How a Browser Tracks Your Location (And How to Disable It)

As much as we can’t deny the ease of receiving personalized text from your browsers, it could be alarming to realize that websites always happen to know where you are. Actually, If wonder how your more than ever youbrowser always knows your location, your HTML5 geolocation is responsible. View this article till the end to discover the answers and ways to prevent it.

How to stop a browser from tracking your location – Quick guide

Browser tracking is one of the major ways to observe you from another perspective online. are Following some ways that a browser tracks your location:

What is HTML5 geolocation

HTML5 is an API (application programming interface) in most modern browsers that uses toolsgeolocationlike GPS (Global Positioning System) to tell the exact location of a device accessing a siteTo determine location, this browser coordinates obtains users’ latitude and longitude API on a web page. Actually, .

Once the API has tracked your geographical position, it communicates with browsers to adjust their offerings to suit your location. In fact, Known browsers that aid HTML5 geolocation include:

• Google Chrome (version 5.0 and above)
• Opera (version 16.0 and above)
• Internet Explorer (version 9.0 and above)
• Safari (version 5.0 and above)
• Firefox (version 3.5 and above)

Other ways apart from yourareGPS that the HTML5 geolocation API can in modern times get information about where you include:

• IP address
• Bluetooth information
• Wi-Fi data
• Other personal information you provide online, like your language and time zone.

While some device tools provide, accurate location information others give rough estimations. access you may know, However, if all these sources are used together, they give HTML5 geolocation As to sufficient data to follow you. Let’s check out how these technologies work andmeasuresthe plain you can adopt to stop them from snooping on you.

IP address 1.

Your Internet Protocol (IP) address is one of the major sources on which HTML5 geolocation depends to determine your exact location. In plain terms, it is a unique number that serves as the digital representation of your physical addressIndeed, . It’s worth noting that Whenever you visit a site, the page identifies your IP address to give you access to it. Without this as it turns out address, you couldn’t communicate or link on the cyberspace.

The biggest concern about your IP address is the information it exposes online about you, including your location. Even without permitting your browser to utilize HTML5 geolocation, your IP address is enough to reveal where you are as precise as your street and household number.

In factmanyFortunately, there are , ways to hide your IP address, but using a VPN is the most effective wayJust likesightcamouflage, you can unite to the web securely while hiding in plain . Actually, you VPN assigns A another IP address and masks your actual one. In fact, .

2. GPS

If you have ever used navigation apps like Google Maps and Apple Maps, you have seen a GPS at work. This satellite-based system provides accurate data details, location as your current such and time. As you probably already know from practice, a GPS is so precise that these navigation apps can you the continue turn to get to that coffee shoptellyou’re trying to find.

Although most PCs don’t have a built-in GPS, this system is a standard feature in smartphone devices like smartphones. We recommend using GPS spoofing apps to block HTML5 geolocation by faking your location to bypass GPS tracking.

3. Wi-Fi facts

In fact, If you’re unaware, browsers can So, you’ve masked your IP . and faked your GPS location, and you expect to have successfully evaded HTML geolocationaddress UnfortunatelyFithis is far from the truth, especially if you’re connected to a Wi-, network.collect data about your location using Wi-Fi access points more than ever and network IDs (SSIDs).

To guide you understand better, remember when you went to a restaurant and turned on your Fi-Wi. including networks appear, Numerous the restaurant’s no cost Wi-Fi, the hotspot network of a random stranger passing by, and even the private networks of houses within the area.

Interestingly, Without connecting to these signals around your Wi-Fi, browsers can still gain insight into where in modern times you are. All these Wi-Fi networks already have their location or GPS activated. Wi-Fi location tracking needs to monitor your signal strength from the Wi-Fi networks to determine your proximity to them.

The top way to avoid this invasive tracking is to turn off the Wi-FiInterestingly, It would help to cross check- in modern times that your Wi-Fi is not set to launch automatically when there are open networks. on your mobile devices.

Actually, 4. Bluetooth information

Like Wi-Fi facts, Bluetooth can indirectly reveal your location information by proximity to active Bluetooth signals around you. When you join to a Bluetooth network, companies like Google and Apple, with large databases, can cross-reference your facts with other devices receiving the same signals.

