Blog

Multi-account operation must-read: A comprehensive guide to avoiding account association

Account association is a common risk in multi-account management. Once associated, accounts may face restrictions, feature bans, or even permanent suspension—this impact is particularly significant on e-commerce platforms (e.g., Amazon, AliExpress), social media (e.g., Facebook, TikTok), and cross-border business scenarios. The core logic to avoid account association is: present each account as an “independent account operated by a separate natural person/entity” in the platform system, eliminating all identifiable association clues. Below is a full-scenario guide to achieve this:

I. Device Environment: Eliminate Hardware & System Associations

Devices are the foundation for account operations, and their hardware information and system characteristics are key basis for platforms to detect associations. Ensure each account has an independent device environment.

• Prioritize independent physical devices: The safest approach is to assign dedicated computers, mobile phones, or other devices to each account. Avoid logging into multiple accounts of the same platform on one device. If devices are limited, use technical means to completely isolate device information.
• Clear device identifiers & system traces: For shared devices, thoroughly erase device fingerprints before switching accounts—including deleting browser cache, cookies, locally stored account information, and resetting the device’s UUID (Universally Unique Identifier) and MAC address (modifiable on some devices). For computers, reinstall the system or use professional tools to wipe hardware identifiers; for mobile phones, perform a factory reset (back up non-associated data in advance).
• Disable device sharing features: Turn off cloud synchronization (e.g., iCloud, Google Drive) to prevent cross-device account information sync via cloud services. Disable near-field communication features like Bluetooth and AirDrop to avoid data exchange between devices leaving association clues.
• Dedicated OS & browsers: Use independent OS user accounts (e.g., Windows multi-accounts, Mac Guest Mode) or dedicated browser profiles (e.g., Chrome/Firefox independent configurations) for each account to ensure no overlap in browser extensions, settings, or plugins. Avoid blacklisted browsers or emulators (some platforms strictly detect emulators).

II. Network Environment: Core Isolation Factor

Network IP is a “strong association factor”—platforms judge whether accounts belong to the same entity based on IP attribution, stability, and sharing status. Achieve complete network independence with NovProxy static residential proxies.

• Independent fixed IP addresses: Assign dedicated static IPs to each account, prioritizing residential IPs (over data center IPs, which are less trusted by some platforms). Avoid public WiFi, shared IPs, dynamic IPs (frequent IP changes from dial-up may be deemed abnormal), and multiple IPs within the same IP segment (some platforms detect segment associations).
• Strict IP-account binding: One IP should correspond to only one account of the same platform. Prohibit cross-account IP usage. If changing an IP, ensure the new IP has not been used by other accounts of the same platform, and the old IP is completely retired from the account.
• Independent network configuration: Each account should have independent network routing and DNS settings. Avoid using the same network device (e.g., router) to manage networks for multiple accounts; if sharing a router, configure independent VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) for isolation.
• Avoid network fluctuations: Ensure stable network connectivity to prevent IP switches from frequent disconnections/reconnections. Avoid logging into the same account via different IPs in a short period (may trigger security verification or association detection).

III. Account Information: Eliminate Entity Association Clues

Account registration and profile information directly link to the entity’s identity. Ensure each account’s information is independent, logically consistent with a “real natural person/entity,” and free of cross-over.

• Completely independent registration information: Core details (name, ID number, phone number, email, bank card) must be unique and unused by other accounts on the same platform. Prohibit using the same phone number/email for verification across multiple accounts—even “backup emails” should be independent.
• Logical consistency in information: Account details should align with real-world scenarios. For example: name matches ID number, phone number attribution is reasonably associated with IP location (e.g., a foreign phone number with a mainland China IP may be flagged as abnormal), and shipping address is geographically consistent with the IP.
• Avoid duplicate or similar information: Non-core details (username, profile picture, bio) should also avoid high similarity (e.g., usernames differing only by numbers “1” or “2,” profile pictures using the same template)—platforms may use these details to assist in association judgments.
• No shared third-party linked information: Avoid using the same third-party logins (e.g., WeChat, QQ, Google Account), payment accounts (e.g., Alipay, PayPal), or other linked services across multiple accounts. Even for different accounts under the same entity, use independent third-party associations.

IV. Operational Behavior: Simulate Real Independent Operations

Platforms identify account associations through user behavior patterns (e.g., operating habits, login times, behavioral trajectories). Ensure each account’s operations are independent and consistent with “real user” behavior.

