This guide explains what a proxy is, when you need one, and how to set it up inside PhantomBuster. You'll learn how proxies help avoid login issues, retrieve location-specific data, and keep your automations running smoothly.
What is a proxy
A proxy lets you run your automation from a consistent location, making it look like you're always connecting from the same place. This helps avoid login alerts, platform warnings, or connection errors.
It's especially useful for platforms like Facebook or tools like Google Maps that check where you're connecting from.
Technically, a proxy is a server that reroutes your automation traffic so the platform sees the proxy's location instead of PhantomBuster's.
Not all proxies are the same. You can choose:
- An internal proxy, hosted by PhantomBuster.
- An external proxy, your own pool.
- A single-use HTTP proxy depending on whether you want stability, reuse, or a quick fix.
When to use a proxy
All PhantomBuster automations run in the cloud, which means they may operate from a different location than where you're actually based.
In some cases, this can trigger login alerts or lead to incorrect data. Using a proxy isn't always necessary, but it's strongly recommended in specific situations.
Here are the most common cases where a proxy helps:
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Facebook automations:
Facebook is strict about login locations. If your Phantom runs from a different region than where you normally log in, your account can be flagged or blocked.
→ Using a proxy is highly recommended to keep your location consistent and avoid login issues. -
Google Maps or Yellow Pages automations:
These tools show results based on where you're searching from. Without a proxy, your Phantom might return results for the wrong region.
→ A proxy helps you get accurate, localized leads. -
LinkedIn automations:
You don't need a proxy for most LinkedIn automations. PhantomBuster doesn't recommend using a proxy by default for LinkedIn. Warnings and session disconnections are usually linked to activity patterns or session issues, not location.
→ In specific setups, such as automating a LinkedIn account that belongs to someone else and is normally used from a different country, a proxy may help by matching the account's usual location. If you use a proxy in this case, make sure its location matches where the LinkedIn account is normally accessed. -
Login or session issues:
If you're seeing login alerts, session drops, or activity warnings, adding a proxy can often stabilize your Phantom's behavior. -
Note on Instagram Phantoms:
We don't recommend using proxies with Instagram automations. Proxies, especially rotating or random ones, often cause session validation issues that result in "Invalid session cookie" errors or failed launches. If you're seeing this error on Instagram, try removing the proxy and reconnecting your session cookie instead.
Proxy usage and subscription plans
Proxies are configured per Phantom, not per subscription plan.
Your plan (Free, Start, Grow, or Scale) doesn't limit the number of proxies you can use. Each Phantom can be assigned its own proxy independently in the Advanced settings.
How to set up an internal PhantomBuster proxy
Internal proxies are hosted by PhantomBuster and work out of the box. You can assign one directly in your Phantom's setup.
To set it up:
- Go to your PhantomBuster Dashboard if you want to update an existing Phantom.
If you're part of more than one workspace, make sure the correct one is active, look for the ✔️ next to the workspace name in the top-right menu.
→ If you're setting up a new Phantom, the Advanced settings option will appear in the left-hand side menu during setup. -
Click on the 3 dots menu in the Phantom card, then click on Setup. At the bottom left of the Settings menu, click on Advanced settings and on the Proxies tab.
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Select the option: PhantomBuster proxy.
→ Then choose Maintain the same fixed IP as long as it's available, this ensures your automations always run from the same IP address, reducing the chance of triggering suspicious login alerts.
→ Choose a location from the dropdown - Click Save settings to apply the internal proxy settings to this automation.
PhantomBuster internal proxies are located in Québec (Canada), Hauts-de-France (France), England (UK), Virginia (USA), and Oregon (USA). If you're not near these locations, consider using an external proxy.
How to set up an external proxy pool
Setting up an external proxy is a two-step process:
- Create your proxy pool: save your proxy credentials inside your PhantomBuster workspace.
- Assign the proxy to a Phantom: link it in the Advanced settings during setup.
Use this option if you're using a third-party proxy service and want to reuse the same proxy setup across multiple Phantoms, no need to re-enter credentials each time.
Step 1: Create your proxy pool
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Choose a reliable proxy service:
Not all proxies offer the same level of security or performance. - Go to your PhantomBuster Dashboard and hover over your name.
If you're part of more than one workspace, make sure the correct one is active, look for the ✔️ next to the workspace name in the top-right menu. -
Under your Technical section, click on Proxies.
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Clicking on + New proxy pool and name it something descriptive like "LinkedIn proxies" or "US region pool."
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Enter the proxy credentials from your provider:
Ensure that your proxy username and password do not contain special characters like "@" or "#", as this can cause the Phantom to malfunction.
Step 2: Assign the proxy to a Phantom
- Go to your PhantomBuster Dashboard if you want to update an existing Phantom.
→ If you're setting up a new Phantom, you'll find the Advanced settings option in the left-hand side menu during setup. - Click on the 3 dots menu in the Phantom card, then click on Setup. At the bottom left of the Settings menu, click on Advanced settings and on the Proxies tab.
- Select the option: Random proxy from pool, then choose your saved proxy pool from the dropdown list.
- Click Save settings to apply the proxy to your Phantom.
How to use a single-use HTTP proxy
Use this option if you only need a proxy for one specific Phantom and don't plan to reuse the proxy elsewhere.
- Go to your PhantomBuster Dashboard if you want to update an existing Phantom.
If you're part of more than one workspace, make sure the correct one is active, look for the ✔️ next to the workspace name in the top-right menu.
→ If you're setting up a new Phantom, you'll see the Advanced settings step in the left-hand side menu during setup. - Click on the 3 dots menu in the Phantom card, then click on Setup. At the bottom left of the Settings menu, click on Advanced settings and on the Proxies tab.
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Select the option: HTTP. Then fill in the proxy details: Address, Username and Password.
- Click Save settings to apply the proxy to your Phantom.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a proxy for LinkedIn automations?
Not for most LinkedIn automations. PhantomBuster doesn't recommend a proxy by default for LinkedIn. Session issues are usually linked to activity patterns, not location. A proxy may help in specific cases, like when automating an account normally used from a different country.
Should I use a proxy with Instagram automations?
No. Proxies, especially rotating ones, often cause session validation issues with Instagram that result in "Invalid session cookie" errors. If you're seeing this error, try removing the proxy and reconnecting your session cookie instead.
Where are PhantomBuster's internal proxies located?
Internal proxies are available in Québec (Canada), Hauts-de-France (France), England (UK), Virginia (USA), and Oregon (USA). If none of these match your needs, use an external proxy.
What's the difference between an internal proxy, external proxy pool, and single-use HTTP proxy?
An internal proxy is hosted by PhantomBuster and works out of the box. An external proxy pool lets you save third-party proxy credentials and reuse them across multiple Phantoms. A single-use HTTP proxy is entered directly for one specific Phantom.
Does my subscription plan affect proxy usage?
No. Proxies are configured per Phantom, not per plan. Any plan can use proxies, and each Phantom can have its own proxy assigned independently.