**Postman** is a popular API development and testing tool that allows users to send HTTP requests, inspect responses, and simulate complex workflows. It's widely used for debugging, API integration, and testing proxy configurations in controlled environments.
## **Prerequisites** Before setting up Postman, you’ll need: - Proxy IP address (e.g., `123.456.78.90`) - Port number (e.g., `8800`) - Username and password (_for user/pass authenticated proxies_) **OR** Make sure your device IP is whitelisted in your Squid dashboard (_for IP-based access_)
## **Install and launch Postman** 1. Download Postman from [https://www.postman.com/downloads/](https://www.postman.com/downloads/) 2. Install and open the Postman **desktop application** 3. Log in or sign up for a free account > ⚠️ Proxy configuration is only available on the **desktop app**.
## **Configure Squid Proxies in Postman** 1. Click the **gear icon** in the top-right corner of Postman 2. Go to **Settings > Proxy** 3. Under **Global Proxy Configuration**, toggle the setting **On** 4. Enter your Squid Proxy details: ```plaintext Proxy server: 123.456.78.90 Port: 8800 Proxy Type: HTTP or HTTPS ``` If your plan uses authentication: - Check **"This proxy requires authentication"** - Enter your **username** and **password** > Optionally, toggle **Use the system proxy** off ✅ All API requests from Postman will now route through your Squid Proxy.
## **Send a test request in Postman** 1. Open a new request tab and enter this test URL: ```http GET https://httpbin.org/ip ``` 2. Click **Send**, then check the response body > If the returned IP matches your Squid Proxy IP, the setup is working.
## **Optional: Using rotating residential proxies** Use Squid Proxies’ rotating residential gateway in your proxy config: ```plaintext http://res.squidproxies.com:PORT ``` Each request will appear from a different IP behind the scenes.
## **Common Postman proxy use cases** | Use Case | Benefit | |--------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | Geo-Targeted API Testing | Test APIs from residential IPs tied to specific countries | | Rate-Limit Simulation | Evaluate API behavior under high-volume rotating IP traffic | | Bypass IP Bans | Test access through clean proxy ranges, not your real IP | | Header + Proxy Testing | Combine spoofed headers with proxy routing for stealth flows |
## **Troubleshooting proxy issues in Postman** - **Could not send request?** - Check credentials, IP/port, and proxy type (HTTP vs SOCKS5) - **Still seeing original IP?** - Ensure Postman proxy is enabled and not overridden by system settings - **403 or blocked?** - Try switching to residential IPs - **Popup for credentials?** - Double-check username/password fields in Proxy config
## **Best practices for Postman proxy setup** - Test proxies with simple endpoints like `/ip` - Match proxy region with your API’s target audience - Use rotating IPs for higher success in large-scale API testing - Use Postman environments to securely store tokens and sensitive data
With Postman + Squid Proxies, you're now equipped to test smarter, simulate traffic realistically, and diagnose API behavior like a pro.
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**More Guides:** - [Geo-Targeting: Pool IPs vs Headers](https://www.squidproxies.com/developer-docs/dev-advanced-guides/geo-targeting-pool-ips-vs-headers) - [Rate Limiting and Retry Logic](https://www.squidproxies.com/developer-docs/dev-advanced-guides/rate-limiting-and-retry-logic)