Picture this: You’re online, minding your own business, maybe trying to check out content that’s just outside your geographic bubble, or perhaps you’re doing some competitive research, or maybe you just want a little less of your digital footprint scattered everywhere. Then you hit the wall. “Content not available in your region.” Or maybe you just feel that low-level hum of knowing every site you visit sees your home IP address, your virtual front door. For most folks, that’s just how the internet works, background noise. But for others, it’s a bottleneck, a privacy snag, or just plain annoying when you need to see the web from literally anywhere else. This is where a tool engineered for precision comes in, something that tackles that specific pain point without rerouting your entire digital life – something like the Decodo Chrome extension, a focused approach to putting your browser’s IP address exactly where you need it.

Feature	Decodo Chrome Extension	Traditional VPN System-Wide Category
Scope	Confined strictly to a single Chrome browser instance where installed and active.	Redirects all internet traffic across the entire device or network.
Traffic Affected	Primarily intercepts and reroutes HTTP/HTTPS web requests originating from browser tabs.	Encrypts and routes virtually all internet traffic browsers, apps, games.
Installation	Quick and easy browser extension install via the Chrome Web Store. Get started instantly:	Requires system-level software installation.
Primary Use Cases	Browser-specific geo-unblocking, web testing/QA from different locations, basic IP masking for browsing, ad verification, limited-scope data collection.	Comprehensive online privacy, security, accessing content/services globally all apps, secure remote work access.
Complexity	Low; simple toggle and location picker interface within the browser.	Moderate; involves system network settings and client software.
Security Approach	Masks IP from destination website; connection to proxy server likely encrypted. Does not protect non-browser traffic or provide system-wide security.	Creates an encrypted tunnel for all traffic; hides IP from ISP destination and website; often includes kill switch/other features.
IP Type Access	Leverages the underlying proxy network Smartproxy, offering access to residential IPs, which are less detectable and appear more legitimate.	Offers a mix of IP types, often datacenter IPs; availability of residential IPs varies greatly by provider.
Performance Implication	Can introduce latency depending on server location and load; speed may be variable, especially with residential IPs, but contained within browser.	Performance impacted by server load, distance, and protocol overhead; affects all applications on the device.

The Core Function: What Decodo Is and Why You’d Use It

Every time you connect to the internet, your device is assigned a public IP address. Think of this as your home address on the web.

It’s a unique identifier assigned by your Internet Service Provider ISP, and it broadcast information about your general location to every website you visit.

This little string of numbers is constantly, silently, telling a story about where you are, who your ISP is, and based on databases, often pinpointing your city or even neighborhood.

For most people, this is just background noise, something they never think about.

But for others, that fixed footprint presents limitations, exposes data they might prefer to keep private, or simply isn’t the footprint they need for specific tasks.

This is where tools like Decodo come into play. Unlike a full-blown VPN that reroutes all your internet traffic at the operating system level, impacting every app from your browser to your gaming client to your email program, Decodo operates with surgical precision. It’s a Chrome extension, meaning its influence is confined specifically to your Chrome browser instance. This browser-specific control is the core differentiator. You get the ability to change your apparent location and IP address, but only for the web pages you visit and the web apps you use within that single browser. It’s less of a system-wide cloak and more of a browser-focused mask, offering control where you often need it most for focused online activity, without affecting everything else running on your machine.

Defining Decodo: The Browser IP Shift Tool

Alright, let’s nail down precisely what we’re talking about. Decodo, in the simplest terms, is a browser extension for Google Chrome that allows you to change the IP address that websites see when you browse the internet using that specific browser. It acts as a lightweight intermediary, sitting between your browser’s requests and the internet. When you activate Decodo and select a location, it tells your browser to send all its outgoing web traffic through a server provided by the service Decodo utilizes which, in this case, is Smartproxy, a well-established player in the proxy space. The destination website then sees the IP address of that Smartproxy server, located in the region you selected, rather than your actual, home IP address.

This approach is distinct from a traditional VPN Virtual Private Network. A VPN client, once activated, typically creates an encrypted tunnel and redirects all network traffic from your computer or device through a remote server. This affects everything – browsers all of them, games, background updates, email, etc. Decodo, by contrast, lives inside Chrome. It intercepts the web requests made by Chrome tabs and windows and reroutes only those. This makes it a focused tool for specific browser-based tasks where changing your apparent location is beneficial, without the overhead or system-wide impact of a VPN. It’s designed for convenience and specificity within the browsing environment. You can check out Decodo and see how this works firsthand right here: .

Here’s a quick breakdown of its core characteristics:

Type: Google Chrome Browser Extension
Primary Function: Changes the apparent public IP address for browser traffic.
Scope: Limited only to the specific Chrome browser instance where it’s installed and active.
Mechanism: Reroutes browser requests through proxy servers.
Purpose: Geo-unblocking, basic privacy IP masking, web testing.
Underlying Service: Relies on a proxy network like Smartproxy for IP addresses and infrastructure.

Feature	Decodo Chrome Extension	Traditional VPN System-Wide
Scope	Single Browser Chrome	Entire Device / All Applications
Traffic Affected	HTTP/HTTPS from browser tabs	All Internet Traffic Browser, Apps, etc.
Installation	Easy Browser Extension Install	System Software Install
Primary Use	Browser Geo-blocking, testing, basic IP mask	Full Privacy, Security, Geo-unblocking all apps
Complexity	Low, simple browser interface	Moderate, system settings involved

The Problem: Your Public IP Footprint

Your public IP address is more than just a technical identifier; it’s a fundamental piece of your online fingerprint. Every packet of data you send out onto the internet from your home network is tagged with this address. Websites, online services, advertisers, and even governments use this IP address for a multitude of purposes, many of which you might not even realize. The most common and direct use is geo-location. Databases map IP address ranges to physical locations. While not pinpoint accurate down to your house number, these databases are often precise enough to identify your city, region, or even a specific service area of your ISP. This enables websites to serve you localized content, display prices in your currency, or, conversely, block you entirely based on where you appear to be connecting from.

Beyond simple localization, your IP footprint is a key component in online tracking. When you visit a website, your IP is logged alongside the pages you view, the time you spend there, and potentially other browser-specific data like cookies, browser type, operating system – this is part of ‘browser fingerprinting’, which Decodo doesn’t directly prevent, but changing the IP removes one major piece of that puzzle for a given browsing session. Over time, this allows services to build a profile of your browsing habits tied to that specific IP address. Marketing companies use this data for targeted advertising, analytics firms use it to study user behavior, and some services use it for security purposes like detecting suspicious activity. According to some estimates, upwards of 70% of online advertisers use IP data in some form for targeting or analytics. It’s a persistent identifier that, combined with other data points, paints a picture of your online activity and location. This constant broadcasting of your location and identity through your IP is the fundamental problem that tools like Decodo aim to address, at least within the browser environment.

Consider these ways your public IP is used:

Geo-targeting/Localization: Delivering region-specific content, language, currency, or advertisements.
Geo-blocking: Restricting access to content streaming libraries, news articles, videos, software downloads based on location.
Analytics & Tracking: Logging user sessions, identifying unique visitors, and correlating activity over time and across sites especially by third-party trackers.
Fraud Prevention: Identifying suspicious login attempts or transactions from unusual locations.
Law Enforcement/Copyright Enforcement: Tracing online activity back to a specific network or potentially an individual via ISP records.
Website Testing: Ensuring content delivery networks CDNs are serving correct content and performance varies by location.

Data Point	Derived From Public IP?	Can Be Hidden by Decodo? Browser	Notes
Estimated Location	Yes	Yes shows proxy location	Often city/region level
ISP	Yes	Yes shows proxy ISP	Identifies the network origin
Browsing History on a site	Yes tied to IP	Yes tied to proxy IP	Breaks link to your real IP for that site
Device Fingerprint	No browser/hardware info	No	IP is just one component of fingerprinting
Login Activity	Yes tied to IP	Yes tied to proxy IP	Can help mask origin of logins

The “Why Now”: Browser-Specific IP Control

We know your IP is a footprint, and that foot-print can limit access or leak location data. But why focus on controlling just the browser’s IP specifically, and why is a tool like Decodo relevant now? The internet has become increasingly sophisticated in how it serves content and tracks users. Many services, from streaming platforms to e-commerce sites to news archives, rely heavily on browser-based interactions and use the incoming IP address as a primary signal for personalization, restriction, or logging. While a VPN offers a blunt instrument to change your IP system-wide, there are many scenarios where that’s simply overkill, inconvenient, or even counterproductive.

For instance, perhaps you need to access a specific region’s content on a website for research or entertainment, but you still want your online game or your torrent client not endorsing, just illustrating to use your regular, fast connection. Or maybe you’re a web developer testing how geo-specific features on a site behave for users in different countries, and spinning up a whole VPN connection or a virtual machine for each test is too time-consuming. In these cases, a tool that lets you toggle your IP just for your browsing session provides the necessary flexibility and control without disrupting other applications or adding unnecessary complexity. The rise of sophisticated browser fingerprinting techniques also means that while IP is just one data point, being able to control even that single, significant piece of information specifically within the browser is a valuable capability for certain users and tasks. It’s about having a surgical tool for a specific, common digital problem, rather than always needing to deploy the digital equivalent of a sledgehammer. Check out Decodo to see this focused approach in action: .

