4 VPNs That Dont Require Login or Registration
Want to get the benefits of a VPN without signing up for an account? Believe it or not, there are options out there.
Some apps will still know your real location even if you use a VPN
One benefit of using a virtual private network (VPN) is that it masks your real location. But if that's your main goal, you might be surprised to learn that some apps can still see your real location.
Why can't a VPN completely hide your location?
When you connect to a VPN, it creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the VPN provider’s server. Then, when you send or receive data over the Internet, the data is transmitted through the tunnel and routed to its destination by the VPN server. In this setup, the VPN server is the intermediary that handles Internet packets on your behalf.
By accessing Internet resources on your behalf, a VPN effectively hides your identity. It does this by using its IP address instead of your real IP address, so any website or app you visit will see the VPN server as the one accessing the resource, not you. To the website or app, your location is the location from the VPN server’s IP address.
This works well for services or apps that rely on your IP address to know your location. However, this strategy isn't perfect, as there are other ways apps and websites can determine your location without using your IP address.
Using GPS data
Smartphones and tablets have built-in GPS that can be used to determine the device's current location. On mobile devices in particular, applications use data from GPS sensors to determine your location. For example, navigation apps like Google Maps and ride-hailing apps like Uber use GPS data to determine your exact location.
That's why even if you connect to a VPN and open the app, your current location won't change unless you move somewhere else. This is because connecting to a VPN only changes your IP address, not your GPS sensor data.
So these apps can still determine your real location regardless of your VPN settings. But of course, there is a way to fool such apps by using fake locations. Check out Quantrimang.com's article on the difference between fake locations and VPNs for more details.
Check surrounding Wi-Fi networks
Another trick some apps use to determine your physical location is to check for nearby Wi-Fi networks. Each Wi-Fi access point has a unique MAC address (also called a BSSID) that it broadcasts to nearby devices. Your device can detect nearby Wi-Fi networks even if you’re not connected.
This feature allows you to easily scan and connect to nearby Wi-Fi networks. However, some companies use this feature to create large databases of Wi-Fi MAC addresses and their geographic locations.
So even with a VPN connection, location spoofing, or GPS turned off, some apps can still send a list of nearby Wi-Fi addresses to the Wi-Fi location database to determine your approximate location. In this case, a VPN isn’t very useful in fooling apps that use nearby Wi-Fi networks to determine your location.
Using Bluetooth and nearby devices
Some apps can also determine your physical location using Bluetooth and nearby devices. Smartphones and other Bluetooth-enabled devices broadcast their presence to nearby devices.
Apps can determine your location by detecting these signals and then comparing the identities of nearby Bluetooth devices with data stored in a database that links them to specific physical locations. This is part of how Find My Device works even when your phone is turned off.
In some places like airports and retail stores, small Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) devices (called beacons) provide location-based services like indoor navigation where GPS may be less effective. By detecting these beacons, some apps can find your location by identifying specific beacons mapped to physical locations.
Using a VPN is great for accessing geo-restricted content, protecting your data on public networks, or browsing the Internet anonymously. However, to hide your location from apps, look for other options, as some apps don't rely on your IP address to determine your location.
Useful virtual private networks on Google Chrome
VPN (Virtual Private Network) is simply understood as a virtual private network system, capable of creating a network connection based on a certain service provider.
ExpressVPN Now Supports Windows ARM PCs
One of the world's most popular VPN services - ExpressVPN - has officially launched an app version for Windows PCs running on ARM-based processors.
Everything You Need to Know About VPN Before You Start Using It
Switching to VPNs has completely changed the online privacy of many people, but there are a few things you need to know before you start using them.
The Difference Between a Good and a Bad VPN
To really understand whether a VPN is right for you, there’s no better way than to try it out. Install a few clients, connect to the best servers, test your favorite sites, and see how they perform.
Which free VPN is best for iPhone and iPad?
VPNs have a number of advantages, such as protecting your online identity and allowing you to access content in other countries. You may even experience faster connection speeds.
What is the difference between fake location and VPN?
Mock locations and VPNs are often used interchangeably when discussing online privacy and security, but they are not the same.
5 Features to Check Before Signing Up for a Free VPN
Not all VPNs are created equal, and that's especially true for free services.
What information can your ISP see when you turn on a VPN?
When you turn on a VPN, your internet connection is encrypted, making it harder for snoopers—like your ISP (Internet Service Provider)—to monitor what you're doing. But what exactly does your ISP see after you turn on a VPN?
Microsoft Defender VPN will stop rolling out to Microsoft 365 subscribers
Back in 2023, Microsoft launched a new feature for Microsoft Defender users called Privacy Protection.
How To Use A VPN With Caesars Sportsbook
Discover how to use a VPN with Caesars Sportsbook to access your favorite sports betting platform while traveling outside the U.S.
The Best Chrome Extensions For Changing Your IP Address
Discover top Chrome extensions that change your IP address and enhance your privacy. Explore options like ExpressVPN and GeoProxy for safer browsing.
Why do you need both a VPN and a firewall?
Understanding the difference between a VPN and a firewall, as well as why using them together provides better security, will help keep you safe.
The Best VPNs for Gamers
A good VPN will improve every aspect of gaming. For example, by using a VPN to mask your location, you can play geo-restricted games.
How to regain access to hard drive, fix error of not being able to open hard drive
In this article, we will guide you how to regain access to your hard drive when it fails. Let's follow along!
How to use dental floss
Dental floss is a common tool for cleaning teeth, however, not everyone knows how to use it properly. Below are instructions on how to use dental floss to clean teeth effectively.
How to gain muscle according to experts
Building muscle takes time and the right training, but its something anyone can do. Heres how to build muscle, according to experts.
The Best Diets for Heart Health
In addition to regular exercise and not smoking, diet is one of the best ways to protect your heart. Here are the best diets for heart health.
How to cure insomnia for pregnant women in the last 3 months
The third trimester is often the most difficult time to sleep during pregnancy. Here are some ways to treat insomnia in the third trimester.
Scientifically Proven Ways to Automatically Burn Calories
There are many ways to lose weight without changing anything in your diet. Here are some scientifically proven automatic weight loss or calorie-burning methods that anyone can use.
All about iOS 26
Apple has introduced iOS 26 – a major update with a brand new frosted glass design, smarter experiences, and improvements to familiar apps.
Yoga exercises to treat insomnia
Yoga can provide many health benefits, including better sleep. Because yoga can be relaxing and restorative, its a great way to beat insomnia after a busy day.
What is the flower of the other shore? Meaning and legend of the flower of the other shore
The flower of the other shore is a unique flower, carrying many unique meanings. So what is the flower of the other shore, is the flower of the other shore real, what is the meaning and legend of the flower of the other shore?
Healthy snacks that help you lose weight
Craving for snacks but afraid of gaining weight? Dont worry, lets explore together many types of weight loss snacks that are high in fiber, low in calories without making you try to starve yourself.
What to do when you have trouble sleeping?
Prioritizing a consistent sleep schedule and evening routine can help improve the quality of your sleep. Heres what you need to know to stop tossing and turning at night.
How to add a printer to Windows 10
Adding a printer to Windows 10 is simple, although the process for wired devices will be different than for wireless devices.
The most commonly deficient nutrients in the diet
Diet is important to our health. Yet most of our meals are lacking in these six important nutrients.
How to get beautiful nails quickly
You want to have a beautiful, shiny, healthy nail quickly. The simple tips for beautiful nails below will be useful for you.
The best laptops for students in 2025
Students need a specific type of laptop for their studies. It should not only be powerful enough to perform well in their chosen major, but also compact and light enough to carry around all day.