Nowadays, in the era of emerging computer technology, people have started to care more about their privacy than ever before. This is the reality; we are leaving footprints of information every time we log into the Internet. This includes where we are in the world. There is hardly any company, site, or even the antagonist who will not attempt to detect the user’s location. But don’t worry! There’s a tool that can help protect your privacy: once again, it’s essential to use a VPN to avoid location tracking.

So in this article, we will be shedding light on the steps that are involved in the use of a VPN to avoid location tracking and how to use it effectively so that your location can never be traced. Let’s dive in!

What is a VPN?

VPN is short for Virtual Private Network. While the idea might sound rather strange, it can be described as a special passage specifically for your internet connection. The way in which a user is connected to the internet while using a VPN to avoid location tracking is by their traffic being routed through this tunnel first. This means that fewer people can monitor what you are doing on the internet or your presence. For more details on the different types of VPN, visit our dedicated page.

Think of it like this: Supposing you are posting a letter. As you recall, you ordinarily write your address at the corner of the envelope, certainly, anybody that would get hold of the letter will see where it was dispatched from. However, with a VPN it is like placing your letter in a different envelope with a different address. Now, people can only witness the outer layer and are unable to see the true address that is accorded to one.

Why is Privacy Important?

You might be wondering, “Why should I care about my privacy online?” Well, there are many reasons to protect your location with a VPN:

Personal Security: 

If bad guys know where you are, then they can easily come and take whatever they want from you, and or even take your life. 

Financial Safety: 

Apparently, your location can help people guess other things about you… Like how much money you have in your pockets. This could result into the compromised identity or even the enemy coming up with fake investment scams. 

Freedom: 

Some bits, the government may restrict the sort of things that it allows you to view or accomplish on the Internet according to the location. 

Fairness: 

Manufacturers may give you a diverse price for those things based on the area you live in.

What we will be discussing in this article. 

You will have to read the following information about all you required to know about protecting your location using a VPN. We’ll talk about: 

1. How location tracking works
2. How VPNs protect you
3. Choosing the right VPN
4. Setting up and using a VPN
5. Other ways to protect your privacy
6. What VPNs can’t do

By the end, you’ll be a pro at protecting your online privacy!

Understanding Location Tracking

If we are to escape this kind of tracking, then we first have to know how the location tracking solution works. Stalking is when somebody works out where you are in the physical world based on what you are doing online. There are several ways this can happen, and knowing how to avoid location tracking with a VPN is crucial.

GPS:

This is how your phone knows where you are for maps. : Talking about the location services and how it works. Still, it produces results with great accuracy; however, this feature only can work if the user permits it. 

IP Address:

This is your computer’s address in cyberspace, like your home address or physical location. It can display in which country, state, or even city you are in. 

Wi-Fi:

It’s important to know that the most common Wireless LAN connections can disclose your location. 

Cell Towers:

Your phone company knows which cell towers your phone connects to, and that can demonstrate your general region. 

How is Privacy Being Undermined?

There are three main ways your location gets tracked online:

Websites: 

When you are browsing the internet and opening a website, then the website without any doubt can see your IP address. This informs the site which geographical region of the world you are located in. Some sites also employ special codes called cookies that help them to remember where you are. 

Apps: 

Almost every app that you use on your phone would request the privilege to access your location. Some require this to work (like map apps ), while others are just here gathering information about you.  

Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 

Your Internet Service Provider, the company that provides you with connectivity can actually see all you do online including your location.

Why Location Tracking is Risky

You might think, “So what if someone knows where I am?” But location tracking can lead to several problems:

Privacy Invasion: 

This is because it is rather invasive when strangers are aware of your every move at all times. 

Targeted Ads: 

Your location is used to portray certain advertisements that can be of interest to you by the firms that are in operation. This may sound like a good idea or helpful, but it’s so sinister – boys should be independent and not require their female companion to ‘lead’ them as if they are spoilt brats. 

Price Discrimination: 

Some of the online shops alter their prices according to your area. 

Physical Danger: 

For instance, if you allow social networks to access your location, bad people could use this information to lay any ill-meant plans on you.  

How a VPN Works?

With the knowledge of location tracking, let us quickly look at how a VPN to avoid location tracking could help. Bear in mind, that a VPN is a sort of enclosed pathway for your Internet connection.

Encryption: 

A VPN not only hides your IP address to Internet-based services but it also encodes your data so that no one else can understand it. This is like translating your internet traffic into a sort of code. 

IP Masking: 

The VPN keeps your real IP address a secret and displays another one to the world. This is how it deceives websites about your location. 