Consider these scenarios where browser-specific control is ideal:

Targeted Ad Research: See what ads appear for users in different locations without changing your system-wide settings.
Affiliate Link Testing: Check if affiliate links redirect correctly or if different regional landing pages load.
Competitor Analysis: View competitor websites as a user from a specific country.
Quick Geo-Checks: Need to see a news site’s version for another country right now? Toggle the browser IP instantly.
Avoiding IP Bans Specific to Browser: If a forum or website banned your IP, you might still be able to browse using Decodo without affecting other online activities.
Privacy for Specific Tasks: Use a masked IP for sensitive browsing without routing all your traffic slower.

Control Method	Scope	Convenience for Browser Task	Impact on Other Apps	Primary Benefit
No Control	Your Real IP	Highest Speed	None	Default browsing
System VPN	Entire Device	Moderate must enable/disable	High	Full Privacy/Security, Geo-unblock All
Decodo Browser Ext	Single Browser	High easy toggle	None	Browser Geo-unblock, testing, basic IP mask

Getting Decodo Installed and Ready for Action

Enough of the why. If you’re ready to give this a shot, the process is designed to be straightforward, avoiding unnecessary complexity. We’re not building a server rack here; we’re adding a tool to your browser. Like setting up any new piece of software, starting from the official source is non-negotiable. This isn’t just about getting the tool; it’s about ensuring you get the real tool, untainted by malware or sneaky additions that could compromise your data or security. Once you’ve got the genuine article, the installation itself is standard Chrome fare – click, confirm, done. But the crucial final step, often overlooked, is that initial check of the essential settings. Getting it running is one thing; getting it running correctly for your purpose is another.

So, let’s break down the necessary steps.

No fluff, just the sequence you need to follow to go from “What is Decodo?” to having it actively managing your browser’s apparent IP.

It starts with locating it where it belongs, proceeds through the quick installation mechanics, and finishes with a look at the handful of settings you’ll want to verify before you start changing your virtual location around the globe.

It’s a simple process, but paying attention to these details ensures a smooth start and confidence in the tool you’re using.

To begin, you’ll head straight to the source: the Chrome Web Store.

The Official Source: Chrome Web Store Access

First rule: Always get browser extensions from the official source. For Chrome extensions, that source is the Chrome Web Store. Why the hard stance? Because extensions, by their nature, have significant access within your browser – they can read and change content on the pages you visit. Malicious extensions distributed outside the official store are a common vector for scams, data theft, injecting unwanted ads, or even installing malware. The Chrome Web Store has review processes and security checks while not foolproof, they are vastly better than random downloads to mitigate these risks. Getting Decodo from the Chrome Web Store is your first line of defense.

You can typically find it by searching “Decodo Chrome Extension” directly within the Chrome Web Store interface.

Alternatively, reputable sources like the Smartproxy website, which provides the service underpinning Decodo will link directly to the official listing.

Using a direct link like this one is often the fastest and safest path to ensure you’re looking at the legitimate extension page.

On the store page, you’ll find information about the extension, its features, user reviews, and, most importantly, the “Add to Chrome” button.

Verify that the publisher is listed correctly it should be associated with Smartproxy or a partner before proceeding.

Avoid any download links for .crx files found on random websites, stick to the store.

Here’s what to look for on the Chrome Web Store page:

Publisher Name: Should clearly indicate the legitimate provider Smartproxy or affiliated.
User Count: A high number of users suggests a widely adopted and generally vetted extension.
Reviews: Read recent reviews – they can flag sudden issues or changes.
Permissions: Pay attention to the permissions requested before installing more on this next.
“Add to Chrome” Button: This is the correct way to initiate installation.

Source	Security Risk	Legitimacy Check	Installation Method	Recommendation
Chrome Web Store	Low	High	Direct via browser	Recommended
Third-Party Website	High	Low	Manual `.crx` file	Avoid Strongly
Link from official site	Low	High	Direct via browser	Also Recommended

The Installation Process: Zero Fluff

Once you’re on the official Decodo page in the Chrome Web Store, the installation is standard for any Chrome extension.

It’s designed to be quick, but there’s one crucial step where you need to pay attention: the permissions.

Here are the steps:

Click “Add to Chrome”: Located prominently on the extension’s store page. Clicking this button initiates the process.
Review Permissions: A small dialog box will pop up, listing the permissions the extension requires to function. This is the critical moment. An IP-changing extension like Decodo will necessarily require permissions that might sound broad, such as “Read and change all your data on websites you visit.” This permission is required because the extension needs to intercept your web requests before they leave the browser and reroute them. It also might need to read information about the current page to determine if it should be active. Understand that this level of access is fundamental to how browser-based proxies/IP tools work. If you’re not comfortable with an extension having this access, then a browser IP changer might not be for you. However, for this type of tool, these permissions are standard.
Click “Add extension”: If you understand and agree with the required permissions, click this button.
Confirmation: Chrome will download and install the extension. You’ll usually see a small confirmation message and the extension’s icon will appear in your browser’s toolbar often near the top-right corner.

That’s it. No complex setup wizards, no system reboots. The extension is now added to your browser.

You might need to click the puzzle piece icon in the Chrome toolbar to “pin” the Decodo icon for easy access if you want it visible all the time.

The entire process from clicking “Add to Chrome” to seeing the icon takes less than a minute on a decent connection.

It’s designed for minimal friction, getting you to the point where you can use the tool as quickly as possible.

Ready to add it? Head here: .

Permissions commonly requested by browser proxy extensions and their rationale:

Permission Requested	Rationale for Decodo’s Functionality
“Read and change all your data on websites you visit”	Necessary to intercept, read, and reroute web requests HTTP/S traffic before they leave the browser.
“Access your tabs and browsing activity”	Needed to understand which tab/page is active, potentially apply settings per tab or site.
“Communicate with cooperating websites”	May be needed to interact with the backend service Smartproxy for authentication, location lists, etc.
“Manage your downloads”	Less common for a pure IP tool, but potentially used if they offer features affecting downloads.

First Run: Essential Settings to Check

Installation is step one. Getting it dialed in for immediate use is step two.

Once Decodo is installed, click on its icon in the Chrome toolbar.

This will open its primary interface – designed to be simple and functional.

Before you start browsing, a couple of things need a quick glance.

The interface is clean, you won’t get lost in menus.

It’s built for speed and clarity, which is exactly what you want from a tool like this.

The very first thing to check is the On/Off toggle. Is the extension active? Most extensions require you to explicitly turn them on after installation. Make sure the toggle indicates it’s ‘On’ or ‘Connected’. The interface will likely change visually to confirm its active status e.g., the icon might change color, or the interface might show a ‘Connected’ status. If it’s off, nothing you do will change your IP.

Next, and arguably most importantly, is the Location Selection. Decodo utilizes the Smartproxy network, which offers a wide range of locations. The interface will present you with a list of countries, and potentially cities or regions within those countries. You need to select the location whose IP address you want your browser traffic to appear to originate from. Click through the list and choose the country that serves your purpose – whether that’s bypassing a geo-restriction or testing a website’s regional behavior. The interface should clearly show which location is currently active. This is the core function, so make sure you’ve picked the right virtual spot on the map. Need to access content in Germany? Select Germany. Testing a site’s CDN in Japan? Select Japan.

Finally, check if there are any immediate account requirements. Decodo relies on a paid service Smartproxy’s network. While the extension itself is free to add to Chrome, you will need an active Smartproxy account and subscription linked to the extension to actually use the proxy network and change your IP. The interface will likely prompt you to log in or link your account on the first use. Make sure you have your credentials ready or sign up for a plan if you haven’t already via a link like this: . Without a valid, active account, the extension is just an icon in your toolbar; it won’t actually route any traffic or change your IP.

Key settings to verify on first run:

Active Status: Is the extension toggled ON?
Selected Location: Is the correct country/region chosen?
Account Status: Is your Smartproxy account linked and active?
Default Behavior: Are there settings for default location or auto-activation?

Setting	What to Look For	Why it’s Important	Action to Take
Power Toggle	“On” or “Connected” status indicator	Extension must be active to work	Ensure it’s switched ON
Location Picker	Currently selected country/region	Determines your apparent IP location	Select the desired location
Account Link	Prompt for login or account status	Requires a paid service account to function properly	Log in or confirm account is linked
Connection Status	Indicator showing successful connection	Confirms traffic is routing via the proxy	Verify connection is established

How the IP Magic Happens: Decodo’s Mechanics

Alright, let’s geek out slightly on the “how” behind the curtain. It’s not exactly magic, but it feels pretty slick when you see a website think you’re in Tokyo when you’re sitting in Texas. Understanding the mechanics isn’t just academic; it helps you grasp what the extension is really doing and, more importantly, what its limitations are. At its core, Decodo intercepts your browser’s outbound requests and reroutes them. It’s like telling your mailman to send all your outgoing letters to a specific post office box in another city first, and then have them forwarded from there. The recipient only sees the post office box’s return address, not yours.

The process leverages standard web technologies, primarily proxies. By configuring the browser via extension APIs to use a proxy server, Decodo tells Chrome, “Hey, don’t send your requests directly to google.com or netflix.com. Send them to this specific server address instead.” This designated server, part of Smartproxy’s network, then receives your request, makes the actual connection to the destination website using its own IP address, gets the response, and sends it back to your browser, again via the Decodo extension. The destination website only ever sees the IP address of the proxy server. This entire process happens in milliseconds, orchestrated by the extension and the backend service.

Routing Your Request: The Technical Flow

Let’s visualize the journey a web request takes with and without Decodo.

Standard Flow No Proxy/VPN:

You type website.com into Chrome’s address bar.
Your browser sends a request like “Get me the page for website.com” directly to your router.
Your router forwards the request to your Internet Service Provider ISP.
Your ISP sends the request out onto the internet.
The request travels across the internet to the server hosting website.com.
The website.com server receives the request, sees your home IP address as the source, processes the request, and sends the page back along the same path in reverse.

