FAQ
TL;DR: Seeing “London” after using a VPN is normal: city-level IP geolocation is only ~66% accurate within 50 km, and “we cannot guarantee 100% geolocation accuracy.” Geolocation accuracy. [Geolocation accuracy]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps VPN/Netflix users troubleshoot Facebook’s “Where you’re logged in” mismatches without panicking about account compromise.
Quick-Facts
- Country-level IP location is ~99.8% accurate; city-level ~66% within 50 km. Geolocation accuracy. [Geolocation accuracy]
- Facebook says session locations can be approximate or from routing paths, not your true location. Unfamiliar locations in 'Where you're logged in'. [Unfamiliar locations in 'Where you're logged in']
- A VPN exit in another city (e.g., London) can appear even when you choose a different country. [Elektroda, Epic, post #16953843]
- Dynamic VPN IPs can remain unchanged for long periods; rotation frequency depends on the provider. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #16958911]
Quick Facts
- Country-level IP location is ~99.8% accurate; city-level ~66% within 50 km. *Geolocation accuracy*. [*Geolocation accuracy*]
- Facebook says session locations can be approximate or from routing paths, not your true location. *Unfamiliar locations in 'Where you're logged in'*. [*Unfamiliar locations in 'Where you're logged in'*]
- A VPN exit in another city (e.g., London) can appear even when you choose a different country. [Elektroda, Epic, post #16953843]
- Dynamic VPN IPs can remain unchanged for long periods; rotation frequency depends on the provider. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #16958911]
Is the wrong Facebook session location a VPN’s fault?
Often yes. VPNs tunnel your traffic to an exit server that may be in a different city than the one you picked. That exit IP determines what Facebook shows. As one expert put it, “VPN is used…to simulate the IP location.” [Elektroda, Epic, post #16953747]
Why did Facebook show London even though I set my VPN to Poland?
Some VPN providers route traffic through intermediate or load-balanced infrastructure. The visible exit IP may map to London, so Facebook lists London. Provider server placement and geolocation databases drive this behavior. [Elektroda, Epic, post #16953843]
Does a strange Facebook login location mean I was hacked?
Not necessarily. Facebook states the location can be approximate or reflect network routing instead of your true position. Still, log out of other sessions and change your password if unsure. [Unfamiliar locations in 'Where you're logged in']
How accurate is IP geolocation anyway?
Expect high country accuracy but weaker city precision. Typical figures: ~99.8% at country level and ~66% for cities within 50 km. This is why nearby or wrong cities appear. [Geolocation accuracy]
How can I verify a suspicious Facebook session? (3-step check)
- Open Security and Login, hover the session to reveal the IP. 2. Look up the IP’s city with a reputable IP lookup. 3. Log out of all sessions and change your password if it still looks wrong. [Unfamiliar locations in 'Where you're logged in']
What is a VPN, in simple terms?
A Virtual Private Network encrypts your traffic and routes it through a server elsewhere. Services like ExpressVPN use shared exit IPs, so websites see the server’s city, not yours. [Elektroda, Epic, post #16953747]
Could a dynamic VPN IP explain the changing city name?
Yes. With dynamic addressing, your assigned exit IP can change or map differently in databases. Some users keep the same IP for days; others rotate often. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #16958911]
Facebook showed an active session that disappeared on refresh—normal?
Yes. Session lists update as connections close. Short-lived VPN or mobile sessions can vanish after refresh, without indicating compromise. [Unfamiliar locations in 'Where you're logged in']
How do geolocation databases decide my city?
Vendors infer city from network data and assign an accuracy radius. City identification is correct only about two-thirds of the time within 50 km. [Geolocation accuracy]
What’s an edge case I should know about?
Mobile networks, anonymizers, and business VPNs can push the apparent location hundreds of kilometers away from the user. This inflates false alarms. [Geolocation accuracy]
Can I get a fixed (static) IP from a VPN to reduce location jumps?
Some VPNs sell static or dedicated IP add‑ons. Without that, you use shared or rotating IPs, which can vary in apparent location. Check your plan details. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #16957902]
How do I check if my VPN IP is fixed or variable during a trial?
Connect multiple times and compare results on an IP-check site. If the address changes or maps to different cities, it’s dynamic. Trials rarely include static IPs. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #16958681]
Could ExpressVPN specifically route me through London?
Yes. Providers operate multiple exit locations, including London. If your session used a London exit, Facebook would show London for that timeframe. [Elektroda, Epic, post #16953843]
What should I do if I still suspect account compromise?
Log out of all sessions, enable two‑factor authentication, and change your password. Review recent activity for unfamiliar actions and secure devices. [Unfamiliar locations in 'Where you're logged in']
