine if your VPN is effectively hiding your location, follow these simple steps:
- Disconnect from your VPN and search “what’s my IP address” on Google.
- Note down your actual IP address.
- Connect to a VPN server and repeat the search.
- Compare the new IP address with the one you noted earlier.
If the IP addresses are the same, it indicates that your VPN is leaking your location, and you need to find a solution.
Common Causes of VPN Location Hiding Issues
Several factors can cause VPN location hiding issues. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Connection drops: When your VPN connection drops, your real IP address and location may be exposed.
- WebRTC leaks: Enabled by default in most browsers, WebRTC can reveal your IP address and location, even when connected to a VPN.
- Browser geolocation features: Some browsers have built-in geolocation features that can bypass VPNs and reveal your true location.
- GPS tracking: Certain apps and services use GPS tracking instead of IP-based location detection, which a regular VPN cannot hide.
Solutions to Fix VPN Location Hiding Issues
1. Choose a Reliable VPN Service
Using a reputable and reliable VPN service can significantly reduce the chances of VPN location hiding issues. Avoid free VPNs, as they may have poor security features and are more likely to leak your IP address and location.
Instead, opt for a premium, trusted VPN provider like ExpressVPN or NordVPN, which offer robust security features, regular updates, and a proven track record of protecting user privacy.
2. Update Your VPN
Ensure that your VPN software is up-to-date, as outdated versions may have vulnerabilities that can compromise your location hiding. Most VPN clients offer automatic updates, so make sure this feature is enabled in the settings.
3. Disable WebRTC Leaks
To prevent WebRTC leaks in your browser, you can either manually configure the browser settings or use a browser extension that automatically disables WebRTC. For example, NordVPN offers a browser add-on that blocks WebRTC IP detection.
4. Switch VPN Servers
If you suspect that your VPN server is leaking your location, try connecting to a different server. Sometimes, a simple server switch can resolve the issue.
5. Disable Browser Geolocation Features
To prevent browser geolocation features from revealing your location, disable them in your browser settings. Here’s how to do it for some popular browsers:
- Chrome: Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Location.
- Firefox: Visit Options > Privacy & Security > Permissions > Location.
- Opera: Access Settings > Websites > Location.
- Microsoft Edge: Navigate to Tools > Internet Options > Privacy > Location.
6. Utilize a VPN Kill Switch
A VPN kill switch can automatically disconnect your internet connection if your VPN drops unexpectedly, preventing IP leaks during reconnection. Many premium VPN services, like NordVPN, come with a built-in kill switch that can be activated in the settings panel.
7. Visit HTTPS Websites
HTTPS websites offer better security and privacy than HTTP websites. Make sure to visit only HTTPS websites when using a VPN to minimize the risk of location leaks.
Top 3 Best VPNs of 2023
1. NordVPN
| 🌐Based in: | Panama |
| 🖥️Total Servers: | 5500+ servers in 58 countries |
| 💾Logs: | No Logs |
| ℹ️Support: | 24/7 Live Chat |
| 🍿Unblock Netflix: | Yes |
| 💵Refund: | 30 Days |
| 🔥Discount: | NordVPN coupon 64% OFF |
NordVPN stands out as the top choice when it comes to safeguarding your online privacy and security. With its exceptional features and robust infrastructure, it has established itself as the best VPN service available. NordVPN offers a wide network of servers located across the globe, ensuring fast and reliable connections from anywhere.
Its state-of-the-art encryption protocols guarantee that your online activities remain private and secure, shielding you from potential cyber threats. NordVPN also boasts a strict no-logs policy, meaning that your browsing history and personal information are not recorded or stored.
Key Features
- Independently Audited
- Strict No-Logs Policy
- Obfuscated Servers
- AES-256-bit Encryption
- 5500+ Servers
- Dedicated P2P Servers
- Onion and Double VPN
- CyberSec Ad Blocker
- Split-Tunneling
- Dedicated IP Addresses
- Kill Switch
- Threat Protection
- NordLynx Protocol
- SmartPlay Streaming
- SmartDNS
Additionally, it provides an array of advanced features like Double VPN, which routes your traffic through multiple servers for an added layer of protection. Its user-friendly interface makes it effortless to use, even for beginners.
