How to Change Proxy Settings (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS & More)

Every device and browser has a place to adjust proxy settings, allowing you to route your internet traffic through a proxy server for privacy, access, or network requirements.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to change proxy settings on Windows PCs, Macs, Android phones, iPhones, and popular browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).

By the end, you’ll know how to manually configure a proxy or use handy extensions/apps where available. If you’d rather switch a proxy off completely, follow our step-by-step guide on how to turn off proxy.

Before You Start: Checklist for Changing Proxy Settings

• Gather Proxy Details: Make sure you have the proxy server’s address (IP or hostname) and port number. If the proxy requires authentication, have the username and password ready.
• Automatic vs Manual Setup: Determine if your proxy uses automatic configuration (PAC file URL) or manual input.
• Device Scope: Changing system proxy settings affects all browsers and apps that use them. Browser-specific proxies only affect that browser.
• Network Connection: Ensure your device is connected to the internet (via Wi-Fi or Ethernet). On mobile, proxies are set per Wi-Fi network.
• Plan to Revert: Know how to disable proxy settings in case they cause issues.

Changing Proxy Settings on Windows (10 & 11)

Windows 10 and 11 provide a simple interface for setting up a system-wide proxy.

• Open Proxy Settings: Start → Settings → Network & Internet → Proxy.
• Enable Manual Proxy: Toggle “Use a proxy server” On.
• Enter Proxy Address and Port.
• Save Settings.
• Optionally use setup script or automatic detection.
• Test the connection in your browser.

If you want a detailed walkthrough, see our guide on how to set up a proxy server.

Changing Proxy Settings on macOS

On macOS, proxy settings are under Network preferences and apply system-wide.

• Apple Menu → System Settings → Network.
• Select active network → Details → Proxies tab.
• Enable automatic or manual configuration.
• Enter server and port for HTTP/HTTPS or SOCKS.
• Add authentication if required.
• Apply settings.

This is the same place you’d configure proxies if you want to use a proxy server at home.

Changing Proxy Settings on Android

Android lets you set proxies per Wi-Fi network.

• Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
• Tap your network → Modify network.
• Show advanced options → Proxy.
• Choose Manual → enter hostname and port.
• Save settings and test in Chrome.

Some apps may bypass Android’s proxy settings. If you need stronger anonymity, consider using an undetectable proxy service.

Changing Proxy Settings on iPhone (iOS)

On iOS, proxy settings are also configured per Wi-Fi network.

• Settings → Wi-Fi → Tap “i” next to network.
• Scroll to HTTP Proxy → Configure Proxy.
• Choose Manual.
• Enter server, port, and authentication.
• Save and test in Safari.

For best results, combine iOS settings with a reliable service. Here are some options for the best proxy server.

Changing Proxy Settings in Google Chrome

Chrome uses your operating system’s proxy settings.

• Chrome → Settings → Advanced → System.
• Click “Open your computer’s proxy settings.”
• Enter details in the OS proxy dialog.
• Save and return to Chrome.
• Test browsing.

This is similar to how you change proxy settings in Edge, since both rely on system settings.

Changing Proxy Settings in Mozilla Firefox

Firefox has its own proxy settings.

• Firefox → Menu → Settings.
• Scroll to Network Settings → Settings.
• Select Manual proxy configuration.
• Enter HTTP/HTTPS or SOCKS proxy details.
• Save and test browsing.

Firefox will prompt for authentication if needed.

Changing Proxy Settings in Safari (macOS)

Safari relies on macOS system proxy settings. Access them via Safari Preferences → Advanced → “Change Settings…” which opens the macOS Network Proxies panel.

Changing Proxy Settings in Microsoft Edge

Edge also uses system proxy settings.

• Edge → Settings → System and performance.
• Click “Open your computer’s proxy settings.”
• Enter details in Windows/Mac dialog.
• Save and test browsing.

Comparison of Proxy Setup Across Devices

Platform	Method	Notes
Windows 10/11	Settings → Proxy	Affects all apps.
macOS	Network → Proxies	Per protocol setup.
Android	Per Wi-Fi network	Some apps bypass proxy.
iOS	Per Wi-Fi network	Only for Wi-Fi.
Chrome	Uses OS settings	No own UI.
Firefox	Has its own proxy settings	Can isolate proxy to Firefox only.
Safari	Uses macOS settings	Same as system.
Edge	Uses OS settings	Same as Chrome.

Tips for Using Proxy Settings

• Toggle proxies off when not needed to avoid speed issues.
• Use extensions for quick switching.
• Consider PAC files for complex rules.
• Not all apps honor system proxies.
• Understand the difference between proxy and VPN — if encryption and full privacy are critical, a VPN is better.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Summary: Steps to Change Your Proxy Settings Quickly

• Identify proxy details.
• Open proxy settings on your device.
• Choose manual setup.
• Enter address and port.
• Add credentials if needed.
• Save and apply.
• Test the connection and verify your proxy IP address.
• Disable the proxy when not in use.

Conclusion

Changing your proxy settings is straightforward on all major devices. Whether on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, or browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, you now know how to set up, test, and disable proxies with confidence.

Need to change proxy settings on Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, or your browser? Follow this step-by-step guide: How to change proxy settings.

Use them responsibly, and when privacy is critical, consider a VPN as a stronger alternative.

If you’re weighing device protection vs network privacy, compare roles in VPN vs antivirus so you pick the right tool for each risk.