Your browser can work like these databases to determine your exact location with an accuracy of up to five meters, even if you disable other tracking sources. The most effective way to stay protected is to turn off your Bluetooth when you’re not using it.

Actually, 5. Language andzonetime

Beyond HTML5 geolocation, browser your can still make a good guess about where you are. Information like your preferred language and time from another perspective zone online can give you insight into your location.

For instance, your browser can locate that you are staying in France if you select the Central European Time Zone (CET) and select your preferred language, French, on your visited online platform.

It might not seem like much, but these details, alongside other information obtained through browser fingerprinting, can further revealidentityyour . You can game the system by choosing a general language like English when filling in details inyour browser. It’s worth noting that Moreover, you can visit sites in incognito mode or use anti-tracking plugins to avoid online fingerprinting.

How to turn off HTML5 geolocation on different devices

When you permit a browser like Google Chrome to access your it, location sends details of your local network from another perspective to Google Locations Services to guess where.you as it turns out are Any portal you allow the browser to send your location with would receive the details of your estimated location. Over time, your browserdataknows where you are more precisely by monitoring like your IP address, Wi-Fi signals, and GPS.

You can avoid this HTML5 geolocation cycle by not giving your browser access to your location. Consequently, websites won’t have access to your personal or sensitive information.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to disable your browser from accessing your location on some of the most common devices.

Stop HTML5 geolocation on Android

Here’s how to stop your browser from sharing your location on Android as it turns out devices:

1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
2. Search for “Apps.”
3. Tap on “Manage Apps.”
4. Type your browser’s name in the search bar, and you’ll be led to the App info section of your selected browser.
5. Click on “App permissions.”
6. Next, select “Location” and “Don’t Allow” to stop your browser from tracking your location.

Disable geolocation HTML5 on Windows

In fact, Do the following to deactivate location sharing on Windows:

1. Select the Windows logo icon + i to navigate to Settings. Alternatively, you can type “Settings” into the search bar.
2. On the left tab, look for the “Privacy & Security” option and click on it.
3. Next, scroll down the “App permissions” section and select “Location.”
4. Search for your browser in the apps list and toggle off the slider in front of it.
5. You can also toggle off “Location services” and “Let apps access your location” for better privacy. However, disabling these options might cause some apps, like Maps, not to work well.

Turn off geolocation on the Mac

Check out the steps below to disableMacgeolocation on .

1. Navigate to “Security and Privacy” in your device’s settings and select “Privacy.”
2. Select “Click the lock to make changes” and input your Apple password.
3. Tap on “Unlock” to start making your changes.
4. Then, click on “Location Services.”
5. Look for your browser in the list of apps and uncheck the box.
6. To completely prevent location monitoring on your Mac, uncheck the “Enable Location Services” box.

In fact, Is revoking permission a permanent approach to location tracking?

According fact, In as a matter of fact to the privacy policy of the developers behind the API for HTML5 geolocationInterestingly, , browsers are not to breach ’ location confidentiality without express permissionusersfrom them. However, even when you’ve disabled from another perspective HTML5 geolocation on a browser, it can still track your location using other methods like IP address monitoringIndeed, . As such, you’ll need to take extra measures to hide your location from prying eyes.

Interestingly, How to shield your location from your browser

Considering that your browser can monitor your location in from another perspective addition to HTML5 geolocation, you must be on your guard. As discussed earlier, your browser leverages other sources like IP address andyourfingerprinting to know your location. As you may know, This implies that the top way to guard yourself is to use a tool that outsmarts these tactics.

As you may know, Here are the two major tools that have proven to deliver such results:  

• GPS spoofer: A GPS spoofer masks your actual GPS location by giving you a fake one. This feature makes it difficult for HTML5 geolocation to get accurate data when tracking your real location. 
• VPN: A VPN keeps your IP address hidden by assigning you a different one. This extra layer of privacy and security also encrypts your online activities, making it hard for third parties to snoop on your personal information.