With NordVPN, you can browse the internet with peace of mind, knowing that your sensitive data is shielded from prying eyes. Whether you’re using public Wi-Fi or conducting confidential transactions, NordVPN is the ultimate solution to ensure your online privacy and security.
Pricing Plan
| Standard Subscription | Plus Subscription | Complete Subscription | |
| 2-year Plan | $3.69/mo + 3 months FREE | $4.69/mo + 3 months FREE | $5.99/mo + 3 months FREE |
| 1-year Plan | $4.49/mo + 3 months FREE | $5.49/mo + 3 months FREE | $6.79/mo + 3 months FREE |
| Monthly Plan | $11.99/mo | $12.99 | $14.29 |
Pros:
- Stable Ping for Valorant
- Fastest VPN
- Independently Audited
- Top Notch Encryption
- Great Server Coverage
- Streaming & Torrenting Support
- 30-Day Refund Policy
- 24/7 Live Chat Support
Cons:
- Slow Speeds on Distant Servers
Who It’s Best Suited To
NordVPN is best suited to people that care about their digital freedom. It uses the highest encryption system to encrypt your data traffic and also hides your IP address from everyone.
Overall, you get the best combination of security, stability, privacy, and speed with NordVPN whilst torrenting.
2. Surfshark VPN
| 🌐Based in: | The Netherlands |
| 🖥️Total Servers: | 3200+ Servers in 65 Countries |
| 💾Logs: | No Logs |
| ℹ️Support: | 24/7 Live Chat |
| 🍿Unblock Netflix: | Yes |
| 💵Refund: | 30 Days |
| 🔥Discount: | SurfsharkVPN coupon 81% OFF |
SurfsharkVPN stands out as the ultimate solution for safeguarding your online privacy and security. With its remarkable features and robust encryption protocols, it has established itself as the best VPN available today.
SurfsharkVPN boasts an extensive network of servers strategically spread across the globe, allowing you to browse the internet anonymously from any location. Whether you’re accessing public Wi-Fi or conducting sensitive transactions, SurfsharkVPN shields your data from prying eyes by employing top-notch encryption mechanisms.
Key Features
- Independently Audited
- Strict No-Logs Policy
- Obfuscated Servers
- AES-256-bit Encryption
- 3200+ Servers
- Kill Switch
- CleanWeb
- Whitelister
- Wifi Protection
- MultiHop
- No Barriers Mode
- Virtual Servers
- Static IP Servers
- RAM Only Servers
- Torrent Support
Furthermore, it ensures your online activities remain hidden from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and other potential threats. The built-in Kill Switch feature adds an extra layer of protection, instantly disconnecting your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing any data leakage.
SurfsharkVPN goes above and beyond by offering unlimited simultaneous connections, enabling you to protect all your devices at once. Additionally, it supports various platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, ensuring compatibility across all your devices. By choosing SurfsharkVPN, you can browse the internet with peace of mind, knowing that your online privacy and security are in capable hands.
Pricing Plan
| 2-year Plan | 1-year Plan | Monthly Plan | |
| Promotional Price | $2.05/mo + 2 months FREE | $3.99/mo | $12.95/mo |
| Total | $53.28 for 26 months | $47.88 for 12 months | $12.95 for 1 month |
| Renewal Price | $59.76 | $59.76 | $12.95 |
| SurfShark One | $92.02 for 26 months ($53.28 + $38.74) | $65.76 for 12 months ($47.88 + $17.88) | $14.44 for 1 month ($12.95 + $1.49) |
| SurfShark One Renewal | $77.64 Annually ($59.76 + $17.88) | $77.64 Annually ($59.76 + $17.88) | $14.44 ($12.95 + $1.49) |
Pros:
- Good For Valorant
- Independently Audited
- AES-256-Bit Encryption
- High Speeds
- Streaming and Torrenting Beast
- Good Server Coverage
- 30-Days-Refund Policy
- 24/7 Live Chat Support
Cons:
- Distant Servers Take Time To Connect
- OpenVPN Protocol is slow
Who It’s Best Suited To
SurfShark is best suited to people that love streaming, torrenting, and gaming. It also keeps you secure from all digital threats and respects your privacy.
