Can You Be Tracked With a VPN? Using VPN in 2024

When it comes to online privacy, one question comes up a lot in our social networks: If I use a VPN, can I be tracked? With cybercrime activities, data breaches, and government surveillance, it’s become increasingly essential to protect our online privacy. 

VPNs have become a popular solution to help mitigate these risks. They can be a convenient and useful tool for enhancing your privacy and protecting your valuable information from falling into the wrong hands. That said, does a VPN guarantee complete anonymity? 

Many people are still unsure about the effectiveness of VPNs. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore whether VPNs can truly keep you off the radar, the potential risks involved, and how to choose the right VPN to safeguard your privacy.

How Can You Be Tracked With a VPN?

While a VPN can significantly improve your online privacy, it doesn’t provide absolute anonymity. So can you be tracked with a VPN? Yes, there are still ways for third parties, hackers, and even government agencies striving to do so. Using a VPN isn’t an absolute way to stop anyone from tracking you down online. There are several ways hackers, third parties, and even your government can follow you online even when you have a VPN. Some of the most common methods include:

• Malware. Unknowingly installing malware on your device can result in severe consequences that a VPN can’t protect you against. When you, as your device’s admin, give access to malicious content, there’s not much a VPN can do to protect your data from leaking out or getting blocked. If your device is infected with malware, it can potentially leak your IP address and other sensitive information to cybercriminals. A VPN cannot protect your device from malware infection or prevent it from exposing your online activities.
• DNS leaks . DNS leaks can often happen for unreliable VPN services when they aren’t set up correctly. That said, a DNS leak can also come as a result of user error. Whatever the case may be, these leaks can compromise your valuable data and endanger your online security. Although reputable VPNs often have built-in measures to prevent DNS leaks, it’s still essential to ensure your VPN is correctly configured to avoid such issues. Many so-called “free” options won’t save you from a DNS leak.
• Intrusive cookies. Some cookies can stick to you across the internet. They give out a digital portrait of you and provide third-parties with quite a bit of private information you wouldn’t want to share with anyone. Even when using a VPN, websites can still track you through cookies and browser fingerprinting techniques. A VPN cannot prevent these tracking methods, which collect data on your browsing habits, preferences, and other identifiable information.

Additionally, even if you don’t experience any of these three problems, there are still ways of how someone can tell if you’re using a VPN. The three most common telltale signs include:

• VPN’s IP address
• Port Number
• DPI (Deep Packet Inspection)

Who Can Potentially Track You When Using a VPN?

Several entities may have the capability to track you when using a VPN. Some of the most common suspects include:

• Your ISP. Although a VPN encrypts your internet traffic, your ISP can still detect that you are connected to a VPN server. However, they won’t be able to see the content of your online activities or the websites you visit.
• Government agencies. Authorities can potentially detect VPN usage through advanced surveillance techniques, such as Deep Packet Inspection (DPI). In some cases, governments can also force VPN providers to hand over user data or start logging their activities.
• Websites and apps. Websites and apps can often detect VPN usage by identifying IP addresses associated with VPN servers or analyzing traffic patterns. Streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer, for example, are known for their efficiency in detecting and blocking VPN connections. Betting companies can do it as well, being adept at identifying VPN usage to prevent access from restricted regions.
• Hackers. Cybercriminals can potentially track VPN users if they manage to compromise their connections, exploit unsecured networks, or gain access to their devices through malware.

What Does a VPN Hide?

A VPN doesn’t make you completely anonymous and won’t protect you from malware or block tracking cookies stored on your device. Still, here are the points that are efficiently concealed when your VPN service is enabled:

• IP address. A VPN changes your IP address to that of the VPN server, concealing your real IP from websites, advertisers, and your ISP. A virtual address protects your identity and online activities.
• Location. A masked IP address means that a VPN also hides your geographic location. Therefore, websites and services are restricted from tracking where you are based on your IP.
• Online activity. As was mentioned, a VPN encrypts your internet traffic, which can reveal your browsing history, searches, and online activities. With a VPN, they are obscured from prying eyes. Encryption (or ciphering) prevents third parties from monitoring your online behavior.
• Data from public Wi-Fi. When using public Wi-Fi, a VPN ciphers your data, protecting it from potential hackers and unauthorized access.
• Bandwidth throttling. Some ISPs throttle bandwidth based on your online activities, like streaming or gaming. Using a VPN, you can hide these activities, which can help prevent such throttling.

Can VPNs Be Tracked?

