Cloudflare blocks over 80% of automated web traffic. The cf_clearance cookie is your ticket past that wall.
This cookie proves you solved Cloudflare's challenge. Without it, your scraper hits a brick wall every time. The good news? You can extract it programmatically.
In this guide, you'll learn seven battle-tested methods to scrape cf_clearance cookies in 2026. I've tested each approach against real Cloudflare-protected sites.
You'll discover which tools actually work against modern Cloudflare protection. Some popular solutions from 2024 no longer function. Others have emerged as reliable alternatives - there is as well a new challenge called JSD.
By the end, you'll have working code for each method. Plus practical advice on cookie persistence, proxy integration, and avoiding common detection pitfalls.
What is the cf_clearance Cookie?
The cf_clearance cookie is a session token issued by Cloudflare after a browser passes its security challenges. This cookie validates that your browser solved JavaScript challenges, passed behavioral analysis, and matches expected fingerprint patterns.
Once obtained, the cf_clearance cookie lets you access protected content for 30-60 minutes. The catch? You must maintain the same User-Agent and IP address that generated it.
Cloudflare ties this cookie to your browser fingerprint. Using it with different request parameters triggers immediate blocking.
How Cloudflare Issues the Cookie
The process works in stages. First, Cloudflare presents a JavaScript challenge. Your browser executes complex calculations proving JavaScript capability.
Next comes behavioral analysis. Cloudflare monitors mouse movements, scroll patterns, and timing between actions. Genuine users exhibit natural randomness. Bots show mechanical precision.
Finally, fingerprint validation occurs. Cloudflare checks your TLS handshake signature, HTTP header order, and browser property values. Mismatches indicate automation.
Pass all three stages and Cloudflare issues the clearance cookie. Fail any check and you face another challenge or outright blocking.
Cookie Structure and Contents
The cf_clearance value itself is an encoded token. It contains timestamps, session identifiers, and cryptographic signatures.
You cannot modify or forge this cookie. Cloudflare validates it server-side against your original session parameters.
The cookie expiration varies by site configuration. Most expire within 30-60 minutes. Some high-security sites use 15-minute windows.
Why Scraping cf_clearance Matters
Standard HTTP clients like Python's requests library fail against Cloudflare instantly. They can't execute JavaScript or solve challenges.
The cf_clearance cookie changes this game completely. Extract it once, then reuse it for dozens of requests without repeated challenges.
For large-scale scraping, this approach cuts resource usage dramatically. No need to run headless browsers for every single request.
Resource Efficiency Gains
Running headless browsers consumes 200-500MB RAM per instance. At scale, this adds up fast.
With cookie extraction, you run the browser once. Subsequent requests use lightweight HTTP clients consuming just a few megabytes.
A typical scraping workflow looks like this: extract cookie with browser, then execute 50-100 HTTP requests before the cookie expires. Repeat.
Speed Improvements
Browser automation runs slowly. Each page load takes seconds for rendering and JavaScript execution.
HTTP requests with pre-extracted cookies complete in milliseconds. You can process hundreds of pages per minute instead of dozens.
Avoiding Rate Limiting
Each browser session generates distinct patterns. Opening multiple browsers simultaneously triggers Cloudflare's abuse detection.
Reusing a single cookie across sequential requests appears more natural. The traffic pattern mimics a human browsing multiple pages.
Method 1: CF-Clearance-Scraper (Fastest Setup)
CF-Clearance-Scraper is a purpose-built tool for extracting Cloudflare cookies. It handles JavaScript, Managed, and Interactive challenges automatically.
Installation
Clone the repository and install dependencies:
git clone https://github.com/Xewdy444/CF-Clearance-Scraper
cd CF-Clearance-Scraper
pip3 install -r requirements.txt
This tool requires Python 3.10+ and Google Chrome installed on your system.
Basic Usage
Run the scraper with your target URL:
python main.py -f cookies.json https://target-site.com
The tool launches a headless Chrome instance, solves challenges, then outputs the cf_clearance cookie.