• Independent operators: Assign fixed personnel to operate fixed accounts. Avoid cross-operation of multiple accounts by multiple people to reduce randomness and overlap in behavior.
• Simulate real operating habits: Establish stable operation patterns for each account, such as fixed login time windows, reasonable operation intervals (avoid high-frequency, mechanical actions like continuous clicks or bulk content posting), and authentic browsing paths (e.g., browse content first after login before core operations, instead of directly jumping to target pages).
• Avoid synchronized operations: Prohibit identical operations across multiple accounts at the same time (e.g., simultaneous logins, posting identical content, ordering the same product). Ensure differences in operation frequency and rhythm.
• No shared operation tools: Avoid using the same batch tools or scripts to log into/operate multiple accounts. Even for compliant tools, use independent tool instances and parameters for each account. Additionally, avoid copying/pasting identical content (e.g., product descriptions, comments, social media posts) across accounts.
• Properly handle security verifications: When an account triggers security checks (e.g., SMS verification, email verification, facial recognition), complete verification using the account’s dedicated linked information. Prohibit using other accounts’ verification channels for assistance.

V. Data & Files: Avoid Cross-Contamination

Cross-use of files and data generated during account operations may serve as association evidence. Ensure independent data storage and transmission.

• Independent file storage: Store operation files (e.g., product images, video materials, copy documents) separately for each account. Prohibit sharing files across accounts—especially those with metadata (e.g., image EXIF data may contain device or shooting information). If similar content is needed, modify files (e.g., crop images, adjust colors, add unique watermarks) before use.
• Isolated data transmission: Avoid transferring files between devices of multiple accounts via USB drives or external hard disks; if necessary, thoroughly clear device traces first. Prohibit storing associated files of multiple accounts in the same cloud drive (e.g., Baidu Cloud, Dropbox)—use independent cloud drive accounts if storage is required.
• Disable automatic sync tools: Turn off “auto-sync” features in OS or software (e.g., Office cloud document sync, image viewer auto-upload) to prevent account-related data from being synced to other devices or accounts.

VI. Tools & Software: Choose Compliant, Independent Solutions

Reasonable use of tools can improve efficiency in multi-account operations, but ensure tools do not cause associations and each account has independent tool configurations.

• Use professional anti-association tools: If device/IP resources are limited, use compliant anti-association browsers (e.g., AdsPower, Multilogin) or virtual device tools. These generate independent browser environments and device fingerprints to manage multiple accounts on one device—ensure each environment is paired with an independent IP and account information (e.g., NovProxy).
• Independent tool accounts: Use separate tool accounts for each platform account. Prohibit managing multiple accounts of the same platform with one tool account.
• Avoid non-compliant tools: Steer clear of cracked/pirated tools (may have security vulnerabilities leading to account information leakage or embedded association code) and tools blacklisted by platforms (e.g., some bulk registration or bot tools).

VII. Risk Monitoring & Emergency Response

Even with comprehensive protection, regularly monitor account status to address anomalies promptly and prevent association risks from spreading.

• Regularly audit account environments: Verify the IP, device, and operation records of each account to ensure no cross-use. Use tools to check device fingerprint purity and IP status (e.g., whether an IP is marked as “shared”).
• Monitor security notifications: Pay attention to platform security emails, SMS alerts, or in-app notifications. If receiving “abnormal login alerts” or “security verification requests,” immediately investigate environmental anomalies—do not ignore them after completing verification.
• Isolate abnormal accounts: If an account is restricted or banned, immediately stop all operations on it and isolate its associated devices, IPs, and information to avoid impacting other normal accounts.
• Maintain operation logs: Record login times, IP addresses, operation content, and device information for each account to facilitate traceability and troubleshooting of association clues if issues arise.

VIII. Core Principles Summary

The essence of avoiding account association is “independence” and “authenticity”: Each account’s device, network, information, and operations should appear as an independent entity, consistent with real user behavior logic. There is no “one-and-done” solution—establish long-term account management norms, strictly implement the “one account, one environment” principle, and adjust protection strategies promptly as platform rules evolve.

NovProxy residential proxies provide a reliable foundation for network isolation: With extensive global coverage, 100% real residential IPs, and stable connections, they avoid being marked as “shared IPs” by platforms. Each IP is dedicated to a single account, effectively eliminating network-related association risks for cross-border e-commerce, social media, and other multi-account operations.