Are you finding it hard to set up a proxy on your Android phone? It might feel tricky, especially if you're trying to access blocked websites or protect your online privacy. But don’t worry—it’s actually easier than it seems! 

In this blog, I’ll show you how to set up a proxy on Android step by step, using clear pictures to guide you. No matter if you're using Wi-Fi or mobile data, I’ll explain everything you need to know to get your proxy working without any hassle.

Key Takeaways

  • A proxy helps you access blocked websites and stay private online.
  • You can set up a proxy on Android for both Wi-Fi and mobile data.
  • I’ve provided easy steps with pictures to guide you.
  • You can turn the proxy on and off whenever needed.
  • Always use a trusted proxy for security and better performance.


How to Set Up a Proxy on Android via Wi-Fi

First, I’ll share how you can set up a proxy on your Android device through Wi-Fi settings. Please note that I’m using a Xiaomi Poco F3 device, so your proxy settings might look a little different.

Step 1: Open Wi-Fi Settings

  • Go to your Android settings (usually looks like a gear icon).

  • Tap on "Wi-Fi."

  • Find the Wi-Fi network you're connected to, tap and hold on its name, or tap the gear icon next to it.

Step 2: Locate the Proxy Option

  • Tap on the “arrow key” placed at the right section of your current Wi-Fi name.
  • Scroll down and select "Proxy."


Step 3: Set Up the Proxy

  • Tap “Proxy” and select "Manual." This means you’ll need to enter the proxy server settings yourself.

  • If you're using a proxy at school or work, the network administrator might give you a PAC file to set it up automatically. Most paid proxy services don’t usually provide this.

Now, you’ll see fields to enter the proxy hostname and proxy port after selecting the “Manual” option:

The Proxy Hostname is where you enter the name of the proxy server. If you're using backconnect proxies (like residential or rotating IPs), you’ll have a hostname. If not, just use the proxy’s IP address. 

  • Example of an IP: 127.168.0.1

  • Example of a hostname: en.proxyprovider.net

The Proxy Port is the number that comes after the IP or hostname. It's separated by a colon. 

  • Example of a port: en.proxyprovider.net:10000

"Bypass proxy for" lets you choose websites that will skip the proxy. If you’re adding more than one, just separate them with a comma (no spaces). 

  • Example: google.com,bing.com

Step 4: Authenticate Your Proxies

On Android, there’s no option in the settings to log into the proxy. Instead, when you open your web browser, you’ll be asked to log in. Just enter your username and password. If your IP address is whitelisted, you won’t need to log in at all.

Step 5: Save the Details

After entering the details, tap "Save/Tick Sign placed at the top right side of the display" or "Connect."

Now, your phone is using the proxy server for all internet traffic through this Wi-Fi connection.

Step 6: Check If Your Proxy is Working

Visit "Show My IP" to see if your IP address and location have changed. That’s it! You’ve successfully set up a proxy on your Android phone!

Setting Up a Proxy on Android for Mobile Networks (3G/4G/5G)

Setting up a proxy for mobile data is a bit different from Wi-Fi. Let me share the process step-by-step.

  • On your Android device, go to Settings > Mobile networks.

  • Then, go to Mobile networks. If you have two SIM cards, you'll see both displayed. Select the SIM card you're currently using for mobile data.

  • Here, you’ll find “Access Point Names” (APN), then tap on your active APN to open the settings.

Here, under the “Edit access point section,” you’ll fill up the following information:

Suppose you’ve bought Smartproxy, so here, the proxy-related info will be

  • Proxy – gate.smartproxy.com

  • Port – 7000 (for random locations and rotating session type)

  • Username & Password – Enter your proxy username and password from the Smartproxy dashboard.

After that, tap the three vertical dots below, then select Save.

Turn your mobile connection off and on again to restart the network and apply the changes.

Open your web browser, enter the proxy username and password when prompted, then press Sign in.

Now, How Can I Use a Proxy on Android?

Once your proxy is set up, you’re ready to connect! Here’s what to expect:

  • Login: When you visit a website, you’ll need to log in to your proxy by entering your username and password.

  • Check Your IP: Make sure your IP address has changed to a new one from your chosen location. You can check this using websites like what's my IP.

  • Some Apps May Not Work with Proxies: While your proxy will work for web browsers on Android, it might not work with some apps on your phone.

Now, How to Disable the Proxy on Android

To disable a proxy on your Android device, whether it was set up via Wi-Fi or mobile networks, follow these simple steps:

Disabling Proxy via Wi-Fi:

Go to Wi-Fi Settings:

  • Open your Android Settings (gear icon).

  • Tap on Wi-Fi.

  • Find the Wi-Fi network you're connected to and tap the gear icon or hold down its name.

Access Proxy Settings:

  • Tap the arrow or settings icon next to the network.

  • Scroll down and select Proxy.

Disable Proxy:

  • In the proxy settings, select None.

  • Tap Save or Connect to disable the proxy.

Disabling Proxy via Mobile Networks:

Go to Mobile Network Settings:

  • Open Settings on your Android device.

  • Tap on Mobile networks.

Access APN Settings:

  • Select the SIM card you're using for mobile data (if you have two).

  • Find and tap Access Point Names (APN).

Disable Proxy:

  • Tap on your active APN to open the settings.

  • Remove the proxy settings by clearing out the Proxy and Port fields.

  • Tap the three vertical dots at the top right and select Save.

Restart Your Connection:

  • Turn off your mobile data connection and turn it back on to apply the changes.

Following these steps will disable the proxy for both Wi-Fi and mobile network connections on your Android device.

Important Things to Know About Using Proxies on Android

There are several important things you must know when using proxies on Android.

  • Use Only Trusted Proxies: Always choose a good proxy service, like Bright Data, Smartproxy, Webshare, NetNut, Nimbleway etc. Some proxies can be slow or unsafe for your privacy.
  • Proxies vs. VPNs: A proxy only works for the app or browser you’re using. A VPN covers your entire internet connection. If you need full privacy, a VPN might be a better choice.
  • Battery Drain: Using a proxy app may drain your phone’s battery faster, especially when using mobile data. Keep an eye on your battery life.
  • Different Proxies for Wi-Fi and Mobile: You can set up different proxies for Wi-Fi and mobile data, but make sure the right one is active when you switch between them.

Wrapping Up

Hopefully, this image guide on how to set up a proxy on Android has helped you get a clear picture of the overall setup process. Setting up a proxy on your Android phone is simpler than you think! Whether you’re on Wi-Fi or mobile data, this guide shows you all the steps to set up a proxy and turn it off when you don’t need it.

Just be sure to use a trusted proxy service and remember to switch off the proxy when it’s not needed for smooth internet use.


FAQs

How do I know if my proxy server is working correctly?

To check if your proxy server is working correctly, try visiting a website that is blocked in your region or use a tool like IPleak.com to verify your IP address. If the website is accessible or your IP address has changed, the proxy server is working.

Can I use multiple proxy servers simultaneously on Android?

Yes, you can use multiple proxy servers simultaneously on Android. This can be useful for rotating between different proxies to improve privacy or bypass blocks.

What is a PAC file and how is it used with a proxy server?

A PAC (Proxy Auto-Discovery) file is a script that helps your device automatically choose the right proxy server based on things like the website you're visiting or the network you're on. It makes setting up proxies easier and is useful when there are multiple proxies to manage.

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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