Have you noticed that your VPN is detected more than it once was? Unfortunately for VPN users, websites, companies, and governments have more techniques than ever to uncover VPN use, so they’re no longer as invisible as they once were.
1 Suspicious Login Patterns
One of the common ways websites detect VPN usage is by tracking user login locations. If a single user logs in from wildly different locations within a short period using the same device, websites may recognize this as an indication of VPN use to mask location. For example, if you log in from the U.S. one moment and from Australia shortly afterward, that could raise red flags.
Also, if multiple users connect to the same website or service through a shared IP address from a VPN server, this pattern can signal VPN use. To minimize detection, connect to VPN servers close to your location and consider using dedicated IPs, which provide a unique address just for you, avoiding noticeable location shifts.
2 Connecting With a Blacklisted IP Address
Companies often keep lists of blacklisted IP addresses associated with VPNs and proxies, which allows them to block unwanted traffic. If you’re using a free VPN with shared IP addresses among numerous users, there’s a chance you may connect via one of these blacklisted IPs, letting the website detect and flag your session as a VPN connection.
To avoid this issue, consider using a dedicated IP unique to one user that is less likely to be flagged. If you can’t spend on a dedicated IP address and prefer a free VPN connection, I recommend opting for a service with a large, regularly updated pool of IP addresses to minimize detection.
Avoid using VPN servers in countries like China, Russia, Syria, Iran, and so on, as your traffic is likely to be blocked by default.
3 Advanced Detection Technologies
Companies use advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect VPN traffic. Tools like Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) analyze metadata in transmitted data packets, which helps identify typical VPN parameters such as encrypted headers or unusual protocols. This makes it easier to spot VPN traffic patterns.
While complete anonymity may not be possible, VPNs with features like “stealth mode” or “obfuscation” can help disguise VPN traffic as regular internet data, reducing the chance of detection. However, this is not foolproof as AI technology and machine learning techniques rapidly evolve.
4 Device and TLS Fingerprinting
Similar to deep packet inspection, device and TLS (Transport Layer Security) fingerprinting are techniques websites use to detect VPN usage. Device fingerprinting creates a unique “fingerprint” by collecting specific device details, so connecting from varying locations with the same fingerprint often signals that you’re using a VPN.
VPN providers often use unique TLS configurations, and websites can block connections if a TLS fingerprint matches known VPN profiles. While you can’t fully bypass such detection, using the same server and a dedicated IP can help. You can also use VPN providers that don’t frequently reuse TLS profiles across users to reduce the chance of detection.
5 Stricter Content Licensing Agreements
Content licensing agreements often limit where media can be accessed legally. To enforce these restrictions, platforms must use robust VPN detection to ensure viewers can only access content from approved regions. Companies invest heavily in VPN detection tools to avoid violating agreements with content creators and distributors.
If a service detects your VPN and restricts your access, there’s generally little you can do. You can use a VPN connection with premium servers in the best regions to bypass detection. Still, you must avoid doing so to access content that the streaming platform or service doesn’t have permission to show in your region.
This is why websites and services are now much more capable of detecting VPN usage than they used to be. If a service or platform disallows VPNs, respect that rule to avoid account suspension, especially for financial services. One of my friends had his Australian bank account temporarily blocked after accessing it through a VPN while overseas.
