How Do I use Proxy Server?

There’s no guarantee of protection with a proxy server, especially if you’re using one of several freely available proxies online; they are risky.

You should always use private and shared proxies.

In this article, you’ll learn how to use a proxy server on the most famous web browsers, such as Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Android, and many more.

Want to know more? Stay with us

Using Proxy Server On Different Web Browsers

Here’s how to use and set up your Windows PC, Chrome, Mac, or Linux browser to utilize the proxy server.

How To Use Proxy Server In Windows?

Find Proxy Settings In Windows

Let’s dig into the process:

1. Go to settings from the start menu
2. Select on network and internet
3. Tap on the proxy in the left panel

Here you can get the information relevant to automatic and manual proxy settings.

Set Up an automatic Proxy Server In Windows

Follow the below instructions to run the proxy server on windows 8 or 10:

1. Tap the ‘WindowsKey + I’ keys at once to access the windows settings menu.
2. When working on windows 10, tap on ‘Network and Internet Proxy settings.’
3. When working on windows 8, tap on settings’ Network Proxy’.
4. Go to the manual setup section, and select the ‘use a proxy server’ to on. Ensure the ‘Automatically detect settings’ is set to on.
5. If you have any proxy server script file available, then set the setup script to ‘ON.’
6. Type the script path address and click on save.

Setup proxy server manually in Windows 8 and 10

Let’s have a look below.

1. Go to the ‘Windows settings menu’ and press the ‘Windows+I’ keys simultaneously.
2. When Working on Windows 10, tap on Network & Internet Proxy settings.
3. When Working on Windows 8, tap on settings’ Network Proxy.’
4. Flip to Manual Proxy Setup and set the ‘Use a Proxy Server’ switch’ on.
5. Enter the IP address in the address field.
6. Enter the Port field in the Proxy port number.
7. If a password protects your Proxy server, choose the ‘Proxy Server Requires Password’ checkbox. Type your account name and password in the username and password fields.
8. Tap on save.

Configuring Proxy Server On A Mac Running macOS

Below is the procedure for setting up a proxy server on a MAC running macOS. All macOS versions use the same commands.

1. Go to the ‘system preferences.’ One way to get there is to tap on the Apple menu system preferences.
2. Opt for the Network Icon to adjust connectivity settings.
3. Choose the type of network you choose, which is usually Wi-Fi.
4. Tap on Advanced Proxies
5. To run Proxy settings automatically, choose ‘AutoProxy discovery.’ Now, tap on Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS).
6. Type the proxy server address and its port number in the columns on the right side.
7. To run the ‘proxy auto-configuration file’ (PAC), choose Automatic Proxy
8. Configuration and type the proxy address into the URL field.
9. To protect the Proxy server by using a password, choose the ‘Proxy server requires password’ field. Type your account name and password in the username and password fields.
10. Enter OK to save the proxy setup.
11. Now you’re ready to use the proxy server on MAC running macOS.

Setting Up Proxy Server In Google Chrome

Follow the below instructions from within chrome to configure your proxy server:

1. Go to the ‘chrome toolbar’ and tap on the 3-dots menu > settings.
2. In the left side panel, tap on ‘System.’
3. Now tap on ‘Open your Computer Proxy Settings.’
4. Then, return to the abovementioned instructions for configuring the proxy in Windows and macOS, and set up your proxy.
5. In a nutshell, Google Chrome uses the operating system’s proxy settings for configuring the proxy server.

Therefore, for configuring your proxy server in google chrome, you have to follow the steps mentioned above for setting up proxy server in chrome browser and then complete the remaining steps (mentioned above for Windows and macOS) in your machine’s operating system. Sounds good?

Setting Up Proxy Server In Safari

Safari browser is the default web browser of macOS. Let’s have a look that how to change your proxy settings within the Safari browser:

1. Go to the ‘browser toolbar.’
2. Firstly, tap on safari and then select preferences
3. Tap on the advanced tab.
4. Scroll below, and under the heading of Proxies, tap on change settings.
5. Afterward, follow the guidelines for configuring the proxy server in macOS.

Setup Your Proxy Server In The Microsoft Edge

Edge is Windows 10’s integrated browser; it uses windows built-in proxy configurations, just like Google Chrome.

Therefore, the configuration is quite similar to chrome browser settings. Here is how to set up a proxy server in Microsoft Edge:

1. Open ‘Microsoft edge.’
2. Go to the top right corner, and tap the menu button.
3. Choose settings.
4. Go to the Advanced settings, and tap the view advanced settings icon.
5. Tap the open proxy settings button.
6. Now follow the instructions for the already mentioned Windows 10 proxy configuration.

Configuring Your Proxy Server Settings In Firefox Browser

1. Go to the ‘firefox’ menu and choose options.
2. Tap on the advanced icon.
3. Choose the Network tab.
4. Go to the connection settings, and choose ‘Auto-detect proxy configuration’ for this network.
5. Then, enter the proxy address when asked.
6. Go to the connection settings and choose Use System Proxy Settings.
7. Tap on OK to save your settings.

You can also read detailed graphical instruction on How to configure proxy in Firefox

Setting Up Proxy Server In the Internet Explorer

1. Start the Internet Explorer
2. Go to the IE menu and choose internet options
3. Tap on the Connections tab
4. Choose ‘LAN settings
5. Go to the ‘Use a Proxy Server For your LAN box.’
6. Type the proxy server name and port number in the given column.
7. Tap on OK to save your settings.

Using Proxy Server In Mobile Web Browsers

Configuring Proxy Server In Android

NOTE: When using a proxy server in Android OS, your Android web browser will only use the proxy. Other web-based applications may ignore the proxy based on their internal app-specific settings.

That is why you should use a VPN for Android over a proxy server for Android.

Follow the below directions for configuring the proxy server in Android:

1. Go to Android settings and click Wi-Fi to view a catalog of Wi-Fi networks.
2. Press the Wi-Fi network name that you have selected for your proxy settings.
3. Click ‘Modify network.’
4. Click on ‘Advanced Options
5. Click on Manual to alter your proxy settings. Type your hostname and proxy port.
6. Click on save.

Configuring Proxy Server In iPhone/ iPad/iOS

Let’s dig into the iPhone Proxy server settings (applicable to all devices using iOS):

1. Open your iPhone settings
2. Choose the active ‘Wi-Fi’ Connection.
3. Go to “HTTP Proxy,” scroll below, and tap “configure proxy.”
4. Click on Manual to change your proxy settings.
5. Type your hostname and proxy port, and if required, then enter your username and password
6. Go back to the Wi-Fi selection.
7. Now you can use a proxy server in iPhone (iOS).

You should read our Proxy Server Ultimate Guide: What You Need to Know About It