Quick Answers

What Is HTTP CONNECT?

CONNECT is the HTTP method that asks a proxy to open a raw tunnel to a host and port. It is how HTTPS websites work through an HTTP proxy without the proxy reading them.

By Team of Monkeys Editorial Updated 1 min read Affiliate disclosure

This guide contains affiliate links to Geonode, Webshare and Rayobyte. If you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

What Is HTTP CONNECT illustration: cONNECT is the HTTP method that asks a proxy to open a raw tunnel to a host and port 3jdej38j4

The short answer

CONNECT is a special HTTP request: CONNECT example.com:443. It tells the proxy, "open a TCP connection to this host and then just pass bytes back and forth". Once the proxy replies 200, your browser runs its normal encrypted TLS handshake straight through the tunnel.

Why it matters

Because the traffic inside the tunnel is encrypted end to end, an ordinary HTTP proxy can carry HTTPS websites without being able to read them. It sees which host and port you connected to, but not the pages, passwords or cookies.

Locked down: credentials and IP allowlists done right (animated GIF) 3jdej38j4
Locked down: credentials and IP allowlists done right. GIF via GIPHY

Also known as

HTTP tunnel, CONNECT tunnel, HTTPS proxy tunneling.

Learn more

Affiliate disclosure: Team of Monkeys is an affiliate of Geonode, Webshare and Rayobyte. Links and banners marked as sponsored, and links to Geonode, Webshare and Rayobyte in the text, use our referral links, and we may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Our explanations and comparisons are written to be useful whichever provider you choose.

Editorial note: Proxy providers change their pools, features and prices often, so treat any figures here as typical ranges at the time of writing and confirm current terms with the provider before you buy.
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