Google map knows my location while VPN is activated. How does that work?

VPN
1

Hi,
I connected to VPN in a different IP address. However, when I open google map, it knows where I am despite the activated VPN (both on phone and computer). How could the map track I am curious?

Thanks for the responses anyways :slight_smile:

2

Because on mobile, apps do not use your IP for location services. Mobile apps use the GPS/Cellular towers youre connected to to determine your location. In short, VPNs will not mask your location on mobile.

3

So, does this mean that it is not possible to stream Hulu, Netflix, or Amazon Prime anywhere outside the U.S. on an iPhone, even with a VPN?

I know on a computer, WebRTC needs to be blocked and browser location spoofed for streaming to work.

4

Yes your Wifi triangulation is more accurate than the cell tower version.

IP address has never been good for location

5

IP address is only one of the tools to track your location, the least accurate one actually. On a device without GPS or cell, WiFi can locate you pretty accurately: https://www.pcwrt.com/2021/01/how-does-my-browser-know-my-real-location-when-im-on-a-vpn/

6

If your VPN application has a tracker setting, block it. Easy.

7

Also, if your WiFi is enabled, they can pretty accurately localise you based on the position of known WiFi Hotspots or access points. That’s what happened to me once on my Mac when I started using LittleSnitch.

8

You can use a fake gps app if your phone is rooted. Currently GPS shows me as being in Antartica. However there’s still cell tower data to further pinpoint location but that’s only down to a rough area, no where near as precise as GPS location.

9

But if I’m on a WiFi device like a phone or laptop on my home network, how do I connect without getting tracked like that?

10

You do not need to be rooted to fake your gps

11

You have to turn off WiFi, unless you trust that turning off location service works as advertised.

12

On android if you long press the location icon you can deactivate GPS.

Also in the same options there should be “wifi and bluetooth scanning”. This scanning is used to location. Deactivate this as well.
You can still use WIFI. Maps will not know were you are and will ask to turn on those options.

EDIT:

On IOS it is deactivated from default. (source: friend)

13

What app works without root as well the ones I came across needed root access?

14

So you just… can’t use those devices to connect to the internet anymore without an ethernet cable? :confused:

15

Yeah I know how to turn off scanning and location services (did that when I first got my phone), but I mean the WiFi triangulation. People keep saying “turn off WiFi entirely,” but that’s not exactly practical, and I don’t see how it would matter on home network.