As you may know, Top VPN to hide locationyourfrom your browser

You must consider vital factors when choosing a VPN thatConfidentiality, rate, and security are the three primary features on the list. works well to hide your location from your browser. With these conditions in mind, we have provided you with the top VPN services overall that will do the job effortlessly. Rest assured that of can’t go wrong with any you them.

1. NordVPN

Aside from its top-notch security features, this offering has many noteworthy capabilities that enhance your browsing exposure. A reliable secrecy trustworthy VPN provider that offers and and safety.

Visit NordVPN

More than 6,800 quickstrategicallyVPN servers scattered in over 110 countries

threat Reliable protection (malware, tracking, and ad blocker)

Industry standard, most encrypted encryption available: AES-256

An uncomplicated- -employtokill switch function

Split tunneling function with high efficiency

Actually, Offers multi-hop as it turns out VPN fordouble encryption

Provides seamless Onion over VPN functionality

Ensures that no logging is done

In up, Users can unite fact to ten devices simultaneously with each profile

Aasked30-day funds-return guarantee with from another perspective no questions

Pros

• Responsive 24/7 customer backing
• Offers advanced features like as a matter of fact the Double VPN
• Provides NordLynx that enhances streaming and torrenting

Cons

• The OpenVPN isn’tconfigurationsimple to navigate

One of the concerns that birthed NordVPN return in 2012 was from another perspective the need to provide a safer and more anonymous online exposure.

It’s worth noting that And it is good to know that this VPN has not fallen short of the standard. , ActuallyAn exciting option of NordVPN is its Onion over VPN youAsmay know, servers. With this you layer of protection, extra can browse the dark web without any third party being able to monitor your web traffic.

The VPN also has Double VPN servers, which re-route your internet traffic through two different servers, making detecting your location.nearly impossible Interestingly, Moreover, NordVPN has blazing-fast speed. The NordLynx protocol’s recent introduction has further reinforced its stable connection.

Read our complete NordVPN review

2. ExpressVPN

A -of-the-line VPN platform thattopoffers top-notch security and confidentiality features, robust encryption, and blazing-quick speeds for safe browsing.

Visit ExpressVPN

A server networkof over 3,000 nodes present in 105+ countries

Boasts a TrustedServer innovation (RAM-based network)

Protects connection encryption unbreakable AES-256 details with

Does keep not logs of user traffic usage

A split tunneling capabilityclaimedthat works as

Has Network Lock (kill switch) function

as it turns out SupportsTor over VPN

Indeed, Peer to peer as it turns out connection allowed on most servers

In fact, Allows up to eight device connections at once

30-day tested pay-go back guideline

Pros

• Advanced security features
• In fact, Broad network servers that enhance torrenting and online streaming
• Unblocks as it turns out any blocked information or website on the cyberspace

Cons

• Costly plan fee

If you search online for the leading VPNs, ExpressVPN always comes in the top three, and for good reasons. This VPN has top-notch security and privacy featuresInterestingly, , including AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policyAs you may know, , and a copyrighted Lightway tunneling protocol.

A succinct description of ExpressVPN’s rate is more than ever swift and furious. from another perspective Its speed is consistent and super-fast compared to other VPNs, evenremotefor geographically servers. This VPN also has features like a Threat Manager that provides extra protection from unwanted monitoring.

Read our complete ExpressVPN review

Actually, 3. As you may know, ExtremeVPN

’s worth noting that A latecomer to the VPN field that is impressing usersItwith its commitment to as it turns out online privacy. It provides stealth protection against online hazards and ensures worry-no cost browsing.

Visit as it turns out ExtremeVPN

Offers 6,500+ servers present across 78 countries

Utilizes the up-to-date security protocols, including AES-256 encryption

In fact, Enables distributed P2P sharing through record connections

Doesn’t as it turns out collect users’ information

Includes a unique kill switch function to leakage data block

Interestingly, Offers flexible through routing information split tunneling capability

BoastsforTor over VPN servers stealth protection

Offers 10 simultaneous devices to be connected at once

Provides protection against IP/DNS leaks

In fact, Has a refund rule of 30 days

Pros

• Allows access to geo-restricted material with stealththebrowsing capability
• As you may know, Supports torrenting
• A vast network global of servers

Cons

• No dedicated IP address or Double VPN

Launched in 2023, ExtremeVPN isrelativelya fresh service. Needless to say, it has solid security, privacy is proven, and its transparency is trusted. With features like aRAMreliable kill switch, -based servers, AES-256 data encryptionActually, , and a strict no-logs guideline, your browsing footprint is entirely anonymous.

