> 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/troubleshooting/proxy-connection-issues.md).

# Proxy connection failed

If a profile gives a connection error, or shows a red cancel icon and fails to launch, the cause is almost always one of a few common configuration issues. Follow these solutions in order before assuming the proxy itself is broken.

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="/files/GmUC0O7jhbL4HyIVWWKY" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

{% hint style="info" %}
If you're seeing a red lightning bolt icon with the green check rather than a red cross, that's a slow proxy speed, not a connection failure. See [Proxy speed](/proxy-management/testing-and-verifying-proxies/proxy-speed.md) instead.
{% endhint %}

### 1. Check the basics first

Most connection errors come down to a mismatch between what your proxy expects and what's configured in Incogniton.

<table><thead><tr><th width="296.921875">Check</th><th>What to confirm</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Connection type</strong></td><td>Confirm the connection type set on the proxy matches what your provider issued, HTTPS or SOCKS5.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>IPv6 compatibility</strong></td><td>If your proxy is an IPv6 proxy, it only works on websites that support IPv6. Confirm with your provider whether your proxy is IPv4 or IPv6.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Authentication method</strong></td><td>Some proxies authenticate by username and password, others by IP authorization. Confirm which method your provider uses and that it matches your setup in Incogniton.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Port included</strong></td><td>Make sure the port is included in the proxy address field, in the format <code>ip:port</code>.</td></tr></tbody></table>

### 2. Test the proxy outside Incogniton

If you've confirmed all of the above and the proxy still doesn't connect, the next step is testing the proxy independently of Incogniton.

{% hint style="info" %}
See [Test a proxy with an external tool](/proxy-management/testing-and-verifying-proxies/proxy-test.md) for the full walkthrough using Firefox and FoxyProxy.
{% endhint %}

### 3. Manually configure Timezone, WebRTC, and Geolocation

If the proxy connects fine in a regular browser but still fails in Incogniton, the proxy itself is working. The issue is that Incogniton's server is unable to fetch IP-dependent data from that proxy to auto-configure your profile.

When this happens, set the Timezone, WebRTC, and Geolocation values manually instead of relying on auto-detection.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Set the timezone manually

Open the profile editor and go to **Browser & Navigator**. Turn off **Fill timezone based on IP**, then set the timezone manually. It's best to match this to the proxy's location.

<figure><img src="/files/myTgHhXEkhtGHd4hJr9o" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Set the WebRTC IP manually

Go to **Privacy & Network**. Turn off **Fill WebRTC Public IP based on the IP**, then enter the proxy's public IP manually, or set WebRTC mode to **Disabled** if you'd rather not expose any IP through WebRTC.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Set the geolocation manually

In the same **Privacy & Network** tab, turn off **Fill location based on IP**, then enter coordinates manually. It's best to match these to the proxy's location, or set geolocation mode to **Block** if you'd rather not share coordinates at all.

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="/files/uLQ4ilCLUkTFSbrQo7Xq" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

If after you've worked through all of these steps, the proxy still won't connect, this points to a deeper issue with your proxy. Kindly reach out to your proxy provider.