> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://anyip.io/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Authentication Methods

> Learn the difference between Standard Auth (User/Pass) and IP Whitelisting, and when to use each

anyIP offers two distinct ways to authenticate your proxy connections. Choosing the right one depends on your software and use case.

## Method 1: Standard Authentication (Username/Password)

This is the default and easiest method. It works with almost all software (browsers, bots, scrapers).

* **Port:** `1080` or `443` (HTTP/HTTPS & SOCKS5)
* **Format:** `user_ID:password`

### How to use it

Your connection string looks like this:

```text theme={null}
http://user_1234abcd:mysecretpass@portal.anyip.io:1080
```

<Tip>
  **Best For**

  * Quick testing.
  * Scripts where you can easily pass a username and password.
  * Tools that support "Auth" fields natively.
</Tip>

***

## Method 2: IP Whitelisting (No Password)

This method authorizes your *device's IP address* instead of requiring a password. This is useful for software that doesn't support username/password fields or for legacy systems.

* **Port:** `2000` - `2999` (You must configure this in the Dashboard)
* **Format:** `IP:Port` (No username/password sent in the request)

### How to set it up (Required)

You **cannot** just use this out of the box. You must configure it first:

1. Go to the **[Proxies Page](https://anyip.io/account/)**.
2. Click **"Get Proxy Details"**.
3. Select the **"IP Whitelisting"** tab.
4. Click **"Enable IP Whitelisting"**.
5. **Add your Real IP:** Enter your current machine's IP address
6. **Assign a Port:** Click "Add a port" and choose a number (e.g., `2000`).
7. **Save:** Click the floppy disk icon 💾.

### How to use it

Once saved, you connect *without* a username or password:

```text theme={null}
http://portal.anyip.io:2000
```

<Warning>
  **Important**

  * **Different Ports:** You **cannot** use Port `1080` for IP Whitelisting. You must use the specific port you assigned (e.g., `2000`).
  * **Dynamic IPs:** If your home internet IP changes (e.g., after a router restart), your proxy will stop working until you update the IP in the dashboard.
</Warning>

***

## Which one should I use?

| Scenario                          | Recommended Method                                         |
| :-------------------------------- | :--------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Selenium / Puppeteer / Python** | **Standard (User/Pass)** is easier to manage.              |
| **Legacy Software / Old Bots**    | **IP Whitelisting** if they don't support auth.            |
| **High Security Teams**           | **IP Whitelisting** to lock access to specific office IPs. |
| **Mobile 4G Dongles**             | **Standard** (IPs change too often for Whitelisting).      |

## Troubleshooting Auth Errors

### Error: `407 Proxy Authentication Required`

This means your credentials are wrong or missing.

1. **Check the Port:** Are you using IP Whitelisting on port `1080`? (Won't work). Switch to your custom port (e.g., `2000`).
2. **Check the IP:** If using Whitelisting, did your real IP change? Update it in the Dashboard.
3. **Check the Password:** If using Standard Auth, ensure you copied the full password.