Proxy troubleshooting
Browser Proxy Not Working: Checklist for Chrome, Firefox and Browser Profiles
Fix browser proxy problems caused by wrong protocol, credentials, extensions, DNS leaks or profile settings.
Fast diagnosis
When a browser proxy is not working, test the proxy outside the browser first, then check browser profile settings, protocol support, authentication prompts, DNS/WebRTC leaks and conflicting extensions.
Client
Proxy
Site
BuyProxies guide
Do not change five things at once. Test the proxy directly, then test the same proxy inside the browser, script or application that fails.
Symptoms you usually see
- Browser shows no internet after adding the proxy.
- The IP does not change on IP-check pages.
- Login prompt repeats or disappears too quickly.
- One browser profile works and another does not.
Most likely causes
| Cause | How to confirm it |
|---|---|
| Wrong proxy field | HTTP, HTTPS and SOCKS fields are not interchangeable in every browser. |
| Extension conflict | Two proxy extensions can override each other. |
| Cached profile state | Old credentials or profile policies may persist. |
| DNS or WebRTC leak | The proxy changes HTTP traffic but browser APIs reveal another address. |
Fix workflow
- Test the proxy with the Proxy Tester before changing browser settings.
- Disable other proxy/VPN extensions for the profile.
- Use a fresh browser profile to remove cached settings.
- Check IP, DNS and WebRTC behavior after the proxy connects.
- If a proxy extension is used, confirm it supports the proxy protocol and authentication method.
Field notes
Proxy errors become harder to solve when every layer changes at the same time. Keep the proxy, target URL, protocol and client constant until you know which layer fails. If the proxy fails in a simple direct test, the browser or script is not the first thing to fix. If the proxy works in a direct test but fails in the application, focus on application format, authentication handling, DNS behavior and whether another proxy/VPN setting overrides the request.
When debugging production jobs, save the exact proxy format, source machine, public IP, target URL, response code and timestamp. That small record is often enough to separate a temporary route failure from a repeated configuration mistake.
Useful checks
Use the IP Location Checker after connecting, and review the DNS/WebRTC leak guide if the browser shows mixed location signals.
Example debugging sequence
Start with one proxy and one target page. If the proxy fails in the tester, fix provider credentials, whitelist, port or protocol first. If it works in the tester, move to the failing application and copy the exact same host, port and authentication method. Then change only one variable at a time: first protocol, then credentials, then destination, then browser profile or script settings. This slower sequence is faster in practice because it avoids chasing false causes.
For teams, write the final working format into a short runbook. The next person should not need to rediscover whether the tool expects host:port:user:pass, a full proxy URL or separate username and password fields.
FAQ
Why does the browser still show my real IP?
The proxy may not be active, the browser may be using a direct route, or WebRTC/DNS checks may show a leak outside the proxy path.
Can extensions conflict?
Yes. Only one proxy controller should manage the profile at a time.
Should I use a new browser profile?
For debugging, yes. It removes cached credentials and extension conflicts from the first test.
Order clarity
What you receive
- What you receive
Proxy connection details for the package processed through the live order form.
- Protocols
HTTP or SOCKS5 options are shown during configuration for supported packages.
- Authentication
Set the requested proxy credentials during configuration before checkout.
- Locations
Current location availability is shown in the selector and can change with inventory.
- Support and checking
Support can help verify connection details and review replacement requests under the service policy.