Can Google track you with a VPN? (2024)

One of the most important things a VPN does is give you a new IP address. This not only conceals your identity but also makes it appear as if you are browsing from a different location.

Therefore, it can be surprising that when you use Google Maps, your real location is detected rather than the location associated with your VPN. Similarly, Google searches might display results and language specific to your actual location instead of the one you are using with your VPN.

This raises the all-important question: Can Google track you with a VPN? Well, the answer is yes! That is because unlike the majority of websites and apps, Google uses more than just your IP address for location determination.

Find out more in our guide below:

How does Google track you even while using a VPN?

Here are some ways Google can track you despite VPN use:

Method #1: Wi-Fi location tracking

Google employs a geolocation system called Wi-Fi location tracking to pinpoint your location. This method functions similarly to GPS but relies on Wi-Fi networks and access points (instead of satellites) to determine your whereabouts.

Furthermore, Google also maintains an extensive database of active Wi-Fi networks and access points worldwide. By analyzing the signal strengths of Wi-Fi networks detected by your device when Wi-Fi is enabled, Google uses triangulation to accurately determine your location. Interestingly, this can occur even if you are not actively connected to a Wi-Fi network!

Method #2: Your Google account

If you have a Google account (who doesn’t, really?), it is very likely that your location information is being shared with Google through various means. For instance, if you signed up for your Google account without connecting to a VPN, Google already knows where you are due to your signup location.

Similarly, If you are currently signed in to your Google account on your device, conducting local searches for restaurants or businesses can lead Google to determine your residing region.

Google also knows your location if your ‘Location History’ is enabled, or your work or home address were on Google Maps. Even if you are using a VPN now, Google already has your past location history.

Related Read: How to delete your Google account

Method #3: GPS

Due to the GPS functionality on mobile devices, Google probably knows your actual location. GPS is generally enabled on devices to support apps like Google Maps, allowing them to track your movements continuously, unless you disable it.

Method #4: Cookies

Websites use cookies to store data on your device so they can remember information about your visits and customize future experiences. In addition to basic details such as logins and account settings, cookies can also store location information, which could help Google in determining where you are.

Related Read: What are internet cookies and how do they invade your privacy?

Method #5: Location History

Google Location History is an account-level setting that maintains a record of your past locations. Whether you use a VPN or not, Google can use that stored data to determine your current location.

Method #6: GSM Cell ID

GSM Cell ID is the unique identification number assigned to a specific cell tower in a GSM network. Each cell tower is assigned a Cell ID, which is used to identify and differentiate it from other nearby towers.

There are public databases containing the IDs of cell phone towers, and Google collects this data for location services. Therefore, switching to mobile data does not solve the problem you are facing either.

How can I stop Google from tracking me?

Now that you know the different methods through which Google can track you with a VPN, here is what you can do to make it harder for the company to discover your real location:

Solution #1: Avoid signing in to Google whenever possible

To reduce the amount of data collected by Google, consider staying signed out of your Google account when you use its search engine, maps, and other services.

Solution #2: Turn off GPS on your mobile device

To stop Google Maps from determining your location, you should disable GPS services on your mobile device. You can still use Google Maps for various purposes such as finding places and checking street views, but won’t be able to see your location on the map or get driving directions.

On Android

1. Swipe down from the top of your screen to access the Notification Shade.
2. Long-press the Location icon.
3. Toggle off Location.

On iOS

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Privacy.
3. Tap Location Services and toggle it off.

Solution #3: Disable Location History and Web & App Activity

There are two settings on your Google account called Location History and Web & App Activity, which determine whether your locations are stored and tracked. If these settings are enabled, they can reveal your actual location.

The Location History option stores your past locations, including dates and timestamps. To disable Location History, just follow these steps:

1. Go to the My Activity page on your Google account.
2. Select Location History from the options.
3. Click Turn off to disable Location History.
4. To manage your location history, click Manage history.
5. Delete your past location history as desired.

However, disabling Location History alone is not enough. The Web & App Activity option also stores your online activity and information like your location on Google apps and sites. Just follow these steps to disable it:

1. Go to the My Activity page on your Google account.
2. Select Web & App Activity from the options.
3. Click Turn off to disable Web & App Activity.
4. To manage your web and app activity, click Manage all Web & App Activity.
5. Delete your past web and app activity as desired.

Solution #4: Close Location Sharing on Google Chrome

If location sharing is enabled, Chrome sends data to Google Location Services to approximate your location and shares it with websites you visit. This enables Google to collect information about your actual whereabouts. To maintain your privacy, you need to disable location sharing on both your desktop and mobile devices:

On Chrome desktop

1. Click the three-dot menu icon on the top right corner of your screen.
2. Click Settings.
3. Click Privacy and security.
4. Click Site settings.
5. Under the Permissions section, click Location.
6. Select Don’t allow sites to see your location.

On Chrome mobile

1. Tap the three-dot menu icon on the top right corner of your screen.
2. Tap Settings.
3. Scroll down and tap Site Settings.
4. Tap Location.
5. Toggle off the Location option.

Solution #5: Use a privacy-friendly search engine

Google, the widely used search engine, is known for its extensive data tracking practices, which can compromise user privacy. It collects various details like location history, browsing behavior, and search history. To limit the amount of data Google gathers about you and improve your privacy, try using privacy-friendly search engines like DuckDuckGo.

Solution #6: Get a high-quality VPN

Just because Google can track you with a VPN, does not mean you should stop using one altogether. While Google may still be aware of your location, using a VPN helps conceal your IP address and ISP from them, thereby limiting the information they can gather about you.

You appear to be in the location of the VPN server to the sites you visit and your connection remains encrypted, ensuring enhanced online security. A premium VPN like PureVPN also offers strong protection features like obfuscation, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch.