Proxy server on Mac is a handy technology tools that help keep your online activity private by hiding your IP address. They also let you access websites that might be blocked in your country, making it easier to collect data from the internet. 

Setting up a proxy on your Mac can help you stay secure, browse faster, and get around online restrictions. 

Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to set up proxies on your Mac, understand the different types of proxies, and solve any problems you might face along the way.

Before Starting - Get a Free Proxy for Mac

Before setting up a proxy on your Mac, you’ll need some important details to connect to the proxy server. You can get free proxies from Webshare’s free proxy page. Webshare offers 10 free high-quality proxies to help you browse safely, access geo-restricted content, or optimize your online activities.

Once you have your proxy, note the following in "Proxy List" in your dashboard:

• Proxy IP or Domain: This is the address of the proxy server.
• Port Number: The number that tells your Mac how to connect to the proxy.
• Username and Password: These are used to securely log in to the proxy server.

Having this information ready will make it easy to set up your proxy.

Choose An Appropriate Proxy Type

It’s important to choose the right kind of proxy for what you need. Here’s a simple reminder:

• HTTP Proxy

Use this for everyday browsing on websites that don’t need extra security, like public pages. It’s fast but doesn’t protect your data.

• HTTPS Proxy

Perfect for safe browsing on websites where security matters, like online shopping or banking. This proxy keeps your data private by encrypting it.

• SOCKS5 Proxy

A flexible option that works with more than just websites. Use this for gaming, downloading torrents, or streaming. It’s great for tasks that need more than just web browsing.

Pick the type that works best for what you want to do! We generally recommend HTTP or HTTPS for beginners.

How To Configure Mac Proxy Settings

Setting up a proxy on your Mac is simple once you know the type of proxy you need. Below is a step-by-step guide for configuring each proxy type: HTTP, HTTPS, and SOCKS5.

Configure an HTTP Proxy

HTTP Proxy is great for basic browsing on websites that don’t need encryption. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Open System Preferences on your Mac.

2. Go to Network in the sidebar and choose your current network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).

3. Click Details, then go to the Proxies tab.

4. Turn on Web Proxy (HTTP).

5. Enter:
   • Server Address: The IP or domain of the proxy server.
   • Port Number: The port for your proxy server (e.g., 8080).

6. If a login is needed:
   • Turn on Proxy server.
   • Enter your username and password.

7. Click OK, then click Apply to save the settings.

Configure an HTTPS Proxy

HTTPS Proxy is among the best options for privacy and security since it ensures secure and encrypted browsing. Follow these steps to set this type of proxy on your Mac:

1. Open System Preferences, then go to Network.
2. Select your current network and click Details.
3. Go to the Proxies tab and turn on Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS).

4. Enter:
   • Server Address: The IP or domain of the HTTPS proxy server.
   • Port Number: The port provided by your proxy (e.g., 443).
5. If the proxy needs a password:some text
   • Turn on Proxy server.
   • Enter your username and password.
6. Click OK, then click Apply to save the changes.

Configure a SOCKS5 Proxy

SOCKS5 Proxy is a great, secure and modern option for all your online tasks. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Open System Preferences and go to Network.
2. Choose your current network and click Details.
3. Go to the Proxies tab and turn on SOCKS Proxy.

4. Enter - Server Address: The IP or domain of the SOCKS5 proxy server. Port Number: The port provided by your service (e.g., 1080).
5. If a password is required - enter your username and password.
6. Click OK, then Apply to activate the SOCKS5 proxy.

Test Your Mac Proxy Settings

After configuring your proxy:

1. Open a browser and visit WhatIsMyIP to confirm your IP address has changed to the proxy server’s IP.
2. If the IP hasn’t changed, double-check your settings for typos or errors.

How To Bypass Mac Proxy Settings For Certain Websites

In some cases, you may want certain websites or domains to bypass the proxy server entirely. This means your Mac will connect directly to these sites instead of routing through the proxy.

1. Go to System Settings > Network and select your active network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
2. Click Details, then go to the Proxies tab.
3. Find the field labeled “Bypass proxy settings for these Hosts & Domains.” Enter the domains or sites you want to bypass.

4. Click OK to close the Details window.
5. Press Apply to save your changes.

In Conclusion

With the right proxy setup, you can have a safer, faster, and more flexible internet experience. Choose the right proxy type based on your requirements and troubleshoot promptly if issues arise.

Don’t forget to visit Webshare and claim your free proxies today. With no cost to you, it's the perfect way to try out a trusted proxy service.

FAQs

How to Fix Mac Proxy Settings Not Working?

If your Mac's proxy settings aren’t working, check to make sure the proxy IP address, port number, and login details are correct. Restart your Mac and set up the proxy again to ensure the changes are saved properly.

How to Fix Mac Proxy Resetting?

If your proxy settings keep resetting, another app or VPN might be interfering. Check for any software that could override your proxy. Also, turn off any automatic configuration files (like PAC files) in the Proxies tab.

How to Fix “Mac Proxy Authentication Required”?

Make sure you’ve entered the right username and password for the proxy. If the problem continues, contact your proxy provider to confirm your login details or get new ones..

How to Disable Proxy on Mac?

To turn off the proxy permanently, go to System Preferences, open Network, and select your current network. Click Details, then go to the Proxies tab. Uncheck all the options, click OK, and then Apply to save. Your Mac will no longer use a proxy.

How to Get a Free Proxy Server for Mac?

Visit Webshare’s free proxy page to get access to high-quality free proxy servers.

How to Configure Proxy Settings Using Terminal on Mac?

Open Terminal and use the following commands:

To set an HTTP proxy:
networksetup -setwebproxy Wi-Fi <proxy_ip> <port>

To set an HTTPS proxy:
networksetup -setsecurewebproxy Wi-Fi <proxy_ip> <port>

To set a SOCKS5 proxy:
networksetup -setsocksfirewallproxy Wi-Fi <proxy_ip> <port>

To disable proxies permanently via Terminal:
networksetup -setwebproxystate Wi-Fi off

networksetup -setsecurewebproxystate Wi-Fi off

networksetup -setsocksfirewallproxystate Wi-Fi off