Handle Detection of VPN Usage

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Computer Settings/Time Zone Doesn't Match
  • How to Resolve Time Zones
• VPN Is On
  • How to Resolve VPNs
• Using  iCloud Private Relay in Safari
  • How to Resolve Private Relay

When you start a location-specific task, the Testlio platform verifies your current location. If it detects you are using a VPN, it marks you as not being in the required location.

If you cannot turn off the VPN or other IP anonymizer for a device, you cannot test with it. Please remove any such devices from your profile.

If you are in the correct location and don't think you are using a VPN, see common issues that may have caused the mismatch and how to resolve them.

Computer Settings/Time Zone Doesn't Match

If your computer is set to a different timezone than the required location, you may get flagged as not matching the location.

How to Resolve Time Zones

See some options for what to do to resolve the mismatched settings.

• Toggle Automatic Settings Off and On

  This is the most common fix. It forces your computer to re-check the settings. 

  1. Find the settings for your operating system (such as Windows, Mac).

  2. Turn off the settings for automatic time zone, date, and time.

  3. Wait about 15 seconds.

  4. Turn the settings back on. Your computer should now re-sync with your location and the relevant time server.

• Check Location Services for Time Zone
  The automatic setting relies on Location Services. It might be turned off for system functions.

  • For Macs:

    1. Turn on Location Services.

    2. Scroll to the very bottom of the app list and click Details... next to System Services.

    3. Ensure the switch for "Setting time zone" is on. This is often the hidden cause of the problem.

• Set the Time Zone Manually
  If automatic detection is failing, manually setting it is a reliable workaround.

  1. Find the settings for your operating system (such as Windows, Mac).

  2. Choose the closest city to you.

VPN Is On

You might have VPN software (like OpenVPN) enabled on your device or router.

Even if you aren't actively using it to change your location, a VPN server running on your router keeps specific network ports open. Detection systems automatically flag these open ports as evidence of a VPN.

How to Identify if the Problem is Your Device or Your Network?

If Testlio detects a VPN and you aren't aware of using one, you need to determine whether the issue is coming from your specific device or your local network.

How to check:

1. Visit fingerprint.com on the device you are using for testing.
2. Check if the site displays a "VPN detected" message.
3. Test another device connected to the same Wi-Fi/network:
   1. If VPN is detected on multiple devices: The issue is with your network (e.g., router settings, ISP routing, or network-level proxy/VPN).
   2. If VPN is detected on only one device: The issue is isolated to that specific device (e.g., active background software, browser extension, or system settings).

Important Note on Responsibilities: It is the freelancer's responsibility to ensure that all devices and networks used for testing are completely free of VPNs or anonymizers. The troubleshooting steps provided below are suggestions. If they do not resolve the mismatch, you will need to take additional steps on your end or switch to a different device or network.

How to Resolve VPNs

Before starting any Testlio task, you must ensure all VPN software and VPN servers are fully disabled.

1. Disable Both Client and Server: Make sure your VPN software is turned off on your computer (the client) and that the server function on your router is also disabled.

2. Restart Your Devices: After disabling the VPN, restart both your computer and your router. This is a crucial step that clears any lingering network settings and ensures you start the task with a clean connection.

3. Force a New IP Address: In some cases, you may also need to force the router to obtain a new IP address.

Using  iCloud Private Relay in Safari

If iCloud Private Relay is on in your Safari browser, it masks your current location.

How to Resolve Private Relay

Turn it off temporarily when testing location-specific tasks.