➡️ How to Use the SOCKS Protocol
All of Rayobyte’s Static Proxy Services, including Dedicated, Semi-Dedicated, ISP, and Semi-ISP Proxies, support the SOCKS protocol in addition to standard HTTP/HTTPS.
The SOCKS protocol is especially useful for tools requiring direct TCP-level routing, advanced scraping frameworks, or non-browser traffic.
➡️ When to Use SOCKS
You may need SOCKS when:
- ✔ A script or tool requires SOCKS5 instead of HTTP/HTTPS.
- ✔ A website blocks HTTP requests but allows SOCKS traffic.
- ✔ You need low-level TCP transport rather than HTTP-based requests.
SOCKS supports both IP Authorization and Username/Password Authorization.
➡️ IP Authorization (SOCKS)
- Find your device’s IP by searching “What is my IP”.
- Log in to your IPv4 Proxy Dashboard.
- Select Authorization Type → Via IP → SOCKS.
- Add your device’s IP under Authorized IPs.
⏱ Allow 5–10 minutes for your IP to authorize.
➡️ Username/Password Authorization (SOCKS)
- Log in to your IPv4 Proxy Dashboard.
- Select Authorization Type → Username/Password → SOCKS.
- Locate your assigned username and password.
⚠ Important: Browsers do not support SOCKS with username/password authentication through their built-in proxy settings. An extension such as FoxyProxy is required.
➡️ Configuring SOCKS in Your Browser
Browser support varies between HTTP/HTTPS and SOCKS, and some SOCKS options require an extension (e.g., FoxyProxy).
For complete step-by-step instructions for:
- ✔ Microsoft Edge (Windows)
- ✔ Google Chrome (Windows & macOS)
- ✔ Mozilla Firefox (Windows & macOS)
- ✔ Safari (macOS)
Visit our full guide here:
➡ Browser Proxy Configuration Guide (HTTP & SOCKS)
This guide covers both IP Authorization and Username/Password setups.
➡️ SOCKS Connection Details
- SOCKS via IP Authorization: Port 1080
- SOCKS via Username/Password: Port 1081
➡️ SOCKS Limitations and Restrictions
- SOCKS is not encrypted. Always use HTTPS websites.
- Not ideal for dynamic IP setups.
- Some websites block SOCKS traffic.
- DNS may resolve locally unless configured through the browser/tool.
➡️ Troubleshooting SOCKS Connectivity
- ✔ Verify the correct port (1080 or 1081).
- ✔ Wait 5–10 minutes after updating IP authorization.
- ✔ Test using another app or browser.
- ✔ Ensure your software supports SOCKS5.
If issues persist, please create a support ticket and include your proxy username, port, and specific steps to reproduce the issue.
➡️ Need Help?
Our support team is happy to assist with SOCKS configuration or determine whether SOCKS is the right choice for your tools.