How to Setup a Proxy Server: Full Guide

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With the alarming surge in cybercrime, more and more individuals are now becoming aware of their online security and privacy concerns. The safety of both personal and business data is a continual source of apprehension. As a result, organizations and people have turned to proxies to preserve their anonymity and the security of their data.

Proxies have also become a means by which individuals can bypass various online restrictions and gain access to certain online resources. For example, some countries can’t have access to certain streaming services or social media platforms, but with the help of a , they can have unrestricted access to these resources. Let us tell you all about proxies and how to set them up.

What Are Proxies

A proxy acts as a middleman between an Internet user and the Internet. Proxies enable you to browse the Internet anonymously and, more crucially, securely. They provide a variety of benefits, including the masking of your IP address, which can enhance your security, privacy, and even the efficiency of your computer.

By routing all network requests through a distinct IP address, a proxy preserves your anonymity, scans for viruses, and in some cases, it will improve your Internet speed. As a result, even if someone or a website tries to track you down using your IP address, they will be unable to do it. If you browse the Internet without a proxy, websites or even criminals on the Web can quickly identify your IP address, leaving you subject to hacking, tracking, data breaches, and things of the like.

This article will show you how to use proxy servers on the following platforms:

  • Windows PC;
  • Mac OS;
  • Web browsers;
  • mobile devices.

Configuring Proxy Servers on Windows 10

To begin, open the “Windows Settings” by pressing the “Windows” and the “I” keys at the same time. Then you need to do the following:

  1. In Windows 10 or 11, go to the “Settings,” open the “Network & Internet” tab, and click on “Proxy.”
  2. Find the “Manual proxy setup” tab and turn on “Use a Proxy Server.”
  3. Enter the name of the proxy server or the IP address in the input box. Input the given proxy port number in the “Port” box. The port number can be received from your IT support technician.
  4. Select the “Proxy server requires password” option if the proxy is password-protected. In the “Username” and “Password” areas, insert your account name as well as your password. Click “Save.”

Configuring Proxy Servers on macOS

Setting up proxy servers on macOS is a bit different. First, you have to navigate to “System Preferences,” go to the Apple menu, and select “System Preferences.” Next, go through the following steps:

  1. Select the Network logo to change your connectivity settings.
  2. Click on the network type you want to use; usually, the available options are Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
  3. Click on “Advanced” and then “Proxies.”
  4. Select “Auto Proxy Discovery” to automatically configure the settings on your proxy server. Select “Secure Web Proxy.” In the fields to the right, enter the address of the proxy server as well as the port number.
  5. Click on “Automatic Proxy Configuration,” and input your proxy address in the given URL field. This allows you to utilize a proxy auto-configuration file also known as a PAC.
  6. Select the “Proxy server requires password” option if the proxy is password-protected. In the “Username” and “Password” areas, insert your account name as well as your password.
  7. Now select OK to save the new proxy configuration.

Configuring Proxy Servers on the Chrome Web Browser

Chrome utilizes the proxy setting for your Windows or macOS by default. To modify your proxy settings using Chrome, follow these steps:

  1. Select “Settings” from the Chrome toolbar.
  2. Scroll to the end of the screen. Select “Show advanced settings.”
  3. Scroll until you get to “System,” then select “Open your computer’s proxy settings.”
  4. Finally, return to the above-mentioned instructions for configuring your proxy based on your computer’s operating system and follow them.

Configuring Proxy Servers Using Microsoft Edge

Just like the Chrome browser above, Edge will use the default proxy from your device unless you configure it to something new. Here’s how to do it:

  1. After launching your Edge browser, navigate to the “Menu” button in the upper-right corner. Select “Settings.”
  2. Navigate to “Advanced options” and select the “View advanced settings” tab.
  3. Select the tab tagged “Open proxy settings.”
  4. Next, return to the Windows 10 steps stated above and follow them to establish your new proxy server settings.

Configuring Proxy Servers on Firefox

Setting up a proxy server on Firefox is also fairly simple. Here is what you have to do:

  1. Select “Options” from the Firefox menu.
  2. Click the “Advanced” tab.
  3. Choose the “Network” tab.
  4. Select “Auto-detect proxy setup” for your preferred network in “Connection Settings.” Next, input the proxy address when requested.
  5. Alternatively, you can choose “Use system proxy settings” in “Connection Settings,” and Firefox will use your operating system’s proxy settings.
  6. Click “OK” to apply your changes.

Configuring Proxy Servers on the Android OS

For Android, you have to always configure the proxy setting for every network you use. Furthermore, the proxy will only work with your web browser. Other online programs may opt to utilize or disregard the proxy due to their settings.

  1. Go to your Android settings and select “Wi-Fi” to see a list of available Wi-Fi networks.
  2. Next, long-press the name of the Wi-Fi network for whose proxy settings you wish to modify. Select “Modify Network.”
  3. Select “Advanced Options.”
  4. Next, select “Manual” to modify your proxy setting and input your proxy hostname and port.

Alternatively, select “Proxy Auto-Config” also known as PAC if you have one, and Android will request that you input the PAC address. Now tap “SAVE”.

Configure Proxy Settings for iOS

Setting up a proxy on your iOS device is even simpler than on Android:

  1. Go to Wi-Fi Settings.
  2. Select an active Wi-Fi connection.
  3. Click “Configure Proxy” under “HTTP Proxy.”
  4. To modify your proxy settings, tap “Manual.” Input your proxy hostname name and port, and verify your username and password if necessary.

Alternatively

  1. Select “Automatic” if your provider supports Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Protocol. Input your PAC file path if necessary.
  2. Return to the Wi-Fi configuration window.

Browse the Web Safely and Freely

There are several advantages of utilizing proxy servers. The independence they provide, as well as the privacy and security, are compelling reasons to use one. Many people find that they wish to use proxies for security reasons, while others simply wish to enjoy certain content that is restricted by their government. No matter what your reasons are, using a proxy is always a wise decision.