Share this article
Improve this guide
Can a VPN IP address be traced? How to prevent it?
6 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
One of the most pressing matters for the regularVPNuser is whether or not can aVPNIP address be traced. We’ve already debunked a lot of myths and misconceptions, including:
However, this is a whole new perspective that we need to apply to our knowledge. We already know that you can be traced through a VPN, although it’s not exactly very likely that you will.
Furthermore, we’re also in the know regarding whether can aVPNhide yourIP address.
However, things are a bit more complicated than they appear, and we’re not entirely ready to give you a straight answer just yet.
So let’s find out if aVPNIP addresscan be traced.
World-class 24/7 support with 83% for a 3 years plan and 3 months free.
Amazing connection speed with 35% off and 3 months free for the 1-year plan.
Best security protocols with 83% off and 2 months free for a 2-year plan.
What makes an efficient VPN?
One of the biggest concerns of casualVPNusers is related to the efficiency of the service they chose.
But what makes aVPNefficient, to begin with? Well, for starters, a service that really delivers what it advertises should suffice.
For instance, you’ve maybe seen certainVPNservices claim that you’ll be 100% anonymous while using their product.
However, there’s no such thing as 100% anonymousness. Not as long as your device is connected to the Internet, that is.
AVPNservice, even a great one, can protect you to a certain degree. After that, the way you manage your onlineprivacyandpersonal datais entirely your responsibility.
You could use proxychains, Tor, and aVPNback-to-back and it would all be worthless if you go post personal info for everyone else to see, visit shady websites, perform risky downloads and allow malware on your system.
That’s why we believe that a good, no, a greatVPNshould have the following perks:
Can my real IP address be tracked while using VPN?
1. Not being careful with your private data
Considering aVPNthat has the traits described above, can someone track your realIP addresswhile using that specific service? Well, we’ve said it before and we’ll say it again.
It all depends on your online habits. So, the answer is a cold, dishearteningyes.Anyone with half a mind could track your realIP address, even while you’re using aVPNif you allow it to happen.
Normally, such a thing should be impossible, since you’re routing your entire traffic through a secure, encrypted tunnel.
Thus, for someone to be able to track your realIP address, they should be somewhere in the middle, between you and the destination service you’re trying to access.
2. Using a free VPN
Although it’s a bit unfair to just throw it out there, this is a well-known fact. Most freeVPNshave sketchyprivacypolicies and don’t need to be asked twice before they hand out private logs about their customers.
Thus, if you’re using such an unfortunate freeVPN, your online activity might be recorded. So all someone needs to do in order to trace your real IP is just getting their hands on thatVPN‘s logs.
Note the logs have more than just your realIP address. Everything, including what websites you’ve visited, how much time you spent on each page, and what files you downloaded can be parts of those logs.
It’s worth mentioning that not all freeVPNservices have these poor customer data handling manners. There are alsofree VPNs you can trust, ones that wouldn’t compromise just to cash an extra few bucks.
3. Using a VPN that leaks data
This is one of the most important traits that separate amateurs from pros in theVPNindustry. Truth be told, you’d be better off without aVPNthan using one that leaks your private data every now and then.
We also can’t stress enough the importance of kill switches. Data leaks happen so quickly that they’re quite hard to spot as a client.
However, for someone listening to your connection 24/7, even a minor slip can reveal your true IP address.
Private Internet Access
What a kill switch basically does is block your computer’s ability to revert to its default, insecure connection, in case theVPNconnection is interrupted.
Thus, as long as you’re not connected to yourVPN, your computer can’t connect to the Internet, unless you disable the kill switch.
The bad news is that certainVPNsmight leak data even when the secure connection is active.
On the bright side, there are several ways to spot a leakyVPNconnection. One of the most popular ways is using online third-party tools, such as:
Make sure to test if yourVPNleaksprivate databefore engaging in any activity that would jeopardize yourprivacy.
Your real IP address can be traced through VPN
All things considered, it’s safe to say that nothing is impossible nowadays, not even your realIP addressbeing traced while using aVPN.
All it takes is a minor slip-up and someone who’s really determined to invade yourprivacy.
However, a few precautions at the right time might stop anyone who would attempt such a gig dead in their tracks.
Always be careful not to postpersonally identifiable informationwhile behind aVPN, avoid sketchy websites, and don’t download shady content.
More so, make sure you choose trustworthyVPNservices, ones that won’t log your data, and leakprivate informationwhile you’re connected to their servers.
[wl_navigator]
More about the topics:Cybersecurity,IP address,VPN
Vlad Constantinescu
Vlad might have a degree in Animal Husbandry and Livestock Management, but he’s currently rocking anything software related, ranging from testing programs to writing in-depth reviews about them.
He spent 3-4 years as a software editor at Softpedia and another year as a VPN specialist before he landed his current job as an author at Windows Report.
In his free time, Vlad enjoys playing guitar, doing jigsaw puzzles, researching cybersecurity, and even having a good read on rainy days.
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Vlad Constantinescu
