IP Address Detected as VPN
If your IP address is being flagged as a VPN while trying to access certain services, there are a few potential reasons for this behavior. Below is a description of common causes along with solutions for each.
VPN Service is Enabled
If you have an active VPN service running on your device, it will route your traffic through a virtual private server, causing your IP to be identified as a VPN.
Solution: Check if a VPN Service is Active
Ensure that no VPN app or service is currently enabled on your device:
For iOS: Go to Settings > VPN, and toggle it Off.
For Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN, and disconnect any active VPN.
For Windows: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN, and disconnect any VPN connections.
Shared IP Addresses by ISPs
Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) assign shared or dynamic IP addresses. If the IP address you are assigned has previously been associated with VPN services or flagged by websites, it might be detected as a VPN.
Solution: Request a New IP Address
Restart your modem or router to acquire a new IP address from your ISP. This process can resolve issues related to flagged IP addresses.
Private Relay or Limit IP Address Tracking (iOS devices)
On iOS devices, when the "Limit IP Address Tracking" feature is enabled, your device hides your real IP address by using a private or proxy-like address. This can sometimes cause certain systems to identify your IP as a VPN.
Solution: Check "Limit IP Address Tracking" on iOS Devices
If you are using an iPhone or iPad, the "Limit IP Address Tracking" feature may be causing the issue. Follow the steps below to disable it:
Open the Settings app.
Tap on Wi-Fi.
Select the currently connected Wi-Fi network.
Locate the Limit IP Address Tracking option and toggle it OFF
Use of Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks often use shared network configurations that can appear similar to VPN traffic.
Solution: Avoid Public Wi-Fi
Switch to a private Wi-Fi network if possible. Public Wi-Fi often uses shared IPs that may trigger VPN-like detection.
Proxy Settings on Your Device
Your device may have a proxy configured, either manually or automatically, which could lead to its detection as a VPN.
Check Proxy Settings
On your device, ensure that no proxy settings are enabled:
For iOS: Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > [Your Network] > Configure Proxy, and ensure it is set to "Off."
For Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > [Your Network] > Advanced > Proxy, and ensure it is set to None.
For Windows: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy, and ensure both Use setup script and Use a proxy server are turned Off.
Use of Privacy Tools
Privacy-focused tools such as DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) or private DNS settings can be misinterpreted as VPN behavior.
Solution: Disable Privacy Tools Temporarily
If you are using privacy tools such as private DNS or DNS-over-HTTPS, try disabling them temporarily to see if it resolves the issue.
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