Types of VPN Protocols 

VPNs employ different techniques (known as protocols) to protect your information. Here are some common ones:  

1. OpenVPN: There is no doubt that this is very secure and compatible with almost all types of devices. This, in my opinion, is good decision making across the board. 
2. IKEv2/IPsec: This is fast and great for phones because it can just toggle between Wi-Fi and Cellular data. 
3. L2TP/IPsec: This is old but still functional Its quite old though still functional. Though not as quick as other types, it is relatively safe. 
4. WireGuard: This is relatively new and is very fast. It’s becoming more popular. 

Do not think that these are difficult. To add, most VPN applications select the most adequate protocol for the user on his or her behalf. 

Advantages of Employing a VPN

Using a VPN to avoid location tracking gives you several advantages:

1. Hide Your Location: Absolutely no one is going to see the location as belonging to you but rather to the website, all the websites you are going to be accessing. 
2. Protect Your Data: It also ensures privacy in the interactive activities that an individual may be involved in online. 
3. Access Geo-Blocked Content: You can watch websites and videos that are usually banned in the given country. 
4. Avoid Price Discrimination: Sites will not be able to know the actual locations that you are based in hence they cannot alter their rates to suit the places that you are located in.  

Using a VPN gives you several advantages. To find the best VPNs for privacy, check our recommendations.

Choosing The Right VPN

That is as far from the truth as the sky is from the earth as it is to inform the readers that not all VPNs are the same. Here’s what to look for when choosing a VPN to avoid location tracking:

Strong Security: ‘AES-256’ label when it comes to interaction. This is very hard to break. 

No-Logs Policy: The VPN should ensure that it will not log your activity while online. 

Kill Switch: This feature kills your internet connection if the VPN connection drops to make sure your real location is secure. 

Lots of Servers: Having more server options in different countries enables the user to have more choices in locating his/her IP address. 

Fast Speeds: A good VPN should not avert the general web speed to a much greater extent. 

Fair Price: Just because it is cheaper it does not necessarily have to be the better option. The ideal position will be where the technology meets the most necessary requirements and is considerably cheaper than the technologies that can perform the same task. 

Recommended VPN Providers

Here are some popular VPN services that meet these criteria for avoiding location tracking:

ExpressVPN

• Very fast and easy to use
• Lots of servers in many countries
• A bit more expensive than others

NordVPN

• Strong security features
• Large server network
• Good value for money

CyberGhost

• User-friendly for beginners
• Long-term plans are affordable
• Allows many devices to connect at once

ProtonVPN

• Strong focus on privacy
• Offers a free plan (with limitations)
• Based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws

Free vs. Paid VPNs

What are Free VPNs:

• VPN services that don’t charge users
• Often supported by ads or by selling user data
• May have limited features and servers
• Suitable for casual, non-sensitive browsing

What are Paid VPNs:

• VPN services that charge a fee (monthly or yearly)
• Offer more features, better security, and faster speeds
• Typically have a larger network of servers
• Suitable for regular use and sensitive online activities

Pros of Free VPNs:

• No cost to use
• Can try VPN technology without financial commitment
• May be sufficient for occasional, non-critical use

Cons of Free VPNs:

• May compromise privacy by selling user data
• Often slower and less reliable
• Limited server options and features
• May have data caps or usage limits

Pros of Paid VPNs:

• Better privacy protection
• Faster and more reliable connections
• More server locations to choose from
• Usually offer stronger security features
• Often include additional features like ad-blocking or malware protection

Cons of Paid VPNs:

• Require payment
• May be overkill for very casual users
• Some features may be complex for beginners

Additional points:

• When choosing a VPN, research the provider’s reputation and privacy policy
• Consider your specific needs (e.g., streaming, security, bypassing geo-restrictions
• Some paid VPNs offer free trials or money-back guarantees
• Using a free VPN is often better than using no VPN at all, but be aware of the limitations
• The best choice depends on your personal needs, budget, and how much you value online privacy and security

Setting Up and Using a VPN

Now that you’ve chosen a VPN, let’s set it up! Here’s a general guide:

1. Download the VPN App

•  Go to your VPN provider’s website.
•  Find the download page.
• Choose the right version for your device (Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, etc.).
• Download and install the app.

2. Create an Account

• Open the VPN app.
• Click “Sign Up” or “Create Account.”
• Enter your email and choose a strong password.
• Choose a payment plan (usually monthly or yearly).