Decodo Flow Extension Active:

The Decodo extension, active within Chrome, intercepts this request before it leaves the browser process for your router.
Decodo tells your browser to send the request to a specific proxy server address provided by Smartproxy instead of the original destination. This initial communication still uses your real home IP to connect to the proxy server.
Your browser sends the request to the proxy server.
The proxy server receives the request from your home IP. It then takes your request and forwards it to website.com‘s server using the proxy server’s own IP address located in the country you selected.
The website.com server receives the request, sees the proxy server’s IP address as the source, processes the request, and sends the page back to the proxy server.
The proxy server receives the page and sends it back to your browser via Decodo.
Decodo delivers the page content to your browser tab.

This rerouting step, where the extension directs the request to the proxy, is key. The website only sees the IP address of the server that made the final connection to it, which is the proxy server. The entire process for a request might look something like this:

Your Browser Request with Decodo active -> Decodo Extension Intercept & Reroute -> Your Router -> Your ISP -> Smartproxy Server in desired location -> Smartproxy Server sends Request using its IP -> Destination Website Server

Notice that the request still passes through your router and ISP to reach the Smartproxy server. Your ISP can still see that you are connecting to a Smartproxy IP address. However, the destination website cannot see your ISP or your real IP address. To get started with this rerouting, grab Decodo here: .

What Changes: Your Apparent Source IP

Let’s be precise about the effect. When Decodo is active and connected to a proxy server in a specific location, the primary change is your apparent source IP address as seen by the destination website’s server. Instead of logging your home IP address e.g., 203.0.113.45, the website’s logs will record the IP address of the Smartproxy server you are routing through e.g., 198.51.100.123. This is the core function and the basis for bypassing geo-restrictions and masking your location from the sites you visit in that browser.

What doesn’t change is equally important:

Your real IP address: This is still used for the connection between your computer and the proxy server. Your ISP knows you’re connecting to the proxy service.
IP address for non-browser traffic: As emphasized before, Decodo only affects Chrome. Your email client, games, background services, system updates – they will all continue to use your real IP address.
Other browser fingerprinting data: Your User Agent string, installed fonts, browser history, cookies unless cleared, and other data points used to uniquely identify your browser session typically remain the same. Decodo masks the IP, but doesn’t inherently randomize these other factors.
Local Network Activity: Your activity on your home network communication between your devices is unaffected.

The key takeaway is that Decodo successfully changes the last hop’s source IP before hitting the target website, which is what most geo-blocking and IP-based tracking systems rely on. It creates a layer of anonymity specifically between your browser and the sites it visits. For the website, it looks like a visitor from London, even if you’re actually in Los Angeles. This is the practical outcome of the rerouting mechanism described above. You can test this yourself after installing Decodo by visiting “What is my IP” websites before and after activating the extension and changing location. You’ll see the reported IP change from your real one to the proxy’s IP. Give it a shot: .

Comparison of IPs involved:

IP Type	Seen By Your Computer	Seen By Your Router	Seen By Your ISP	Seen By Proxy Server	Seen By Destination Website
Your Real IP	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No unless proxy fails
Proxy Server IP	Yes	Yes	Yes	N/A	Yes
Destination Server IP	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	N/A

The Traffic Rerouting Method

The specific technical method Decodo uses within Chrome to achieve this rerouting involves leveraging browser APIs. Chrome provides robust extension APIs that allow developers to intercept and modify network requests originating from the browser. The most common method for extensions like this is utilizing the chrome.proxy API or chrome.webRequest API.

The chrome.proxy API allows an extension to control Chrome’s proxy settings programmatically.

Instead of manually going into Chrome’s settings to configure a proxy server, the extension uses this API to tell Chrome, “For all HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP traffic, use this specific proxy server address and port.” Chrome then sends all relevant browser requests to that specified address.

This is a fundamental browser function that extensions can tap into.

Alternatively, or in conjunction, the chrome.webRequest API allows extensions to observe, block, and modify requests in flight. An extension could use this to intercept requests before they are sent out and programmatically redirect them, although direct proxy settings are often the cleaner way to achieve this specific task of rerouting all browser traffic through a single point.

Importantly, the connection between your browser with Decodo active and the Smartproxy server it connects to often uses a secure method, like SSL/TLS encryption. While the core proxy function reroutes the request, the connection to the proxy itself should ideally be encrypted to prevent your ISP from seeing the content of your browser requests though they still see that you are connecting to the proxy server. Smartproxy, being a professional proxy provider, ensures this connection is encrypted, adding a layer of privacy beyond just masking the destination. This encryption helps protect the data from your browser until it reaches the secure proxy server. The proxy server then decrypts the request as it’s the intended recipient, makes the request to the final website, and the process reverses. The data is encrypted again when sent back from the proxy to your browser. Understanding these mechanisms confirms that the extension isn’t just a simple list of IPs; it’s a piece of software orchestrating network requests via a dedicated service. For developers or network enthusiasts, this under-the-hood look explains why permissions are necessary and how the IP switch is accomplished solely within the browser context. Ready to route your browser traffic differently? Get Decodo here: .

Proxy methods commonly used:

HTTP Proxy: Handles HTTP traffic. Can be used for HTTPS, but doesn’t decrypt the content between browser and website.
HTTPS Proxy: Handles HTTPS traffic. Often requires trust in the proxy provider as it can potentially decrypt traffic between browser and proxy.
SOCKS Proxy: A more general-purpose proxy that can handle different types of traffic TCP/UDP beyond just HTTP/S. Less common for simple browser extensions focusing on web pages.

Decodo likely uses a method that works seamlessly with modern encrypted web traffic HTTPS, likely functioning as an HTTPS proxy or leveraging the browser’s built-in support for encrypted proxy connections via the chrome.proxy API.

Key Controls: Navigating Decodo’s Feature Set

Once Decodo is installed and you’re logged into your Smartproxy account, the real power lies in the controls at your fingertips.

The interface, accessed by clicking the extension icon, is designed for quick adjustments.

You don’t want to be digging through nested menus when you need to switch locations fast.

Think of it like the dashboard of a car built for a specific purpose – minimal distraction, maximum function for the core tasks.

Getting familiar with the few key levers available is crucial for getting the most out of the extension and tailoring its behavior to your immediate needs.

The primary control is, unsurprisingly, choosing where you want your browser to appear to be. But beyond just location, there might be options related to performance and perhaps some additional settings that touch on privacy or connection stability. Understanding these toggles and selectors lets you optimize Decodo for different use cases, whether you prioritize seeming like a local user in a specific country or getting the fastest possible connection speed while still masking your IP. Let’s dive into the main features you’ll interact with regularly.

Location Selection: Choosing Your Virtual Spot

This is the bread and butter of Decodo.

When you open the extension’s interface, the most prominent feature will be the location selector.

This is where you literally choose which country, and sometimes even city, you want your browser’s traffic to exit onto the internet from.

The breadth and quality of the available locations are dictated by the underlying proxy network – Smartproxy in this case, which is known for offering a substantial pool of IP addresses across many geographic regions.

The selector is typically a dropdown menu or a navigable list.

You simply scroll through or search for the desired country e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan. Some services offer more granular options, letting you pick specific cities within a country.

The sheer number of locations offered is a key differentiator for proxy services, more options mean more flexibility for bypassing geo-restrictions or testing in specific markets.

Smartproxy’s network includes a vast number of residential and datacenter IPs across the globe, providing the backbone for these choices.

Selecting a location is usually an instant change – as soon as you click, Decodo instructs your browser to route subsequent requests through a proxy server in that chosen region.

You can switch locations as often as needed, making it incredibly convenient for tasks that require checking content from multiple countries back-to-back.

Want to see their location list? Check out Decodo via this link: .

Key aspects of the location selection:

Country List: A comprehensive list of available countries.
Granularity: Availability of city or regional options.
IP Type: Whether you can choose between residential IPs harder to detect, slower or datacenter IPs faster, easier to detect. Smartproxy specializes in residential IPs, which are generally better for mimicking real users.
Favorites/Recents: Option to save frequently used locations or see recently connected ones for quick switching.
Connection Status Indicator: Visual confirmation that the connection to the selected location was successful.

Location Type	Description	Primary Use Case	IP Pool Size Consideration
Country Level	Choose a country, gets an IP anywhere within it	General geo-unblocking, broad testing	Large pool needed
City Level	Choose a specific city within a country	Localized search results, specific ad checks	Denser IP distribution needed
Residential IP	IP assigned by an ISP to a homeowner/business	Avoiding detection, scraping, verification	Requires a vast, diverse network
Datacenter IP	IP from a commercial data center	Speed, high-volume tasks if not blocked	Easier to source in bulk

Decodo leverages Smartproxy’s network, which includes significant numbers of residential IPs, making its location selection particularly valuable for tasks where appearing as a genuine user from a specific area is critical.

Performance Toggles: Speed vs. Stability

Routing your browser traffic through a remote server, even one optimized for performance, inherently adds some latency compared to a direct connection.

Your request has to travel further and pass through an extra processing step the proxy server. Decodo, like any proxy tool, will likely impact your browser’s speed to some degree.

The degree varies greatly depending on the distance to the proxy server, the load on that server, the quality and speed of the proxy network itself Smartproxy’s infrastructure, and your own internet connection speed.