Overall, SurfShark does well in speed, privacy, streaming, and security. The SurfShark One Bundle also offers an in-built antivirus and real-time alerts system.
3. ExpressVPN
| 🌐Based in: | The British Virgin Islands |
| 🖥️Total Servers: | 5000+ servers in 59 countries |
| 💾Logs: | No Logs |
| ℹ️Support: | 24/7 Live Chat |
| 🍿Unblock Netflix: | Yes |
| 💵Refund: | 30 Days |
| 🔥Discount: | ExpressVPN coupon 49% OFF |
ExpressVPN is widely recognized as the top-notch VPN service for safeguarding your online privacy and security. With its robust features and unparalleled commitment to user protection, ExpressVPN stands out as the best choice for maintaining a secure digital presence.
By encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through a network of high-speed servers located in various countries, ExpressVPN ensures that your sensitive information remains shielded from prying eyes. Whether you’re browsing the web, streaming content, or conducting online transactions, ExpressVPN’s advanced encryption protocols guarantee that your data is virtually impenetrable.
Key Features
- Independently Audited
- Strict No-Logs Policy
- Obfuscated Servers
- AES-256-bit Encryption
- Zero Knowledge DNS
- Kill Switch
- ExpressVPN Keys
- Trusted RAM-Only Servers
- Network Lock
- P2P File Sharing
- Lightway Protocol
- 3000+ Servers
- Stealth Technology
- Virtual Servers
- Shared IP Addresses
- Smart DNS
- Split Tunneling
- Private DNS
- Threat Manager
Additionally, ExpressVPN boasts a strict no-logs policy, meaning that your online activities are never recorded or stored. This commitment to privacy is further enhanced by their trusted server technology, which ensures that your data remains secure even if a server were to be compromised.
Furthermore, ExpressVPN offers user-friendly applications for a wide range of devices, making it convenient and accessible to protect your privacy on all platforms. With its unrivaled combination of privacy features, speed, and ease of use, ExpressVPN unquestionably stands as the ultimate solution for safeguarding your online privacy and security.
Pricing Plans
| 1 Year Plan | 6 Months Plan | 1 Month Plan |
| $6.67/mo + 3 Months FREE | $9.99/mo | $12.95 |
| Roughly $80/year | Roughly $60 For 6 Months | $12.95 Per Month |
Pros:
- Independently Audited
- Top-Notch Encryption
- Premium Speeds with consistent connection
- Defend DDoS & DoS attacks
- Privacy Friendly VPN with zero log policy
- Unblocks any streaming service & website
- Top-Class Customer Support
- Torrenting support on every server
Cons:
- Maximum 5 device connections
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my real location still visible even after connecting to a VPN?
This can happen if your VPN is not configured properly or if it is leaking your real IP address. You can try connecting to a different server or VPN provider, or use a tool like DNS leak test to check for any leaks.
Can my ISP still see my real location if I use a VPN?
No, your ISP cannot see your real location if you’re using a VPN. However, if your VPN is not working as it should, your ISP may still be able to track your online activities.
How can I ensure that my VPN is hiding my real location?
You can use a tool like IP leak test or DNS leak test to check if your VPN is hiding your real location. You can also try connecting to different VPN servers in different locations to see if your IP address changes accordingly. Additionally, make sure your VPN is properly configured and up-to-date.
Final Words
There are many reasons why your VPN may fail to hide your location, ranging from IP leaks to faulty VPNs. Identifying the cause and implementing the appropriate solutions can help you maintain your online privacy and access geo-restricted content without any issues. If your current VPN continues to fail, consider switching to a premium VPN that offers reliable performance and robust privacy features.
