➡️ Overview
If your proxies are not working, the issue is usually related to authorization, browser/software configuration, or website-specific blocking.
This guide will help you quickly identify the cause and direct you to the correct detailed Knowledge Base articles when needed.
This applies to:
- ✔ Dedicated, Semi-Dedicated, ISP & Semi-ISP (Static Proxies)
- ✔ IPv6 Proxies
- ✔ Rotating (Port-Based) Proxies
- ✔ Residential, Mobile & Rotating Datacenter (bandwidth-based) proxies
➡️ Step 1: Confirm Your Authorization Method
Your proxies will not work unless they are properly authorized via either:
- ✔ IP Authorization
- ✔ Username/Password Authorization
Most connection failures happen because:
- ✔ Your current IP is not whitelisted.
- ✔ You switched networks (and your IP changed).
- ✔ The username or password is incorrect or outdated.
- ✔ The wrong protocol or port is being used.
For full, step-by-step instructions (with screenshots) on setting up IP and username/password authorization, please see How Do I Authorize My Proxies? article in our Knowledge Base.
✔ Quick Authorization Checklist
- ✔ If using IP Authorization, make sure your current IP is added in the dashboard.
- ✔ If using Username/Password, confirm the credentials from your dashboard match what you entered in your browser or software.
- ✔ After changing authorization, wait 3–5 minutes for changes to take effect.
- ✔ Verify you are using the correct port (e.g., 3128, 4444, 1080, 1081 depending on protocol and auth type).
➡️ Step 2: Make Sure Your Browser or Software Is Configured Correctly
Incorrect browser or software setup is the second most common reason proxies appear to be "not working."
Different browsers support different protocols. For example:
- ✔ Chrome & Edge do not support SOCKS natively.
- ✔ Firefox supports HTTP and SOCKS (with additional options via extensions).
- ✔ The Rayobyte Proxy Extension can simplify HTTP and SOCKS setup in supported browsers.
For detailed, step-by-step setup instructions (including GIFs) for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, and more, please see Browser Proxy Configuration Guide (HTTP & SOCKS) in our Knowledge Base.
✔ Quick Configuration Checklist
- ✔ Verify you entered the correct proxy IP/Host and port.
- ✔ Confirm you selected the correct protocol (HTTP vs SOCKS).
- ✔ For SOCKS with username/password, make sure you are using a supported browser or extension (for example, Firefox with a SOCKS-capable add-on).
- ✔ For Chrome, we recommend using the Rayobyte Proxy Extension for easier setup.
➡️ Step 3: Check Whether the Website Is Blocking Your Proxy
If your proxies work on some websites but not on others, the problem is often due to website-level blocking or restrictions, not the proxy itself.
Many sites use strict anti-bot systems that may block:
- ✔ Shared or semi-dedicated IPs.
- ✔ Certain datacenter or rotating IP ranges.
- ✔ High-volume or automated traffic from the same IP.
- ✔ Specific protocols or ports.
For a deeper explanation of why this happens and how to work around it, please see the Why Are My Proxies Not Working on Some Sites? article in our Knowledge Base.
✔ Quick Website-Blocking Checklist
- ✔ Test your proxy on a neutral site such as google.com or an IP-check site (e.g., ipinfo.io).
- ✔ If it works elsewhere but not on your target site, the issue is likely related to that specific website’s restrictions.
- ✔ Reduce the number of requests or threads if you are scraping or automating.
- ✔ Consider using Residential or ISP proxies for stricter platforms.
- ✔ Try another proxy or port from your list in case one IP has been blocked.
➡️ Step 4: Confirm You Are Using the Correct Proxy Format
Each proxy product type uses a specific format. If the format is incorrect, the connection will fail.
✔ Static Proxies (Dedicated, Semi-Dedicated, ISP, Semi-ISP)
IP:PORT username:password@IP:PORT
✔ Rotating (Port-Based) Proxies
Port-based rotating proxies use a single entry IP (tunnel IP) with multiple ports. Each port routes your traffic through a different exit IP from a larger pool.
108.46.12.64:1081 108.46.12.64:1082 108.46.12.64:1083 ...
When you test these in your browser, you won’t see the tunnel IP (e.g., 108.46.12.64). Instead, the website will show the current exit IP that port is using at that moment.
✔ Residential / Mobile / Rotating Datacenter (Bandwidth-Based) / Rotating ISP
username:password@la.residential.rayobyte.com:PORT
Make sure you are using the correct format for your specific proxy type, as shown in your dashboard or welcome email.
➡️ Step 5: Test Your Proxy Outside the Browser
If you are still unsure whether the issue is the proxy or your browser configuration, try testing using another tool such as:
- ✔ cURL (command line)
- ✔ Postman or another API client
- ✔ A proxy-testing tool or your scraping/automation software
If the proxy works in one environment but fails in another, it’s almost always a configuration issue in the failing application.
➡️ If Your Proxies Still Aren’t Working
If you’ve gone through the steps above and still can’t get your proxies working, our support team can help you diagnose issues such as:
- ✔ Authorization mismatches.
- ✔ Misconfigured browser or software settings.
- ✔ Port, protocol, or format errors.
- ✔ Region or location-based restrictions.
- ✔ Website-specific blocks or rate limits.
- ✔ Rotating proxy configuration or usage issues.
To help us troubleshoot faster, please include:
- ✔ Your proxy username (or IP + port).
- ✔ The authorization type (IP or username/password).
- ✔ A screenshot of your browser or software settings.
- ✔ The website or tool you are testing with.
- ✔ Any error messages you see.
➡️ Need Help?
If you’re still experiencing issues after checking the steps above, our support team is here to help.
- ✔ Email: support@rayobyte.com
- ✔ Submit a Ticket: https://rayobyte.com/contact-us/
We’ll review your setup, explain what’s going wrong, and help you get your proxies working as quickly as possible.
