How to check whether a proxy works

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, paste the proxy into the field, and click Test Proxy.

Read more about features and formats in the Proxy Tester article.

---

Method 2: Check via curl (command line)

This method is suitable when you need to quickly check the connection directly from your computer. It works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Windows

Open Command Prompt: press WIN+R, enter cmd, and press Enter.

macOS / Linux

Open Terminal (on macOS, via Spotlight or the Applications > Utilities folder).

---

Checking an HTTP proxy

curl -x http://USERNAME:PASSWORD@PROXY_IP:PORT -I https://www.google.com

Example with real data:

curl -x http://KWFFEKf:LDLFEPF@88.99.123.233:44454 -I https://www.google.com

Checking a SOCKS5 proxy

curl --socks5 USERNAME:PASSWORD@PROXY_IP:PORT -I https://www.google.com

Example:

curl --socks5 KWFFEKf:LDLFEPF@88.99.123.233:44454 -I https://www.google.com

---

How to interpret the result

The proxy works. If the response contains HTTP/1.1 200 OK or HTTP/2 200, the connection was successful.

The proxy does not work. If you receive an error such as Connection refused, Connection timed out, or Could not resolve proxy, the connection failed.

What to do if it does not connect

1. Recheck the username, password, IP, and port. A common mistake is mixing up HTTP and SOCKS5 ports

2. Try connecting through a VPN to rule out blocking by your ISP

3. Wait 2-3 minutes after purchase: the servers need time to update

4. If nothing helped, contact support