If you see a "[404] Agent not found" error when using the PhantomBuster API (including through tools like Make or Zapier), it means the value you're passing as the Phantom ID or name doesn't match any Phantom in your workspace. The most common cause is using a container ID (from a single run) instead of the Phantom's actual ID. Check that you're passing the correct Phantom ID from the end of its console URL.
In the PhantomBuster API, Phantoms are referred to as "Agents" - so "Agent not found" means "Phantom not found."
Why you’re seeing this
This error appears when the value you send, like your Phantom ID or name, doesn’t match any Phantom in your Workspace. If PhantomBuster can’t recognize which Phantom you’re trying to use, it responds with: [404] Agent not found.
How to fix it
Check if you're using a container ID instead of the Phantom ID
A container ID is created each time a Phantom runs. It represents one execution, not the Phantom itself. In tools like Make, this container ID is often returned after launching a Phantom.
If you pass that value into a module like “Get a Phantom,” the API won’t recognize it, because it’s not the Phantom’s actual ID.
Fix: Use your Phantom’s actual ID from the end of its console URL (you can follow our step-by-step guide if you need help finding it), or select the Phantom by name in Make or Zapier.
Check for accidentally mapped fields
This happens when a CRM or contact field is placed into the Phantom ID/name input by mistake.
Common examples include:
- First name
- Last name
- Company
- Job title
If one of these values is sent to PhantomBuster, the system looks for a Phantom with that exact value, and won’t find one.
Fix: Remove any CRM or spreadsheet fields from the Phantom ID/name field and replace them with your Phantom’s actual ID or name.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a Phantom ID and a container ID?
A Phantom ID identifies the Phantom itself, it never changes. A container ID is created for each individual run and changes every time the Phantom launches. The Phantom ID is what you need for API calls like "Get a Phantom" or "Launch a Phantom."
Where do I find my Phantom ID?
Open the Phantom in PhantomBuster and look at the console URL. The Phantom ID is the number at the end of the URL. See our step-by-step guide for detailed instructions.
Does this error affect the PhantomBuster dashboard or only API calls?
Only API calls. If you're launching Phantoms directly from the PhantomBuster Dashboard, you won't encounter this error. It appears when external tools (Make, Zapier, n8n, custom scripts) send an incorrect identifier to the API.
Why does the API call it "Agent" instead of "Phantom"?
"Agent" is the original technical term used in PhantomBuster's API. In the product interface and documentation, they're called "Phantoms." The error message uses the API terminology, which is why it says "Agent not found" rather than "Phantom not found."
What to do if the error keeps happening
If the ID is correct and the error persists, get in touch with our Customer Care Team. Include:
- The Phantom name and link
- The exact value you're passing as the Phantom ID
- A screenshot of your Make/Zapier/API setup showing the field mapping
- The full API error response