We’ve all had those moments of curiosity — maybe you’re trying to check in on a friend, confirm a loved one made it to their destination, or perhaps you’re just a little suspicious. WhatsApp, the world’s most-used messaging app with over two billion users, offers plenty of helpful features, including location sharing. But what if the person on the other end hasn’t sent their location… and you still want to know where they are?
Well, there’s a surprising method that might just give you that answer — all without them realizing.
A Clever Way to Track a Location — Sort Of
Let’s be clear upfront: this technique doesn’t give you exact, GPS-style tracking, and it only works under very specific conditions. But if you’re on a Windows PC and the stars align, you can potentially identify the IP address of someone you’re chatting with on WhatsApp — and then use it to estimate their geographic location.
Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide to how it works.
How to Do It: Step-by-Step
1. Clear the Clutter
Before diving in, make sure to close all unnecessary programs on your computer. This helps ensure that when you pull up IP addresses, you’re not overwhelmed by a flood of background connections.
2. Use WhatsApp Web
Instead of using the desktop app, open WhatsApp Web in a browser. This version is better for our purposes because it maintains a stable internet connection through your browser, which is essential for identifying traffic.
3. Chat With Just One Contact
Now, initiate a chat — only with the person you’re curious about. Don’t have any other WhatsApp conversations open. Keeping the digital line clean helps isolate the connection.
4. Open Command Prompt
Press the Windows + R keys together to launch the Run dialog. Type cmd and hit Enter to open Command Prompt. Mac users, you’ll need to use the Terminal application, although the command might differ.
In Command Prompt, type the command:
bash
Copier Modifiernetstat -an
Then press Enter. You’ll see a list of IP addresses connected to your machine. If everything else is closed and you’re only chatting on WhatsApp Web, it’s easier to spot the new connection tied to your conversation.
Then press Enter. You’ll see a list of IP addresses connected to your machine. If everything else is closed and you’re only chatting on WhatsApp Web, it’s easier to spot the new connection tied to your conversation.
6. Look Up the Location
Once you’ve picked out the IP address, head to ipinfo.io and plug it in. The site will give you a rough location estimate, typically including the city and region — enough to get a general idea of where the other person might be.
A Word of Caution: Think Before You Track
Before you get too carried away with your newfound tech-savvy, it’s important to pause and think about privacy. Even if you’re just curious, using methods like these without someone’s knowledge can cross an ethical line — or even a legal one, depending on where you live.
Respecting people’s digital space is as important as respecting their physical space. This trick may be useful in certain contexts — like confirming if someone’s home during an emergency — but using it regularly or secretly can damage trust.
Don’t Expect Pinpoint Accuracy
Let’s manage expectations: the result you’ll get isn’t going to pinpoint the street someone’s walking on. It’ll be more like a regional estimate, which, for many, is already pushing the limit of what’s comfortable.
So while it’s a nifty digital maneuver, it’s far from perfect — and probably best left as a tech curiosity rather than a go-to spy tactic.
The Bottom Line: Tools with Boundaries
Technology can open amazing doors — ones we never imagined. But that doesn’t mean we should barge through them without consideration. With great tools come great responsibility. Whether it’s WhatsApp, GPS, or clever IP tricks, always pause to ask: “Is this really okay?”
Because sometimes, what starts as a cool trick can lead to a privacy breach — and that’s a line better left uncrossed.
