What is the difference between HTTP and SOCKS5 protocols?
What is the difference between HTTP and SOCKS5 protocols?
Both are protocols used to route your traffic.
- HTTP/S is the most common and is supported by virtually all tools. It’s ideal for web scraping.
- SOCKS5 is a more versatile, lower-level protocol that can handle different types of traffic beyond just web browsing. For most web scraping tasks, HTTP is the recommended choice. You can learn more in our Protocols Guide.
What is the difference between Rotating and Sticky sessions?
What is the difference between Rotating and Sticky sessions?
- Rotating Sessions (Default): You get a new IP address for every single request you make. This is best for maximum anonymity and scraping many simple pages.
- Sticky Sessions: You keep the same IP address for a set period (10 minutes). This is essential for tasks that require multiple steps, like logging into an account or completing a checkout process. For a detailed comparison, see our Session Control Guide.
Why am I getting a 407 Proxy Authentication Required error?
Why am I getting a 407 Proxy Authentication Required error?
This error means there’s a problem with your access credentials or permissions. It is almost always caused by one of these issues:
- Incorrect Username or Password: Double-check your proxy credentials.
- IP Not Whitelisted: Your server’s IP address is not in the
Authorized IPs
list for that specific proxy. - Zero Balance: Your account balance has run out. Please top up on the Billing page.
- Proxy is Inactive/Suspended: Check the proxy’s status on the My Proxies page.
Why are my requests getting blocked or showing a CAPTCHA?
Why are my requests getting blocked or showing a CAPTCHA?
This is usually a sign that the target website has detected scraping activity. Our proxies are working, but the target is fighting back. Here are some things to try:
- Use a Sticky Session: A constantly changing IP can be suspicious. Try using a sticky session to mimic a real user.
- Change Your Geo-Location: The target may be less strict for traffic from a different country.
- Check Your Headers: Ensure you are sending realistic
User-Agent
and other HTTP headers. - Slow Down: A high request rate is a major red flag. Add delays between your requests.
My proxy IP's location doesn't match what another service shows. Why?
My proxy IP's location doesn't match what another service shows. Why?
IP geolocation is not an exact science, and different providers use different databases that update at different times. We rely on industry-standard databases to provide the most accurate targeting possible. A slight mismatch in the reported city is normal, but the country should always be correct.