Advanced Parameters
The scraper accepts several configuration options:
python main.py \
-p http://user:pass@proxy:port \
-t 60 \
-ua "Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 10.0; Win64; x64) Chrome/131.0.0.0" \
-f cookies.json \
https://target-site.com
The -p flag sets your proxy server. The -t flag controls timeout in seconds. The -ua flag specifies a custom User-Agent string.
Extracting Cookies Programmatically
Wrap the scraper in Python for automated extraction:
import subprocess
import re
import json
def extract_cf_clearance(url, proxy=None, user_agent=None):
"""Extract cf_clearance cookie from Cloudflare-protected site."""
command = ["python", "main.py"]
if proxy:
command.extend(["-p", proxy])
if user_agent:
command.extend(["-ua", user_agent])
command.extend(["-t", "60", "-f", "cookies.json", url])
process = subprocess.run(
command,
capture_output=True,
text=True
)
# Parse cookie from output
match = re.search(r"cf_clearance=([^\s]+)", process.stdout)
if match:
return match.group(1)
return None
This function returns the raw cookie value. Store it alongside the User-Agent for later use.
Limitations
CF-Clearance-Scraper struggles with Turnstile challenges that require user interaction. It also consumes significant memory when running multiple instances.
For high-volume scraping, consider the methods below instead.
Method 2: Nodriver (Most Reliable in 2026)
Nodriver is the successor to undetected-chromedriver. It's built from scratch to avoid automation detection entirely.
Unlike patched Selenium solutions, Nodriver doesn't modify existing browser drivers. This makes it significantly harder for Cloudflare to detect.
Installation
Install Nodriver via pip:
pip install nodriver
No additional browser drivers needed. Nodriver manages Chrome automatically.
Basic Cookie Extraction
Here's a complete script for cf_clearance extraction:
import nodriver as uc
import asyncio
async def get_cf_clearance(url):
"""Extract cf_clearance using Nodriver stealth browser."""
browser = await uc.start()
page = await browser.get(url)
# Wait for Cloudflare challenge to resolve
await asyncio.sleep(10)
# Check if we passed the challenge
cookies = await browser.cookies.get_all()
cf_clearance = None
for cookie in cookies:
if cookie.name == "cf_clearance":
cf_clearance = cookie.value
break
await browser.stop()
return cf_clearance
# Run extraction
clearance = asyncio.run(get_cf_clearance("https://target-site.com"))
print(f"cf_clearance: {clearance}")
Nodriver automatically handles fingerprint spoofing. The browser appears identical to a regular Chrome installation.
Adding Proxy Support
Configure proxies for IP rotation:
async def get_cf_clearance_with_proxy(url, proxy_url):
"""Extract cf_clearance through proxy server."""
browser = await uc.start(
browser_args=[f"--proxy-server={proxy_url}"]
)
page = await browser.get(url)
await asyncio.sleep(10)
cookies = await browser.cookies.get_all()
for cookie in cookies:
if cookie.name == "cf_clearance":
await browser.stop()
return cookie.value
await browser.stop()
return None
Residential proxies work best here. Datacenter IPs often fail Cloudflare's reputation checks.
For reliable residential proxy rotation, services like Roundproxies.com offer pools specifically optimized for web scraping scenarios.
Why Nodriver Excels
Nodriver passes bot detection tests that catch other automation tools. It handles Chrome DevTools Protocol without leaking automation markers.
The library stays actively maintained in 2026. Unlike abandoned projects like puppeteer-stealth, Nodriver receives regular updates.
Method 3: Camoufox (Firefox-Based Anti-Detect)
Camoufox takes a different approach. Instead of patching Chromium, it runs a modified Firefox build designed for stealth.
Firefox fingerprints look different from Chrome. Many Cloudflare detection rules focus on Chromium-specific markers.
Installation
Install Camoufox with geo-IP support:
pip install camoufox[geoip]
python -m camoufox fetch
The fetch command downloads the custom Firefox binary. This takes a few minutes.
