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Google can't get my location correct

  • 3 replies
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  • Last reply by Norbert38

Norbert38
Norbert38
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Good morning:

How do do I stop FF using the default 'Google Location Services' to get my location? Google, using my IP address, says I'm in Edmonton, Alberta when I'm actually in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Only a small 456 km difference. :(

thanks Norbert

Good morning: How do do I stop FF using the default 'Google Location Services' to get my location? Google, using my IP address, says I'm in Edmonton, Alberta when I'm actually in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Only a small 456 km difference. :( thanks Norbert

All Replies (3)

cor-el
cor-el
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  • Top 10 Contributor
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The standard way to get the location is via a reverse DNS Lookup and this work on how your ISP reports the location (usually the location of the gateway), on a mobile device GPS can be used to get a precise location.

You can use websites like these to check how your location is reported via a reverse DNS lookup of your IP:

zeroknight
zeroknight
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Open Google Maps on your phone while connected to WiFi with location enabled and it will associate your IP address with that location.

Norbert38
Norbert38 Question owner
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Thanks for the suggestions. None helped. I guess I should have been more specific. This is my desktop computer with Win 10 and FF 115.3.1 ESR portable.

I changed 5 settings to solve the problem:

1) Set my default location in Windows 10. Settings: Privacy: Location: 'Set default' opens Windows Map. Entered my longitude and latitude 2) Turned off Web & App Activity and Location History. Set my home address. Instructions: https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/heres-how-you-can-stop-google-from-following-you-on-vacation/ 3) Make sure that https://www.google.com is blocked in Settings - Location Permissions. Otherwise Google ignores all other settings and uses the IP address. :(

So far it tells me that I'm in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Searches find local stores, NOT those in Edmonton