Is this detectable? I’m trying to get around Tiktok algorithm region-locking to target US audiences. Will they be able to tell I’m using a VPN? What about instagram? Just want to avoid being shadowbanned by these sites
Thanks for the insight. So to be clear, I’m not using a vpn provider. I’m using WireGuard to connect thru the internet of someone I personally know. Am I good then?
While D0_stack is correct, in that IP addresses often have their ownership information summarized, misrepresented, or not updated, there are methods, some very easy, that an application can use to determine if you’re using a VPN.
For example, an application can enumerate all the network interfaces your computer/mobile device has. It can then examine this list of network interfaces, their ip addresses, and then make a determination from that.
It can also take other steps, such as sending out UDP packets sourced from one of those enumerated networks, and if that UDP packet arrives on their server, then can determine how many interfaces can reach the public Internet. This step is generally what is used to determine if your system is using a VPN. It is also a step highly automated by OS/Browser built-in things like WebRTC (which automates enumeration and usage potentials of all interfaces).
So the best answer is this: If you are running an application on a system (pc, phone, whatever), and you are also running a VPN on that same system, is it possible for the application to detect the VPN?
The answer is yes.
Interesting answer. Assuming the OP had a friend in the US and resides in a non-US country, what would be the best way in your opinion to make TikTok believe the iPhone has a US IP address without any suspicion?
For example, if he sets up a Raspberry Pi server in his friend’s house in the US, what would be the best way to connect to the friend’s residential IP?