Can Private Investigators Trace IP Addresses?
January 13, 2023 - Reading time: 6 minutes
Updated on: April 7, 2025
As a leading UK detective agency, we’re frequently asked whether private investigators can trace IP addresses — and the answer depends on a few important factors. From tracing debtors and fraudsters to investigating online harassment, we often assist clients who only have limited digital clues to go on. But how far can an IP address really take you?
While IP addresses can offer some insights, private investigators in the UK do not have access to subscriber data held by internet service providers. This means that we can only trace an IP address using information that’s legally available in the public domain.
Tracing IP Addresses via Data Leaks
In some cases, we’re able to trace an individual through their IP address if it appears in a publicly available data breach. For instance, if someone signed up to an online retailer and their IP address was logged alongside their name, email, or home address — and that database was later compromised — we may be able to connect the dots.
However, not all IP addresses appear in data leaks, and the presence of shared IPs, dynamic IPs, or proxies can complicate matters. It’s not always 100% reliable, but in certain cases, this method can provide leads.
Tracing IP Addresses via Subscriber Data
Subscriber data includes the name, address, and contact details associated with an internet connection. This information is held by the user’s ISP (Internet Service Provider) and is not accessible to private individuals or investigators due to data protection laws.
To obtain subscriber data legally, a court order or subpoena is required — typically issued by a solicitor or law enforcement. In civil cases, clients may choose to engage a solicitor to request this information through official channels.
Can Authorities Trace IP Addresses?
Yes. Police and other law enforcement bodies routinely trace IP addresses in the course of criminal investigations. ISPs retain logs of which users were assigned which IPs at a given time, allowing them to match a connection to an individual.
Private investigators do not have the same legal powers as police officers. We cannot compel ISPs to disclose subscriber details, but we can help you assess your options and investigate using lawful means.
What Information Can Be Found from an IP Address?
Without ISP cooperation, here’s what can generally be gathered from an IP address:
- Approximate city or region
- Country of origin
- Internet Service Provider (ISP) name
For example, we might be able to determine that an IP is linked to a user in central London, using BT Internet. However, we will not be able to identify their specific street or building without access to ISP records.
What If They’re Using a VPN or Proxy?
If the individual is using a VPN, proxy, or the Tor network, tracing becomes far more difficult. These tools are specifically designed to mask true IP addresses, making accurate geolocation virtually impossible in most cases.
Can You Find GPS Coordinates from an IP Address?
Some online tools claim to offer pinpoint GPS tracking via IP address. In reality, these services often provide nothing more than the general city or region — sometimes using default coordinates for the centre of a city.
For example, a trace of a London-based IP might return the coordinates for Trafalgar Square, not the user’s actual location. To trace an IP to a precise address or GPS location, subscriber data is needed — and again, only obtainable via legal channels.
Image: GPS coordinates 51.5072° N, 0.1276° W. Credit: Google Maps
What We Can Do
While we cannot request subscriber data ourselves, we can assist by:
- Checking if an IP address appears in publicly available data leaks
- Investigating digital footprints associated with that IP
- Advising on next legal steps if further escalation is needed
In some cases, we may also help to locate individuals through alternative OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence) methods, combining IP data with additional clues to build a broader profile.
Need Expert Help Tracing Someone?
If you’re trying to track someone down online — whether it’s a fraudster, missing person, or anonymous user — we may be able to assist. All of our investigations are carried out legally and discreetly by experienced UK-based detectives.
For a free consultation, contact us in confidence. We’ll assess your case and advise you on your options.
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