Google Thinks I’m in a Different Country: How to Change it

Adjusting the search settings usually fixes this issue

Browsers

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by Ivan Jenic 

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Many reported that Google thinks they are in a different country, and this can give you search results that aren’t related to your local area, so that can be a problem. Luckily, this can be easily fixed.

Why does Google think I’m in a different country?

This issue appears if search settings aren’t properly configured in Google. Your VPN or browser settings can also cause this problem.

What can I do if Google thinks I’m in a different country?

Before trying anything else, clear your browser cache and check if that works. If possible, try switching to a different network and check if that solves the problem.

1. Change search settings

  1. Navigate to Google and click Settings in the bottom left. Select Search settings.
     search settings google
  2. Choose Other settings and then Language & region.
    language and region settings google
  3. Click on the Results region and set it to your actual location.
    results region google settings

2. Change the device location

  1. Press Windows and I to open Settings, then navigate to Time & language followed by Language & region.language and region time & language settings
  2. Scroll down and select the Country or region that you are in. Changes will automatically apply, however, you might need to reboot your PC and browser. The browser thinks I’m in another country issue will be resolved this way.country or region language or region settings

3. Check your VPN

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I together, then go to Network & Internet followed by VPN.network and internet settings app vpn selected
  2. Here, make sure to turn off the Allow VPN over metered networks as well as Allow VPN while roaming.Allow VPN over metered networks and Allow VPN while roaming disabled
  3. Alternatively, if you are using a VPN service, make sure to set its country to your current one. The Chrome thinks I’m in another country issue will be resolved after.

If you have VPN client or extension enabled, disable it as well.

4. Set your location inside the browser

For Google Chrome

  1. On your computer, open Chrome then click on the three-dot menu from the top-right corner followed by Settings.chrome menu settings
  2. Click on Privacy and security followed by Site Settings.Privacy and security Site Settings in Chrome
  3. Scroll down and click on Location.privacz and security location google chrome
  4. Next, make sure to turn on the Sites can ask for your location option. Sites can ask for your location chrome settings
  5. Restart your browser to check whether it sets the right location now.

For Mozilla Firefox

  1. Type about:config in your browser and then accept the risks.about:config firefox address bar
  2. Search for the geo.enabled setting and make sure its value is set to true. Click on the reverse icon to change its value.geo.enabled firefox flags enable

For more information, check our guide on how to change browser location permission settings.

5. Reset your web browser

  1. Open Chrome and click on the three-dot menu followed by Settings.chrome settings menu
  2. Select Reset and clean up from the left menu followed by Restore settings to their original defaults.Reset and clean up Restore settings to their original defaults in chrome
  3. Next, click on the Reset settings button and wait for the process to finish.reset settings button chrome

This isn’t the only issue you can encounter, and many reported that Google history is showing search results that users didn’t perform.

Which solution worked for you? Share your experience with other readers, in the comments.

More about the topics: Browser errors, Google, Windows 11

Ivan Jenic

Ivan Jenic Shield

Windows Hardware Expert

Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting. When he's not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.