3. Connect to a VPN Server

• Open the VPN app.
• You’ll see a list of countries or a map
• Click on a country to connect to a server there.
• Wait a few seconds for the connection to establish.

4. Test Your VPN Connection

• Go to a website like “https://southernvpn.com/tools/ip-address/“
• Check if the location shown is different from your real location.
• If it is, your VPN is working!

Tips for Using Your VPN

• Connect to the VPN before opening other apps or websites.
• Try different servers to find the fastest one.
• Use nearby countries for faster speeds (unless you need to appear in a specific country).
• Keep the VPN on whenever you’re online for the best protection.

Additional Privacy Measures

Apart from using a VPN, here are some other measures to protect your privacy. Follow the best practices for password security to enhance your online safety.

1. Disable Location Services

• On your phone, go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services.
• Turn off location for apps that don’t need it.
• On your computer, check your browser settings for location permissions.

2. Use Privacy-Focused Browsers

• Try browsers like Brave or Firefox, which focus on privacy.
• Use private or incognito mode when browsing.
• Install privacy extensions like uBlock Origin or Privacy Badger.

3. Clear Cookies and Cache

• It is recommended to have cookies and cache on your browser cleaned on a daily basis. 
• This clears data about your location history and other activities done on the browser. 
• In most browsers, you can do this by pressing the Ctrl+Shift+Delete keys on the Windows, Command+Shift+Delete for Mac. 

 4. Be Careful with Social Media 

• Do not post the check-in information in your social media sites. 
• Disabled geo-tagging for photos. 
• Avoid sharing information that might get people close to you and thus endanger your life.  

5. Use Secure Messaging Apps 

• Some of the popular apps such as Signal or WhatsApp employ encryption for your messages. 
• This makes it difficult for anybody who may wish to follow your movements through the communication to do so. 

Limitations of VPNs

In as much as VPNs are very effective devices, they do not provide a one-stop solution to all problems. Here are some limitations to keep in mind:  

1. You Are Not Anonymous Even When Using a VPN 

• They mask your location, but your identity in other circles can reveal that you are using the services. 
• If for instance, you are using accounts such as Facebook, then such sites will know that you have logged in. 

2. VPNs Don’t Help in Fending Off All Tracking 

• They do not prevent websites from setting cookies or employing any of the other tracking means. 
• They cannot stop tracking for you if you grant applications permission to identify your location. 

3. VPNs Can Stifle Your Online Speed 

• Well, since your data has to go farther, your Internet could be a little slower. 
• Some good VPNs reduce this effect, but this problem can still occur. 

4. Some Services Block VPNs 

• Some websites particularly attempt to prevent users who use VPNs for instance Netflix does this. 
• This is something that you may have to fend with by having to switch different servers to counter this. 

5. VPNs Aren’t Above the Law 

• While using a VPN does not prevent one from engaging in unlawful activities over the internet, a VPN does not shield you from the law. 
• VPNs are banned in some countries and using them without permission is against the law therefore, it is recommended that citizens observe these changes and clarify issues to do with using VPNs with their governments. 

Possible Drawbacks of Utilising a VPN 

While VPNs are generally safe, there are some risks to be aware of: 

1. low-quality VPNs sell and record your data 

• Some VPNs claim one thing, they do not necessarily have to keep logs but do so in real life. 
• Regular VPN users should stick to the best brands that have clear policies about their users’ privacy. 

2. Unexpectedly, free VPNs might be selling your information. 

• Typically, if a VPN service is offered for free, then the firm through some other means will recover its costs by selling user information. 
• This is counter-productive when people need to use a VPN for purposes of privacy. 

3. Malware Risk

• Some fake VPNs are actually malware (bad software) in disguise.
• Only download VPNs from official sources.

4. False Sense of Security

• A VPN protects your data and location, but you still need to be careful online.
• Don’t share personal information or click suspicious links, even with a VPN.

While VPNs are generally safe, there are some risks to be aware of. Be informed about privacy laws on VPN usage to ensure you stay protected.

Conclusion

The internet can be risky for your privacy. People can track where you are, which isn’t safe. A VPN to avoid location tracking helps keep you hidden online. It’s like a secret tunnel for your internet use. Here’s what to do:

1. Pick a good VPN that doesn’t keep records of what you do.
2. Put the VPN on all your devices.
3. Use the VPN when you’re online.
4. Turn off location settings on your phone when you don’t need them.
5. Use web browsers that care about privacy.

Remember, VPNs help a lot but can’t make you totally invisible online. Tell your friends about staying safe online too. Keep learning about online safety to protect yourself better.