VPN Connected But Still Showing Local Ads? Learn why your real location is leaking and how to fix VPN ad targeting issues completely (2025 Guide)
Imagine this:
You’ve turned on your VPN, selected a server in New York, and loaded a website—yet you’re still seeing ads for local restaurants in your hometown. Frustrating, right?
You’re not alone.
Thousands of users across the US, UK, and Canada are facing this exact problem in 2025. You pay for a premium VPN, yet your real location still leaks, and ads know exactly where you are. But don’t worry — this guide explains exactly why this happens, and more importantly, how to fix it for good.
Let’s dive in.
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Why Does This Happen? You’re Using a VPN, So What’s the Problem?
You expect your VPN to change your IP address and mask your location — and it does.
But ad networks and websites don’t just rely on your IP anymore.
Here’s how they still find out where you are:
1. Cookies and Stored Data
Your browser might still have cookies saved from before you connected the VPN — tracking your location or browsing behavior.
2. DNS Leaks
Even if your IP changes, if your DNS queries (the websites you visit) go through your real ISP, your location is exposed.
3. WebRTC Leaks (Especially in Chrome and Firefox)
WebRTC is a browser feature that allows real-time communication — and it can leak your real IP address, even with VPN active.
4. GPS or Location Services (Mobile Devices)
If you have location services enabled, mobile apps and browsers can bypass your VPN completely.
5. Browser Fingerprinting
Some websites can guess your location based on your device settings, fonts, language preferences, and more — even without IP info.
Real Fixes: How to Stop Local Ads from Showing When VPN Is On
Now let’s solve the problem step-by-step.
Step 1: Clear Cookies and Browser Cach
Cookies store location data that ad networks love.
How to fix:
- Go to your browser settings → Privacy → Clear cookies & site data.
- Restart the browser after connecting to the VPN.
Step 2: Use a VPN with DNS Leak Protection
Not all VPNs have proper DNS protection.
Choose one that routes DNS through its own servers (like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN).
To check if DNS is leaking:
- Visit dnsleaktest.com or ipleak.net
- If your real ISP shows up → your VPN is leaking.
Step 3: Disable WebRTC in Your Browser
WebRTC can expose your local IP even when VPN is active.
Chrome:
- Use the extension: “WebRTC Control”
- Or go to
chrome://flagsand search “WebRTC”
Firefox:
- Go to
about:config - Search:
media.peerconnection.enabled - Set to
false
Step 4: Turn Off Location Services on Your Device
Even with a VPN, mobile devices might leak GPS data.
On Android:
- Go to Settings → Location → Turn off “Use location”
- Or block location for specific apps
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings → Privacy → Location Services → Off
- Or turn it off just for Safari/Chrome
Step 5: Use Incognito Mode for VPN Browsing
Sometimes your browser history or logged-in accounts mess with location detection.
Incognito mode avoids stored sessions and cookies.
Step 6: Log Out of Location-Based Services
If you’re signed into Google, Facebook, or YouTube — they might override your VPN location.
Sign out or use a separate incognito window.
Step 7: Switch to a Better VPN Server
Sometimes the server you connect to is not optimized for privacy or may be blacklisted.
Try a different server or a different location within the same country.
Bonus Tips for Perfect Privacy
- Use privacy-focused browsers (Brave, Firefox with tweaks)
- Block trackers using uBlock Origin or Privacy Badger
- Use DuckDuckGo instead of Google for search privacy
- Avoid free VPNs that inject ads (they’re the problem, not the solution)
Best VPNs That Truly Hide Your Location (No Ad Leaks)
Here are 3 trusted VPNs that protect your real location 100%:
| VPN | Strengths | Try Now |
|---|---|---|
| ProtonVPN | DNS protection, kill switch, open-source | Visit Site |
| NordVPN | Double VPN, WebRTC block, fast servers | Visit Site |
| Surfshark | MultiHop, clean web (ad block), low cost | Visit Site |
All links internally linked to your VPN review blogs on Digimad.online
Final Thoughts
Using a VPN is no longer enough.
In 2025, websites and advertisers use advanced methods to track you — beyond just your IP address.
But with the right tools, browser settings, and VPN, you can take back full control of your privacy.
Next time you’re seeing local ads despite VPN, you’ll know exactly what to do.
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