Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

why does my location show up as by Detroit Michigan when I have my location on and I'm in and always have lived in Pittsburgh PA?

more options

Why is my phone location when I'm in Google services say I'm in Detroit Michigan? This is why I thought someone had compromised my information. I live in Pittsburgh PA why is this ??????

Why is my phone location when I'm in Google services say I'm in Detroit Michigan? This is why I thought someone had compromised my information. I live in Pittsburgh PA why is this ??????

All Replies (1)

more options

Your phone can provide precise location information by using GPS satellites. It also can report the names of nearby wi-fi hotspots. Possibly cell towers could be used. If those were being used, you should not be getting this behavior.

The most general method a site can use is your IP address, which is linked to a particular service provider. To see where sites think your IP address is, try this page: https://www.iplocation.net/

Note: if you use a VPN, your IP address is determined by the VPN and not your own service provider.