If your IPRoyal proxy traffic seems to run out faster than expected, it’s typically due to normal proxy behavior. Rotation, background services, or multiple devices sharing the same credentials can all make proxy usage appear higher than it really is.
Let’s review the most common causes, potential red flags to watch out for, and steps you can take to manage your traffic usage effectively.
Reasons Your Traffic Usage Might Look Higher Than It Is
Here are some common, harmless reasons your traffic might seem to get used up faster than usual.
1. Proxy Rotation or Pool Setup
If your plan includes rotating proxies, seeing multiple requests to the same URL in your data usage report is completely normal. Rotating proxies, such as Residential Proxies, automatically switch IPs after a set time or with each request.
This means you may see a higher number of requests to a specific URL, even if you’re connecting from a single device. As a result, it may appear that your usage is higher than usual, even though it hasn’t actually increased.
This automatic IP rotation ensures high privacy and minimal interruptions during tasks like web scraping, automation, or data collection.
2. Background Services or Synced Applications
If you’re signed in to the same account on multiple devices or apps, for example, a browser, mobile app, or automation tool, each connection may send background or keep-alive requests.
Examples include:
Automatic refreshing in web browsers
Background app syncing and updates
Scripts verifying account/session status
These minor requests accumulate over time, which is reflected in increased request counts and traffic usage in your report. While it may look like more activity than expected, it’s simply multiple services staying connected through the proxy.
Possible Red Flags
While most cases of higher-looking traffic usage are harmless, there are a few less common red flags worth checking. Let’s take a look at each one so you can recognize them on time.
Leaked Credentials or Proxy Sharing
It’s also possible to see unusual activity in your data usage report after exposing or sharing your proxy credentials with someone else.
In that case, another person could be using your account, and their activity would be visible in your usage report. If you haven’t shared your proxy credentials with anyone else, it’s a red flag you need to investigate and address quickly.
Compromised Local Setup
Malware, infected browser extensions, or other compromised software on your device could be sending traffic through your proxy without your knowledge. Not only will this make your traffic run out faster, but it could also put your account and sensitive data at risk.
How to Check
Here’s how to check if the increased activity in your data usage report is a genuine concern.
Compare Usage Patterns
Take a look at what your proxies are accessing and when:
If they’re all connecting to the same websites or APIs you normally use, there’s probably nothing to worry about
If you notice connections to unfamiliar sites, unusual traffic spikes, and activity on days you weren't using your proxies, that might point to unauthorized use
Scan Your Device
Run a full malware and antivirus scan on the devices you use with your proxies.
If the scan finds suspicious files, browser extensions, or scripts, it could mean something on your device is sending traffic through your proxies
If nothing unusual shows up, your setup is likely not compromised, and the issue might be related to proxy rotation or shared credentials
Steps to Secure Your Traffic and Account
If you suspect unauthorized use or just want to be safe, take the following steps:
Reset your proxy credentials immediately
Updating your credentials will disconnect any unauthorized sessions and prevent further use of your traffic by others. You can regenerate new credentials from your IPRoyal dashboard in just a few clicks.
Monitor traffic after the reset
Keep an eye on your data usage report for the next 24 to 48 hours. If your traffic usage seems normal, your old proxy credentials were likely compromised.
Use the Sub-Users or User Management features
Instead of sharing your IPRoyal credentials directly, use the Sub-Users or User Management features to give other individuals controlled access to your account. This approach keeps traffic usage transparent and prevents accidental or unauthorized access.
Use strong passwords and 2FA
Reset your main IPRoyal account password to something strong and unique from your account settings. You can also enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for additional protection.
These simple methods will help you ensure your proxy traffic stays yours, keeping your data, sessions, and account safe.