Resolving the CERTIFICATE_VERIFY_FAILED Error with Python Requests and Proxy Configuration

Discover how to solve the `CERTIFICATE_VERIFY_FAILED` error when using Python Requests with a proxy. Learn how to implement self-signed certificates effectively.
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Resolving the CERTIFICATE_VERIFY_FAILED Error with Python Requests and Proxy Configuration

If you've recently tried to set up a proxy with the Python requests library, and you've encountered the frustrating CERTIFICATE_VERIFY_FAILED error, you're not alone. This issue often crops up due to SSL certificate verification failures, especially when using self-signed certificates or improperly configured proxies. In this post, we will explore the problem in detail and provide a clear, step-by-step solution to resolve the error and achieve a successful proxy connection.

Understanding the Problem

When you attempt to make an HTTPS request through a proxy, the requests library needs to verify the SSL certificate of the server it is connecting to. The error in question typically looks like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This error indicates that the SSL certificate verification failed because a self-signed certificate was detected in the certificate chain. If you're using Bright Data's proxy service, it might be that the proxy server's SSL configuration is not trusted by your environment.

The Solution: Using a Self-Signed Certificate and Key

Here’s how to effectively configure your Python code to work with a self-signed certificate when using a proxy. Follow these well-organized steps:

1. Obtain the Certificate and Key

First, you need to have access to the self-signed certificate and its corresponding private key. Ensure you know the paths to these files in your system.

2. Set Up Your Proxy Configuration

Here’s an example of how to modify your existing proxy configuration:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

3. Key Components Explained

Proxy Setup: The code initializes the proxy addresses using the standard localhost addresses. Ensure your proxy service is up and running on these ports.

Certificate Paths: These paths should point to your actual PEM certificate and key files. Adjust CACERT_PATH and CACERT_KEY with the exact locations on your local system.

Conclusion

Using a self-signed certificate when working with proxies in Python can potentially resolve the CERTIFICATE_VERIFY_FAILED error. By following the outlined steps and ensuring your environment is correctly set up, you should now be able to proceed with making secure requests without running into SSL verification issues.

If you encounter any further problems or have additional questions, don’t hesitate to seek help from the community! Happy coding!