The Decodo interface might offer controls or indicators related to performance. This could include:

Auto-Selection: An option to automatically connect to the “fastest” available server for a chosen region. This removes guesswork but might not always pick the best IP for detectability.
IP Type Selection: As mentioned, choosing between residential and datacenter IPs impacts speed. Residential IPs, routing through real user connections, can be slower but are much less likely to be blocked by sophisticated websites. Datacenter IPs are typically faster but are often flagged and blocked by services trying to prevent bot traffic or non-local access. Smartproxy’s strength is its residential network, which implies prioritizing legitimacy and lower detection risk, possibly at the expense of raw speed compared to pure datacenter proxy services.
Connection Status/Health: Indicators showing if the connection to the proxy is stable or experiencing issues.
Server Load Indicators less common in extensions: Information about how busy a specific proxy server is.

While Decodo aims to make this seamless, be aware that performance might fluctuate. If you’re using it for tasks sensitive to speed like streaming video, although browser-based streaming geo-unblocking is often a cat-and-mouse game, you might notice buffering or lower quality. For tasks like web testing, geo-checking content, or simple browsing, the speed impact is often negligible or an acceptable trade-off for the location control. The choice often boils down to your specific need: speed datacenter or legitimacy/lower detection residential. Given Smartproxy’s focus, Decodo leans towards the latter, which is often more valuable for serious use cases like data collection or account management. Experience the performance yourself by trying Decodo: .

Factors influencing performance when using Decodo:

Distance to Proxy Server: Longer distance = higher latency.
Proxy Server Load: Busy servers are slower.
Underlying Network Quality: Smartproxy’s infrastructure quality is key.
Your Internet Speed: A slow local connection will still be slow through the proxy.
IP Type Residential vs. Datacenter: Residential IPs generally have more variable and often lower speeds.

IP Type	Typical Speed	Detectability	Best For
Residential	Moderate/Variable	Low	Scraping, Ad Verification, Account Mgmt
Datacenter	High	High	Simple geo-unblocking, Speed-critical tasks

Decodo, leaning on Smartproxy, offers a strong residential IP option, prioritizing the ability to mimic real users in a location over achieving maximum speed, which is a key distinction.

Any Extra Privacy or Security Options?

While Decodo’s primary function is IP masking and location shifting for browser traffic, it’s worth looking if the extension offers any additional features related to privacy or security. It’s important to manage expectations here: Decodo is not a comprehensive security suite or a replacement for a full-featured VPN designed for maximum privacy and security across your entire device. However, some browser extensions in this category might include extra toggles.

Potential additional features could include verify Decodo’s actual feature set:

Kill Switch: This is a crucial security feature in VPNs and sometimes found in proxy tools. A kill switch prevents your browser from making connections if the link to the proxy server drops unexpectedly. Without it, if the proxy fails, your browser traffic would revert to using your real IP, potentially exposing your activity or location. This is a highly valuable privacy feature.
Ad/Tracker Blocking: Some proxy extensions integrate basic ad or tracker blocking capabilities. This adds a layer of privacy by preventing third-party scripts from loading, but it’s not Decodo’s core purpose and dedicated ad blockers are often more effective.
Cookie/Cache Management: An option to automatically clear cookies and cache when you change IP addresses. This helps prevent websites from using stored data to link your new IP back to your previous browsing identity.
HTTPS Enforcement: Ensuring that all connections are made over HTTPS. Modern browsers already heavily favor HTTPS and warn against HTTP, so this is often redundant but a good safety measure.

Based on Smartproxy’s focus, Decodo’s strength is in providing access to high-quality, undetectable residential IPs for specific tasks like data collection and geo-verification. Any additional features are likely secondary to this core capability. Don’t expect enterprise-level security features or advanced anonymity tools. Decodo provides a crucial layer of browser IP masking atop a robust proxy network. While it adds a layer of privacy by hiding your IP from the destination site, it doesn’t offer the end-to-end encryption tunnel of a VPN though the connection to the proxy server itself is likely encrypted by Smartproxy or protect against sophisticated browser fingerprinting methods. To understand Decodo’s specific additional features, the best place is the extension’s interface or documentation: .

Comparison of Security/Privacy Scope:

Feature	Decodo Browser Ext	Full VPN System	Notes
IP Masking	Yes Browser Only	Yes All Traffic	Hides IP from destination site/service
Traffic Encryption	To Proxy Server	End-to-End	Protects data in transit
Kill Switch	Potentially Check	Often Included	Prevents IP leak if connection drops
Ad/Tracker Block	Unlikely/Basic	Sometimes Included	Reduces surveillance
System-wide Cover	No	Yes	Protects all apps, not just browser

In summary, focus on Decodo’s strength – precise browser IP control – and view any additional privacy/security features as welcome bonuses, not core competencies that replace dedicated security tools.

Real-World Wins: Using Decodo Effectively

Alright, let’s move from the technical specs and controls to the practical application. Why would you actually use Decodo on a day-to-day or task-specific basis? Changing your browser’s apparent IP isn’t just for show. It unlocks specific capabilities and provides solutions to common online frustrations, particularly those tied to geographic location and IP-based discrimination or tracking. If you’ve ever hit a “Content not available in your region” wall or needed to see how a website looks to someone halfway across the world, Decodo offers a direct way to tackle that within your browsing session.

We’re talking about tangible benefits here.

The ability to quickly shift your browser’s location opens doors for accessing diverse content, adds a layer of discretion to your online activities, and provides invaluable tools for anyone working with websites on a global scale.

It’s not about becoming a digital ghost as we’ll discuss in limitations, but about gaining control over a key piece of data you broadcast online.

Let’s explore some of the most impactful ways you can put Decodo to work and achieve real-world wins.

Bypassing Regional Restrictions

This is perhaps the most immediately understandable and common use case for any tool that changes your apparent IP address.

The internet might seem global, but content and services are frequently segmented by geography.

This segmentation is often enforced by checking your public IP address.

Websites, streaming platforms, online stores, news archives, video sites – many of them serve different content or block access entirely based on where their system thinks you are located.

Decodo allows you to circumvent these digital borders for your browser traffic.

By connecting to a Smartproxy server in the required region, your browser traffic appears to originate from that location.

The destination website sees the IP address of the proxy server and grants or denies access based on that location, not your real one.

Examples of regional restrictions Decodo can help bypass for browser-based access:

Streaming Libraries: Accessing different movies or TV shows available on services that vary content by country though major streaming services have sophisticated proxy/VPN detection, especially for datacenter IPs; residential IPs from Smartproxy might have a better chance, but it’s never guaranteed and often a cat-and-mouse game.
News Archives/Articles: Reading articles on news sites that limit access to users within a specific country.
E-commerce Pricing/Catalogs: Viewing product availability and pricing specific to a region’s online store.
Video Content: Watching videos on platforms like YouTube or specific news sites that are blocked in your country.
Software Downloads: Accessing software or updates only made available in certain regions.

Data on geo-blocking is hard to consolidate, but it’s widespread.

A study by GlobalWebIndex found that a significant percentage of internet users around 30% use VPNs or proxies specifically to access geo-restricted entertainment content.

While this highlights the demand, it also indicates that content providers are actively working to detect and block such access.

Using Decodo for this purpose means leveraging Smartproxy’s network quality to appear as a legitimate user from the desired location.

Access worldwide content barriers? Not anymore, give Decodo a try: .

Content Type	Restriction Example	Decodo Use Case	Potential Success Rate varies
Streaming Video	Different libraries or total blocks based on region	Accessing content from another country	Variable major services difficult
Online News	Paywalls or limited access outside home country	Reading local news from abroad	Often high
E-commerce	Regional pricing, product availability, promotions	Checking prices/offers in another market	High
Specific Videos	YouTube videos blocked in your region	Watching region-locked user-uploaded videos	Generally high
Software/Games	Geo-locked download links or early access	Accessing region-specific software releases	Moderate to High

Adding a Basic Layer of Browsing Privacy

While Decodo isn’t a full privacy solution like Tor or a no-logs VPN, it does add a fundamental layer of privacy for your browser activity by masking your real IP address from the websites you visit. Think of it as putting on a mask before you walk into a store – the store cameras see the mask, not your face. In this analogy, the website is the store, and your IP is your face.

When Decodo is active, the website’s server logs will record the IP address of the proxy server you are using.

This breaks the direct link between your specific browsing actions on that site and your physical location and ISP.

For anyone monitoring traffic at the website’s end, your activity appears to originate from the proxy server’s location and associated network, not your home network.

This makes it harder for individual websites or third-party trackers embedded on those sites to build a profile tied directly to your home IP address.

However, it’s crucial to reiterate this is a basic layer of privacy specifically regarding your IP footprint on the destination site. It does not protect against:

ISP Surveillance: Your ISP can still see that you are connecting to the Smartproxy server IP. They know you are using a proxy service.
Browser Fingerprinting: Your browser sends a lot of other identifying information User Agent, screen resolution, installed fonts, etc. that can be used to track you across sites, regardless of your IP.
Cookies & Login Tracking: If you’re logged into a website, changing your IP won’t hide your user account activity from that site. Cookies can also be used to identify you across sessions.
Traffic outside the browser: Again, this only affects Chrome. Your other applications are still using your real IP.
Proxy Server Logs: The proxy service provider Smartproxy itself has access to your connection details and the websites you visit through their service. While Smartproxy is a reputable provider focused on specific use cases data acquisition, testing, their logging policy should be considered if maximum, anonymous privacy is your goal.

Despite these limitations, for simply visiting websites or performing tasks where you’d rather not broadcast your precise location to the destination server, Decodo provides a quick and easy way to achieve that within the browser.

It’s discretion for browser activities, not deep anonymity.

