A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is one of the most common tools people use to protect their privacy online. But how exactly does it change your IP address and location — and can it be detected?
How Your Normal IP Works
Without a VPN, when you visit a website, your request travels directly from your device through your ISP (Internet Service Provider) to the destination server. The destination server sees your real IP address — the one assigned by your ISP.
This IP address reveals your approximate geographic location, your ISP name, and your ASN (network identifier). Tools like LocationFound can display all of this within milliseconds.
What a VPN Actually Does
When you connect to a VPN, your traffic is encrypted and routed through a VPN server in a location of your choice before reaching the destination website. The destination server only sees the VPN server's IP address — not yours.
For example: If you are in Istanbul and connect to a VPN server in London, websites will see a UK IP address associated with the VPN provider — not your Turkish home IP.
What Location Data Changes With a VPN
- Your visible IP address changes to the VPN server's IP
- Geolocation shows the VPN server's city/country instead of your real location
- Your ISP name is replaced with the VPN provider's network details
- Your ASN changes to the VPN provider's autonomous system
What Can Still Leak Despite a VPN
DNS Leaks
If your VPN is misconfigured, DNS queries (turning domain names into IPs) may still route through your ISP. This reveals your real location to anyone monitoring DNS traffic. Use a leak test at dnsleaktest.com to check.
WebRTC Leaks
WebRTC is a browser technology used for video/audio calls. It can expose your real IP even when a VPN is active, because it establishes direct peer-to-peer connections. Disable WebRTC in your browser settings or use a VPN with leak protection.
GPS and Device Location
A VPN changes your network IP but cannot affect GPS signals from your device. Apps with location permission may still see your real physical location regardless of VPN.
How IP Lookup Tools Detect VPN IPs
Services like LocationFound flag IP addresses as VPN/proxy using several techniques:
- Datacenter ranges: VPN providers use IP ranges registered to datacenters rather than residential ISPs
- VPN provider databases: Known IP ranges operated by NordVPN, ExpressVPN, etc.
- Behavioral patterns: High traffic volume from a single IP is a proxy signal
- BGP routing analysis: Inconsistencies between claimed location and actual network path
Can Websites Block VPN IPs?
Yes. Netflix, Disney+, and many streaming services maintain blacklists of known VPN IP ranges and block them. This is an arms race — VPN providers constantly rotate IP addresses to evade these blocks. Premium VPNs with "residential" IPs (routes through real home connections) are harder to detect.
Conclusion
A VPN effectively masks your real IP and approximate location from websites and lookup tools. However, DNS leaks, WebRTC leaks, and device GPS can still expose your real location. Choose a reputable VPN with leak protection for maximum privacy.
Curious what your current IP reveals? Check your IP on LocationFound — it will show whether you appear to be using a VPN or proxy.