# Instagram cookies — when server browser cannot login

## Why ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS on server?

Instagram blocks login from datacenter IPs (Hetzner, OVH, etc.).
Firefox/Chrome on Windows Server will loop forever — this is NOT a listener bug.

## Solution: import cookies from home PC or phone

### Step 1 — On your PC or phone browser (home internet)

1. Open https://www.instagram.com
2. Login as @downista.bot
3. Press F12 → Application (Chrome) or Storage (Firefox)
4. Cookies → https://www.instagram.com
5. Copy these **Value** fields:
   - sessionid (required)
   - csrftoken (required)
   - ds_user_id (required)
   - mid (recommended)
   - ig_did (recommended)

### Step 2 — On Windows Server

```
cd C:\ins\instagram-listener
import_web_cookies.bat
```

Paste each cookie when prompted.

Or save cookies.json and run:
```
python import_web_cookies.py C:\path\cookies.json
```

### Step 3 — Run listener

```
run_browser.bat
```

## Refresh when session dies

Repeat Step 1–2 (every few days or after Instagram logout).
Do NOT use login_browser.bat on server unless you have residential proxy.

## Optional: residential proxy for server browser

If you have a residential proxy, set in .env:
```
INSTAGRAM_PROXY=http://user:pass@host:port
```
Then try login_browser.bat once. Most users should use import_web_cookies.bat instead.

## Clear broken browser cookies on server (optional)

Firefox: delete profile cookies or use fresh profile.
Chrome: Settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data → Cookies for instagram.com.

This does not affect data\web_cookies.json used by the listener.
