Why do I get unknown login alerts when I use a VPN?

You might receive unknown login alerts when you use a VPN because apps see the VPN server's IP address and location instead of yours. Most of the time, these alerts are just a way for apps like Instagram, Google, and Microsoft to flag that they’ve spotted you in a new place. It’s usually not an indication that your account was hacked or your security was compromised in any way. Nevertheless, here's why it happens and how to get fewer alerts.

Why does a VPN trigger login alerts?

Every app and website you use sees your IP address (a number that shows roughly where you're connecting from). When you connect to VPN Super, your traffic goes through a secure VPN server. Apps then see the server's IP address and location instead of yours.

To your apps, that looks like a sign-in from a new place, sometimes in a different city or country. Many services, like Instagram, send an alert when this happens. That's their security working as intended—they're checking that it's really you.

You're most likely to see an alert:

• The first time you sign in to an app while connected to the VPN
• When you switch to a server in a different city or country
• In apps with strict security checks, like email, banking, payment, and social media apps

How can I tell if the alert was caused by the VPN?

Open the alert, or go to the account's security page, and check the sign-in details. The alert was most likely caused by the VPN if:

• The time matches when you were using that app while connected to VPN Super
• The location matches the server location you connected to, or is close to it
• The device is yours, for example "iPhone" or "Chrome on Windows"

Not sure which location you were connected to? Open the VPN Super app. The home screen shows the server location you're connected to.

What should I do if the alert doesn't add up?

A VPN changes how your connection looks to apps. It can't sign in to your accounts or see your passwords. So if the alert shows a device you don't own, a location you never connected to, or a time when you weren't using the app, act quickly.

Step 1: Secure your account

1. Open the app or website directly. Don't use links in the alert email—scammers sometimes send fake security alerts.
2. Change the password for that account, and for any other account that uses the same password.
3. In the account's security settings, sign out of any devices or sessions you don't recognize.
4. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA).

Step 2: Contact the service

If you see activity you don't recognize, like messages, purchases, or changed settings, contact that service's support team. For banking or payment apps, contact your bank right away.

How do I get fewer login alerts when using a VPN?

You don't need to stop using the VPN. These steps help your apps recognize you:

Step 1: Confirm the sign-in was you

When an app asks whether a new sign-in attempt was made by you—and it was—confirm it. Many apps remember the new location, so you'll see fewer alerts over time.

Step 2: Connect to a server close to you

1. Open the VPN Super app.
2. Select the location button on the Home Screen.
3. Select Fastest Location, or a server in your own country.

A nearby server makes your sign-in look more familiar to your apps. This matters most for banking and payment apps. For more tips, see how to choose the best server.

Step 3: Stick with one location

Switching between countries in a short time can trigger extra security checks. Try to use the same server location when you sign in to the same apps.

Step 4: Turn on 2FA

With two-factor authentication turned on, your account benefits from an extra layer of protection.

Step 5: Disconnect briefly if an app blocks you

If an app won't let you sign in at all, disconnect from the VPN, sign in, then connect again.

Frequently asked questions

Does a login alert mean my account was hacked?

Not usually. Connecting to a VPN server gives you a new IP address, and apps tend to flag new IP addresses as a precaution. Only take action if details like the time, location, and device in the alert don't match what you were doing.

Why do I keep getting Instagram login alerts on a VPN?

Instagram checks every new IP address it sees, so switching server locations often leads to more alerts. When Instagram asks you to confirm a login, and it was you, approve it. Instagram remembers, so you'll see fewer alerts over time. Using a nearby server and turning on two-factor authentication in your Instagram settings also helps.

Why does Google say someone signed in from another country?

Google shows the location of the IP address used to sign in. When you're connected to VPN Super, that's the location of the VPN server, so a server in another country shows up as a sign-in from that country. Check your Google Account's security page, and if the device and time match your VPN session, indicate that it was you.

Is it safe to use a VPN with my email and bank accounts?

Yes. A VPN encrypts the connection between your device and the VPN server, which helps keep your activity private, especially on public Wi-Fi. It doesn't give anyone access to your accounts. For banking, connect to a server in your own country to avoid extra checks.

Should I turn off the VPN to stop the alerts?

You might only need to do that momentarily. The alerts usually stop once your apps recognize the new location, so confirm the sign-in, then stay on a nearby server. If you get blocked completely, disconnect just long enough to sign in, then connect again.

Still need help?

If the alerts keep coming or you have other questions, submit a request and our Support Team will help you out. For problems with a specific account, contact that service's support team. Only they can see your account's sign-in history.