Individuals and businesses implement proxies for various reasons, including enhancing privacy, bypassing geo-restrictions, scraping, and protecting sensitive information. Given their versatility and importance, let's explore everything you need to know about using a proxy server on any device. Get ready for step-by-step instructions, along with recommendations for testing and troubleshooting proxy connections. Jump straight in to device instructions of your choice:

• Chrome browser
• Firefox browser
• Windows
• Mac
• Linux
• Android
• iOS (iPhone & iPad)

Which proxy server type should you choose?

If you're even slightly familiar with proxies, you probably know that there are different types of proxy servers, each offering unique features, advantages, and performance characteristics. Some of the most common proxy types include residential, datacenter, mobile, dedicated, HTTP, SOCKS5, and ISP proxies, and choosing the “best” one ultimately depends on your use case and project requirements. You should also consider factors such as speed, anonymity, scalability, and price, as the right combination of features will help ensure the best experience for you or your business.

For beginners looking to immerse themselves in the world of proxies, Webshare’s 10 free proxies plan is an excellent option. They offer a safe and secure environment to experiment with proxy configurations, allowing users to test the service without having to commit to a subscription right away. Plus, no credit card is required.

How to use a proxy server with web browsers

Using proxy servers with web browsers is often a straightforward process using their built-in proxy settings. However, you can simplify the process even further with special proxy server extensions. Here's how to configure proxies in two popular browsers: Chrome and Firefox.

Google Chrome

Using Webshare’s free proxy extension for Chrome

The fastest and most straightforward way to set up a proxy in Google Chrome is by using the Webshare Chrome Extension. This method will require the user to take just a few simple steps:

1. Go to the Webshare Chrome Extension’s page and click Add to Chrome. 
2. Make the extension visible by clicking Extensions in the top right corner. Then click the pin icon beside the extension. 
3. Create an account or choose Login if you already have an account with Webshare.
4. Choose the proxy you want to use from the list and click Connect.
5. Check proxy connection status by looking at the extension’s icon. A green dot means your proxy is working correctly while a red one indicates there’s a connection issue. Simply disconnect and reconnect to resolve it.

Using Chrome settings

1. Open Chrome settings by clicking the three vertical dots in the top right corner of Chrome and select Settings.
2. In the System section, click on Open your computer’s proxy settings. This will open your operating system's proxy settings.
3. Toggle Use a proxy server option to On.
4. Enter your proxy details (IP address and port number).
5. Click Save to apply the changes. 
6. If your proxy requires authentication, enter the username and password when you start using the browser with the proxy enabled.

Using Proxy SwitchyOmega 3 (ZeroOmega)

1. Search for Proxy SwitchyOmega (ZeroOmega) in the Chrome Web Store and click Add to Chrome.
2. When installed, click on the SwitchyOmega icon in your toolbar and select Options.
3. Create a profile by clicking on New Profile and providing a unique name. This will help to easily identify the proxy you’re about to add.
4. In the profile, choose the proxy type (e.g., HTTP, SOCKS5) and input the proxy server IP address and port number. If authentication is needed, enter the username and password.
5. Click Apply changes and start browsing.

Mozilla Firefox

Using Firefox’s network settings

1. Open Firefox settings by clicking the three horizontal lines in the top right corner and select Settings > General.
2. Scroll down to the Network Settings section and select Settings.
3. Choose Manual proxy configuration and enter your proxy server details.
4. Click OK to save changes and close and reopen Firefox to apply the new settings.

Using FoxyProxy

1. Go to the Firefox Add-ons store, search for FoxyProxy Standard, and install.
2. Open the extension from the Firefox toolbar and click Options > Add new proxy.
3. Configure the proxy by entering IP address, port number, and authentication details.
4. Activate the proxy server by clicking Save and and switching FoxyProxy to Enabled for proxy browsing.

How to set up a proxy server on a desktop computer

By setting up a proxy server on your desktop computer, you can route all your internet traffic through a proxy, masking your real identity and enhancing security. Here's how to configure proxy settings on Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.

