Incorrect Location for my IP
Noticed the other day that my WAN IP had changed. Unfortunately this IP address is associated with VM in Glasgow but I am in Peterborough (322 miles between them). It is a pain as I now have to listen to adverts that are Glasgow orientated, not that I have anything against the Scottish.
How long will VM take to update the online database for this IP? Or do I need to request VM to do it?
Hi SimpleSimon,
What you’re experiencing is due to how IP geolocation works. The location shown for your WAN IP isn’t always accurate because it’s based on third-party databases that map IP ranges to physical locations. These databases can sometimes lag behind when ISPs reassign IP ranges.Why this happens:
- Virgin Media (VM) dynamically assigns IP addresses, and the geolocation databases may still associate your new IP with its previous region (in this case, Glasgow).
- This doesn’t affect your actual service or speed—it’s just an external lookup issue.
How to fix it:
- These databases usually update automatically, but it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
- If the incorrect location is causing problems (like targeted ads), you can:
- Use a VPN to control your apparent location.
- Clear cookies and cache, as some ads use stored data.
- Contact VM support and ask them to submit a correction to the geolocation providers.
Unfortunately, VM can’t instantly change what third-party databases show, but we can help escalate it if needed. We hope this answers your concern 😀