Extracting cf_clearance
Camoufox uses Playwright syntax under the hood:
from camoufox.sync_api import Camoufox
def get_cf_clearance_firefox(url):
"""Extract cf_clearance using Camoufox anti-detect browser."""
with Camoufox(headless=True) as browser:
page = browser.new_page()
page.goto(url)
# Wait for challenge resolution
page.wait_for_timeout(10000)
cookies = browser.contexts[0].cookies()
for cookie in cookies:
if cookie["name"] == "cf_clearance":
return cookie["value"]
return None
The with statement ensures proper cleanup. Camoufox closes all browser processes automatically.
Configuring Geolocation
Match your proxy location with browser geolocation:
from camoufox.sync_api import Camoufox
def get_cf_clearance_geolocated(url, proxy, country="US"):
"""Extract cf_clearance with geo-matched settings."""
with Camoufox(
headless=True,
proxy={"server": proxy},
geoip=True # Auto-detect location from proxy IP
) as browser:
page = browser.new_page()
page.goto(url)
page.wait_for_timeout(10000)
cookies = browser.contexts[0].cookies()
for cookie in cookies:
if cookie["name"] == "cf_clearance":
return cookie["value"]
return None
Geolocation mismatches raise red flags. Camoufox's geoip feature prevents this automatically.
Advantages Over Chromium
Firefox handles Turnstile challenges differently. Some sites that block Chrome-based tools let Firefox through.
The modified Firefox build includes anti-fingerprinting measures baked into the browser itself. No runtime patches needed.
Method 4: SeleniumBase UC Mode
SeleniumBase includes an "Undetected ChromeDriver" mode specifically for anti-bot bypass. It combines Selenium's familiar API with stealth capabilities.
Installation
Install SeleniumBase:
pip install seleniumbase
ChromeDriver downloads automatically on first run.
Cookie Extraction Script
Use UC mode for Cloudflare bypass:
from seleniumbase import Driver
import time
def get_cf_clearance_selenium(url):
"""Extract cf_clearance using SeleniumBase UC mode."""
driver = Driver(uc=True, headless=False)
try:
driver.get(url)
# Wait for Cloudflare challenge
time.sleep(15)
cookies = driver.get_cookies()
for cookie in cookies:
if cookie["name"] == "cf_clearance":
return cookie["value"]
return None
finally:
driver.quit()
Note the headless=False parameter. SeleniumBase UC mode works better in headed mode against modern Cloudflare.
Handling Turnstile CAPTCHA
UC mode can handle some Turnstile challenges:
from seleniumbase import Driver
import time
def get_cf_clearance_with_turnstile(url):
"""Handle Turnstile challenge and extract cf_clearance."""
driver = Driver(uc=True, headless=False)
try:
driver.uc_open_with_reconnect(url, reconnect_time=6)
# Check for Turnstile iframe
try:
driver.uc_switch_to_frame("turnstile-wrapper")
driver.uc_click("span.mark")
except:
pass
time.sleep(10)
cookies = driver.get_cookies()
for cookie in cookies:
if cookie["name"] == "cf_clearance":
return cookie["value"]
return None
finally:
driver.quit()
The uc_click method performs human-like clicking. This helps pass behavioral analysis checks.
Limitations
SeleniumBase consumes significant resources. Each browser instance needs 200-500MB RAM.
Running headless mode reduces detection success rates. For best results, use headed mode with virtual displays on servers.
Method 5: DrissionPage (Lightweight Alternative)
DrissionPage combines browser automation with direct HTTP requests. It's lighter than full Selenium while maintaining stealth.
Installation
Install DrissionPage:
pip install drissionpage
Extracting cf_clearance
Basic extraction script:
from DrissionPage import ChromiumPage
def get_cf_clearance_drission(url):
"""Extract cf_clearance using DrissionPage."""
page = ChromiumPage()
try:
page.get(url)
page.wait(10)
cookies = page.cookies()
for cookie in cookies:
if cookie["name"] == "cf_clearance":
return cookie["value"]
return None
finally:
page.quit()
DrissionPage automatically applies anti-detection measures. No additional plugins required.
