VPN & Proxy Detection

VPN detection uses multiple signals to identify masked connections: ASN (Autonomous System Number) analysis to identify known VPN provider IP ranges, data center fingerprinting (VPN servers are typically hosted in data centers, not residential ISPs), reverse DNS patterns, and IP reputation databases. Our tool uses local MaxMind GeoLite2 data — no third-party APIs.

Yes. Most major websites and platforms can detect VPN usage through ASN analysis, IP reputation checks, and behavioral signals. Commercial VPN providers' IP ranges are well-documented. Dedicated IPs and residential proxies are harder to detect but still identifiable through advanced fingerprinting methods.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts all your device's traffic and routes it through a private server, masking your IP at the OS level. A proxy routes specific application traffic (usually HTTP/HTTPS) through a server, without encryption. VPNs offer broader protection, while proxies are simpler but less secure.

Apple's iCloud Private Relay is a privacy feature for iCloud+ subscribers that splits your internet traffic between Apple and Cloudflare servers so neither can see both your IP address and what you're browsing. It assigns a temporary IP in your approximate region and shows as 'relay' in IP detection tools.

Commercial VPN providers host their servers in data centers (AWS, Vultr, OVH, etc.) rather than on residential ISP networks. When you connect through a VPN, your traffic originates from that data center's IP block. This is how VPN detection tools identify VPN traffic — by recognizing data center ASNs.

No. While a VPN hides your IP address from websites and your ISP, it does not make you anonymous. Your VPN provider can see your traffic. Browser fingerprinting, cookies, login sessions, and behavioral tracking can still identify you. For stronger anonymity, combine a VPN with Tor browser, though this significantly reduces browsing speed.