Approximate location based on IP geolocation
An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a unique numerical label assigned to every device connected to the internet. It works like a postal address — it tells other computers where to send data so it reaches you. There are two versions in use today: IPv4 (e.g. 203.0.113.42) and the newer IPv6 (e.g. 2001:db8::1). Your IP address is assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and can change over time, especially if you restart your router.
Your IP address exposes your approximate location — typically accurate to the city or region level, not your exact street address. It also identifies your ISP and can be used by websites to estimate your country or timezone. Advertisers, websites, and services routinely log IP addresses to personalise content, enforce geo-restrictions, and detect fraud.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) routes your internet traffic through a server in another location. Websites and services see the VPN server's IP address instead of yours. This means:
However, a VPN does not make you fully anonymous — the VPN provider itself can see your traffic, and your identity can still be revealed through browser fingerprinting, cookies, or account logins.
IP geolocation databases map IP address ranges to physical locations based on registration records and network data. They are often accurate at the country or city level, but can be off by tens or hundreds of kilometres. Mobile networks, satellite internet, and corporate proxies can make the result particularly imprecise.