How to Set Up a Proxy on iPhone & iPad

The technical purpose of a proxy is to mask the user's authentic IP address. By acting as a gateway between your device and the internet, it comes with great benefits. For example, using a proxy server, you can hide your IP address and change location online. As a result, it helps to access content that’s restricted by your school or the workplace. By preventing malware from making requests to your device directly, it enhances your security. 

In this guide, we’ll show you how to set up Oxylabs Datacenter or Residential Proxies for iOS users. Keep in mind that iOS allows proxy servers on Wi-Fi network connection only, so you won’t be able to use proxies on cellular data. 

How to Set Up a Proxy on iPhone & iPad

Configuring proxy settings on a Wi-Fi network 

The following screenshots were taken using iOS 16.1.

NOTE: iOS allows using an HTTP proxy only, so you won’t be able to set up a SOCKS5 proxy. To learn more about both types, head over here. 

1. Open iPhone Settings.

2. Select Wi-Fi.

3. Click the blue info icon next to the Wi-Fi network you’re currently connected to (a connection is indicated by a blue checkmark.)

4. Out of the three options, select the Manual configuration. 

5. Once you do, proxy server configuration settings will appear – here, you’ll need to enter your proxy server details and credentials.

NOTE: if you’re using a whitelisted IP, keep Authentication toggled off. Otherwise, turn Authentication on for the Username and Password fields to appear. There, enter your Oxylabs sub-user’s credentials – these are the same credentials you typed in while creating a new sub-user in the Oxylabs dashboard.

If you’re using Residential Proxies, enter the following proxy details: 

Server: pr.oxylabs.io 

Port: 7777 

Authentication: on

Username: Oxylabs sub-user’s username 

Password: Oxylabs sub-user’s password

Here’s how your settings should look like if you’re using a whitelisted Residential IP – the authentication setting is toggled off:

If needed, you can use country-specific entries. For example, if you enter us-pr.oxylabs.io in the Server field and 10000 under the Port field, you’ll get a US-based exit node. To see a full list of country-specific entry nodes or if you need a sticky session, please check our documentation.


If you’re using a Dedicated Datacenter Proxy, first, refer to our documentation – here, you’ll see how to select a proxy server address from the acquired list. 

Once you choose the IP, enter your details as shown below: 

Server: a selected proxy server address

Port: 60000

Authentication: on

Username: Oxylabs sub-user’s username 

Password: Oxylabs sub-user’s password

If you’re using a whitelisted Dedicated Datacenter Proxy, change the port to 65432 and turn the authentication off; the server field remains the same:

If you’re using a Shared Datacenter Proxy, enter the following: 

Server: dc.pr.oxylabs.io

Port: 10000

Authentication: on

Username: Oxylabs sub-user’s username 

Password: Oxylabs sub-user’s password

You can also use a country-specific entry. For example, if you enter dc.nl-pr.oxylabs.io under Server and 44000 under Port, you’ll acquire a Dutch exit node. For a complete list of country-specific entry nodes, please refer to our documentation.

6. On the upper-right corner, click Save

7. Now, your proxy settings are up! To see if your connection was successful, head over to the IPleak website and see if your IP address was replaced with that of a proxy. If you don’t know your own IP address, check it before connecting to a proxy; then, compare the two.

How to turn off a proxy server on iPhone or iPad

Once you’ve configured the proxy server on your iOS device, it will try to route all your connection requests through a proxy. However, keep in mind that some applications have automatic proxy detection and don’t allow the connection – in that scenario, you’ll need to disable it. 

To turn off the proxy server connection, repeat the first four steps: 

Open Settings > click Wi-Fi > tap on the network you’re currently connected to > scroll down and select Configure Proxy > tap Off

Now, you’re disconnected from the proxy. The proxy settings will remain there, so you’ll be able to connect quickly next time.

Conclusion 

The process of setting up proxies on iOS devices is relatively simple; however, if you need any assistance or have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at support@oxylabs.io

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.

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