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What is the browser User-Agent string?

By Daniel Moore

What is the browser User-Agent string?

A browser’s User-Agent string (UA) helps identify which browser is being used, what version, and on which operating system. Like all other browsers, Chrome for Android sends this information in the User-Agent HTTP header every time it makes a request to any site.

How do I change the User-Agent header?

How to Change Your User-Agent on Chrome & Edge

  1. Right Click Anywhere in Webpage > Inspect. Alternatively, you can use CTR+Shift+I on Windows, Cmd + Opt +J on Mac.
  2. Choose More Tools > Network Conditions.
  3. Uncheck Select Automatically Checkbox.
  4. Choose One Among the Built-In User-Agents List.

What is the purpose of User-Agent header?

The User-Agent request header is a characteristic string that lets servers and network peers identify the application, operating system, vendor, and/or version of the requesting user agent.

Can User-Agent be empty?

If you want to ban anything but common browsers then blocking an empty user-agent might help you a bit. But this will only help against a few non-browsers, most HTTP clients actually set some User-Agent and often they set it to something which looks like a browser in order to bypass simple restrictions.

Where is the user agent string in Chrome?

Google Chrome Chrome’s user agent switcher is part of its Developer Tools. Open them by clicking the menu button and selecting More Tools > Developer Tools. You can also use press Ctrl+Shift+I on your keyboard.

How do I change the user agent string in Chrome?

Select the “Menu” icon located at the upper-right corner, then choose “More tools” > “Network conditions“. Uncheck the “Select automatically” check box, then choose the user agent you wish to use. in the drop-down menu. You can free text the string by selecting “Other“.

How do I change my user agent in Chrome?

Just right click on any page and select your user-agent. This Chrome extension adds a toolbar button and a menu to switch between user-agents. Browse with our predefined user-agents or add your own user-agents. Changing User-Agent allows you to mimic, spoof or fake other browsers, devices or search engine spiders.

What is the user agent field in a HTTP request?

The HTTP headers User-Agent is a request header that allows a characteristic string that allows network protocol peers to identify the Operating System and Browser of the web-server. Your browser sends the user agent to every website you connect to.