How to Use Chrome Browser Proxy Settings
What is a proxy server, and why would you need it for Google Chrome? Setting up a proxy in your web browser adds an extra layer of privacy and security when you go online. This guide will go over how to use proxies with Chrome, how to do it by using proxy server managers, and why you would want to use a Chrome proxy in the first place.
How to change proxy settings in Chrome
To configure Chrome proxy server settings, complete the following:
1. Launch Chrome, select the three dots, and click Settings.
2. Go to System.
3. Click Open your computer’s proxy settings.
As Chrome doesn’t have in-app proxy server settings, you’ll be redirected to your operating system’s native proxy settings.
4. Once redirected, add your proxy details.
4.1. On Windows, enable the "use a proxy server" option and specify the address and port, as shown here
4.2. On macOS, choose a protocol and specify a proxy server, port, and credentials, as shown here.
NOTE: beware that these proxy settings will apply system-wide, not just to your Chrome client alone.
How do I disable Chrome proxy settings?
After finishing proxy-related tasks, make sure to disable proxies to avoid interference with other applications. Simply remove all the previously set up proxy and firewall settings (undo the changes). For specifics, refer to the dedicated sections in Windows and macOS proxy integration tutorials.
The dangers of not using a Chrome proxy
Each internet-connected device has an Internet Protocol (IP) address. It’s a sequence of numbers (similar to a house having an address number) assigned to you by your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Every website you visit will know your IP address along with your general geographic location. Tracking your IP address helps websites keep a record of your web activity by using cookies. Whenever you search for something or shop online, you’re tracked to personalize and show you ads that should fit your taste.
On top of that, when you connect to Wi-Fi (especially the free ones coffee shops usually have), your data can be easily hacked.
Why is free Wi-Fi dangerous? Establishing a network connection doesn’t require authentication, creating fantastic opportunities for hackers to gain access to unsecured devices on the same network. This way, cybercriminals can steal sensitive data or execute malware attacks.
How a Chrome proxy helps to protect you
A proxy server in Chrome works as a filter between you and the internet. When you use a proxy server in Chrome, your internet requests travel through the proxy server and only then connect to the internet.
While standing between you and the internet, a proxy server appears as a different IP. While it answers the question of how to hide an IP address, as long as you use a Chrome proxy server, you’ll have a secure web session.
Setting up your proxies with a proxy manager
Another way of setting up your proxies is through a proxy manager. Proxy managers are great if you want a simplified interface for turning on and off your proxies without the need for manual proxy configuration each time.
Oxy® Proxy Extension and FoxyProxy can help you set up proxies for Chrome quickly. Proxy managers offer browser extensions with which changing Oxylabs Residential and Datacenter Proxies won’t be an issue.
Wrapping up
In tandem with web browsers, Oxylabs Residential or Datacenter Proxies will make your online activities private and secure. For more integration examples with the most popular web browsers, check our Firefox, Safari, and Edge proxy integration guides.
Choosing the right proxy type to suit your specific task is essential. If you want to learn more about which type is more suited to your needs, check our article on the differences between Datacenter and Residential proxies.
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 Chrome proxy?
A Chrome proxy is any type of proxy that can be used with Chrome to anonymize a user's traffic.
Do proxies hide your IP?
Yes, proxies hide your real IP address, and in many cases, this is their main function. However, you should also know that there are plenty of other uses for proxies where hiding the user’s original IP address is only a secondary goal.
What is better, a proxy or a VPN?
Although proxies can be just as efficient for those seeking anonymity, using a VPN is generally recommended for private individuals. However, the downside of VPNs is that the entire traffic is affected, not just a specific application.
Does Chrome have its own proxy settings?
No, Chrome uses your operating system’s native proxy settings. However, you can use third-party tools to enable Chrome-only proxies.
How do I use a proxy only in Chrome?
The easiest solution is to use a Chrome proxy manager such as Oxy® Proxy Extension or FoxyProxy.
Where are proxy settings in Chrome?
For Windows, click the three-dot menu button and choose Settings. Then, select System and choose Open your computer’s proxy settings. You will be redirected to your system’s proxy settings.
How do I add a proxy exception in Chrome?
While in Windows system settings, Navigate to Internet Options > Connections > LAN settings. Under Proxy server, select Advanced and add your exception URLs separated by a semicolon.
How to set up a SOCKS5 proxy in Chrome?
Acquire SOCKS5 proxies, and when configuring Chrome proxy settings, set the protocol/proxy type as SOCKS.
Useful resources
How To Set up FoxyProxy with Oxylabs Proxies
Find out how to integrate proxies with a third-party browser extension FoxyProxy.
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Find out what is a headless browser, what software engineers use it for, and what browsers are most popular in a headless environment. What limitations do headless browsers have? We cover it here, too.
Using Browsers as a Service for Web Data Gathering
During OxyCon, Slavcho Ivanov, CTO @ Intelligence Node, presented an interesting method of using cloud-based Chrome browsers for web data gathering. In this article, we take a brief look at how this can be achieved.
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