Why IPv4 and IPv6 Show Different Locations When Using a VPN

Using a VPN is a smart way to protect your privacy and keep your online activity hidden. But many users run into a strange problem: their IPv4 and IPv6 addresses don't always show the same location when they check “what is my IP.” Sometimes, they even appear to be in different countries. This can cause confusion and, more importantly, lead to privacy leaks. Knowing why this happens helps you safeguard your data and enjoy real privacy online.

Understanding IPv4 and IPv6 Addresses

IPv4 addresses have been around since the early days of the internet. They use a 32-bit format, which means there are just over 4 billion possible addresses. As the internet grew, that ran out fast. IPv6 came along with a 128-bit format, offering trillions and trillions of addresses — enough for every device on the planet and then some.

• Format: IPv4 looks like 192.168.1.1, while IPv6 looks like 2001:0db8:85a3::8a2e:0370:7334.
• Allocation: IPv4 addresses are often recycled and shifted between regions or organizations. IPv6 addresses are newer, so blocks are often assigned directly and haven’t been resold or shuffled as much.

Because IPv4 and IPv6 are assigned, routed, and managed differently, geolocation (figuring out where an IP “lives” in the world) can vary a lot between the two protocols.

How VPNs Mask Your Location

VPNs work by wrapping your internet traffic inside an encrypted tunnel and routing it through a server somewhere else. Both your IPv4 and IPv6 addresses can be hidden and replaced with those from the VPN server.

IP Geolocation Basics

Websites and services use geolocation databases to map IP addresses to real-world locations. These databases are updated by tracking address allocations, usage, and sometimes even user reports.

• Reliability: Location data for IPv4 is usually better because those addresses have been in use for years and are well-documented.
• IPv6 struggles: IPv6 is still new for many regions, and its address blocks are not as clearly tied to physical locations. This makes geolocation less accurate.

IPv4 vs. IPv6 Handling by VPNs

Most VPNs are built around IPv4. That’s where their tech is strongest and most mature. Many VPNs either ignore, block, or only partly support IPv6 traffic.

• Robust IPv4 support: VPNs usually route all your IPv4 data through the tunnel, using NAT (network address translation) to blend your traffic with others for privacy.
• Weak IPv6 support: Some VPNs disable IPv6 altogether. Others fail to handle it, leading to your real IPv6 leaking out even if your IPv4 is hidden.
• Potential IP leaks: If your device sends some traffic over IPv6 outside the VPN, that can expose your real location even when IPv4 says you’re somewhere else.

It’s a bit like putting on a disguise for your face, but leaving your badge ID in plain sight.

Why You See Different Locations for IPv4 and IPv6

Several reasons can lead to a mismatch between where your IPv4 and IPv6 addresses seem to be located:

• Incomplete IPv6 tunneling: If the VPN routes only IPv4, your regular IPv6 may slip through and show your actual location.
• Database differences: IPv4 locations are tracked well, but IPv6 locations lag behind or can be inaccurate.
• Address pool allocation: VPNs often buy IPv4 addresses wherever they can, sometimes far from the VPN server’s true place. IPv6 address pools are less re-used, so their locations might be more accurate — or just wildly different.
• VPN infrastructure: Some VPNs operate dual-stack servers (both IPv4 and IPv6), but not all providers update or configure them properly.

How to Prevent IPv6 and IPv4 Location Leaks with a VPN

To truly protect your location, take these steps:

• Pick a VPN with full dual-stack (IPv4 and IPv6) support. The best providers handle both protocols in the encrypted tunnel.
• Disable IPv6 on your device if your VPN can't tunnel it — most operating systems allow you to turn IPv6 off in network settings.
• Enable leak protection in your VPN settings if available.
• Test your connection at websites that show both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses to make sure both match your chosen VPN location.
• Keep your VPN app and device OS up to date for the latest privacy features.

Conclusion

Seeing different locations for IPv4 and IPv6 when using a VPN comes down to differences in how addresses are routed, how VPNs are configured, and how geolocation databases track these addresses. The risk is real: if your IPv6 leaks, so can your true location. By understanding this issue and using a VPN that treats both IPv4 and IPv6 with equal care, you close the gaps and stay private — everywhere you go online. Always test your setup and keep your privacy armor strong.