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This vid helps get started w/ Private Internet Access SOCKS5 proxy: https://helpdesk.privateinternetaccess.com/kb/articles/do-you-offer-a-socks5-proxy.

i. When using Private Internet Access (PIA) with SOCKS5, some common issues users might encounter include:

1. **Connection Instability**:
- SOCKS5 connections may drop unexpectedly, especially if the server you're connecting to is experiencing issues. The proxy server may have high traffic or be temporarily offline.

2. **Slow Speeds**:
- SOCKS5 may not provide the same level of speed as other VPN protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard, especially if you're using a distant server or have bandwidth limitations.

3. **DNS Leaks**:
- A SOCKS5 proxy doesn’t inherently offer DNS leak protection, which means that DNS queries could leak outside the proxy connection. This might expose your browsing activity to your ISP.

4. **Incompatibility with Some Websites**:
- Some websites or services may detect proxy usage and block or restrict access to users using SOCKS5 proxies.

5. **Authentication Issues**:
- Incorrect SOCKS5 username or password settings in your client can result in failed connections or the inability to access the internet.

6. **Limited Encryption**:
- SOCKS5 is not encrypted by default. If you need encrypted traffic, you may be vulnerable to Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks unless additional security measures (like using HTTPS) are in place.

7. **Firewall/Antivirus Conflicts**:
- Some firewalls or antivirus software might block SOCKS5 traffic, either mistakenly identifying it as suspicious or as a potential threat.

8. **Not Full VPN Coverage**:
- Unlike a full VPN service, SOCKS5 only routes specific traffic (usually browser or application-specific), leaving other traffic unprotected unless configured correctly.

9. **Compatibility with Some Apps**:
- Not all apps support SOCKS5 proxies, and manual configuration might be required. Even if an app supports it, you may experience issues with apps not routing traffic properly through the proxy.

10. **Geo-restriction Issues**:
- PIA's SOCKS5 server locations may not always bypass geo-restrictions effectively, especially with services that use advanced methods to detect proxies (e.g., streaming platforms).

11. **Limited Security Features**:
- While PIA provides some security measures, SOCKS5 by itself is not as secure as a full VPN with encryption. It only provides anonymity by hiding the user's IP address.

12. **Proxy Server Overload**:
- If too many users are connecting to the same SOCKS5 server, it might get overloaded, causing slowdowns or connection issues.

If you're facing issues, checking the settings, trying different SOCKS5 servers, or switching to PIA's full VPN connection would help.