Why many apps will still be able to see your location even if you use a VPN
These days, having a VPN is very common. One can be installed on your smartphone or computer. It conceals your browsing activity and encrypts your connection. It does not, however, always function effectively or meet our expectations. The reason will be explained in this article. You won't be able to conceal your location from numerous apps, even if you use a VPN.
Using a VPN allows you to connect to an external server, which might be located in a different nation. By doing this, you can change the location from which you're connecting. When trying to access services that might be geo-blocked, it can be helpful. For instance, certain programs or websites are inoperable in particular nations.
Even though your IP address and connection are encrypted when you use a VPN, there are other factors that can determine where you are. The GPS system on your device is another crucial component. Services that only use your IP address to determine your location can be tricked by a VPN; other services that might use other techniques cannot.
Remember that the Global Positioning System (GPS) is built into your cell phone. Coordinates are necessary for many apps to work correctly. For instance, after receiving this data, a weather app might display the current city's temperature. They can still get your location data even if you use a VPN to connect.
The GPS information your device shares with the apps or services you use is essentially unaffected by using a VPN. As a result, they're a fantastic choice for constantly monitoring your location.
However, they also use nearby Wi-Fi networks as a trick. Similar to any other device you use to connect to the network, access points have a unique MAC address. Devices in close proximity receive this address. Even if these devices are not connected, they will still find these networks.
In this manner, they can use this third method to determine your location, even if it's only an estimate, even if you turn off your GPS and use a VPN. While it's not a feature of every app, it is a possibility.
Additionally, there's a setting that lets Bluetooth and other nearby devices know where you are. In this manner, devices can transmit their location to activate specific features. For instance, beacons—small Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) devices—may be present at an airport and be able to track a user's location.
In summary, although it's intriguing to use a reliable VPN to conceal your location by encrypting your IP address, this does not preclude apps from using other techniques to determine your actual location. As you can see, there are a number of options available to you.
How can I pick the top VPN app? We'll give you some pointers on how to pick the top VPN.