AdGuard VPN: Taiwan Server Issues? Singapore Location Detected
Experiencing issues with your AdGuard VPN showing the wrong exit location? Specifically, are you connecting to the Taiwan server but getting a Singapore IP address? You're not alone! This article dives deep into this problem, offering a comprehensive understanding and potential solutions.
Understanding the Issue: Taiwan Server, Singapore Location
When using a VPN, the primary expectation is that your online activity will appear to originate from the server location you've selected. For instance, if you connect to a VPN server in Taiwan, your IP address should reflect a Taiwan-based location. However, some users of the AdGuard VPN browser extension have reported a discrepancy: while connected to the Taiwan server, their IP address and DNS leak tests indicate a location in Singapore.
This misidentification can be problematic for several reasons. It can affect your ability to access region-locked content, potentially expose your actual location, and raise concerns about the reliability of the VPN connection. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics of this issue.
The Technical Details
One user reported this issue while using AdGuard VPN Browser Extension version 2.7.6 on Comet Version 142.0.7444.176, running on Windows 11. The steps to reproduce the problem are straightforward:
- Connect to the “Taiwan” server using the AdGuard VPN browser extension.
- Visit a DNS leak test website such as
https://www.dnsleaktest.com/and run a standard test. - Examine the results for “IP / Hostname / ISP / Country”.
- Compare the detected location with the VPN server location selected in the extension’s user interface.
The expected behavior is that a connection to the Taiwan server should result in an IP address and DNS resolvers located in Taiwan. However, the actual behavior observed is that the connection is detected as originating from Singapore. For example, the user's public IP address was shown as 188.214.106.10, with DNS servers hosted by Datacamp / Cogent Communications, all located in Singapore.
Why This Matters
This discrepancy can lead to several issues:
- Accessing Region-Locked Content: If you're trying to access content that is exclusively available in Taiwan, being routed through Singapore will prevent you from doing so.
- Privacy Concerns: While a VPN encrypts your traffic, an incorrect location can still expose your approximate geographic location, undermining your privacy.
- Performance Issues: Servers located in different regions can have varying latency. Connecting to a server physically located in Taiwan should provide better performance for users in Taiwan compared to being routed through Singapore.
Possible Causes and Explanations
Several factors could contribute to this issue. Let's explore some potential causes:
1. Misconfigured Server Routing
One of the most likely reasons for this issue is misconfigured server routing. VPN providers often have multiple servers in different locations, and sometimes the routing can be inadvertently set up incorrectly. This means that while you're selecting a Taiwan server in the AdGuard VPN interface, your traffic might actually be routed through a server in Singapore.
This can happen due to technical glitches, human error during server configuration, or even network maintenance. VPN providers are constantly managing their infrastructure, and occasional misconfigurations can occur. It’s crucial for providers to have robust monitoring systems in place to detect and rectify such issues promptly.
2. Virtual Server Locations
Some VPN providers use virtual server locations. This means that while the server appears to be in one country (e.g., Taiwan), the actual physical server might be located in another country (e.g., Singapore). This practice isn't inherently bad, but it's essential for VPN providers to be transparent about it.
Virtual server locations are often used when a VPN provider doesn't have the infrastructure to physically host servers in a particular country. Instead, they route traffic through a server in a nearby location. However, this can lead to confusion and discrepancies if users aren't aware of it.
3. DNS Leakage
DNS leakage occurs when your DNS requests are not being routed through the VPN server, potentially exposing your actual location. While the user in the report explicitly mentioned checking for DNS leaks and finding Singapore-based DNS servers, this could still be a contributing factor.
DNS leaks can happen due to various reasons, including operating system configurations, browser settings, or issues with the VPN software itself. Regularly performing DNS leak tests is crucial to ensure your VPN connection is functioning correctly and protecting your privacy.
4. GeoIP Database Inaccuracies
GeoIP databases are used to determine the geographic location of an IP address. These databases aren't always accurate, and sometimes an IP address might be incorrectly associated with a different location. This could explain why a DNS leak test shows a Singapore location, even if the server is physically located in Taiwan.
However, GeoIP inaccuracies are less likely to be the sole cause of the problem if multiple tests consistently show the wrong location. It's more probable that a routing issue or virtual server location is the culprit.
Troubleshooting and Solutions
If you're experiencing this issue, here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve it:
1. Contact AdGuard Support
The first and most important step is to contact AdGuard VPN support. Provide them with detailed information about the issue, including the steps you took to reproduce it, the results of your DNS leak tests, and your operating system and browser versions. The more information you provide, the easier it will be for them to diagnose and fix the problem.
AdGuard support can investigate the server configuration and identify any routing issues. They can also clarify whether the Taiwan server is a virtual location or a physical one.
2. Try Different Servers
While waiting for a response from support, try connecting to other servers in different locations. This can help you determine if the issue is specific to the Taiwan server or if it's a more widespread problem. If other servers are working correctly, it further points to an issue with the Taiwan server configuration.
3. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
Sometimes, cached data and cookies can interfere with VPN connections. Clearing your browser's cache and cookies can help ensure that your browser is using the correct IP address and DNS settings.
4. Check for DNS Leaks Regularly
As mentioned earlier, regularly checking for DNS leaks is crucial. Use websites like https://www.dnsleaktest.com/ to perform these tests. If you detect a DNS leak, try switching to a different DNS server or contacting AdGuard support for assistance.
5. Update Your VPN Software
Ensure that you're using the latest version of the AdGuard VPN browser extension. Software updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can resolve connection issues.
6. Consider Using a Different VPN Protocol
AdGuard VPN, like many VPN services, likely supports multiple VPN protocols (e.g., WireGuard, OpenVPN). Switching to a different protocol might sometimes resolve connectivity issues. You can usually find protocol settings within the VPN application or browser extension.
The Importance of Transparency from VPN Providers
This issue highlights the importance of transparency from VPN providers. Users should be clearly informed about whether a server location is virtual or physical. This information helps users make informed decisions about which servers to use based on their specific needs and privacy concerns.
VPN providers should also have robust monitoring systems in place to detect and quickly resolve routing issues. Regular audits of server configurations can help prevent such problems from occurring in the first place.
Conclusion: Resolving the Taiwan Server Issue
The issue of the AdGuard VPN Taiwan server showing a Singapore exit location is a concerning one, but it's often resolvable. By understanding the potential causes and taking the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can work towards resolving the problem.
Remember, contacting AdGuard support is the most crucial step in getting this issue addressed. They have the technical expertise to investigate the server configuration and provide a solution.
In the meantime, be sure to check for DNS leaks regularly and ensure your VPN software is up-to-date. By staying proactive, you can help maintain a secure and private online experience.
For further reading on VPNs and online privacy, you might find valuable information on trusted websites like Electronic Frontier Foundation. This resource can provide additional insights into securing your internet connection and protecting your personal data.
