How to Fix Google Maps Not Working With VPN (2025 Guide)

If Google Maps won’t load or shows the wrong location while your VPN is on, it’s usually a location conflict.

Here’s how to quickly fix Google Maps not working with a VPN and get it running normally again.

Why Google Maps Stops Working With a VPN

When Google Maps fails to load or shows the wrong location while your VPN is on, it’s often because Google can’t verify your real position. A VPN hides your IP, so Maps might think you’re in another country or detect “suspicious” network traffic.

Common Error Messages

• “Google Maps can’t find your location.”
• “This page can’t load Google Maps correctly.”
• “Location unavailable. Try turning on Wi-Fi or GPS.”
• Blank or gray map area with a spinning loading circle.

How to Fix Google Maps Not Working With VPN

1. Switch to a Nearby VPN Server

Choosing a server too far from your real region confuses Google’s geolocation system.

1. Open your VPN app.
2. Disconnect and pick a server in your current country or city.
3. Reconnect and refresh Google Maps.

This helps Maps deliver accurate local results and faster routes.

2. Clear Google Maps and Browser Cache

Outdated or conflicting cache files can stop Maps from updating properly. This issue can appear in browsers, too. If you notice Chrome misbehaving with your VPN, check our full guide on how to fix Google Chrome not working with VPN.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete in Chrome.
2. Select All time, check Cookies and Cached images/files, then click Clear data.
3. Restart your browser and reload Maps.

For the mobile app:
Go to Settings > Apps > Maps > Storage > Clear cache.

3. Disable GPS or Precise Location Temporarily

When both GPS and VPN try to determine your location, Maps receives mixed data.

1. Go to Settings > Location on your phone.
2. Turn off Use precise location or GPS.
3. Reopen Google Maps.
4. Once it loads, re-enable GPS if needed.

4. Allow Google Maps Through VPN Split Tunneling

Split tunneling lets certain apps skip the VPN connection. If you use VPN extensions in browsers, make sure they work correctly; check this helpful resource on how to fix NordVPN extension not working for browser-based VPN issues.

1. Open your VPN settings.
2. Find Split Tunneling / App Exceptions.
3. Add Google Maps or your browser to the exclusion list.
4. Reconnect to your VPN.

This keeps your privacy for other apps while Maps uses your direct connection.

5. Change DNS to Google’s Public DNS

Some VPN DNS servers can block or misroute location lookups.

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network Connections.
2. Right-click your active network > Properties.
3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Properties.
4. Choose Use the following DNS servers and enter:
   Preferred: 8.8.8.8
   Alternate: 8.8.4.4
5. Click OK, then reconnect your VPN.

6. Turn Off WebRTC in Your Browser

WebRTC can reveal your real IP even when a VPN is active, confusing Google’s location data. This is especially useful if you often use Incognito windows — learn more about whether VPN extensions work on Incognito mode and how to protect your identity while browsing.

1. Install an extension like WebRTC Leak Prevent or uBlock Origin.
2. Open extension settings and disable WebRTC.
3. Restart the browser and open Google Maps again.

7. Disable IPv6 on Your Device

Google Maps may conflict with IPv6 connections if your VPN doesn’t support them.

1. Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Right-click your active network > Properties.
3. Uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).
4. Click OK and restart your computer.

8. Reinstall or Update Your VPN App

Outdated VPN clients can cause DNS leaks or connection bugs.

1. Uninstall your current VPN.
2. Download the latest version from the official website.
3. Reinstall, log in, and test Maps again.

FAQs

Wrapping up

These eight proven fixes will help you get Google Maps running smoothly again, even with your VPN active.