# How to check whether a proxy is working If the proxies do not connect or you want to make sure everything is working, there are two simple ways to check. *** ## Method 1: Proxy Tester on the website The fastest option. Open our [Proxy Tester](https://proxyshard.com/proxy-tester), paste the proxy into the field and click **Test Proxy**. Read more about the features and formats in the article [Proxy Tester](https://docs.proxyshard.com/eng/our-products/proxy-tester). *** ## Method 2: Check via curl (command line) This method is suitable if you need to quickly check the connection directly from your computer. Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. ### Windows Open the command prompt: press WIN+R, enter `cmd` and press Enter. ### macOS / Linux Open Terminal (on macOS via Spotlight or the Applications > Utilities folder). *** ### HTTP proxy check ```bash curl -x http://LOGIN:PASSWORD@PROXY_IP:PORT -I https://www.google.com ``` Example with real data: ```bash curl -x http://KWFFEKf:LDLFEPF@88.99.123.233:44454 -I https://www.google.com ``` ### SOCKS5 proxy check ```bash curl --socks5 LOGIN:PASSWORD@PROXY_IP:PORT -I https://www.google.com ``` Example: ```bash curl --socks5 KWFFEKf:LDLFEPF@88.99.123.233:44454 -I https://www.google.com ``` *** ### How to understand the result {% hint style="success" %} **The proxy works.** If you see in the response `HTTP/1.1 200 OK` or `HTTP/2 200`, then the connection was successful. {% endhint %} {% hint style="danger" %} **The proxy does not work.** If you get an error like `Connection refused`, `Connection timed out` or `Could not resolve proxy`, then the connection failed. {% endhint %} ### What to do if it does not connect 1. Double-check the login, password, IP, and port. A common mistake is confusing **HTTP** and **SOCKS5** ports 2. Try connecting through a VPN to rule out blocking by your provider 3. Wait 2-3 minutes after purchase: the servers need time to update 4. If nothing helps, contact [support](https://docs.proxyshard.com/eng/contact-us)