> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.incogniton.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.incogniton.com/proxy-management/proxies-overview.md).

# Proxies overview

Proxies give each profile a separate IP address, keeping its network identity independent from other profiles. Incogniton already isolates each profile's browser fingerprint, but IP addresses are tracked independently. Without a proxy, profiles on the same connection share your real IP, and platforms that correlate accounts by IP can link them regardless of how different their fingerprints are.

<figure><img src="/files/f3d5K3BZGb8q5pYBOdtt" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Every profile displays its assigned proxy in the **Proxy** column on the profiles list. To assign or change a proxy, open a profile and go to the **Proxy** tab.

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The Proxy tab shows 4 options: **Proxy Library**, **Buy proxy**, **Custom proxy**, and **Free proxy**. At their core, these come down to 2 proxy types, each suited to a different way of working.

#### 1. Free proxies

Incogniton includes shared proxies that work without credentials or external setup. They use shared IPs with fixed locations, and the IP may change between sessions.

**Best for:** Feature testing, checking fingerprint behavior, or workflows where the IP is not a key factor.

#### 2. Dedicated proxies

Dedicated proxies are assigned only to you. You control the provider, location, and protocol, and can keep a more consistent IP setup across profiles.

**Best for:** Social media account management, regional ad verification, multi-store eCommerce workflows, or any use case where IP consistency matters.

Incogniton also gives you 2 options when it's time to add dedicated proxies:

#### A. Buy proxy

Buy a proxy directly in Incogniton through the proxy shop. Residential, ISP, datacenter, and mobile options are available, so you can get a dedicated IP without setting up an account with an external provider.

#### B. Attach proxy from external provider

If you already have a proxy subscription from an external provider, you can connect it directly to Incogniton using your existing credentials. You keep full control over the provider, protocol, and rotation behaviour. Once a dedicated proxy is added through either path, it's stored in the [Proxy Library](#user-content-fn-1)[^1].

### Proxy hosting types (IP sources)

* **Static residential proxies:** Sourced from real residential devices, giving the highest degree of anonymity. Suitable for almost 80% of use cases and the most commonly used proxies.
* **ISP proxies:** A type of residential proxy that sources directly from the Internet Service Provider (ISP) used by residential devices. ISP proxies are very reliable.
* **Datacenter proxies:** Sourced from large server facilities designed for proxy services. They are fast and affordable but more easily detectable because they don’t belong to real users.
* **Mobile proxies:** Route traffic through mobile carrier IPs and are ideal for working with mobile audiences. Mobile proxies offer high disguise but are the most expensive.
* **Free unblocked proxies:** Useful for accessing blocked content, testing geolocations, or other simple tasks with no cost. However, free proxies are not suitable for account management, as they can vary in performance and are shared with multiple users. Discover more about free proxies [here](https://incogniton.com/features/free-in-built-proxies/).

### Proxy connection types

When buying a proxy you can choose from different connection types:

* **HTTP proxies:** Used for web traffic (HTTP and HTTPS requests) and widely compatible with web browsers.
* **HTTPS proxies:** Same as HTTP proxies but add encryption using SSL, securing data between your device and the proxy server.
* **SOCKS proxies:** Used for various traffic types (apps, torrents, etc.), not only web traffic.

### Static versus rotating proxies

* **Static proxies:** Keep the same IP address for as long as needed - ideal for working on the same accounts over extended periods.
* **Rotating proxies:** Automatically switch between different IP addresses - a new IP can be assigned for each request.
* **Sticky proxies:** Rotate IP addresses but less frequently than rotating proxies (offer a middle ground).

The pages in this section explain each proxy option in more detail, including how they work, when to use them, and how to set them up in Incogniton.

[^1]: A central place to manage, assign, and reuse proxies across profiles without re-entering credentials each time.