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Google Search and Maps showing my location as Airdrie

mexicano
Rising Star
Posts: 187
Thanks: 6
Fixes: 2
Registered: ‎17-07-2010

Google Search and Maps showing my location as Airdrie

When using Google Search or Maps, on my desktop, my location shows as Airdrie and not the place I live in London. My iphone and ipad shows the correct location though.

I'm using the latest Firefox browser on Windows 10 Pro.

Is anybody else having this problem, and if not, can someone please tell me what I am doing wrong, and how to fix it?

I just want to fix the location so I can get correct results when I search for local stores and places.

Thanks for any assist.

11 REPLIES 11
wisty
Pro
Posts: 591
Thanks: 112
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Registered: ‎30-07-2007

Re: Google Search and Maps showing my location as Airdrie

Have you recently installed a new router? 

I have had this experience when installing a replacement router which someone had used  elsewhere. 

Google uses WiFi MAC addresses as well as GPS to identify locations. If the desktop has no GPS (doubtful) then Google presumably defaults to the location it thinks the router is at (i.e Ardrie). I think there is a way to prod Google maps about a wrong location, but I'm not sure about the process.

Mine eventually cleared itself up - but it took several months with me apparently moving between Penzance & Reading at the speed of light.

nozzer
Hero
Posts: 3,298
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Registered: ‎04-08-2009

Re: Google Search and Maps showing my location as Airdrie

mexicano
Rising Star
Posts: 187
Thanks: 6
Fixes: 2
Registered: ‎17-07-2010

Re: Google Search and Maps showing my location as Airdrie

No new router. Still using the one PN gave me 2704N.

It's really annoying that when I search, for example, Homebase, it comes up in Airdrie and not in MY location!

I've searches for fixes on this for days but all don't fix it.

mexicano
Rising Star
Posts: 187
Thanks: 6
Fixes: 2
Registered: ‎17-07-2010

Re: Google Search and Maps showing my location as Airdrie

I've looked up your link and it says it's owned by BT, which I know is correct as PN is owned by BT and it states London but when I do searches in it give me results in Airdrie!. That doesn't help me at all so I do worry about about!

What the point of using Google Search or Maps if I get the wrong information?

I know I can use my iphone to do these but I'm at home so why shouldn't I use my desktop?

nozzer
Hero
Posts: 3,298
Thanks: 676
Fixes: 3
Registered: ‎04-08-2009

Re: Google Search and Maps showing my location as Airdrie

@mexicano

Use a more comprehensive search, such as Homebase <Mytown>. 

 

mexicano
Rising Star
Posts: 187
Thanks: 6
Fixes: 2
Registered: ‎17-07-2010

Re: Google Search and Maps showing my location as Airdrie

Yeah that's what I'm already doing. It's just annoying that "my location" in Google doesn't work as it supposed to work.

Thanks

nozzer
Hero
Posts: 3,298
Thanks: 676
Fixes: 3
Registered: ‎04-08-2009

Re: Google Search and Maps showing my location as Airdrie

@mexicano 

If you're using a laptop you probably aren't using a "true" Google service, just a browser. Google geolocation requires a GPS or other accurate signal to work properly, hence it works on your phone/tablet.

mexicano
Rising Star
Posts: 187
Thanks: 6
Fixes: 2
Registered: ‎17-07-2010

Re: Google Search and Maps showing my location as Airdrie

But it did work before. I'm not sure when this started but i know that awhile ago I did get the correct search location and results.

As you said, I'm not going to worry about it anymore.

wisty
Pro
Posts: 591
Thanks: 112
Fixes: 8
Registered: ‎30-07-2007

Re: Google Search and Maps showing my location as Airdrie

There is a thread in the chrome forums that talks about this.

https://support.google.com/chrome/thread/2114248?hl=en

The last few entries have pointers about what to do.

nozzer
Hero
Posts: 3,298
Thanks: 676
Fixes: 3
Registered: ‎04-08-2009

Re: Google Search and Maps showing my location as Airdrie

@mexicano 

You may find these links useful.

https://dyn.com/blog/finding-yourself-the-challenges-of-accurate-ip-geolocation/

https://www.whatismybrowser.com/faq/location-detection-is-wrong

 

You will find that sometimes it's accurate, other times not, depending on which way the wind is blowing! 😁

mexicano
Rising Star
Posts: 187
Thanks: 6
Fixes: 2
Registered: ‎17-07-2010

Re: Google Search and Maps showing my location as Airdrie

@wisty 

Thanks for the link. I already found it and it didn't help. I have reported the IP address to Google to see if they can do something but knowing Google I won't hold my breath Smiley