How to Setup Proxy on Android?
Setting up a proxy server for Android has major benefits like advanced security, privacy and anonymity. A proxy server also helps you access restricted websites and bypass IP and Geo blocks. By setting up a proxy for Android, you are basically allowing your Internet traffic to pass through the proxy server before it reaches the desired location. Here, your real IP is masked with that of your proxy server’s IP address. This way your online identity remains hidden and you are able to access secured networks.
There are two ways of setting up a proxy on Android. Firstly, you can configure proxy settings on Android when you are connected to a Wi-Fi network. Secondly, you can setup a proxy server when connected to your mobile network.
Setup Android Proxy Settings on a Wi-Fi network
Step 1: Go to Settings
The first step is to open the “Settings” option on your Android phone while you are connected to a Wi-Fi network.
Step 2. Select ‘Wi-Fi’ settings
The next step is to select the “Wi-Fi” settings option under the “Connections” category.
Step 3: Select the Desired Wi-Fi Network
After selecting “Wi-Fi”, you need to tap on the Wi-Fi network (from the available Wi-Fi networks) that you wish to use with the proxy.
Step 4: Go to the Selected Wi-Fi Network’s Settings
Now you are required to open the settings of your desired Wi-Fi network. In most cases, you can access the settings by tapping on a gear symbol present next to your connected Wi-Fi network’s name.
Step 5: Go to Advanced Settings
The next step is to open the “Advanced” settings of your connected Wi-Fi network.
Step 6: Tap on ‘Proxy’
Under the Advanced settings, you need to tap on the “Proxy” option.
You will see “None” written below the “Proxy” option by default. It indicates that your Android smartphone is not using any proxy server at present.
Step 7: Select the “Manual” Option
Under the “Proxy” option, you will see a drop-down list with the following setting options:
None
Manual
Proxy Auto-Config
Here, you need to click on the “Manual Option.”
The Proxy Auto-Config is used when you have access to a PAC (proxy autoconfiguration script) file. However, most commercial proxy service providers don’t share the PAC file with their customers. They usually provide you with a proxy server’s information (server address or IP address, port, username, password). Hence, you are required to tap on the “Manual” option to configure your proxy settings manually.
Step 8. Enter the Proxy Hostname/IP and the Proxy Port Number
The next step is to enter the proxy hostname or IP address and the proxy port number and click on “Save.”
Step 9: Enter the Proxy Username and Password
You need to enter the proxy username and password if your proxy requires basic HTTP authentication.
Step 10: Verify the Proxy Connection
Lastly, you need to check if your proxy connection is successfully configured. For this, go to your web browser and load an IP checker website. If your IP address and location have been changed, your proxy server setup is correct.
That’s all! You have successfully configured the proxy settings on your Android device when using a Wi-Fi network.