Setup Proxy and Capture API Requests from Another Device

Capturing API requests from another device can be efficiently done using Postman's built-in proxy feature. This allows you to intercept and analyze network traffic from mobile devices, making it easier to debug and test your APIs. Here’s how to set it up:

Step 1: Install Postman

• Download Postman: If you haven't already, download and install Postman from the official website.

Step 2: Configure Postman as a Proxy

1. Open Postman.
2. Access Proxy Settings:
   • Go to File > Settings (or click on the gear icon).
   • Navigate to the Proxy tab.
   • Enable the Use System Proxy option or manually set the proxy settings.
   • Set the port to 5555 (or another port of your choice).

Step 3: Find Your Computer’s IP Address

• Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
• Run ipconfig (Windows) or ifconfig (macOS/Linux) to find your local IP address (something like 192.168.1.x).

Step 4: Configure Your Mobile Device

• Connect to the Same Network: Ensure your mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.
• Set Up Proxy on Mobile:
  • For Android:
    1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi.
    2. Long press on your connected network and select Modify network.
    3. Expand advanced options and set Proxy to "Manual".
    4. Enter your computer’s IP address and port 5555.
  • For iOS:
    1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
    2. Tap the info icon (i) next to your connected network.
    3. Scroll to HTTP Proxy, select Manual.
    4. Enter your computer’s IP address and port 5555.

Step 5: Capture Traffic in Postman

• Open the Mobile App: Start using the app on your mobile device.
• View Traffic in Postman: You should see the network requests being captured in Postman’s main window.

Step 6: Analyze Requests

• Click on any request in Postman to see details such as:
  • Request URL
  • Request Method (GET, POST, etc.)
  • Headers
  • Request Body (for POST requests)
  • Response Body and status codes

Step 7: Troubleshooting Tips

• Firewall Settings: Ensure your firewall is not blocking Postman or the required ports.
• Proxy Settings: Double-check the IP address and port number in your mobile device's proxy settings.
• Restart Devices: Restart both your mobile device and Postman if you encounter issues.

Summary

Setting up a proxy in Postman allows you to capture and analyze API requests from mobile devices effectively. By following the outlined steps, you can intercept network traffic and gain valuable insights into your API interactions.

Conclusion

Using Postman as a proxy for capturing API requests from another device is a powerful technique for debugging and testing. This setup not only helps in monitoring API calls but also enhances your ability to troubleshoot issues in real-time. 

 

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