How to Set Up a Proxy in Postman
A proxy, in this case, an intermediary between the application (Postman) and the destination server (an API), acts as a security barrier, absorbing HTTP(S) responses on the client’s behalf.
Follow this guide to integrate Oxylabs Residential and Datacenter Proxies and see how to set up Postman with Oxylabs' Web Scraper API.
What is Postman?
Postman is one of the most prominent developer-oriented platforms for designing, building, and testing APIs. The Postman’s environment consolidates codevelopment efforts throughout remote teams to assist in scaling and using faster APIs.
Configuring Postman’s proxy settings
You can allow Postman to use your system's proxy settings or configure proxy settings manually to send requests through the Builder.
System proxy settings
If you have your proxy set up for Windows, macOS, or any other operating system, you can enable a system proxy in Postman’s settings by following these steps:
Navigate to settings (⚙️) > Settings > Proxy.
Accessing settings
Navigating to Proxy settings
2. If your system proxy requires authentication, enable the This proxy requires authentication option under Default Proxy Configuration and enter your Oxylabs proxy user’s credentials. Use the same credentials you entered to create a new proxy user in the Oxylabs dashboard.
3. Click Save and restart Postman to enable the system proxy.
Enabling the system proxy
Postman will now use your system’s proxy configuration.
To use a system proxy for requests in the Builder, complete the following:
Under Proxy configurations for sending requests, enable Use the system proxy.
Optionally, you can also use your system’s preferences for proxy types by enabling the Respect environment variables option.
NOTE: Make sure to disable Add a custom proxy configuration to prevent Postman from ignoring the system proxy and using a custom proxy instead.
Enabling the system proxy for the Builder
The Builder can now send requests through a proxy.
Custom proxy settings
To send HTTP(S) requests in the Builder through an Oxylabs proxy, complete the following steps:
Navigate to settings (⚙️) > Settings > Proxy.
Under Proxy configurations for sending requests, enable Add a custom proxy configuration.
To configure proxy settings, detail the following:
Residential Proxies
Proxy type: HTTP or HTTPS
Proxy server: pr.oxylabs.io
Proxy port: 7777
You can also use country-specific entries. For example, if you enter ca-pr.oxylabs.io under Proxy server and 30000 under Port, you’ll acquire a Canadian exit node. Please refer to our documentation for a complete list of country-specific entry nodes or if you need a sticky session.
Configuring Residential Proxies
Enterprise Dedicated Datacenter Proxies
Proxy type: HTTP
Proxy server: a specific IP address (e.g., 1.2.3.4)
Proxy port: 60000
In the case of Enterprise Dedicated Datacenter Proxies purchased through sales, you'll have to choose an IP address from the acquired list. Please refer to our documentation for more details.
NOTE: To specify the SOCKS5 proxy type, you’ll have to find a workaround, as Postman doesn’t provide such an option.
Self-Service Dedicated Datacenter Proxies
Proxy type: HTTP, HTTPS, or SOCKS5
Proxy server: ddc.oxylabs.io
Proxy port: 8001
When using Self-Service Dedicated Datacenter Proxies purchased via the Oxylabs’ dashboard, you have to use the port number that indicates the sequential number of the IP address from the acquired list. For example, port 8001 will use the first proxy IP from your list. Please see our documentation for more information.
Datacenter Proxies
Proxy type: HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS5
Proxy server: dc.oxylabs.io
Proxy port: 8001
For the pay-per-IP subscription method, each port number corresponds to an IP address in sequence from your list. For instance, port 8001 will use the first IP from the list. For further information, please check our documentation.
In the pay-per-traffic subscription model, port 8001 will select a random IP address but will remain consistent for the duration of the session. To specify the proxy's geographic location, for example the United States, include it in the user authentication string like this: user-USERNAME-country-US:PASSWORD. Refer to our documentation for more details.
ISP Proxies
Proxy type: HTTP, HTTPS, or SOCKS5
Proxy server: isp.oxylabs.io
Proxy port: 8001
4. Turn Proxy Auth ON and enter your Oxylabs proxy user’s credentials. Use the same credentials you entered to create a new proxy user in the Oxylabs dashboard.
NOTE: use Proxy Bypass to make exceptions. You can specify a list of hosts to be ignored by the custom proxy configuration.
You’re all set up. Now you can send your requests through a proxy in the Builder for enhanced security and anonymity.
Common Postman proxy issues
Here are some of the most common proxy-related issues you could encounter using Postman:
Missing proxy settings – update Postman to the latest version and check all of the proxy configuration settings mentioned in this guide.
407 proxy authentication error – specify your username and password either under system proxy or custom proxy settings and check the operating system’s proxy configuration. For more ways to fix it, see this HTTP 407 Proxy Authentication Required Error guide.
Missing postman-proxy-ca.crt – install OpenSSL and restart Postman.
Setting up Oxylabs' Web Scraper API
You can also use Postman to send HTTP(S) requests to Oxylabs' Web Scraper API. Postman lets you set up preferred configurations and request details.
With our Web Scraper API, proxies are handled automatically.
Postman collections
To test the functionality of Web Scraper API and data delivery methods, download and import collections containing request examples. Use the examples to send requests and see results retrieval in real-time.
Sending a request
To begin, download Postman, import collections, and start web scraping.
Download Postman and launch the app.
Click the Collections tab and choose Import.
Preparing to import
3. Select files to upload and choose a downloaded Postman collection to Import.
Importing collections
You’re now ready to browse the collection folders, choose relevant sources, and extract data by sending requests to the APIs.
Sending a request
NOTE: Once you receive your API credentials, you can enter them at the collection level. Every request in the collection is configured to inherit the collection-level credentials.
Wrapping up
You can apply your system’s proxy settings to Postman to connect to any online service or to send HTTP(S) requests in the Builder. Also, you can configure a custom proxy for requests sent in the Builder separately from the system proxy.
Alternatively, you can use Postman to communicate with Oxylabs' Web Scraper API that handle proxies automatically to extract public data.
If you have questions regarding Postman proxy server setup or have issues with your system proxy settings, don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance.
Please be aware that this is a third-party tool not owned or controlled by Oxylabs. Each third-party provider is responsible for its own software and services. Consequently, Oxylabs will have no liability or responsibility to you regarding those services. Please carefully review the third party's policies and practices and/or conduct due diligence before accessing or using third-party services.
Frequently asked questions
Can a proxy be used for a single request in Postman?
No, proxy settings apply to all requests universally. However, you might find a workaround by specifying Proxy Bypass when configuring a custom proxy.
Useful resources
How to Make HTTP Requests in Node.js With Fetch API
A step-by-step tutorial on making HTTP requests in Node.js with Fetch API, detailing the actionable code and a comparison to Axios.
Datacenter Proxies vs. Residential Proxies
A question might have arisen whilst scrolling through the infinite pools of proxy information - “what’s the difference between data center and residential proxies?” Well, this article tackles this question.
Choosing Between SOCKS vs HTTP Proxy
Choosing between a SOCKS vs HTTP proxy requires a thorough understanding of how each type works and what configurations they convey. Only then you will be able to efficiently juggle between different types of proxies and find the best option for your specific use case. Continue reading this article to learn more about SOCKS and HTTP proxies.
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