How to Configure Proxy Server Settings on Your Android Device
This guide shows you how to integrate Oxylabs Residential and Datacenter Proxies on an Android device. Depending on your device manufacturer, the process could slightly differ. However, the fundamental steps are alike throughout. The following showcase uses stock Android 13.
Proxies enable you to access geo-restricted content, hide your IP address, and prevent malware from making requests to your device directly.
There are two ways to set up an Android proxy server, depending on the availability of a particular network connection – mobile cellular or Wi-Fi.
Configuring a proxy for a mobile network
When using mobile data, a proxy is set up through the mobile network settings:
Navigate to Settings > Network & internet > Internet.
Configuring mobile network settings
2. Tap your mobile network provider’s settings, scroll to the bottom, and select Access Point Names (APNs).
3. Choose an APN you’re currently using to configure the Android proxy settings.
4. Under Proxy, Port, Username, and Password, enter your proxy details and credentials.
Editing proxy settings
NOTE: When using proxies for a mobile network, the connection type is HTTP(S) only.
Fill in the setup fields as specified below:
Residential Proxies
Proxy: pr.oxylabs.io
Port: 7777
You can also use country-specific entries. For example, if you enter us-pr.oxylabs.io under Proxy and 10000 under Port, you’ll acquire a US exit node. For a complete list of country-specific entry nodes or if you need a sticky session, please refer to our documentation.
Configuring Residential Proxies
Enterprise Dedicated Datacenter Proxies
Specify the following if you purchased Dedicated Datacenter Proxies via sales.
Proxy: a specific IP address (e.g., 1.2.3.4)
Port: 60000
For Enterprise Dedicated Datacenter Proxies, you’ll have to choose an IP address from the acquired list. Visit our documentation for more details.
Self-Service Dedicated Datacenter Proxies
Specify the following if you purchased Dedicated Datacenter Proxies via the dashboard.
Proxy: ddc.oxylabs.io
Port: 8001
For Self-Service Dedicated Datacenter Proxies, the port indicates the sequential number of an IP address from the acquired list. Check our documentation for more details.
Datacenter Proxies
Proxy: dc.oxylabs.io
Port: 8001
The pay-per-IP subscription method assigns the port to the sequential number of an IP address from your proxy list. Thus, port 8001 will utilize the first IP address. Please refer to our documentation for additional information..
For the pay-per-traffic subscription, port 8001 randomly selects an IP address, maintaining it throughout the session. You can specify the proxy's location within the user authentication string, such as user-USERNAME-country-US:PASSWORD, connecting you to a US proxy. Check our documentation for more details.
ISP Proxies
Proxy: isp.oxylabs.io
Port: 8001
Configuring Dedicated/Shared Datacenter Proxies
Fill in the Username and Password. Enter your Oxylabs sub-user’s credentials. Use the same credentials you typed in while creating a new sub-user in the Oxylabs dashboard.
5. Tap three vertical dots in the top right corner and choose Save.
Saving the proxy setup
6. Restart the network to apply your changes by turning the connection off and on again.
Restarting network connection
7. Finally, open your web browser, enter previously specified credentials, and press Sign in.
Entering the Oxylabs sub-user’s credentials
And that’s it. You’re now using a mobile network with a proxy IP address.
Setting up a proxy for a Wi-Fi network
If you’re using a Wi-Fi network, the process is as follows:
Navigate to Settings > Network & internet > Internet.
Choose your current Wi-Fi network and select the gear icon to access Network details.
Configuring Wi-Fi network settings
3. Tap the edit button (🖉) in the top right corner and expand the Advanced options section.
4. Under Proxy, select Manual and enter your proxy details along with credentials.
Integrating Residential Proxies
For a detailed proxy server configuration (Residential and Datacenter), refer to the previous section. Oxylabs proxy details are consistent and interchangeable regardless of your network type (mobile or Wi-Fi).
NOTE: When using proxies for a Wi-Fi network, the connection type is HTTP(S) only.
The Bypass proxy for option lets you list specific websites that will ignore your proxy settings. Separate addresses with commas to create multiple exceptions.
5. Open a browser and authenticate your proxies. Enter your Oxylabs sub-user’s Username and Password. Use the same credentials you typed in while creating a new sub-user in the Oxylabs dashboard.
Entering the Oxylabs sub-user’s credentials
And that’s all. Now you’re using a Wi-Fi network with a proxy IP address.
Wrapping up
Remember that proxies set up using the methods above may not affect other apps on your device besides a browser in use. Individual software may have its own proxy server settings or was designed without proxy server support.
For more proxy options in data extraction and virtual identities while browsing, check how to integrate proxies with some of the most popular scraping tools and anti-detection browsers. Additionally, you might also be interested in reading about our mobile proxy solution.
If you have questions about how to connect to a proxy server on Android or have inquiries about our solutions, don’t hesitate to get in touch for more information.
Please be aware that this is a third-party tool not owned or controlled by Oxylabs. Each third-party provider is responsible for its own software and services. Consequently, Oxylabs will have no liability or responsibility to you regarding those services. Please carefully review the third party's policies and practices and/or conduct due diligence before accessing or using third-party services.
Frequently asked questions
What is a proxy server in Android?
A proxy server is an intermediary between a user and a destination server (the internet). Such an additional inbetweener adds an extra layer of security and anonymity. On Android, you can configure proxies for both mobile and Wi-Fi network connections.
Do Android proxy settings apply to all apps on a device?
No, when it comes to global proxy settings, Android doesn’t apply them to all apps universally. The functionality is on an app-by-app basis. Some software might not support certain proxy types or refuse global proxy server settings by design.
Are there any free proxy servers for Android?
Yes, although not without some significant drawbacks. Free proxies are usually synonymous with subpar connection speeds, shared usage, and security concerns.
Paid proxy services provide trusty solutions, offering pools of ethically acquired proxies, high uptimes, and technical assistance.
Useful resources
What is a Private Proxy? [Quick Guide 2023]
A private proxy, also known as dedicated, is a proxy that is used only by one user. It’s not shared with anyone else, so you have full control over how and when this proxy is used.
What Are HTTP Cookies and What Are They Used For?
Learn more about HTTP cookies, and how they are an important part in web scraping to avoid unsuccessful requests and being blocked by targeted web pages.
What Is a Rotating IP Address?
Rotating IP address is a widely used practice where assigned IP addresses are distributed to a device at random or at scheduled intervals.
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