Last updated: 2026-10-18. The domain status reflects same-day DNS / WHOIS lookup results. Event details are as stated in the original reports linked in this article.

Quick Verdict

  • Do not purchase or renew PIA S5 Proxy.A WHOIS lookup on 2026-10-18 shows piaproxy.com with the status clientHold (DNS resolution suspended by the registrar), and the official website is no longer accessible.
  • Google Threat Intelligence Group 2026-01-28 Report: Google and partners took down the IPIDEA residential proxy network, including domains used to control devices and relay traffic, through legal action. Among the brands the report lists as run by the same group is PIA S5 Proxy (piaproxy.com).
  • The report states that IPIDEA's SDK, offered to developers, can add phones and computers to a proxy network without the user's knowledge. During the seven days of January 2026, Google observed more than 550 threat actor groups using IPIDEA's egress IPs.
  • We have removed PIA S5 Proxy recommendation cards and promotional links from all pages. The original promotional links now redirect to this page.

What happened

On January 28, 2026, the Google Threat Intelligence Group published a report on how Google and its partners disrupted IPIDEA, which it considers one of the largest residential proxy networks in the world. The measures included legal action to take down domains used to control devices and relay traffic, sharing intelligence on IPIDEA's SDK and proxy software with platform providers, law enforcement, and research institutions, and having Google Play Protect automatically warn about and remove apps that contain the IPIDEA SDK.

The report lists proxy and VPN brands that appear independent on the surface but are operated by the same people who control IPIDEA. PIA S5 Proxy (piaproxy.com) is among them. Other brands on the list include 360 Proxy, 922 Proxy, ABC Proxy, Cherry Proxy, Door VPN, Galleon VPN, IP 2 World, Ipidea, Luna Proxy, PY Proxy, Radish VPN, and Tab Proxy. Source:Disrupting the World’s Largest Residential Proxy Network（Google Cloud Blog）. Our site's roundup is atGoogle shuts down IPIDEA residential proxies: compliant IP sourcing matters。

What to do if you're already using it

  • 1. Disable the configuration:Remove its proxy address from your browser, antidetect browser, scripts, and server configurations, then replace it with a new provider.
  • 2. Check account:For any accounts you logged into through it, change the password, turn on two-factor authentication, and review recent login activity.
  • 3. Prepaid balance:The official site is no longer reachable, and there is no normal refund channel. You can contact the credit card issuer or PayPal you used for payment to ask about the dispute process. The outcome depends on their rules.

Providers you can switch to

When switching providers, price isn't the only factor. Also check how they explain where their IP addresses come from.Google's January 2026 report on residential proxy networkswrote that claims of a “compliant source” should be backed by transparent, auditable proof of user consent. The pages below are organized by official pricing and terms, with prices verified as of 2026-10-18: