Troubleshooting 8 min read Updated 2026-01-05
Troubleshooting Proxy Issues
Diagnose blocks, timeouts, and data gaps with a repeatable troubleshooting checklist.
Common issues
- HTTP 403/429 blocks
- Slow response times
- Empty or partial responses
Step-by-step diagnosis
- Verify target site is up
- Test direct connection without proxy
- Rotate IP and user agent
- Reduce request rate
- Validate response content
When to switch proxy types
If your block rate stays high, move from datacenter to residential or ISP.
Recommended providers
Curated providers based on this guide’s focus. Affiliate links disclosed.
BrightData
residentialEnterprise-grade residential coverage with deep geo targeting.
Visit BrightDataSmartproxy
residentialBalanced pricing and coverage for scraping and data collection.
Visit SmartproxyAffiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.