How to set up and use proxies

A proxy acts as an intermediary server through which user requests are routed, changing the IP address from the user's actual one to that of the proxy server. This technology enables anonymous internet use, allowing users to bypass blocks, geographic restrictions, and censorship. In this discussion, we will explore the main types of proxy servers, their authorization methods, and the most popular configuration approaches.

Proxy authentication methods

To use private proxies, the user must obtain authorization data. Authorization can be implemented in two ways:

• by the user's real IP address, which is assigned by their Internet provider;
• by login and password, which are provided by the proxy provider at the time of purchase.

Authorization by IP address is ideal when the user has a static IP. Administrators can pre-configure the proxy server to allow access from specific IP addresses. This method is commonly used in corporate settings or situations involving a limited user base where connection IPs are predetermined. The primary benefits are convenience and enhanced security, as it eliminates the need to enter login credentials for each connection. Access via this method is restricted to specific IPs, reducing the risk of unauthorized use.

Authorization by login and password is more flexible, catering to users who may connect from varying networks, locations, or devices where IP addresses are not constant. This method allows easy management of user access by simply updating login credentials, making it well-suited for dynamic proxies, unlike IP-based authorization.

The choice of authorization method depends on the user's specific needs and the nature of their proxy use. The article below provides detailed guides on setting up proxies across various operating systems, browsers, and applications.

How to set up and use proxies on various OS

To ensure that all traffic from a user's device is routed through a proxy server, you should configure the proxy settings directly in the operating system. By doing this, the IP address will be changed for requests originating from both system applications and web browsers, effectively channeling all network activity through the proxy.

Windows

The Windows operating system allows for the configuration of a system-wide proxy server. When setting this up, the user has the option to specify exception sites that, when visited, will not route through the proxy, thus not altering the IP address. The specific steps to configure proxy settings can vary depending on the version of Windows. Here are our guides for each:

• setting up in Windows 11;
• connecting a proxy in Windows 10;
• configuration guide for Windows 8.1;
• instructions for Windows 7.

It's important to note that the system settings in Windows do not include fields for entering proxy authorization data. Instead, the authorization prompt will appear when accessing a page in a web browser for the first time after setup. For users looking to use web applications, opting for a proxy that allows authorization by IP address is advisable, as it simplifies the connection process.

MacOS

Proxy setup on MacOS can be accomplished through the system preferences accessed via the Apple menu or directly through the Safari browser. This operating system allows you to input the login and password for the proxy during the initial setup. By doing this, you avoid the need to re-enter these credentials in the future, streamlining the process. Utilize this setting for quick and efficient integration of the proxy server into MacOS.

Linux

The Linux operating system offers two methods for configuring a proxy: via the command line or through the graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI method tends to be more user-friendly, although the specific steps for configuring proxy settings can vary depending on the version and distribution of Linux being used. This article includes instructions tailored for the most popular Linux interfaces, ensuring that users can find the guidance appropriate for their specific setup.

IOS

To ensure that the traffic from all mobile applications—including browsers and instant messengers—is routed through an intermediate server, a proxy can be configured on iOS devices. One of the conveniences of iOS is that it allows users to immediately input the proxy's authorization data during setup. This eliminates the need for repeated credential entries when opening a browser or application. For detailed guidance on how to correctly configure a proxy on iOS, refer to our article on integrating a proxy into the iOS system.

Android

On Android devices, entering authorization data when connecting a proxy is not required. However, for more precise configuration—such as selecting specific networks where the proxy will be active—additional applications can be used. This article provides instructions for configuring system proxy settings on Android and offers a detailed guide for using the Drony application to connect to a proxy server. This dual approach allows for both straightforward system-level setup and more advanced, app-based configuration options.

How to set up and use proxies in popular browsers

Setting up a proxy directly in a browser is a practical approach for accessing blocked websites, managing multiple accounts on web platforms, and maintaining anonymity while surfing the web. When a proxy is configured in this manner, all traffic from the selected browser is routed through the proxy, but requests from system applications that use the network will still originate from the user's real IP address. However, the functionality of proxies varies across different browsers. For instance, internal proxy settings are exclusively available in Mozilla Firefox. In other browsers, users are typically redirected to modify the system's proxy settings. To address this limitation, proxy extensions can be used to facilitate proxy setup directly within the browser.

