How accurate is IP geolocation?
IP geolocation is usually right about the country, often right about the region or city, and never accurate enough to find a house. It is an estimate based on records, not a signal from your device.
Where the location comes from
There is no location inside an IP address. Location databases are built from registration records, provider information, network measurements and data from other sources, then matched to address ranges. The result is a best guess for each range.
What is usually accurate
The country is correct for the large majority of addresses. The region and city are reliable less often, and the further you go down the more guesswork there is. The coordinates shown are generally the centre of an area, not a precise point.
Why it can be wrong
- Providers route traffic through central points, so you can appear in a city that is not yours.
- Mobile networks often show the location of a gateway, which may be many miles away.
- VPNs, proxies and Tor show the location of their servers.
- Databases lag behind when a provider moves or reassigns addresses.
What it should be used for
It is good for choosing a language or currency, spotting a suspicious login from another country, and understanding where traffic comes from. It should not be used to identify a person or a household.
Common questions
Why does the map show the wrong town?
The database places your address range at the provider’s nearest known point, which is often a different town.
Can an IP address show my exact location?
No. It can show an approximate area. Exact location needs your device’s own location services, with your permission.
Which data does IPMonkey use?
IPMonkey uses the MaxMind GeoLite2 databases, which are updated regularly. Their accuracy limits are the same as any other IP database.