Yes, VPNs can be tracked. If a VPN service has a relatively small server base, then it’s pretty easy for certain services to see a VPN. However, a good and reliable VPN like ZoogVPN with a large server base can guarantee your privacy and security, as we have a growing number of servers and a strong No-Logs policy, meaning that no one, including us, can access your browsing history and Internet activity.

Can the police trace your activity while using a VPN?

While using a VPN, your online activity becomes much harder to trace, but it’s not entirely untraceable. So, yes, the police can potentially track an IP address from social media platforms like Instagram. However, if you use a VPN while accessing Instagram, your real IP address will be concealed, making it challenging for the police to track your online activities.

If law enforcement suspects illegal activity, they may issue warrants or subpoenas to the VPN provider, requesting them to hand over any available user information or logs. Some VPN services keep logs of user activity or connections, which could potentially be handed over to authorities. On the other hand, many reputable VPN services have strict no-log policies, meaning they don’t store any data that could be traced back to you. Besides, please, note that if your VPN connection fails and you continue browsing without realizing it, your activity could be exposed. 

Can Google follow your online activity if you’re using a VPN?

Even with a VPN, Google has multiple ways to detect and track your location. Here’s how they do it and what you can do about it:

• Browser snitching. Your browser automatically shares the Wi-Fi networks you connect to. Google, armed with a massive database of Wi-Fi access points, can easily match your connection to a physical location. Disable location access in your browser settings to limit this.
• GPS tracking. Your phone’s GPS constantly updates Google with your exact location. Turning off GPS or using location spoofing can help throw Google off your trail.
• Cookies and location history. Cookies store your location data, and Google Location History keeps an eye on places you’ve been. Regularly clearing cookies and disabling location history can reduce this tracking.
• Cell tower IDs. Your phone’s connection to cell towers gives away your location as well. Google collects this data, so using airplane mode or a Faraday bag can obscure your position.
• Leaky VPNs. Not all VPNs are secure. Some leak your IP, DNS, or WebRTC data, giving Google a backdoor to your real location. Use a VPN with a solid reputation for privacy and regularly check for leaks. For instance, ZoogVPN. This vendor sticks to no-logs policy, provides solid encryption, kill switch, and many other benefits you would require to maximize your online anonymity. You can check out these perks free-of-charge with a 7-days-money-back guarantee.

Let’s now talk about ways to stop Google from tracking your online activities and taking measures to stop data gathering as much as possible.

Turn off and delete Google location history

• Access My Activity.
• Select Location History.
• Toggle it off.
• Under Manage Activity, delete your location history.

Stop Location Tracking in Your Browser

• For Chrome:
  • Click the three dots in the top right corner for Menu.
  • Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings.
  • Under Permissions, choose Location.
  • Select Do not allow sites to track your location.
• Other Browsers: Similar steps apply for Firefox, Safari, Edge, etc.

Manage location settings on your phone

• iPhone:
  • Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services.
  • Toggle location services off for full privacy.
  • For specific apps, adjust permissions under Google Maps > Location.
• Android:
  • Navigate to Settings > Location.
  • Toggle Location Off to stop all tracking.
  • Under Improve Accuracy, disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Scanning.
  • Find and disable Google Location Accuracy.

Use a reliable VPN

Avoid free VPNs that might leak your location. Invest in a reputable VPN with strong security features to keep your location private.

Is it possible for your employer to monitor you when using a VPN?

Can you still be tracked with a VPN by your employee? If you’re using a personal VPN on your own device, your employer cannot monitor your online activities through the VPN. The VPN encrypts your internet traffic, ciphering it from anyone, including your employer, so it’s impossible to see what you’re doing online. However, if you’re connected to the corporate network or using a company-provided VPN, your employer may still be able to monitor your logs and browsing activity, as they control the network and can log traffic.

Corporate VPN

If you’re connected to a corporate VPN on a company device, your employer can monitor your activity just as if you were in the office. They can see your real IP address, track the websites you visit, the applications you use, and any files you access. This monitoring is typically done to ensure that only authorized employees are accessing company resources and to maintain security.

Personal VPN

If you’re using a personal VPN on your own device, the situation is different. A personal VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a remote server, masking your real IP address. This makes it much harder for your employer to track your online activity, as they would only see the VPN server’s IP and encrypted data.

Regardless, some employers may still detect that you’re using a VPN and could monitor data usage patterns or employ other tracking methods, such as GPS or device fingerprinting, especially on company-issued devices. 

For maximum privacy, use your personal device, disable GPS, and avoid connecting to corporate networks, as this minimizes the risk of being tracked by your employer.

Can Facebook/Instagram track you if you’re using a VPN?

