Imagine you’re building an Android app. Now, you need to test it with a proxy. This could help you see how it works in other countries, keep track of network requests, or improve privacy. 

So, how to set proxy in Android app programmatically? To set a proxy in an Android app programmatically, create a proxy configuration with the server’s IP and port, then apply it to your network requests. 

This directs all app traffic through the specified proxy server.


No idea what I’m saying, right? 

Setting up a proxy might sound hard, but don’t worry—it’s easier than it sounds!

Follow these steps, and you’ll be ready to go quickly.

Key Takeaways

  • Set a proxy in your Android app to control network traffic.
  • Define proxy details like IP and port in your app.
  • Apply the proxy to network requests using ConnectivityManager.
  • Configure HTTP clients like OkHttp or HttpURLConnection for proxy use.
  • Add authentication for proxy access if needed.
  • Test your setup to ensure proper functioning.
  • Use reliable, paid proxies for better speed and security.

What is a Proxy?

In simple terms, a proxy is like a middleman that stands between your app and the internet. When you send a request from your app, it goes to the proxy server first, and then the server forwards it to the destination.

This helps with tasks like —

See the data your app sends and receives

Monitor Network Traffic: See the data your app sends and receives.

Simulate slow internet or other network issues

Test Network Conditions: Simulate slow internet or other network issues.

Access content blocked in certain areas

Bypass Geo-Restrictions: Access content blocked in certain areas.

Hide your device’s IP address

Enhance Privacy: Hide your device’s IP address.

7 Steps on How to Set Proxy in Android App Programmatically

Now, let me share the step-by-step process so that you don’t have any confusion anymore.

Step 1: Create a Proxy Configuration in Your App Code

01. Go to the Code Section of Your App:

Go to the Code Section of Your App
  • Go to the main activity or the part of the app where you want to set up the proxy.

02. Write the Proxy Code:

  • Copy and paste the following code snippet. Make sure to replace the placeholder IP and port with your proxy details.
Write the Proxy Code

Explanation:

  • "192.168.1.1" is where you enter your actual proxy server’s IP address.
  • 8080 is the port number you’ll get from your proxy provider. Replace it with the port your proxy uses.

Step 2: Apply the Proxy to Network Requests

03. Get the ConnectivityManager:

  • This part helps route app traffic through the proxy settings you just configured.
  • Copy and paste the code below into the same code area in Android Studio.

Kotlin


import android.net.ConnectivityManager
import android.content.Context
import android.net.NetworkCapabilities
import android.net.NetworkRequest

// Get the ConnectivityManager
val connectivityManager = context.getSystemService(Context.CONNECTIVITY_SERVICE) as ConnectivityManager

// Create a network request to set the proxy
val networkRequest = NetworkRequest.Builder()
.addTransportType(NetworkCapabilities.TRANSPORT_WIFI)
.setNetworkSpecifier(proxy)
.build()


// Apply the network request
connectivityManager.requestNetwork(networkRequest, object : ConnectivityManager.NetworkCallback() {
override fun onAvailable(network: Network) {
super.onAvailable(network)
// Network is now using the proxy settings
}
})

What This Does:

This part of the code attaches the proxy settings to your app’s network requests. It tells the app to use the proxy whenever it’s connected to WiFi (you can change this to other network types if needed).

Here, you might think about what Kotlin is. It’s a new programming language. It works on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). People use it to build Android apps.

Kotlin is easy to use. It helps you write shorter, clearer code. It also prevents mistakes like null pointer errors. For Android apps, Kotlin is the best choice. It makes coding faster and works well with Android features.

Step 3: Apply Proxy Settings to HTTP Clients (If You’re Using Them)

If you’re using a specific HTTP client library, such as OkHttp or HttpURLConnection, to manage internet requests in your app, here’s how to set up the proxy.

Using OkHttp

  • Code:
Using OkHttp

Using HttpURLConnection

  • Code:
Using HttpURLConnection

Setting up the proxy in your HTTP clients ensures that each request sent through these clients will go through the proxy server.

Step 4: Add Proxy Authentication (If Required)

Some proxy servers need a username and password to allow access.

Here’s how to add those to your configuration.

With OkHttp:

  • Code:

how to add OkHttp to your configuration
  • Replace "yourUsername" and "yourPassword" with the credentials your proxy provider gave you.

