Why Does Your IP Sometimes Show the Wrong Location?

When you visit a site like Cualesmiip.com and check your public IP address, it often shows your approximate location. But sometimes, it’s completely off—maybe showing the wrong city or even the wrong country. Why does this happen?

How is an IP address geolocated?

IP geolocation doesn’t use GPS. Instead, it relies on databases from IP location providers that match IP ranges to geographic locations. These databases gather information from ISPs (Internet Service Providers), public records, network measurements, and other sources.

Accuracy varies: some tools can pinpoint your neighborhood, while others only get the country or region right.

Reasons why your IP location may be incorrect

• ISP regional assignment: Some providers assign IPs from central hubs (e.g., Madrid) regardless of your actual city.
• Using a VPN or proxy: If you're using a VPN, the IP shown will reflect the VPN server’s location, not your real one.
• Recently reassigned dynamic IP: Your IP might still be linked to a previous user in a different area.
• Errors in geolocation databases: Sometimes, the location info is outdated or simply incorrect.
• Mobile networks or CG-NAT: These often route traffic through infrastructure in a different region than the end user.

How to improve accuracy or control what location is shown

• If using a VPN: Choose a server close to your real location for accuracy, or a distant one for more privacy.
• For services needing exact location: Some websites use GPS-based geolocation (like Google Maps), which is more precise than IP-based data.
• Cross-check with other tools: Different websites may show different locations for the same IP. Use several to compare.

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IP geolocation is helpful but not 100% accurate. Many factors can affect the result, including your ISP, VPNs, or outdated data. If your IP seems wrong, don’t panic—it’s likely just a reflection of how the system works.

Want to see how you appear online? Visit Cualesmiip.com to instantly check your public IP address and estimated location—no installation required.