If your IP address shows the wrong city, the wrong state, or even the wrong country, you’re not alone. IP “location” is not GPS—it's a best-effort estimate based on routing and database data. In this guide, you’ll learn why it happens and what you can do to improve accuracy (or intentionally hide your location).
How accurate is IP geolocation?
Most IP geolocation is accurate at country level, but it can be unreliable at city level. Some IPs are mapped to an ISP office, a data center, or a “default” location when databases don’t know the real one.
9 reasons your IP location is wrong
1) You’re using a VPN, proxy, or Tor
When you use a VPN, websites see the VPN server’s IP location—not yours. The same is true for proxies and Tor exit nodes.
Fix: Disconnect the VPN/proxy, refresh, and re-check. If you want to hide your location, keep it on and verify it’s working:
2) Your ISP routes traffic through another city
Some ISPs backhaul traffic through regional hubs (big cities). Databases may associate your IP range with that hub instead of your neighborhood.
Fix: There’s no instant fix. Over time, geolocation providers may update records. If you’re on business internet, ask your ISP if your IP block’s geo registration can be corrected.
3) Mobile networks (4G/5G) can look “far away”
Mobile carriers commonly NAT traffic and egress from centralized gateways. Your mobile IP may map to the city where the carrier gateway sits—not where you are.
Fix: If you need accurate location, test on home Wi‑Fi. If you need privacy, a VPN is a stronger solution than relying on mobile NAT.
4) Your IP was reassigned recently
IPs change owners and allocations. If a block moved between regions or ISPs, databases may lag behind.
Fix: Wait for updates (days to weeks). If it’s a business IP, request correction from major geolocation providers and your ISP.
5) The database is outdated (or using different sources)
Different services use different geolocation providers. That’s why one site shows City A and another shows City B.
Fix: Compare results from multiple sources. Your best “truth” is usually your ISP’s region, not a single website’s guess.
6) You’re behind CGNAT (shared public IP)
With CGNAT, many customers share a public IP. A single location mapping cannot represent everyone.
Fix: If you need a stable, accurate public IP, ask your ISP about a static IP. For privacy, a VPN gives you predictable “virtual location.”
7) Your company/school network exits elsewhere
Corporate networks often route traffic through headquarters or a cloud security gateway.
Fix: Test on a different network (mobile hotspot or home). If it’s intentional (company security), you can’t change it locally.
8) You’re using public Wi‑Fi (hotel, airport, cafe)
Public Wi‑Fi providers often use centralized gateways or cloud filtering, so your IP may map to where that provider operates.
Fix: Don’t rely on Wi‑Fi IP location for local services. Use GPS/location permissions if the service supports it.
9) Websites sometimes “guess” your location using extra signals
Some sites combine IP with browser signals (language/timezone), account history, and cookies. That can produce confusing results.
Fix: Clear site cookies, use a private window, and re-check. You can also review browser details:
How to fix IP location (the realistic options)
- For home users: You usually can’t “fix” it instantly—databases update slowly.
- For business/static IPs: Ask your ISP to correct geo registration; submit correction requests to major geo providers.
- If you want privacy: Use a VPN and choose a location intentionally (and verify it).
Next steps: verify and control what sites see
- Check your current public IP and confirm if it changes.
- Use IP Lookup to see ISP/ASN details that explain routing.
- If you need privacy, read How to Hide Your IP and test with VPN Detection.