Add a layer of browser discretion: .

Statistics on online tracking are sobering. Reports indicate that the average website includes dozens of third-party trackers. Many of these trackers collect IP addresses as part of the data used to profile users. By masking your IP with Decodo, you make it harder for these trackers to associate your browsing session on that specific site with your real IP history.

Privacy Aspect	Protected by Decodo? Browser	Notes
Hiding IP from Website	Yes	Core function, hides your real IP from the destination
Hiding IP from ISP	No	ISP sees connection to proxy server
Encrypting Traffic	To Proxy Server	Protects data from local snoopers/ISP to proxy
Preventing Browser Fingerprinting	No	Does not alter other browser identifiers
Preventing Cookie Tracking	No unless you clear manually	Cookies can still link activity
Anonymity	Basic IP-based	Not a tool for high-level anonymity like Tor

Web Testing from Multiple Vantage Points

For anyone involved in web development, digital marketing, SEO, or content delivery, seeing how a website behaves for users in different geographical locations is essential.

Websites often serve different versions based on location, whether it’s through Content Delivery Networks CDNs, geo-targeting for ads or content, or simply regional pricing and language defaults.

Manually checking these variations without a tool is a pain, involving clearing cookies, using different browsers, or setting up complex testing environments.

Decodo simplifies this immensely.

By switching locations within the extension, you can instantly load a webpage as if you were browsing from that chosen country. This is incredibly valuable for tasks like:

Verifying CDN Performance: Check which CDN node you’re connecting to and how fast the site loads from different regions.
Checking Geo-Targeted Content/Ads: Ensure that visitors in specific countries are seeing the correct versions of your website, the intended advertisements, or localized content.
SEO Internationalization Checks: See if search results or site indexing varies based on simulated location though this requires specific search techniques as well.
Competitor Analysis: Analyze how competitor websites are structured or marketed to users in different countries.
Website Quality Assurance: Catch bugs or display issues that only occur for users in specific geographical areas.

Using Decodo for testing is fast and convenient compared to other methods like using cloud-based testing platforms or constantly enabling/disabling system-wide VPNs.

You can click through locations in the extension interface and instantly reload the page in your browser to see the regional variations.

Smartproxy’s residential IP network is particularly useful here, as it allows you to test from IPs that look like genuine user connections in those regions, providing a more accurate view than potentially flagged datacenter IPs.

This efficiency makes Decodo a valuable tool in the web professional’s arsenal.

Streamline your geo-testing workflow: .

Comparison of Geo-Testing Methods:

Method	Ease of Use Quick Checks	Accuracy Mimicking Real User	Cost	System Impact
Decodo Browser	High	High especially with Residential IPs	Subscription	Low Browser Only
Full VPN	Moderate	Moderate/High if good IP pool	Subscription	High System
Online Proxy Checker	High	Low often datacenter IPs	Free/Low	Low
Cloud VMs in Region	Low	High	High	None External

Decodo provides a sweet spot for browser-based geo-testing: easy to use, relatively accurate due to access to residential IPs via Smartproxy, and contained within the browser.

The Limits: What Decodo Doesn’t Do Crucial Caveats

We’ve covered what Decodo is and what it’s good for. Now, let’s talk about what it’s not. No tool is perfect, and understanding the boundaries of Decodo is just as important as knowing its capabilities. Using it expecting it to perform tasks it wasn’t designed for will only lead to frustration and potentially expose you in ways you didn’t anticipate. This is where the “no-fluff” principle really kicks in – let’s be brutally honest about the limitations.

Decodo is a browser extension focused on IP masking for Chrome.

That highly specific scope means it has inherent limitations compared to system-wide network tools.

It’s not a security suite, it’s not an anonymity tool, and it won’t magically speed up your internet connection in fact, it might slow it down. Knowing these limits helps you choose the right tool for the job and avoids a false sense of security or capability.

Browser Scope Only: What Falls Outside Decodo’s Reach

This is arguably the most important limitation to understand. Decodo is a Chrome extension. It hooks into the networking processes within the Chrome browser. It does not affect any traffic originating from outside the Chrome application itself. Your operating system, other browsers, installed applications – they all continue to use your standard, real IP address for their internet connectivity.

Consider all the internet-connected software on your computer that isn’t running inside a Chrome tab:

Email Clients: Outlook, Thunderbird, Mail apps.
Messaging Apps: Slack, Discord, WhatsApp Desktop, Skype, etc.
Gaming Clients & Games: Steam, Epic Games Store, game launchers, the games themselves.
Cloud Storage Sync Clients: Dropbox, Google Drive File Stream, OneDrive.
File Sharing Software: Torrent clients, peer-to-peer applications.
Other Web Browsers: Firefox, Edge, Safari, Brave, etc.
System Updates: Operating system updates, software updates.
Antivirus Software: Updating definitions.
Any software that connects to the internet: The list goes on.

None of the internet traffic generated by these applications will be routed through Decodo or use the proxy IP.

Your real IP address will be visible for all of these connections.

This means if you’re trying to download a geo-restricted game from Steam, Decodo in your Chrome browser won’t help you.

If you send an email, your email client will use your real IP.

This focused scope is a feature for some use cases as discussed earlier but a significant limitation if you need system-wide IP masking or location changes. It’s a specialist tool, not a generalist one.

Remember, it’s for your Chrome browser: .

Breakdown of Affected vs. Unaffected Traffic:

Traffic Origin	Affected by Decodo?	Notes
Chrome Browser Tabs	Yes	Primary function, web pages, web apps
Other Browsers	No	Each browser uses its own settings/connections
Desktop Applications	No	Email clients, games, sync apps, etc.
System Processes	No	Updates, background services
Command Line Tools	No	Network utilities like `ping`, `curl` etc.

Security Depth: Extension vs. System-Wide Solution

Decodo provides IP masking for your browser, which offers a basic layer of privacy by obfuscating your location from websites.

However, it is fundamentally not a comprehensive security or privacy solution in the way a robust, audited VPN is. Its purpose is different.

Here’s what Decodo typically does not provide compared to a security-focused VPN:

End-to-End Encryption Tunnel: While the connection between your browser via Decodo and the Smartproxy server is likely encrypted Smartproxy uses secure protocols, a full VPN creates an encrypted tunnel from your device that encapsulates all your internet traffic, protecting it from your ISP or local network snoopers. Decodo’s encryption scope is limited to the browser traffic and the path to the proxy.
Protection from ISP Monitoring of destination: Your ISP can still see that you are connecting to the Smartproxy server’s IP address. They know you are using a proxy service. They cannot see the content of encrypted browser traffic due to HTTPS and Smartproxy’s encryption, nor can they see the final destination IP the website directly for browser traffic, but they know you’re talking to Smartproxy.
Protection from Malware and Phishing: Decodo doesn’t scan for or block malicious websites, downloads, or phishing attempts.
Firewall Capabilities: It doesn’t offer firewall features to block unwanted incoming or outgoing connections at the system level.
System-Level Protection: Any non-browser traffic is completely unprotected by Decodo’s IP masking or potential encryption.

Using Decodo adds a specific privacy layer IP mask from destination but does not secure your overall internet connection or protect you from broader online threats. If your goal is to secure all your traffic, prevent your ISP from knowing which services you use like the proxy itself, or gain robust protection against cyber threats, a dedicated VPN service or other security tools are necessary. Decodo is a tool for specific browser tasks, not a digital armored vehicle. Understand its security limitations: .

Comparison of Security Features:

Potential Performance Bottlenecks

Adding an intermediary step the proxy server between your browser and the destination website will almost always introduce some degree of performance degradation compared to a direct connection.

Your browser’s request has to travel to the proxy server, the proxy server has to process it and send it to the destination, and then the data has to come back along the same path. This adds latency and reduces potential bandwidth.

Factors that contribute to performance bottlenecks when using Decodo:

Geographic Distance: The further away the proxy server is from your physical location, the higher the latency. Connecting to a proxy in Australia from Europe will be noticeably slower than connecting to one in a neighboring country.
Proxy Server Load: If the specific proxy server or group of IPs you are using is heavily loaded with traffic from many users, its response time will increase.
Proxy Network Infrastructure: The overall speed and stability of Smartproxy’s network infrastructure play a huge role. While Smartproxy is a premium provider, proxy networks by nature add overhead.
IP Type: Residential IPs, which Decodo leverages extensively, are often routed through consumer-grade internet connections and infrastructure. They are generally slower and have higher variability in speed compared to datacenter IPs, though they offer better legitimacy.
Your Base Internet Speed: If your underlying internet connection is slow, using a proxy won’t make it faster. It can only operate within the limits of your own connection.

Tasks that are particularly sensitive to speed, such as high-definition video streaming, downloading large files, or online gaming though gaming is outside Decodo’s scope anyway, might be negatively impacted. For typical web browsing, checking emails in browser, or testing simple web pages, the performance difference might be minimal or acceptable. However, if speed is your absolute top priority and geo-location isn’t a factor, a direct connection is always fastest. If speed with geo-location is critical, you might need to experiment with different locations or consider dedicated, speed-optimized datacenter proxy solutions though these come with higher detection risks. Be aware of potential speed impacts: .

Hypothetical Speed Comparison Illustrative:

Connection Type	Route Example	Typical Latency relative	Typical Bandwidth relative	Notes
Direct	Your Device -> ISP -> Website	Low	Highest	Fastest, but IP is exposed
Decodo Nearby Proxy	Your Device -> Proxy Nearby -> Website	Moderate	High/Moderate	Acceptable for many tasks, low latency add
Decodo Distant Proxy	Your Device -> Proxy Distant-> Website	High	Moderate/Variable	Significant latency add, speed may suffer

Ultimately, the performance hit is a trade-off for the flexibility and control Decodo provides over your browser’s apparent location.

