Guides
Why do IP location databases show different places?
A search page shows one city and a network check shows another. IP geolocation is an estimate; an address is not a precise location sensor.
When this applies
This applies to country or city disagreements, stale location after switching networks, or content using a location different from your device settings.
Checks, in order
Check that the observations are comparable
Note the time and whether both sites used the same connection. A browser proxy, mobile network or split route may send requests through different exits.
Identify what each service measured
Distinguish IP-derived location from account country, browser location permission and device region. These inputs answer different questions and do not have to agree.
Look for database dates and accuracy limits
Providers can update at different times and have incomplete coverage. MaxMind explains that IP geolocation cannot locate a household or person. A city label is an estimate.
Make a focused correction request
For a persistent error, follow the database provider’s correction process or the affected service’s support path. Include the observation time and the minimal information it requests through its official channel.
How to interpret the result
A disagreement does not establish a leak or an incorrect physical location. The network explainer reports operator evidence; it deliberately does not invent a city estimate.
When to stop and ask for help
Do not grant location permission or change billing details just to reconcile labels. If a service uses account policy rather than IP data, ask that service to review the policy.
Related tool
Explain my IP and networkOfficial references
Based on the linked official documentation, checked 8 September 2026. No client version or device import has been tested for these articles.