  • This setup will authenticate each request through the proxy.

Step 5: Update Proxy Settings on Network Changes (Optional)

If your app needs to adjust proxy settings when the network changes (for example, when switching from WiFi to mobile data), you can set up a listener for network changes.

01. Use BroadcastReceiver for Network Changes:

  • Code:

Kotlin


import android.content.BroadcastReceiver
import android.content.Intent
import android.content.IntentFilter
import android.net.ConnectivityManager

val networkReceiver = object : BroadcastReceiver() {
override fun onReceive(context: Context, intent: Intent) {
val connectivityManager = context.getSystemService(Context.CONNECTIVITY_SERVICE) as ConnectivityManager
// Reapply or update the proxy settings
}
}

// Register the receiver in onCreate() or your preferred location
val intentFilter = IntentFilter(ConnectivityManager.CONNECTIVITY_ACTION) context.registerReceiver(networkReceiver, intentFilter)

Step 6: Test Your Proxy Setup

Testing is essential to ensure that network requests are being sent through the proxy server.

01. Log Your Network Requests:

Add log statements to your app’s network requests. Check if requests go through the IP address and port of your proxy.

02. Monitor Traffic:

Use monitoring tools like Charles Proxy or Wireshark to inspect network traffic and see if it routes through the proxy server.

03. Perform Simple Requests:

Try making simple requests (like loading a test website) to ensure traffic flows as expected through the proxy server.

Step 7: Troubleshoot Common Issues

  • Network Unavailable: Double-check if the IP and port are correct and accessible.
  • Authentication Fails: Make sure the username and password are accurate if using an authenticated proxy.
  • Network Permissions: Make sure your app has INTERNET and ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE permissions in AndroidManifest.xml.
  • Android Compatibility: Test on different Android versions, as older versions may handle proxies differently.
  • Disable SSL Pinning: If your app uses SSL pinning, you might need to disable it or use a tool like Frida to bypass it.

You can check out this video guide to learn how to configure a proxy in Android Studio.

Additional Considerations

  • Security: Use trusted proxy servers like Bright Data, Smartproxy, Oxylabs, Webshare, etc., and avoid public proxies that might compromise your privacy.
  • Performance: Be aware that using a proxy can impact network performance.
  • Error Handling: Implement proper error handling mechanisms to deal with network issues.
  • Asynchronous Network Operations: Use asynchronous techniques like AsyncTask or coroutines to avoid blocking the UI thread.

Wrapping Up

Hopefully, you now have at least a basic idea of how to set proxy in Android App Programmatically. To set up a proxy in your Android app, define the proxy details and apply them to your network requests.

Configure your HTTP client (like OkHttp or HttpURLConnection) to use the proxy. If necessary, add authentication and update proxy settings dynamically.

Finally, test everything to make sure it works properly. These steps will help you set up the proxy based on your app’s needs.


Want to learn how to set up a residential proxy? Then, you can visit this insightful blog to learn all the steps.

FAQs

Can I use a free proxy server for my Android app?

Free proxy servers are available, but they can be slow, unreliable, and risky for security. It's better to use a paid proxy service for better speed and safety.

How do I choose a suitable proxy server for my Android app?

When choosing a proxy server, consider speed, reliability, security, and cost. Find a provider that offers a good balance of these and fits your needs.

What are the common challenges in setting up a proxy in an Android app?

Common problems include SSL certificate errors, network setup issues, and compatibility with different Android versions.

How can I handle SSL certificate errors when using a proxy?

You can turn off SSL certificate checks or install the needed certificates. Be careful, though, as this can weaken security.

Can I use a SOCKS proxy instead of an HTTP proxy?

Yes, you can use a SOCKS proxy, but it requires additional configuration and might not be as widely supported as HTTP proxies.

About the Author

Jayden Sprent is a distinguished expert in Cybersecurity, Proxies, and Web Scraping. He graduated from California University with a strong foundation in Cybersecurity. With extensive experience and a deep understanding of digital security, Jayden is dedicated to protecting online environments and optimizing web data extraction. His expertise in proxies ensures efficient and secure internet connections, while his proficiency in web scraping enables valuable data acquisition. Jayden's commitment to excellence and personalized approach has made him a trusted professional in the field.

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