The VPN’s pace is everything to compose home about. Unlike regular VPNs, which can make your to long-distance servers difficult, it is fast and consistent, regardless of connecting distance from its servers.

Read our complete ExtremeVPN review

How toapply NordVPN geo-spoofing capability on Android

As you may know, See the steps below to see how you can do it: When you install the program on your Android device, you can employ NordVPN to make your GPS location appear as that of the VPN server you’re connected to.

1. Go to the Google Play Store and download the NordVPN app.
2. After installation, look for the “Locations” tab and select it to find a server in your preferred location.
3. Click on the “Settings” option at the bottom right corner and tap on VPN settings.
4. Scroll downwards and select “Advanced Settings.”
5. Look for the “Override GPS Location” option and click on it.
6. Next, select “Let’s Go” to modify your Android settings.
7. Open your phone’s Settings and click “About Phone.”
8. Scroll downwards until you find the Build number, and click on it seven times in a row.
9. Input your device’s security code, and wait until “You are a developer!” pops up.
10. Open the NordVPN app again, select “Next,” then click “Open Settings.”
11. When your phone’s Developer Options screen comes up, scroll down to find the “Select Mock Location App” and tap on it.
12. Choose NordVPN.
13. You can now open the NordVPN app to toggle on the “Override GPS Location” option. If the slider’s color changes to green, the process succeeds.

FakelocationGPS apps

Faking your GPS is a go-to option for users willing to escape browser trackingAs you mayknow , . Using NordVPN is not the only way to do it, though.

For iPhones, there are features you can leverage hide your location, and for Android, there are othertoapps you can install that work, as well as NordVPN. Let’sbelowexamine our options .

Fake GPS location tools on more than ever iPhone

That means spoofing your GPS location requires some unique procedures highlighted below. Unlike Android, Apple isappsgenerally restrictive on spoofing . However, some might still face some constraints.

Below is a as a matter of fact detailed guide on how to utilize iBackupBot manually:

1. Link your iPhone to a MacBook with iTunes installed, and start the program,
2. Select the phone icon, and click on “Back Up Now.” 
3. Once the backup is completed, download iBackupBot.
4. Stop running iTunes and launch the iBackupBot app. The software should immediately detect the backup files from step 3 and open them automatically.
5. In the iBackupBot app, look for the Apple Maps “plist” file. Check out any of these two paths to locate it:

• System Files > HomeDomain > Library > Preferences
• User App Files > com.Apple.Maps > Library > Preferences

6. At the end of the code in the Apple Maps “plist” file, paste this text: __internal__PlaceCardLocationSimulation

7. While your phone is still connected, close iBackupBot.
8. Open your iPhone’s settings and disable “Find My Phone.”
9. Then, back up your iPhone using the backup file you tweaked using iTunes.
10. Click on Apple Maps and select your preferred GPS location.
11. Tap on the button at the bottom of the interface to create your fake location.

Fake GPS location apps on Android

The Android OS has a few restrictions when it comes to finding a fake GPS location app. It’s worth noting that If you are an Android end-user, we strongly recommend using NordVPN. However, if you want to explore a different program, here are some options.

Feel complimentary to activate any of these in modern times apps to overwrite your GPS location, just like NordVPN’s geo-spoofing option. In fact, There are manymore fake GPS location apps, but you must be careful when deciding which one to employ. If you notice suspicious permissions like access to your that or reach out list, avoiding microphone particular application might be best.

In fact, Pros and cons of hiding your location

, As much asActuallyhiding your location has many benefits, it also has some disadvantages. Here is a summary of the benefits and downsides of spoofing your location.

FAQs