Seamless Mode Switching
DrissionPage can switch between browser and request modes:
from DrissionPage import ChromiumPage
import requests
def scrape_with_cf_clearance(target_url, pages_to_scrape):
"""Extract cookie then use requests for bulk scraping."""
page = ChromiumPage()
page.get(target_url)
page.wait(15)
# Get cookie and User-Agent
cookies = page.cookies()
user_agent = page.run_js("return navigator.userAgent")
cf_clearance = None
for cookie in cookies:
if cookie["name"] == "cf_clearance":
cf_clearance = cookie["value"]
break
page.quit()
if not cf_clearance:
return None
# Use requests for remaining pages
session = requests.Session()
session.cookies.set("cf_clearance", cf_clearance)
session.headers.update({"User-Agent": user_agent})
results = []
for url in pages_to_scrape:
response = session.get(url)
results.append(response.text)
return results
This hybrid approach minimizes browser overhead. One browser session unlocks dozens of fast HTTP requests.
Method 6: Playwright with Stealth Plugins
Playwright offers cross-browser automation. Combined with stealth plugins, it bypasses many Cloudflare checks.
Installation
Install Playwright and stealth plugin:
pip install playwright playwright-stealth
playwright install chromium
Stealth Extraction Script
Apply stealth patches before navigation:
from playwright.sync_api import sync_playwright
from playwright_stealth import stealth_sync
def get_cf_clearance_playwright(url):
"""Extract cf_clearance using Playwright with stealth."""
with sync_playwright() as p:
browser = p.chromium.launch(headless=False)
context = browser.new_context()
page = context.new_page()
# Apply stealth patches
stealth_sync(page)
page.goto(url)
page.wait_for_timeout(15000)
cookies = context.cookies()
for cookie in cookies:
if cookie["name"] == "cf_clearance":
browser.close()
return cookie["value"]
browser.close()
return None
Stealth patches modify navigator properties and remove automation markers.
Important Warning
The playwright-stealth library lost active maintenance in 2025. Cloudflare now detects many of its evasion techniques.
Use Playwright stealth only as a fallback. Nodriver and Camoufox offer better detection rates in 2026.
Method 7: FlareSolverr and Byparr (Server-Based)
FlareSolverr runs as a standalone proxy server. Send requests to it, receive solved cookies back.
Docker Deployment
Deploy FlareSolverr with Docker:
docker run -d \
--name=flaresolverr \
-p 8191:8191 \
-e LOG_LEVEL=info \
--restart unless-stopped \
ghcr.io/flaresolverr/flaresolverr:latest
The server starts listening on port 8191.
Requesting cf_clearance
Send HTTP requests to the FlareSolverr API:
import requests
def get_cf_clearance_flaresolverr(url):
"""Extract cf_clearance via FlareSolverr proxy."""
payload = {
"cmd": "request.get",
"url": url,
"maxTimeout": 60000
}
response = requests.post(
"http://localhost:8191/v1",
json=payload
)
data = response.json()
if data["status"] == "ok":
cookies = data["solution"]["cookies"]
for cookie in cookies:
if cookie["name"] == "cf_clearance":
return cookie["value"]
return None
FlareSolverr returns both cookies and the User-Agent. Store them together for subsequent requests.
Byparr Alternative
Byparr is a modern FlareSolverr replacement built with Camoufox:
docker run -d \
--name=byparr \
-p 8191:8191 \
ghcr.io/thephaseless/byparr:latest
Byparr uses the same API as FlareSolverr. Switch by changing only the container image.
Server-Based Advantages
Centralized cookie solving reduces resource usage across multiple scrapers. One server handles challenges for your entire infrastructure.
Session management becomes simpler. FlareSolverr caches solutions and reuses them automatically.
Using cf_clearance with Requests Library
After extracting the cookie, use it with standard HTTP clients:
import requests
def scrape_with_clearance(url, cf_clearance, user_agent):
"""Make authenticated request using cf_clearance."""
session = requests.Session()
# Set the clearance cookie
session.cookies.set(
"cf_clearance",
cf_clearance,
domain=".target-site.com"
)
# Match the User-Agent exactly
session.headers.update({
"User-Agent": user_agent,
"Accept": "text/html,application/xhtml+xml",
"Accept-Language": "en-US,en;q=0.9",
"Accept-Encoding": "gzip, deflate, br"
})
response = session.get(url)
return response.text
The User-Agent must match exactly. Any deviation triggers cookie invalidation.