For many users and specific tasks, this trade-off is well worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is Decodo, and how is it different from a traditional VPN?

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. Decodo isn’t your grandpa’s VPN. Think of it as a scalpel where a VPN is a sledgehammer. Decodo is a Google Chrome browser extension. Its core job is to change the public IP address that websites see when you’re browsing using that specific Chrome instance. It does this by routing your browser’s web requests through proxy servers provided by Smartproxy. A traditional VPN, on the other hand, operates at the operating system level. When you turn on a VPN, it typically reroutes all your internet traffic – from your browser, email client, games, background updates, everything – through an encrypted tunnel to a remote server. Decodo’s influence is strictly confined to your Chrome browser, offering targeted IP masking without affecting anything else running on your machine. This browser-specific control is the key differentiator. If you want a tool that works just for your browsing needs without system-wide impact, Decodo is built for that specific task. You can see this focused approach in action here: .

Why would I need to change my IP address just for my browser?

Good question. Most people don’t give their IP address a second thought, but it’s constantly broadcasting information about your general location to every website you visit. This is the basis for geo-targeting, localization, and unfortunately, geo-blocking. Websites use your IP to serve regional content, display prices in your currency, or sometimes, block you from accessing content entirely because you’re in the “wrong” country. For example, streaming libraries vary drastically by region, news sites might restrict articles, or e-commerce sites show different pricing. Decodo allows you to change your browser’s apparent location to bypass these restrictions specifically within your browsing session. It’s also invaluable for web professionals needing to test how websites behave or display for users in different countries without the hassle of a full VPN or complex setups. It’s about gaining control over that single, significant piece of data your browser shares. Learn more about gaining that control: .

How does Decodo actually work technically?

Let’s look under the hood briefly. When you type a website address into Chrome with Decodo active and a location selected, the extension intercepts your browser’s request before it goes out to the internet. Instead of letting Chrome send the request directly to the website’s server using your real IP, Decodo tells Chrome to send that request to a specific proxy server provided by Smartproxy the service Decodo utilizes. This proxy server is located in the country you selected in the extension. The proxy server then makes the actual connection to the destination website using its own IP address. The website server sees the request coming from the proxy server’s IP, which is in the desired location, and sends the data back to the proxy. The proxy then forwards that data back to your browser via Decodo. This happens in milliseconds. Your browser never connects directly to the website using your real IP; it always goes through the proxy first. The magic is in that interception and rerouting step within the browser. Get a firsthand look at the process: .

Does Decodo encrypt my browser traffic?

Yes, the connection between your browser with Decodo active and the Smartproxy server it connects to is typically encrypted. Smartproxy, as a professional proxy provider, uses secure protocols for this connection. This encryption helps protect the data from your browser until it reaches the secure proxy server. Your ISP can see that you are connecting to the Smartproxy IP address, but they generally cannot see the content of the encrypted traffic going to that proxy server, nor can they directly see the final destination website you are visiting through the proxy. The proxy server decrypts your request as it’s the intended recipient, makes the request to the final website which is also likely using HTTPS encryption, and the process reverses. While this isn’t the same end-to-end tunnel encryption a system-wide VPN provides for all your device’s traffic, it does add a significant layer of protection for your browser data in transit to the proxy. Secure your browser traffic flow with Decodo: .

Is Decodo free to use?

The Decodo Chrome extension itself is free to install from the Chrome Web Store.

However, to actually use the IP-changing functionality and access the proxy network, you will need an active, paid subscription to Smartproxy.

Decodo is essentially the interface that allows you to easily tap into Smartproxy’s extensive network of residential and datacenter IPs directly from your browser.

Think of the extension as the key and the Smartproxy subscription as access to the vast library of IP addresses.

Without a linked, active Smartproxy account, the extension will be installed but won’t be able to route your traffic or change your IP.

You’ll typically need to log in or link your account through the extension’s interface on the first use.

Find out about Smartproxy plans to power Decodo: .

Where can I download Decodo safely?

The only safe and recommended place to download Decodo is the official Chrome Web Store. Getting extensions from anywhere else, such as third-party websites offering direct .crx file downloads, is a significant security risk. Malicious extensions are a common way for attackers to steal data, inject malware, or compromise your browser. The Chrome Web Store has review processes and security checks in place though not foolproof, they are your best bet to ensure the extensions are legitimate. You can find it by searching “Decodo Chrome Extension” in the Web Store, or by following a direct link from the official Smartproxy website. Using a direct link like this is often the quickest and safest way to ensure you’re on the correct, official listing page. Always verify the publisher name on the store page.

What permissions does Decodo require and why?

When you install Decodo from the Chrome Web Store, you’ll see a list of permissions it requires. The most significant one is typically “Read and change all your data on websites you visit.” This permission is required for Decodo to function. Here’s why: the extension needs to be able to intercept your browser’s web requests reading the URL and request data before they leave Chrome. It then needs the ability to modify those requests or redirect them through the chosen proxy server changing the data or the destination. This level of access is fundamental to how any browser extension that controls networking or modifies web content must operate. While it sounds broad, for a legitimate proxy extension, these permissions are standard and necessary for its core function of rerouting your browser’s traffic through a proxy. Understand these permissions before installing: .

What information about me does Decodo hide from websites?

Decodo’s primary function is to hide your real public IP address from the websites you visit within the enabled Chrome browser instance. When you connect via a Smartproxy server using Decodo, the destination website sees the IP address of the proxy server, located in the region you selected, rather than your actual home IP address assigned by your ISP. This is the most direct piece of information it masks. This prevents websites from knowing your precise geographical location or identifying you based on your home IP address. It makes it appear as though your browsing session originates from the proxy server’s location. However, it’s crucial to remember it only hides your IP from the destination website, not from your ISP or the proxy provider itself. Experience IP masking firsthand: .

What information about me does Decodo not hide?

This is just as important as knowing what it does hide. Decodo is a browser IP masking tool, not an anonymity cloak. It does not hide your activity from:

Your ISP: Your Internet Service Provider can still see that you are connecting to Smartproxy’s server IP address. They know you are using a proxy service.
Smartproxy: As the service provider, Smartproxy has access to information about your connection through their network, including the websites you visit though reputable providers have privacy policies regarding this.
Other browser fingerprinting data: Your browser sends a lot of other identifying information like your User Agent browser type, OS, screen resolution, installed fonts, browser plugins, etc. Decodo doesn’t alter these.
Cookies and Login Information: If you’re logged into a website or have existing cookies, the website can still identify you using that data, even if your IP changes.
Traffic outside Chrome: Any activity from other browsers or applications on your device will use your real IP.

So, while it masks your IP from the destination website, it doesn’t make you invisible online. It provides a targeted privacy layer for browser activity. Understand the scope of its protection: .

Can I choose specific cities or regions, or just countries?

Decodo’s location selection capabilities depend directly on the granularity of the Smartproxy network it uses.

Smartproxy offers a vast network of IP addresses across numerous countries, and often, also provides options to select specific cities or regions within those countries.

When you open the Decodo extension interface and go to the location selection, you will see the list of available locations.

This list typically breaks down by country, and for many countries, offers further drill-down to city-level options.

The ability to select cities is particularly useful for highly localized tasks like checking local search results or geographically targeted ads.

The interface should clearly display the level of granularity available for each country.

Explore the available locations: .

What type of IP addresses does Decodo use residential, datacenter?

Decodo primarily leverages the strength of the Smartproxy network, which is well-known for its extensive pool of residential IP addresses. Residential IPs are assigned by Internet Service Providers ISPs to typical homeowners and businesses. Websites find it much harder to detect that traffic coming from a residential IP is routed through a proxy compared to datacenter IPs, which come from commercial data centers and are often flagged by sophisticated anti-bot or geo-restriction systems. Smartproxy also offers datacenter IPs, which are generally faster, but the core value proposition often lies in accessing legitimate-looking residential IPs. The type of IPs available through Decodo depends on your Smartproxy plan and the options presented in the extension interface, but access to residential IPs for browser tasks is a key advantage. Utilize real residential IPs for your browsing needs: .

Can I use Decodo to access geo-restricted streaming services like Netflix or Hulu?

You can attempt to use Decodo to access streaming services that have different content libraries based on location. By selecting a proxy location in the country whose library you want to access, your browser will appear to be in that location. However, major streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, etc. are very sophisticated in detecting and blocking VPNs and proxies, especially datacenter IPs. While Smartproxy’s strength is residential IPs, which are harder to detect, even residential IPs from known proxy networks can be identified and blocked over time as these services constantly update their detection methods. So, while it might work for some services or temporarily, it’s often a cat-and-mouse game, and there’s no guarantee it will consistently bypass geo-restrictions on the most popular streaming platforms. For other types of geo-restricted content news sites, general videos, it’s generally more effective. Manage expectations for streaming: .

How does Decodo affect my browser’s performance speed?

Routing your browser traffic through a proxy server will almost always introduce some level of delay compared to a direct connection.

Your requests have to travel further to the proxy server and back and go through an extra processing step.

This means your browser’s speed might be slightly or noticeably slower depending on several factors: the distance to the selected proxy server, the load on that server, the speed and quality of the Smartproxy network infrastructure, and importantly, the type of IP residential IPs are typically slower and more variable than datacenter IPs. If speed is your absolute top priority for a browsing task, a direct connection is best.

