Location Detection Methods

Your internet (IP) address is just one way a website can determine your location, the VPN/SmartStream can change your IP address, first check all is set up/connected properly (you only need one of the below to pass, depending on the service you are using):

Here are some other methods websites use in addition to an IP check:

• Cache/cookies/history from your browser, you should clear these after the VPN connects or when you have problems to reset your location. For example, if you visited a website without our services enabled, it is possible the site has already cached your location.

• Close all open browser windows, or force close all Apps you wish to use, then restart them afresh.

• Log out & log in, if you're using a website/app where you need to log in, try logging out and back in again after making sure our services are configured/connected properly.
  • Particularly important for Amazon Prime/Instant Video, especially when using the VPN (Settings → My Account → Sign Out, on App devices)

• Time zone, set to the timezone of the content you wish to access. Restart the device once changed. Sites/Apps that are known to use this check:
  • All 4, ITVHub (Live Channels), NowTV, Sky, UKTV/Dave, BT Sport

• Region & date formatting, some sites will check the region specified on the computer/device and the date formatting, for example UK/USA dates are formatted differently. Sites/Apps that are known to use this check:
  • All 4, ITVHub, NowTV, Sky, UKTV/Dave

• Location Services/GPS, devices like the iPhone/iPad/Android/AppleTV devices may have a GPS chip/Location Services, if so this should be disabled. Sites/Apps that are known to use this check:
  • All 4, ITVHub, NowTV, Sky, UKTV/Dave
  • BBC iPlayer Radio App & BBC News, disable in device GPS settings/Location Services
  • National Lottery use a browser/computer not the App
  • TVPlayer; cannot be disabled, works on FireTV only.

• Mobile signal, disable all mobile data by putting the device into Airplane mode, then re-enable wifi. Apps can check the mobile carrier and/or roaming status of the device. Sites/Apps that are known to use this check:
  • NowTV, Sky

• DNS, some security/antivirus software will mean you are not using our DNS servers, even when connected to the VPN or SmartStream. This is a problem for unblocking some streaming websites.
  • Open our tester, http://test.streamvia.com, make sure the 'DNS' check has a 'YES', if not check your security/AV software for DNS filtering.
  • AVAST, AVG users will need to disable DNS filtering, sometimes called 'Real Site' or 'Secure DNS', if you find you're still blocked from some streaming websites
  • iCloud Private Relay, will need to be disabled. Settings → iCloud at the top of the screen where it shows your name → iCloud → Disable Private Relay

• Browser Location tracking, allows browsers to 'reveal' your physical location. The calculations are not based on your IP address. Instead, they typically use information such as nearby Wi-Fi networks, your system's location settings, or your device's GPS. This should also be disabled as it may override the IP check.
  • Google Chrome:
    • Click on the three dots on the top right corner of Chrome
    • Select Settings
    • Click on Advanced and visit the Privacy and security section
    • Click on Content Settings and go to the Location section
    • Find the switch that says 'Ask before Accessing' and make sure it's on.
  • Firefox:
    • Type about:config in the address bar of Firefox
    • Firefox will show you a warning 'This will void your warranty'
    • Accept it
    • Search for geo.enabled in the search bar
    • Select that option and change its value from true to false.
  • Opera:
    • Click on the Opera logo on the top left corner of the Opera window
    • Visit the Advanced tab and click on Content Settings
    • Click on Location
    • Slide the 'Ask Before Accessing' toggle switch to on.
  • Safari:
    • Click on Safari written on the top left corner
    • Go to Preferences
    • Under the Privacy tab
    • Select Website Tracking
    • Check 'Prevent Cross-site tracking'
    • Next select the Websites tab
    • Under General, select Location
    • Make sure any sites you plan to access, that are listed here, are set to Deny
    • If you are prompted for location tracking when you first access a website, make sure you deny this
  • Edge:
    • Open the Action Center on your Windows 10 computer
    • Select All Settings
    • Go to Privacy and select Location
    • You'll see a slider that says Location Service
    • Turn it off
    • Visit Location History and find 'Clear History on this Device'
    • Click on Clear.