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How To Set Up and Use a Proxy Server for Windows, Mac, and Various Browsers
Augustas Pelakauskas
2024-12-203 min read
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Proxies are used widely, from operating systems to browsers, to provide a layer of anonymity, security, and flexibility online. They mask the user's IP address, making it difficult for websites to track user activity and location. Proxy usage is essential for bypassing geo-restrictions and extracting public web data at scale, among other things.
When configuring a proxy, you have to specify the following details:
Host/Address/Server
Port
Username
Password
Some proxy services use domain names instead of numerical IP addresses. For example, pr.oxylabs.io, for Oxylabs Residential Proxies.
Authentication credentials are given by a proxy provider. For example, with Oxylabs, you can create your own username and password when setting up a new proxy user using the dashboard.
Here, you’ll learn how to use a proxy for the most popular operating systems and browsers.
Windows 10
1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy.
2. Set Use a proxy server to On and specify proxy details.
3. When visiting a website on a browser, specify your proxy user’s credentials.
Windows 11
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi/Ethernet > Manual proxy setup.
2. Specify your proxy details.
3. When visiting a website on a browser, specify your proxy user’s credentials.
Mac
Go to System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi/Ethernet > Details > Proxies.
2. Select a proxy type (HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS) and specify proxy details.
Android
Mobile network
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Internet > Mobile network ⚙️ > Acces Point Names > your operator.
2. Configure proxy details, including authentication credentials.
Wi-Fi network
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Internet > Wi-FI network ⚙️ > 🖊️ > Advanced options.
2. Select Manual and configure proxy details.
Authentication
Upon visiting a website, enter your proxy user’s credentials.
iOS
Go to Settings > Wi-Fi > Your network > Manual.
2. Optionally, enable Authentication and specify credentials if a proxy is secure.
Google Chrome
Google Chrome doesn’t have its own in-app proxy settings.
By going to Settings > System, you’ll Open your system’s proxy settings, which will also apply to Chrome.
Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge doesn’t have in-app proxy settings, just like Chrome, as it is built on Chromium, sharing many similarities.
By going to Settings > System and performance, you’ll Open your computer’s proxy settings, which will also apply to Edge.
Mozilla Firefox
Go to Settings > scroll all the way down > Network Settings > Manual proxy configuration.
2. Specify your proxy details by choosing a proxy type (HTTP, HTTPS, SOCKS).
Use cases for proxy types
Residential proxies
Real IP addresses assigned by internet service providers (ISPs)
Hard to detect as proxy traffic due to organic resemblance
More reliable than datacenter proxies for avoiding blocks but generally slower
Expensive due to the cost of maintaining a network of real IPs
Used for: web scraping, market research, price monitoring, ad verification.
SOCKS5 proxies
Protocol type rather than a proxy type (can be either residential or datacenter)
Supports multiple protocols, including HTTP/HTTPS
Supports UDP and TCP connections
Highest performance with low latency and high bandwidth
Used for: traffic-intensive tasks like web scraping, video streaming, peer-to-peer applications, gaming.
Mobile proxies
Mobile data carrier IPs from 3G/4G/5G networks
IPs rotate frequently due to their mobile nature
Very difficult to detect and block
Used for: social media management, web scraping, mobile app testing, location-based tasks, mobile-specific content access
Datacenter proxies
Generated by cloud providers and data centers
Not associated with ISPs and real (residential) IP addresses
Fast speeds and low latency
Cheaper than other options
More likely to be detected and blocked
Best for tasks where speed is crucial and detection is less important
Used for: web scraping, testing, and geographic restrictions bypass.
Wrap up
For more tools and apps, check our proxy integrations.
Frequently asked questions
What is the proxy, and how do I use it?
A proxy server acts as an intermediary between your device and the internet. Connecting through a proxy provides benefits like privacy, security, and access to geo-restricted content.
To use a proxy, you should look for application network settings that allow you to specify the following:
IP address: the proxy server's address.
Port number: the port through which the proxy server communicates.
Username and password: if the proxy requires authentication.
You can buy proxy servers or use free proxies with limitations. Just make sure to source your free proxies from a reputable provider. Some of the best proxy providers offer free options for small tasks.
Why would someone use a proxy?
A proxy masks your IP address, making it appear as if you're browsing from the proxy server's location.
Proxies offer privacy and security, geo-restriction bypass, and allow you to send multiple HTTP requests without violating the target website’s rate limits.
How do I use a proxy server with Wi-Fi?
What to put in a proxy address?
A proxy address typically consists of two parts:
Address: a unique numerical IP address (192.168.1.1) or an alphabetical domain name (pr.oxylabs.io).
Port number: a numerical identifier assigned to a specific application or service running on a device, usually ranging from 0 to 65535.
A complete proxy address combines an address and a port:
pr.oxylabs.io:7777
About the author
Augustas Pelakauskas
Senior Copywriter
Augustas Pelakauskas is a Senior Copywriter at Oxylabs. Coming from an artistic background, he is deeply invested in various creative ventures - the most recent one being writing. After testing his abilities in the field of freelance journalism, he transitioned to tech content creation. When at ease, he enjoys sunny outdoors and active recreation. As it turns out, his bicycle is his fourth best friend.
All information on Oxylabs Blog is provided on an "as is" basis and for informational purposes only. We make no representation and disclaim all liability with respect to your use of any information contained on Oxylabs Blog or any third-party websites that may be linked therein. Before engaging in scraping activities of any kind you should consult your legal advisors and carefully read the particular website's terms of service or receive a scraping license.
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