-
How can I scrape data that’s only available after login?
I use Selenium to log in and store the session cookies, which allows me to access login-protected pages without re-authenticating each time.
-
7 Replies
-
For sites with API-based logins, capturing the login request and sending the required headers manually works well. It’s faster than a full browser login.
-
I keep session cookies saved and reload them in each session to avoid repetitive logins, especially for sites with strict login attempts limits.
-
Automating login through a headless browser is effective if there are multi-factor authentication steps. Selenium can handle pop-ups and text input.
-
Some sites require CSRF tokens or other session-specific values. I capture and send these with each request to maintain session continuity.
-
Using a combination of browser automation and API requests after login speeds up scraping, as I don’t need the browser for every request.
-
For single-session scrapers, I simulate the login manually and extract cookies, which I then add to each request for as long as the session lasts.
-
Logging in during off-peak hours reduces the risk of being flagged for unusual activity. Many sites monitor login frequency and usage patterns.
Log in to reply.