Google Chrome

It's essential to understand that setting up a proxy in Google Chrome typically involves modifying the system settings. To configure the proxy through the system, follow the instructions provided.

If you prefer to route only Chrome's traffic through a proxy, it is advisable to use a browser extension such as Proxy Helper. This tool allows you to establish specific rules for proxy usage and even utilize PAC scripts for automated connections to designated IP addresses. Detailed instructions for using this extension can be found in this article.

Mozilla Firefox

Thanks to its built-in functionality, setting up a proxy in Mozilla Firefox can be done directly within the browser, without the need for additional tools or system configuration changes. For detailed guidance on how to connect a proxy in Firefox, please refer to the instructions provided in our article.

Opera

Like Google Chrome, proxy settings in the Opera browser are primarily configured through the system settings according to the provided instructions.

To exclusively integrate a proxy into the Opera browser, an extension such as ProxyBonanza can be used. For detailed steps on how to complete this setup, please refer to the instructions in this article.

Additionally, we recommend exploring our selection of the best proxy extensions for the Opera browser, which offers various functionalities to suit different needs.

Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge does not have built-in functionality for setting up a proxy; instead, proxy configuration is handled at the system level. However, users can utilize extensions to manage their proxy settings.

Since Microsoft Edge is based on the Chromium engine, similar to Google Chrome, the extension store for both browsers is essentially the same. This compatibility means that most extensions available in the Chrome Web Store can also be used with Microsoft Edge and can be installed directly from there. To enhance your browsing experience with proxies, explore our top picks for proxy extensions available for Microsoft Edge. Each recommended extension comes with detailed setup instructions to assist you in getting started.

Safari

On macOS, proxy servers are configured at the system level through Network Preferences. These settings affect all applications that utilize the network connection, including Safari. For detailed instructions on how to set up a proxy server on your macOS system, please refer to the guidance provided in this article.

How to set up and use proxies in different software

Using special programs you can fine-tune your proxy server settings, selectively choosing which traffic to route through the proxy and which to leave direct. Among the most user-friendly tools for this purpose are Proxifier and FreeCap.

Proxifier

Proxifier is a versatile proxy setup tool available for both Windows and MacOS. Here are its main features:

• Allows you to direct the network traffic of specific applications through a proxy server.
• Compatible with HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS v4, and SOCKS v5 proxy servers.
• Enables the creation of chains of multiple proxy servers, which network traffic will pass through sequentially.
• Provides the ability to set detailed rules for different applications or types of traffic, specifying which proxy each should use.
• Includes tools to monitor and analyze network traffic in real-time.
• Accommodates modern network environments by supporting IPv6.
• Maintains logs of all network connections, aiding in troubleshooting and traffic analysis.
• Can be used alongside a VPN, allowing traffic to be routed through a proxy while using a VPN connection.

The user interface of Proxifier is consistent across Windows and MacOS, ensuring that users can follow the same instructions for configuring a proxy on either platform.

FreeCap

FreeCap is a program available exclusively for Windows, offering functionality similar to Proxifier. It allows users to route the traffic of selected applications through a proxy server. To add a proxy and configure it using FreeCap, you can follow the guide provided here.

We've reviewed all available methods for using a proxy on PCs and mobile devices. System setup is the simplest and quickest, not requiring third-party software installation but routing all device traffic through the proxy.

For targeted routing in a browser, consider using extensions. To proxy specific programs, tools like Proxifier and FreeCap are suitable.

When configuring a proxy, the type and format of the proxy server's IP address are crucial. Using IPv6 may limit the range of sites and applications compatible with the proxy, as it's a newer format and not universally supported. IPv4, however, will work with any setup.

The static or dynamic nature of the IP does not complicate configuration; dynamic IPs simply change periodically, offering flexibility for a broader range of tasks.

For those needing a pool of static IPs, proxy extensions are the best choice. These allow users to manually switch between IPs as needed, providing versatility in managing multiple proxies.