Handling Cookie Expiration
Monitor expiration and refresh proactively:
import time
from datetime import datetime, timedelta
class CloudflareCookieManager:
def __init__(self, extraction_func):
self.extraction_func = extraction_func
self.clearance_value = None
self.user_agent = None
self.expires_at = None
def get_valid_cookie(self, url):
"""Return valid cookie, refreshing if needed."""
if self._is_expired():
self._refresh_cookie(url)
return self.clearance_value, self.user_agent
def _is_expired(self):
if not self.expires_at:
return True
# Refresh 5 minutes before expiration
buffer = timedelta(minutes=5)
return datetime.now() >= self.expires_at - buffer
def _refresh_cookie(self, url):
result = self.extraction_func(url)
self.clearance_value = result["cf_clearance"]
self.user_agent = result["user_agent"]
# Assume 30-minute validity
self.expires_at = datetime.now() + timedelta(minutes=30)
This manager class handles automatic renewal. No manual intervention needed for long-running scrapers.
Proxy Integration for Scale
Rotating proxies prevent IP-based blocking when extracting multiple cookies.
Understanding Cloudflare IP Reputation
Cloudflare maintains a massive database of IP reputation scores. Each IP address carries historical data about past behavior.
Datacenter IPs receive lower trust scores by default. Hosting providers and cloud services get flagged immediately.
Residential IPs start with higher trust. They originate from ISPs that serve real home users.
ISP proxies sit between these categories. They use static IPs assigned to businesses rather than residential addresses.
Mobile proxies carry the highest trust. Mobile carrier IPs rotate frequently and serve millions of legitimate users.
Choosing the Right Proxy Type
For single cookie extractions, residential proxies work best. They pass Cloudflare's IP reputation checks reliably.
For high-volume extraction, rotating residential pools provide fresh IPs. Each extraction attempt uses a different address.
Static residential proxies suit cookie reuse scenarios. You extract with one IP, then continue scraping with the same IP.
Proxy Rotation Example
import random
PROXY_POOL = [
"http://user:pass@proxy1:port",
"http://user:pass@proxy2:port",
"http://user:pass@proxy3:port",
]
def get_random_proxy():
return random.choice(PROXY_POOL)
def extract_with_rotation(url, attempts=3):
"""Try extraction with different proxies."""
for _ in range(attempts):
proxy = get_random_proxy()
result = get_cf_clearance_with_proxy(url, proxy)
if result:
return result
return None
Residential proxies yield higher success rates. Datacenter IPs face stricter scrutiny.
Session Stickiness Requirements
Each clearance cookie binds to its generation IP. Use sticky sessions when scraping with the extracted cookie.
Configure your proxy provider to maintain the same IP throughout the cookie's lifetime.
Sticky sessions typically last 10-30 minutes. Match this duration to your cookie validity period.
Geographic Considerations
Some sites apply regional restrictions. A US IP extracting cookies for a UK-focused site may trigger additional scrutiny.
Match your proxy location to the target site's primary audience. This reduces anomaly detection triggers.
Cloudflare cross-references IP geolocation with browser timezone and language settings. Mismatches raise red flags.
Bandwidth and Latency
Cookie extraction consumes significant bandwidth. Full browser rendering downloads megabytes of resources.
Subsequent HTTP requests need minimal bandwidth. Text-based pages transfer in kilobytes.
Low-latency proxies improve extraction success. Slow connections may timeout during challenge solving.
Common Pitfalls and Solutions
Pitfall 1: User-Agent Mismatch
Your extraction browser and requests client must share identical User-Agents. Even minor differences invalidate the cookie.
Solution: Store User-Agent alongside the clearance cookie. Inject both into every subsequent request.
Pitfall 2: IP Address Changes
Mid-session IP changes trigger immediate blocking. Cloudflare validates IP consistency on every request.
Solution: Use sticky proxy sessions. Ensure the same IP handles extraction and all subsequent requests.
Pitfall 3: Insufficient Wait Time
Rushing past the challenge page before completion yields invalid cookies.
Solution: Wait at least 10-15 seconds after page load. Check for challenge completion indicators.