Windows

Using system settings

1. Open Windows Settings and go to Network & Internet.
2. In the left-hand menu, click Proxy.
3. Under Manual proxy setup, toggle Use a proxy server switch to On.
4. Enter the proxy server address and port number provided by your service.
5. If authentication is required, fill in your proxy username and password and Sign in.
6. Save the settings and test your connection.

Setting up a system-wide proxy

1. Go to the Control Panel by searching for Internet Options in the Start menu and opening it. In Windows 10 only, click Network & Internet > Internet Options.
2. In the Connections tab, choose LAN settings.
3. Check the box Use a proxy server for your LAN and enter the proxy server address and port number. 
4. Check Bypass proxy server for local addresses if you wish to receive direct access to local resources (optional).
5. Click OK and restart your computer to successfully apply changes.

Mac

Via macOS network settings

1. Click the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen and choose System Settings.
2. Go to Network and select your current network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
3. Click Advanced and select the Proxies tab to view available options.
4. Check the appropriate proxy type (HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS) and enter the proxy details (proxy server IP address and port number).
5. If authentication is needed, fill in your username and password.
6. Click OK and then Apply to activate the proxy server.

Linux

Using terminal and system settings

1. If you want to configure a proxy temporarily, use the export command. With this method, you can direct traffic through the proxy for the current terminal session only.
2. export http_proxy=http://username:password@proxyserver:port/
3. export https_proxy=http://username:password@proxyserver:port/

The username , password, proxy server, and port number all need to be replaced with your actual proxy credentials and details.

2. To make the proxy persistent, add the above export commands to your ~/.bashrc or ~/.bash_profile file.
   
   nano ~/.bashrc
3. Save the file and apply the changes.
   
   source ~/.bashrc
4. Test your connection with cuRL and start browsing.

How to set up a proxy server on a phone

Android

Using Wi-Fi settings

1. Open the Settings app on your device and go to Wi-Fi.
2. Press and hold the network you’re connected to, then select Modify network or Manage network settings (the option might vary depending on your Android version).
3. Tap Advanced options and scroll to the Proxy section.
4. In the dropdown menu, choose Manual.
5. Enter your proxy details (proxy server address and port number).
6. Save the settings, and your Android device will now use the proxy for internet access.

iOS (iPhone & iPad)

Using Wi-Fi settings

1. Click on the Settings icon on your device and go to Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the blue “i” icon next to the Wi-Fi network you are connected to and scroll down until you find the HTTP Proxy section.
3. Click Configure proxy and select Manual.
4. Enter the proxy configuration details (server address and port) as well as your login credentials, if required.
5. Save the settings and open Safari or another browser to check if the proxy server is working properly.

Testing and troubleshooting proxy connection

After configuring a proxy server on your device, it’s always essential to check if it’s working properly and troubleshoot any potential issues. An incorrect setup can cause connection problems as well as negatively influence your level of privacy online. 

How to check if a proxy is working

There are several easy methods to check if your proxy was set up correctly:

• Check your IP address: Open your preferred browser and go to an IP lookup website (e.g., WhatIsMyIP.com). If it displays a different IP than before you connected to the proxy, you’re good to go. 
• Check your location: IP address lookup websites also display a user’s location. Thus, you can make sure that your proxy is working if the reported location matches the location of your proxy server.
• Test your connection: After configuring the proxy, simply try accessing a few different websites to ensure its consistent behavior.

Common issues and how to fix them

• Incorrect proxy authentication: The most common issue when users enter their proxy provider’s email and password instead of their unique proxy server credentials. To avoid this problem, remember to save your proxy username and password and use them every time you need to authenticate your proxy. 
• Connection issues: Troubles connecting to the internet often happen due to incorrect proxy address or port number, the proxy server being down, or selecting the wrong proxy type. To fix that, double-check if the proxy details were filled in correctly, restart your device, or try a different IP location.
• Slow connection speeds: It’s common for browsing to slow down when proxy is enabled. In order to improve speeds, experiment with different proxy locations for better performance and avoid using free proxies or untrustworthy providers.

Wrapping up

In this guide, we provided an overview of using a proxy server on various devices, from desktop computers to smartphones. We also explained what proxy servers are, why they’re useful, and how to check if a proxy is working correctly. With this knowledge, you're well-equipped to set up your own proxy and browse the web with enhanced privacy and security.