This guide explains what connection and authentication errors mean, which Phantoms they typically affect, and how to identify the right troubleshooting steps.
What these errors mean and how they appear
Connection and authentication errors happen when a Phantom can't access the platform account it needs to run.
They're triggered after launch, when the Phantom tries to authenticate and validate access before performing actions (like extracting data or sending outreach).
Depending on the platform and setup, this access check may involve:
- Your connected account session (session cookie).
- Your browser environment (user agent for LinkedIn and Sales Navigator Phantoms).
- Proxy settings (if configured).
When this access fails, you'll typically see the error:
- Shortly after launch
- During login or account validation
- Before any extraction or outreach actions begin
Common signs include:
- The run stops during authentication.
- Repeated login attempts in the logs.
- Credential-related warnings.
- Platform messages blocking access.
These errors are not caused by input configuration or storage limits. They specifically affect account access.
Common connection & authentication errors
The table below maps common runtime messages to their corresponding troubleshooting guides.
| Error message shown in logs | What it means | Phantoms commonly impacted | Troubleshooting guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expired session cookie / Invalid session cookie | Your login session is no longer valid and the Phantom can't authenticate with the platform | LinkedIn Phantoms, Instagram Phantoms, Facebook Phantoms | How to Fix Session Cookie Expiration Errors |
| No valid credentials found | The Phantom can't authenticate because no valid session or credentials are connected | LinkedIn Phantoms | How to Fix the "No Valid Credentials Found" Error |
| Can't connect through this proxy | The Phantom couldn't establish a working connection through the configured proxy | Phantoms using proxies | How to Fix the "Can't Connect Through This Proxy" Error |
| Manual Action Required: Instagram Terms Update | Instagram requires manual confirmation before automation can continue | Instagram Phantoms | How to Fix the "Manual Action Required: Instagram Terms Update" Error |
Operational next steps
If you encounter repeated connection or authentication errors, stabilize access before relaunching. Repeated launches without fixing authentication can consume execution time without producing results.
If you're using a standalone Phantom
- Reconnect your account using the PhantomBuster browser extension.
- Use the latest version of Chrome or Firefox (especially for LinkedIn and Sales Navigator Phantoms, where outdated browsers can cause sessions to expire more often).
- Avoid logging out of the platform while automations are running.
- Avoid switching IP addresses or devices mid-run.
- Check proxy settings if you use one.
If you're using a Workflow
Workflows rely on successful authentication at every step.
- Don't modify connection settings while a Workflow is running.
- Reconnect the account first before relaunching.
- Avoid running multiple high-volume automations at the same time if your session is unstable.
- If login issues persist across multiple runs, pause the Workflow until authentication is stable.
How to resolve them
Use the exact error message shown in your logs and match it to the table above.
Open the linked troubleshooting article for detailed, step-by-step instructions tailored to that message.
If you're unsure how to locate or read the error message:
- Read How to Troubleshoot Phantoms Using Logs
- Or How to Troubleshoot Errors in Workflows if you're using a Workflow.