Getting blocked while using a proxy is no fun. One minute you’re good to go and the next, boom you’re blocked. Whatever the case, most sites can detect suspicious activity and when they do, your IP gets added to the naughty list.
The good news is a block isn’t permanent in most cases. If you know what triggers them and adjust your setup, you can stay online without the interruptions.
Understanding Why Blocks Happen
Websites block traffic for the same reason a store might refuse entry to someone acting suspiciously, they’re protecting themselves.
An online store doesn’t want automated scripts scraping thousands of product listings. Social networks try to stop fake profiles from flooding timelines. And no site wants its servers hammered by rapid-fire requests that slow things down for everyone else.
To catch unwanted activity, many sites monitor:
- IP addresses – if the same one makes too many requests.
- Browsing speed – bots tend to click or load pages faster than people.
- Login patterns – multiple accounts from the same address.
Choosing the Right Proxy Type
The type of proxy you use matters more than you think.
Residential proxies
These take IP addresses from actual residences. This traffic to a website appears to be coming from a typical householder. They are therefore more difficult to block and frequently used for delicate tasks like market data collection or account management.
Mobile proxies
They use cell networks to route your connection. Mobile IPs typically pass security checks with little opposition because they are shared by many and change frequently, which is advantageous for platforms that already have faith in mobile visitors.
ISP proxies
Although they are hosted on the faster infrastructure you would anticipate from a data center, they use valid IP addresses that are assigned by internet providers. You gain credibility and speed from this combination.
Datacenter proxies
These are the simplest to identify and are also quick and inexpensive. Because so many people use their public IP ranges, some websites will completely block them. They can still be used for less dangerous jobs, but you’ll want a more reliable choice for anything delicate.
Best Practices to Reduce Block Risk
Even if your proxy is excellent, you will still be blocked if you use it carelessly. Simulating an actual user is the safest approach.
Instead of bombarding a single website from the same IP all day, switch IP addresses. Match the region of your proxy to the audience you are viewing if you are on a location-specific website; for instance, a UK IP for a UK retailer. You’ll be noticed quickly if you maintain a natural pace of activity and avoid rushing through pages or making numerous requests in a matter of seconds.
For anything tied together, like logging into the same account, stick to one IP during that session so it looks consistent. Change your browser’s user agent every now and then so your digital fingerprint isn’t always the same.
Additionally, because sensitive areas like checkout pages and login forms are constantly watched, handle them with care. Also, be ready for CAPTCHAs. You can continue to move forward without setting off additional alarms if you have a quick fix for them.
Technical Tips for Staying Undetected
Making a few minor changes can help your proxy traffic blend in and stay undetected.
Make use of reliable proxies
Used or inexpensive proxies have already been reported. To make your traffic appear to be typical user traffic, use reliable proxy servers with fast speeds, high uptime, and clean IP addresses.
Modify user agents and headers
In addition to your IP, websites also look at your browser’s “fingerprint.” To avoid being noticed, make sure your user agent and headers match those of actual browsers.
Limit the number of requests
A warning sign is when too many requests are sent simultaneously from the same IP address. Particularly on strict sites, spread them out and maintain a low number of connections.
Use HTTPS
Using HTTPS to encrypt traffic makes it more difficult for detection systems to figure out what you’re doing.
Test and make adjustments frequently.
Over time, sites adapt their defenses. Keep an eye on performance and adjust your configuration before minor problems turn into major ones.
What to Do If You Get Blocked
Blocks happen even when you’re careful. The key is to recover fast and figure out why so you can avoid it happening again.
The fastest way to check if it’s an IP issue is to switch to a new one or try a different proxy. If that fixes the problem, you know the old IP was flagged. If not think about what you were doing just before the block, maybe you logged in too many times, made too many requests in a row or spent too long on a sensitive page.
If you’ve lost access to your account entirely, you may need to contact the website. Verifying your identity or explaining your use case is usually enough to get reinstated. And if the problem seems to be with your provider’s network, ask them for new IPs or a new config so you’re not tripped up again.
Conclusion
It takes a combination of appropriate technology and smart use to avoid proxy blocks. Although high-quality proxies are crucial, they only function properly when combined with behaviors that maintain the appearance of your activity being natural.
Keep an eye on your configuration, make minor tweaks before problems get out of hand, and take any block as an opportunity to improve your strategy. You can maintain uninterrupted communication and work flow with the correct approach.