Using a VPN can enhance your online privacy by masking your IP address and encrypting your internet traffic, but it doesn’t completely prevent Facebook or Instagram from tracking you. While a VPN hides your real location by routing your traffic through a different server, these apps have other ways to collect your data. They can use device identifiers, cookies, and permissions you’ve granted to track your behavior, location, and usage patterns.

For instance, even if your IP address is hidden, Facebook and Instagram can still gather information through the app’s access to your device’s location services, your contacts, or other data stored on your phone. Furthermore, these apps can track you through browser fingerprinting and other advanced techniques that aren’t affected by VPN usage.

In a nutshell, a VPN is a valuable tool for protecting your privacy, but it’s not foolproof. To minimize tracking by apps like Facebook and Instagram, it’s essential to manage the permissions you grant them, regularly review privacy settings, and use privacy-oriented tools like secure browsers. Obviously, a VPN adds a layer of security, but being mindful of app permissions and data sharing practices is integral to protecting your personal information.

Can TikTok track you when using a VPN?

Using a VPN with TikTok can help protect your IP address, but it won’t completely protect you from the app’s tracking. TikTok gathers extensive personal data, covering device information, content you create, and even biometric data in some regions. A VPN can obscure your location and online activity, but TikTok still has access to much of your information through other means, like what you provide during signup or from the device itself. If you’re concerned about privacy, a VPN is a good start, but it won’t stop TikTok from collecting data. To truly limit monitoring, you should entirely reconsider using the app altogether.

Can VPN be tracked by the government?

It’s complicated for governments to track individual VPN users directly. Yet, they can potentially detect VPN usage through advanced surveillance techniques. In some cases, governments can also force VPN providers to hand over user data or start logging their activities.

Governments may use several methods to detect VPN traffic. Put it in practice, they may employ deep packet inspection (DPI) to analyze data packets and identify patterns indicative of VPN usage. They can also monitor internet traffic for unusual encryption methods or look for known VPN server IP addresses. Some governments are able to implement network-level restrictions that block or throttle VPN traffic.

Apart from that, in countries with stringent data retention laws, VPN providers might be compelled to maintain logs of user activities. This implies that even if a VPN promises no logs, legal pressures could force it to start collecting and storing data on its users. Governments can also exert pressure on VPN companies through legal means, which might result in the disclosure of user information or the cessation of VPN services in certain regions.

Can the FBI track VPN?

The FBI, like any other government agency, can potentially detect VPN usage and may have the means to track VPN users in exceptional cases. However, the chances of being tracked by the FBI when using a reliable VPN are slim, especially if you are not involved in any criminal activity.

VPNs are designed to enhance your privacy by encrypting your internet traffic and masking your IP address. When you use a reputable VPN, your online activities are routed through a secure server, making it challenging for external entities, including law enforcement agencies, to trace back to you. High-quality VPN providers invest heavily in security protocols to protect user data and often operate under strict privacy policies that ensure they do not keep logs of user activity.

On the other hand, in highly rare situations engaging serious criminal investigations, the FBI may use sophisticated techniques to uncover VPN usage. This could include exploiting vulnerabilities in the VPN service itself, obtaining data through legal means from VPN vendors, or leveraging other investigative tools.

Can police track an IP addresses from Instagram?

Can you still be tracked with a VPN by police? The police can potentially track an IP address from social media platforms like Instagram. In this case, if you use a VPN while accessing Instagram, your real IP address will be concealed, so the police will face challenges in tracking your online activities. A VPN makes it difficult to determine your exact location or identify your actual online behavior.

Despite this, authorities with the appropriate legal permissions may still obtain information from the VPN services, especially if the provider keeps logs of user activities or if the VPN is compromised. Moreover, other data points, such as device identifiers or account information, may still be used to track or identify users.

Steps to Take to Become Untraceable Online

Staying completely private and anonymous online is a tough task, especially when you keep in mind all of the information we’ve discussed above. However, things aren’t so grim, as there are ways to maximize your online privacy and minimize your digital footprint. Here are the most effective steps you can take to inch your way to becoming untraceable in the online world:

• Be careful online. Watch what you post online, don’t click on just any link, or open up unfamiliar emails. This will go a long way in protecting you from phishing and malware scams.
• Switch to a more private browser. Switch out Google Chrome for a more privacy-oriented browser like Firefox, or even better, Tor. Moreover, consider replacing Google altogether with a more privacy-friendly alternative.
• Use a VPN. Make sure to pick a reliable VPN service with strong security and privacy features. Be sure that the VPN you’re using is safe and strong enough to protect you from all of the dangers on the Internet. Be certain that the VPN you choose has a 100% zero-login policy and uses its DNS servers.