Pitfall 4: Turnstile Interactive Challenges
Some sites require genuine checkbox clicks. Automated clicking often fails.
Solution: Use headed mode with Nodriver or Camoufox. Consider CAPTCHA solving services for persistent Turnstile blocks.
Pitfall 5: Cookie Domain Scope
Setting cookies on wrong domains breaks authentication.
Solution: Match the cookie domain exactly. Use .target-site.com format including the leading dot.
What to Expect in 2026
Cloudflare continuously evolves its detection. Here's what scrapers face going forward.
Stricter TLS Fingerprinting
Expect deeper JA3 and JA4 fingerprint analysis. Tools must match exact TLS handshake patterns of real browsers.
Cloudflare now catalogs TLS signatures from millions of real users. Automation tools produce slightly different signatures.
The JA4 fingerprint includes additional parameters beyond JA3. HTTP/2 and HTTP/3 settings, ALPN preferences, and extension ordering all factor in.
Standard Python HTTP libraries produce distinct TLS fingerprints. Even requests with session objects get flagged.
Solutions like curl_cffi and tls-client help match browser fingerprints. Expect these tools to become essential.
Enhanced Behavioral Analysis
Mouse movement and scrolling patterns receive more scrutiny. Simple page loads without interaction raise suspicion.
Cloudflare tracks dozens of behavioral signals. Click timing, scroll velocity, mouse acceleration patterns all contribute to scoring.
Real users show natural variation. They pause, move erratically, and scroll at inconsistent speeds.
Bots tend toward mechanical perfection. Instant clicks, linear movements, and consistent timing patterns give them away.
Adding human-like behavior to your automation becomes mandatory. Random delays alone no longer suffice.
Turnstile Expansion
More sites will migrate from JavaScript challenges to Turnstile. Interactive verification becomes the norm.
Turnstile presents a checkbox that requires clicking. Behind the scenes, it analyzes how you interact with the element.
Automated clicking often fails Turnstile. The click position, timing, and surrounding mouse movement all get evaluated.
Some Turnstile implementations require no visible checkbox. They run entirely in the background based on behavior scoring.
Machine Learning Detection
Cloudflare deploys ML models trained on millions of bot interactions. These models identify subtle patterns invisible to rule-based systems.
The models adapt over time. Bypass techniques that work today may fail tomorrow as the model learns.
Expect false positive rates to decrease. Cloudflare fine-tunes models to avoid blocking legitimate users while catching more bots.
Solution Adaptation
Nodriver and Camoufox maintain active development. They'll adapt to new detection methods faster than abandoned tools.
Stick with actively maintained solutions. Deprecated libraries like puppeteer-stealth become increasingly ineffective.
The scraping arms race continues. Success requires staying current with tool updates and new techniques.
Conclusion
Extracting cf_clearance cookies unlocks Cloudflare-protected sites for scraping. The seven methods covered here work in 2026.
Nodriver offers the best balance of reliability and ease of use. Camoufox provides a Firefox-based alternative when Chrome detection tightens.
For server deployments, Byparr modernizes the FlareSolverr approach with improved detection evasion.
Remember these critical rules: match User-Agents exactly, maintain IP consistency, and refresh cookies before expiration.
Start with CF-Clearance-Scraper for quick tests. Graduate to Nodriver or Camoufox for production workloads.
FAQ
How long does a cf_clearance cookie last?
The clearance cookie typically remains valid for 30-60 minutes. Some sites configure longer validity up to 24 hours. Monitor expiration timestamps and refresh proactively.
Can I use the cookies with multiple IPs?
No. Cloudflare binds each clearance cookie to the IP address that generated it. Using the cookie from a different IP triggers immediate blocking.
Which method has the highest success rate?
Nodriver and Camoufox achieve the highest success rates in 2026. They incorporate anti-detection measures at the browser level rather than runtime patches.
Does headless mode affect extraction?
Yes. Cloudflare detects many headless browser markers. Headed mode with virtual displays works more reliably than true headless execution.
How many concurrent extractions can I run?
Each browser instance needs 200-500MB RAM. Plan infrastructure accordingly. Server-based solutions like Byparr centralize resource usage more efficiently.
