Let’s be real: Craigslist is not the easiest platform to work with these days.

One moment you’re browsing or posting like usual, the next you’re hit with:

“This IP has been automatically blocked.”

And suddenly, you're locked out.

So what happened? Why is Craigslist being so picky? And how can you get back in without tearing your hair out?

Let’s break it down together in plain English — no tech jargon, just real talk.

Craigslist has been around since the 90s, but their moderation system is super strict by today’s standards. They’re on high alert for anything that looks even remotely like spam or automation.

Here’s what usually gets people blocked:

• Posting too many ads too fast

• Using the same IP to post in different cities

• Reposting the same ad (or very similar ads)

• Scraping lots of data

• Logging in from known VPNs or proxy IPs

• Using bots or automation tools

Sometimes, it doesn’t even take much — you might just refresh too quickly, or your VPN IP happens to be on their naughty list.

First off, don’t freak out. Craigslist bans IPs, not people. You’re not blacklisted for life — but you do need to make a few changes.

This is the most important step. If Craigslist blocked your IP, then you need a new one.

You can try:

• Rebooting your router (if your ISP gives you dynamic IPs)

• Switching to mobile data temporarily

• Using a residential proxy (most effective)

Pro tip: Avoid free proxies and public VPNs. Craigslist knows those and blocks them instantly.

Even if you get a new IP, Craigslist can still track you through your browser.

• Use Incognito mode

• Clear cookies and local storage

• Better yet, use an anti-detect browser like GoLogin or AdsPower

These tools let you create totally separate browser “profiles” that don’t leave digital footprints.

Don’t go posting 10 ads back-to-back or refreshing 50 listings in a minute. Craigslist watches for unnatural behavior.

• Post slowly

• Don’t reuse the exact same titles or descriptions

• Use correct locations and categories

• Add some spacing between your actions

Think of it like this: If you wouldn’t do it manually, don’t let your bot do it either.

A proxy is like a mask for your internet connection. It hides your real IP and replaces it with another one — often from a different location.

But not all proxies are equal.

So yes — if you’re serious about working with Craigslist (for scraping, posting, or multi-account stuff), residential proxies are the way to go.

Let’s be honest — you’re probably not just browsing for free couches.

Here are some legit use cases where Craigslist proxies come in clutch:

Craigslist doesn’t like it when people post the same ad all over the place. But if you’re a business — like a cleaning company or car rental — you might need to advertise in different regions.

Using city-specific proxies lets you:

• Post as a local in each area

• Avoid bans and ghosting

• Manage multiple accounts smoothly

Just remember: 1 proxy per account = safe and stable.

Maybe you’re collecting data on rentals, services, gigs, or even flipping leads to clients.

Craigslist has anti-scraping protections, so if you make too many requests from one IP, it’ll cut you off.

Rotating residential proxies let you:

• Spread out your requests

• Avoid detection

• Keep your scraping running 24/7

Tools like Scrapy, Puppeteer, or BeautifulSoup work great when paired with good proxy management.

This one’s simple — if Craigslist locked you out, a fresh residential IP is like hitting the reset button.

Combine it with a clean browser profile and you’re good to go.

Agencies and freelancers who manage Craigslist posting for others need to keep things separate.

Using different proxies for each client ensures:

• No cross-account contamination

• Fewer bans

• Easier scaling

It’s also useful if you’re testing different niches or business types.

If you want a trusted provider that actually works with Craigslist, check out MoMoProxy. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• 80+ million global residential IPs

• Free trial (50MB–1GB to test)

• Location targeting down to the city

• HTTP(S) and SOCKS5 support

• Fast speeds (up to 500M/S)

• Works on all devices: Windows, Android, iOS, etc.

They support all use cases:

• Craigslist scraping

• Multi-location posting

• Anti-detect browser setups

• Bots and automation (if done carefully)

And their support is responsive — not one of those “ghost town” proxy providers.

Let’s wrap up with some practical tips:

• 1 IP = 1 account
• Vary your ad content (don’t just copy/paste)
• Use proper categories and geo-locations
• Post gradually, like a real person
• Rotate your proxies if scraping
• Test everything before scaling

If you're active in Craigslist's discussion forums, you might’ve noticed something strange lately — no more photos. That's right, Craigslist quietly banned all images from discussion threads, and people are still scratching their heads over it.

This change isn't technically related to IP bans, but it's another reminder that Craigslist is tightening the screws all across the platform. They're cracking down on bots, spammy posts, and even community forum behavior.

So what does this mean for you?

• You can't share screenshots or memes in discussion threads anymore

• Posting images for context or help is no longer an option

• It’s part of Craigslist’s effort to stay ultra-minimal and spam-free

If you're using the forums for engagement or community support, you’ll need to rely on text-only communication from now on.

Craigslist is tricky — but not impossible. If you understand how their system works and play by the rules (or slightly bend them smartly), you can stay under the radar.

Getting blocked isn’t the end. With the right setup — proxies, clean browsers, and a bit of patience — you can bounce back and scale up.

And if you’re looking for a reliable partner, MoMoProxy has your back.

Want help setting up your scraper, poster, or proxy rotation? I’d be happy to walk you through a personalized setup. Just say the word