How to Hide Your VPN Traffic?

Hiding your VPN address and traffic is essential in environments where VPN usage is restricted or closely monitored. For this, you may adopt advanced techniques like obfuscation, complex protocols, and encryption layers that restrict authorities or firewalls from detecting and deciphering your VPN traffic. Make use of features like obfuscated servers, Shadowsocks, Stunnel, or SSL/TLS tunneling, as they can significantly enhance your privacy by disguising your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic. Moreover, employing methods like XOR obfuscation, double VPN, or a dedicated IP address can advance your protection even more.

Undoubtedly, these techniques can improve your security, but they also require a solid level of technical understanding and careful configuration to be effectively integrated. In case you are not sufficiently qualified in these topics, you can encounter misconfigurations; this can expose your traffic or reduce your protection, so it’s crucial to be knowledgeable or seek expert guidance when implementing these advanced methods.

How to Check Is the VPN Running

To ensure your VPN is operating correctly and protecting your privacy, follow these steps:

Verify your IP address

Disconnect from the VPN and visit a website like What is my IP to see your current IP address. Reconnect to your VPN and check the IP address again. If it differs, your VPN is functioning properly. If it remains the same, your VPN might not be working as intended.

Check VPN status

Open your VPN application. Look for indicators such as a connected symbol or a green light that shows the VPN is active.

Run a speed test

Test your internet speed with a tool like Speedtest.net while connected to the VPN. Compare these results with your speeds when the VPN is off. Significant slowdowns are normal due to encryption, but extremely slow speeds might indicate issues.

Test for DNS and WebRTC leaks

Use tools like DNSLeakTest.com to check for DNS leaks, ensuring your real IP isn’t exposed. Visit WebRTC leak-testing sites to verify that WebRTC isn’t leaking your IP address.

Check for VPN blocking

Try accessing websites or services that might block VPN traffic. If you encounter restrictions, test different VPN servers or contact your provider for assistance.

Steps to maximize privacy and minimize trackability

While a VPN alone cannot guarantee complete anonymity, there are several steps you can take to maximize your privacy and minimize the chances of being tracked online:

1. Exercise caution online. Be mindful of the information you share online, avoid clicking on suspicious links or emails, and stay vigilant about phishing and malware scams.
2. Switch to a privacy-focused browser. Consider using a privacy-oriented browser like Brave instead of Google Chrome. You can also replace Google search with a more privacy-friendly alternative like DuckDuckGo.
3. Choose a reputable VPN service. Opt for a reliable VPN service that offers robust security features, has a strict no-logs policy. 
4. Enable Kill Switch feature. Make sure your VPN has a kill switch feature to prevent your real IP address from being exposed if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.

ZoogVPN: A Reliable Solution to Keep You Protected

ZoogVPN is a robust VPN service that offers numerous security and privacy features, making it an excellent choice for those concerned about being tracked online. Some of the key features ZoogVPN offers include:

• Strong encryption
• A strict no-logs policy
• DNS filtering with NetShield Ad-blocker
• Support for OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols
• Stealth protocol to bypass advanced VPN detection techniques
• A kill switch on all apps

By choosing ZoogVPN, you can significantly reduce the risk of being tracked while using a VPN, ensuring a safer and more private online experience.

Final Thoughts

Considering everything, while a VPN cannot guarantee complete anonymity, it can significantly improve your online privacy and security. By choosing a reputable VPN service like ZoogVPN and adopting good online habits, you can minimize the chances of being tracked on the internet. Remember, maintaining your privacy is not just about using the right tools but also about staying vigilant and cautious in the digital world.

Get a secure VPN service for your peace of mind!

FAQ

Can someone track me if I use VPN?

You can’t be tracked using a VPN because it encrypts your data. As a result, your ISP or bad actors can’t get any information out of your traffic. They only see the VPN server’s IP address (e.g., if you’re connected to a US server, the US IP address is visible), while your real IP and online activities stay hidden.

Does a VPN make you untraceable?

No, a VPN does not make you anonymous. In fact, no internet privacy tool can completely hide your online presence. A VPN can encrypt your data, hide your IP address, and even protect you from online trackers, but total anonymity isn’t possible.

• 
  Yaroslav S.

  CEO at ZoogVPN. Yaroslav is a versatile manager with extensive customer support experience. His historical background and a deep passion for philosophy perfectly complete a real desire to create meaningful content and tech products.