This guide will help you understand what a user agent is, and how to find and connect it to your PhantomBuster account.
What is a user agent?
A user agent is a small data code that packs information about the browser type, device and operating system you are using.
Websites need this information in order to properly adjust how content is displayed, like optimizing for mobile or desktop.
Why PhantomBuster's automations require user agent data?
Most PhantomBuster automations require two pieces of information: your session cookies and your user agent.
Session cookies keep you signed in, while the user agent helps websites recognize that your automation comes from your specific browser and device.
How to find your user agent?
1. Open your browser and type “My user agent” inside the search bar.
2. Copy the user agent data string displayed in the search results.
How to set external user agents in PhantomBuster?
⚠️ If you are setting up a Phantom using someone else’s LinkedIn account, you will need to manually input their session cookies and user agent in a modal.
Follow these steps in the Connect to LinkedIn step of the Phantom setup:
1. Click on the LinkedIn account drop down menu.
2. Click +New LinkedIn account or choose another you have already registered.
3. Ask the account owner of the LinkedIn account you are trying to connect to give your their session cookie and user agent date.
⚠️ The user agent and session cookie must come from the same browser to function properly.
4. Copy and paste the session cookies and user agent for that account, then click Connect.
How to set your user agent in PhantomBuster?
⚠️ When you are connecting your own account the user agent data is automatically collected, you don't need to manually get it.
Follow these steps to connect your LinkedIn account:
1. Log in to your PhantomBuster workspace.
2. Hover over your name in the top right corner of your workspace, and navigate to the User & Accounts page.
3. Click on Link my LinkedIn account.
💡 The first time you connect, you’ll be prompted to install the PhantomBuster Chrome extension. This extension allows PhantomBuster to automatically detect your LinkedIn account whenever you set up a new Phantom using LinkedIn.
4. Click Save.
💡 Once your LinkedIn account is connected via the User & Accounts page, your user agent will be automatically detected, so there is nothing else you need to do when setting up new LinkedIn Phantoms.
Related guides
How to Find and Use Session Cookies
You can contact Support at any time for additional details on your PhantomBuster workspace.