However, for tasks like geo-checking content, accessing restricted articles, or basic browsing, the speed impact is often an acceptable trade-off for the location control.

Be aware of potential speed variations when using Decodo: .

Can I use Decodo on multiple computers or Chrome profiles?

The Decodo extension is installed per Chrome browser instance.

This means if you have multiple computers, you would need to install the Decodo extension separately on each one.

If you use multiple Chrome profiles on a single computer, you would install the extension within each profile you want to use it with.

Each instance of the extension will then need to be linked to your active Smartproxy account.

Your Smartproxy subscription plan will dictate how many concurrent connections or how much data you can use across these different installations.

Check your Smartproxy plan details for specifics on usage limits across multiple devices or profiles.

Install it wherever you need it: .

Does Decodo offer a kill switch feature?

A kill switch is a security feature that cuts off your internet connection if the proxy connection drops, preventing your real IP from being exposed.

Whether Decodo specifically includes a kill switch feature within the extension interface is something you would need to verify directly in the extension’s settings or documentation after installation.

While full VPN applications often include robust kill switches, browser extensions focused solely on proxying might not always include this or implement it system-wide.

If maintaining IP anonymity is critical and a connection drop could be disastrous, you should check if Decodo offers this feature and how it behaves.

For maximum security against connection drops across your entire device, a system-wide VPN with a confirmed kill switch is generally recommended.

Check the Decodo settings for available features: .

How easy is it to switch between locations using Decodo?

One of the key advantages of a browser extension like Decodo is the sheer convenience, especially for tasks requiring frequent location switching.

The interface, accessed by clicking the Decodo icon in your Chrome toolbar, is designed for speed and ease of use.

Switching locations is typically just a matter of opening the extension interface, selecting a new country and potentially city from the list, and clicking to connect.

The change is usually very quick, taking only a few seconds for the extension to establish the connection to the new proxy server.

This makes it ideal for tasks like rapidly checking how a website looks or behaves in multiple different countries back-to-back.

Quick switching is a core benefit: .

Can I use Decodo to browse specific websites while others use my real IP?

Decodo, as described, typically applies the proxy settings to the entire Chrome browser instance where it is active. This means all tabs and windows within that specific Chrome browser will route their traffic through the selected proxy. It doesn’t usually offer granular control to say “use the proxy for this website, but my real IP for that one” simultaneously within the same Chrome browser instance unless it offers a specific per-site configuration feature check the extension’s settings for advanced options. If you need to browse some sites with a masked IP and others with your real IP at the same time, the easiest approach is often to use Decodo in one Chrome profile or instance and use a different browser like Firefox or Edge or another Chrome profile without Decodo active for the sites you want to access directly. The scope is usually the entire Chrome browser: .

Is Decodo suitable for high-anonymity tasks?

No, Decodo is not suitable for high-anonymity tasks where your identity absolutely must not be traceable. While it masks your IP address from the destination website, it does not provide the multi-layered encryption or network obfuscation of tools like Tor, nor the system-wide, audited privacy focus of a top-tier, no-logs VPN designed for anonymity. Your ISP knows you’re connecting to Smartproxy, and Smartproxy logs depending on their policy, which you should review for their service, not just the extension could potentially link activity back to your account. Decodo is a tool for specific browser tasks like geo-unblocking, testing, and basic IP masking for discretion, built on a robust proxy network suitable for use cases like data acquisition or ad verification where appearing as a legitimate local user is key, not high-level anonymity. For serious anonymity needs, look at dedicated tools designed specifically for that purpose. Understand its limitations for anonymity: .

How does Decodo handle cookies and browser history when changing IP addresses?

Decodo’s core function is IP routing; it doesn’t inherently manage your browser’s cookies, cache, or history. So, when you switch IP locations using Decodo, your existing cookies and browsing history in Chrome typically remain. Websites can still use these cookies to identify you, even if your IP address has changed. For tasks where you want to appear as a completely new visitor from a different location, you would need to manually clear your browser’s cookies and cache after changing the location in Decodo, or use Chrome’s Incognito mode which doesn’t save history or cookies with Decodo active. Some advanced proxy tools or browser profiles might offer integrated cookie management, but Decodo focuses on the IP layer. Manage browser data separately for full effect: .

Can Decodo help me avoid IP bans on websites?

If a website or forum has banned your specific home IP address, using Decodo to browse that site via a different IP address from the Smartproxy network within your Chrome browser can potentially allow you to access it. The website’s server will see the new proxy IP, not your banned home IP. However, sophisticated sites might also employ other detection methods beyond just IP like browser fingerprinting or cookie analysis. If you’re logged in with an account that was also banned, changing your IP won’t unban your account. So, it can help bypass an IP-level block for browsing on sites that don’t use aggressive anti-proxy or fingerprinting measures, provided you also handle cookies and login state appropriately. It addresses the IP layer of a ban: .

What is the underlying service that powers Decodo?

Decodo is powered by Smartproxy. The extension itself is the interface, but the network of IP addresses and the infrastructure that routes your traffic are provided by Smartproxy. Smartproxy is a well-established provider of residential and datacenter proxies, used widely for tasks like web scraping, data collection, ad verification, and indeed, geo-targeting and anonymous browsing. Decodo gives Smartproxy users a convenient, browser-specific way to access their proxy resources without needing to configure system settings or use separate proxy management software. Your experience with Decodo’s location options, IP quality, and reliability is directly tied to the Smartproxy network’s capabilities. It’s Smartproxy’s network in your browser: .

Is Decodo safe to use for general browsing?

When obtained from the official Chrome Web Store and used with a legitimate Smartproxy account, Decodo is generally safe for its intended purpose of browser IP masking and geo-access. It routes your browser traffic through reputable proxy servers. However, “safe” depends on your definition. It provides IP privacy from destination sites but does not protect you from malicious websites, phishing attempts, or general internet security threats. It’s not antivirus or a security suite. Your data is routed through Smartproxy’s network, so trusting Smartproxy’s infrastructure and privacy practices is part of the safety equation. As long as you understand its limitations not a full security solution, browser-only scope and get it from the official source, it’s safe for masking your browser’s IP for specific tasks. Use responsibly and get it from the source: .

Can Decodo be used to test website loading speed from different locations?

Yes, Decodo can be a useful tool for roughly testing website loading speed and performance from different geographical vantage points within your browser. By switching locations in Decodo and then loading a webpage, you are simulating a user accessing that site from a server in the chosen region. This allows you to see how quickly the page renders, if regional assets like images from a CDN load correctly, and get a feel for the user experience in that location. This is especially valuable for verifying Content Delivery Network CDN configurations. While it’s not a substitute for dedicated website performance testing tools that measure metrics precisely, it provides a quick and practical way to visually check performance variations by location directly in your browsing session. Check performance from around the globe: .

Does Decodo work in Chrome’s Incognito mode?

Yes, browser extensions installed in Chrome can work in Incognito mode, but they typically require explicit permission from the user. When you install an extension, you can go into Chrome’s extension settings chrome://extensions/, find Decodo, click “Details,” and enable the option “Allow in Incognito.” If you enable this setting, Decodo will be active in Incognito windows. Using Decodo in Incognito mode is often a good strategy for tasks where you want to ensure a clean browsing session no history, no pre-existing cookies from your standard profile while also masking your IP and appearing in a different location. Combine Decodo with Incognito for clean, location-masked sessions: .

What kind of support is available for Decodo?

Since Decodo is powered by Smartproxy, support for the extension and the underlying service comes from Smartproxy.

Smartproxy is a professional service provider and offers customer support for its users, which would include assistance with using the Decodo extension, troubleshooting connection issues related to the proxy network, and managing your Smartproxy account.

You would typically access support through Smartproxy’s website or their customer dashboard, not specifically through the Chrome Web Store listing for Decodo.

Rely on Smartproxy’s professional support: .

Can I set Decodo to automatically activate for certain websites?

The ability to set per-website rules or auto-activate for specific domains is a feature that some advanced browser proxy extensions offer. Whether Decodo includes this specific capability needs to be checked within its settings interface after installation. Simple proxy extensions often apply universally when toggled on, affecting all browsing traffic in that instance. More sophisticated ones might allow you to create lists of websites that should always use the proxy, never use the proxy, or only use the proxy when the extension is globally enabled. Check the Decodo interface for options related to “Rules,” “Site List,” or “Exclusions” to see if this feature is available. Look for per-site settings: .

Is my connection to the proxy server logged?

Yes, the connection from your device to the Smartproxy server is logged by Smartproxy.

As the provider of the proxy service, they operate the servers and need to log connections for various reasons, including managing bandwidth, troubleshooting, preventing abuse, and potentially complying with legal requirements depending on their jurisdiction and policies. The extent of logging e.g., how long logs are kept, what specific data is recorded is governed by Smartproxy’s privacy policy.

If ‘no logging’ of connection data is a critical requirement for your use case, you need a service like a VPN or proxy provider that explicitly states and ideally proves a strict no-logging policy, often verified by third-party audits.

For Decodo/Smartproxy, assume connection data is logged according to their terms.

Review Smartproxy’s privacy policy for details: .

Does Decodo protect me if I click on a malicious link?

No, Decodo is not designed to protect you from clicking malicious links or visiting harmful websites.

Its function is to change your apparent IP address and route browser traffic through a proxy.

It does not scan websites for malware, phishing content, or other security threats.

If you click on a link that leads to a dangerous site or attempts to download malicious software, Decodo will route your traffic to that site via the proxy, but it will not prevent the threat itself from reaching your browser or computer.

You still need standard internet security practices, like being cautious about which links you click and having reputable antivirus/anti-malware software installed.

Decodo is not a security tool in this sense: .

Can I use Decodo on other browsers besides Chrome?

No, Decodo is specifically a Google Chrome extension.

It is built using Chrome’s extension APIs and is designed to integrate directly with the Chrome browser’s networking functions.

It cannot be installed or used on other web browsers like Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, Brave, etc.

If you need similar browser-specific IP masking functionality on a different browser, you would need to look for an extension specifically developed for that particular browser, often provided by the same proxy service or a competitor.

Decodo lives and breathes in Chrome: .

Is there a limit to how many times I can change my location?

The limit on how many times you can change your location or how much data you can use through Decodo is tied to your underlying Smartproxy subscription plan. Smartproxy plans typically have limits based on either the number of IP addresses you can access concurrently, the total bandwidth data usage consumed, or the number of requests made. As long as you are within the limits of your active Smartproxy plan, you can switch locations using Decodo as often as needed. Check your specific Smartproxy plan details to understand your usage limits. Your Smartproxy plan dictates usage: .

Does using Decodo affect my search results on Google or other search engines?

Yes, using Decodo to change your apparent location can significantly affect the search results you see on search engines like Google, Bing, etc., when you use them within your Chrome browser.

Search engines heavily personalize results based on your detected location to provide relevant local information local businesses, news, services. When you search via a proxy IP from a different country or city, the search engine will tailor the results as if you were physically in that location.

This is a valuable use case for Decodo for SEO professionals or marketers doing competitive analysis to see how search results appear in different markets.

See local search results from anywhere: .

Can websites detect that I’m using a proxy via Decodo?

Sophisticated websites, especially those that actively try to block non-residential traffic or detect bots, can potentially detect that you are using a proxy or VPN. Websites use various techniques beyond just checking the IP type residential vs. datacenter, such as analyzing browser fingerprinting data, checking for consistency between reported location data e.g., GPS if available and allowed and IP location, analyzing browsing behavior speed, clicks, mouse movements, and cross-referencing the IP against known proxy/VPN databases. While Decodo leverages Smartproxy’s reputable residential IP network, which is much harder to detect than datacenter IPs, it’s not foolproof. The goal of using quality residential proxies via Decodo for tasks like data collection is to minimize detection risk, but sophisticated sites can still flag suspicious activity or IPs. Success depends on the site’s detection methods: .

Is using Decodo for geo-unblocking legal?

The legality of using tools like Decodo or VPNs to bypass geo-restrictions varies depending on your location, the terms of service of the website or service you are accessing, and the nature of the content.

In most places, simply using a proxy or VPN is legal.

However, using it to violate a website’s terms of service e.g., accessing content you haven’t paid for, or content not licensed for your region or to engage in illegal activities is not legal.

While bypassing geo-blocks for personal viewing of content you have legitimate access to like a subscription might be legally ambiguous but often unenforced, using it for commercial purposes like scraping content against terms of service or accessing explicitly illegal content is problematic.

Always be aware of the terms of service of the sites you visit and the laws in your jurisdiction.

Use responsibly and ethically: .

What troubleshooting steps should I try if Decodo isn’t working?

If Decodo isn’t changing your IP or connecting, try these steps:

Check the Toggle: Ensure the Decodo extension is toggled “On” in its interface.
Verify Location Selection: Make sure you have selected a specific location in the extension.
Check Account Status: Confirm that your Smartproxy account is active, has sufficient balance/usage limits, and is properly linked within the Decodo extension interface.
Check Connection Status: Look for a connection status indicator in the extension interface to see if it successfully connected to the proxy server.
Reload Page/Restart Chrome: Sometimes simply reloading the page or closing and reopening Chrome can resolve temporary glitches.
Try a Different Location: The specific proxy server you’re trying to connect to might be temporarily down or having issues. Try selecting a different location or a different IP within the same location if options are available.
Check Smartproxy Status: Visit the Smartproxy website or status page if available to see if there are any network-wide issues.
Review Permissions: Ensure the extension has the necessary permissions enabled in Chrome’s extension settings.
Contact Smartproxy Support: If none of these work, reach out to Smartproxy’s customer support as the issue is likely with the underlying proxy service or your account configuration.

These steps cover the most common issues from the extension interface to the backend service.

Troubleshoot systematically: .

Does Decodo use bandwidth from my Smartproxy plan?

Yes, absolutely.

All the data you download and upload through your Chrome browser while Decodo is active and connected to a proxy location counts towards the bandwidth usage limits of your Smartproxy subscription plan.

This includes loading webpages, streaming videos if they work, downloading files, etc.

Since the data is routed through Smartproxy’s network, they measure the bandwidth consumed.

This is why Smartproxy plans are often tiered by data allowance.

Be mindful of your data consumption, especially if you’re doing bandwidth-intensive tasks while using Decodo.

Monitor your Smartproxy dashboard for usage: .

Can Decodo help with web scraping or data collection?

Yes, accessing high-quality residential IPs from various locations is a core requirement for effective and undetectable web scraping and data collection.

Decodo, by providing easy browser-based access to Smartproxy’s residential network, can be a useful tool for manual or semi-automated data collection tasks performed directly within the browser.

For large-scale, automated scraping, you would typically use Smartproxy’s service directly via APIs or dedicated scraping software that integrates with their proxy network, rather than relying solely on a browser extension.

But for tasks like checking pricing on e-commerce sites in different regions or collecting public data from geo-restricted sites manually, Decodo is highly effective due to its access to residential IPs.

A powerful tool for browser-based data tasks: .

How does Decodo impact browser fingerprinting?

Decodo primarily changes your IP address. Browser fingerprinting relies on collecting many data points unique to your specific browser setup – things like your User Agent string, installed fonts, screen resolution, plugins, rendering capabilities, and more. Decodo does not typically alter or randomize these other data points. Therefore, while it removes your real IP a key component of a fingerprint from the picture for the destination site, it does not prevent sophisticated websites from potentially identifying your browser across sessions or sites using these other static or semi-static characteristics. For tasks requiring protection against browser fingerprinting, you would need tools specifically designed to spoof or randomize these browser characteristics, often combined with IP masking. Decodo masks the IP, not the entire fingerprint: .

Can I use Decodo to manage multiple social media accounts from different IPs?

Potentially, yes, Decodo could be part of a strategy for managing multiple accounts like social media or e-commerce seller accounts that require logging in from different IP addresses or geographical locations to avoid triggering security flags.

By using Decodo, you can quickly switch your browser’s IP before logging into a different account.

To do this effectively and minimize detection risk, you would also need to carefully manage other browser data like cookies, login sessions, and potentially browser fingerprints as discussed above. This often means using separate Chrome profiles or containers for each account, clearing cookies diligently, or using Incognito mode with Decodo active, combined with selecting a different IP location for each account session.

It helps with the IP part of account management strategies: .

Why would I choose Decodo over manually configuring Chrome’s proxy settings?

While Chrome allows manual proxy configuration in its system settings, using a browser extension like Decodo offers significant advantages for users who need to frequently change their IP location or access a large network of rotating proxies.

Ease of Use: Switching locations is much faster and more intuitive through the extension’s interface compared to digging into Chrome’s deep settings menus.
Access to IP Pool: Manual configuration usually requires you to source and manage lists of proxy IP addresses and ports yourself. Decodo via Smartproxy provides instant access to a vast, managed pool of IPs, including hard-to-get residential ones.
IP Rotation: Smartproxy’s network allows for easy IP rotation, providing a fresh IP address from the selected location, which is crucial for tasks like scraping or verification. Manual setup doesn’t easily facilitate this.
Smartproxy Integration: It seamlessly integrates with your paid Smartproxy account and its features.

Decodo turns a complex manual task into a few clicks for browser traffic.

Convenience and access to a premium network are the key benefits: .

Does Decodo offer dedicated IP addresses?

The availability of dedicated static, non-changing IP addresses versus rotating dynamic, changing frequently IP addresses depends on your Smartproxy plan and the options presented in the Decodo extension. Smartproxy primarily offers access to large pools of rotating residential and datacenter IPs, which are generally better for tasks requiring many different IPs like scraping. Dedicated IPs are typically static and are often used for tasks like remote access or managing specific accounts where logging in from the same IP is important. While Smartproxy offers options for dedicated IPs as part of their service, whether the Decodo extension specifically provides an easy interface to select and use your dedicated IPs if your plan includes them is something to verify within the extension’s settings or Smartproxy’s documentation. Check your plan and the extension interface for dedicated IP options: .

Can I use Decodo for tasks that require logging into websites?

Yes, you can use Decodo while logged into websites in your Chrome browser. Changing your IP address with Decodo does not automatically log you out of websites. The website will see you accessing from a new IP address, but your login session managed via cookies should remain active. As noted earlier, if you are trying to mask your activity or location for account management purposes, changing the IP is just one step; you also need to consider cookies and browser fingerprinting. But for simply browsing a geo-restricted logged-in service like accessing a different regional catalog of an online store you have an account with, Decodo works while you are logged in. Use with existing login sessions: .

How is Decodo updated?

Like most Chrome extensions, Decodo is updated automatically by Google Chrome.

When the publisher Smartproxy or its affiliate releases an update to the extension on the Chrome Web Store, Chrome periodically checks for these updates and installs them in the background without requiring user intervention.

This ensures you always have the latest version with any bug fixes, performance improvements, or new features.

You can manually check for and force extension updates via the Chrome Extensions management page chrome://extensions/. Automatic updates simplify maintenance: .

Decodo Chrome Extension To Change Ip Address