Android Web Proxy
How to Configure a Proxy Server on Android – HowToGeek
Android allows you to configure proxy settings for each Wi-Fi network. This is sometimes required to access the Internet on a business or school network, for example. Your browser traffic will be sent through the proxy you configure.
RELATED: What’s the Difference Between a VPN and a Proxy?
The proxy you configure will be used by Chrome and other web browsers, but may not be used by other apps. Each app developer can choose whether it uses Android’s proxy or not. That’s another good reason why you should use a VPN instead of a proxy. WIth a VPN, you can force all app’s network traffic through the VPN connection. It’s a better way to hide your IP address or access geoblocked websites that aren’t available in your country.
This process is the same for all modern versions of Android, from Android 4. 0 through 7. 1. Some device manufacturers change the way Android’s Settings screen looks and functions, so you may find your Wi-Fi or proxy settings in a slightly different location.
Open Android’s Settings app and tap “Wi-Fi” to view a list of Wi-Fi networks.
Long-press the name of the Wi-Fi network you want to change the proxy settings for. Tap “Modify Network” when a menu appears.
If you haven’t already connected to the Wi-Fi network, you’ll need to connect to the Wi-Fi network and enter its passphrase before you can access the “Modify Network” options.
Expand the “Advanced options” section on this screen. Tap the “Proxy” option and select either “None” for no proxy, “Manual” to manually enter proxy server settings, or “Proxy Auto-Config” to automatically detect the appropriate settings for your network.
The “Proxy Auto-Config” option may not be available on older versions of Android.
If you select “Proxy Auto-Config”, Android will prompt you to enter the address of a proxy auto-configuration script, also known as a file. If your organization or proxy service provider needs a file, your network administrator or service provider will provide you with the address of the file you need to enter here.
Unlike other operating systems—Windows, macOS, iOS, and even Google’s own Chrome OS—Android does not support the Web Proxy Auto-discovery Protocol, or WPAD. This is sometimes used on business or school networks to automatically distribute proxy settings to devices on the network. If you enable “Proxy Auto-Config”, nothing will happen unless you also provide the address of a file where Android can acquire the proxy settings.
On a network that uses WPAD, you’ll have to either point Android at the appropriate automatic proxy configuration script or manually enter proxy server settings.
If you select “Manual”, you can manually enter the proxy server’s details. Enter the address of the proxy in the “Proxy hostname” box. Despite the name of the box, you can enter both hostnames like “” and IP addresses like “192. 168. 100” here. Provide whichever type of address you have. Enter the port the proxy requires in the “Proxy port” box.
If you want to have Android bypass the proxy for any addresses, enter them in the “Bypass proxy for” box, separated by commas. For example, if you wanted Android to access and directly without using the proxy, you’d enter the following text in the box:,
Tap “Save” to save your settings when you’re done.
Each Wi-FI network has its own proxy server settings. Even after you enable a proxy server for one Wi-Fi network, other Wi-Fi networks will continue to not use a proxy server by default. Repeat this process if you need to change the proxy server settings for another Wi-Fi network.
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Manage advanced network settings on your Android phone
You can change network settings like automatic connections, metered access, proxy settings, and more.
Control data use with metered Wi-Fi
When to use metered Wi-Fi
If your network has a data limit, you can set your Wi-Fi as metered. When your network is metered, you have more control over how much data your phone uses through downloads and other apps.
Find your phone’s MAC address
Open your phone’s Settings app.
Tap About phone.
Scroll down to “Wi-Fi MAC address. ”
Phones that have Android 10 and above have another MAC address. To find it:
Turn on Wi-Fi.
Tap Network & internet Internet.
If you can’t find it, search for “MAC address. ” If you still can’t find it, get help from your device manufacturer.
Next to your network, tap Settings.
Scroll down to “MAC address. ”
Tip: If you’re setting up parental controls for your network, include both MAC addresses.
Private DNS
Important: By default, your phone uses Private DNS with all networks that can use Private DNS. We recommend keeping Private DNS turned on.
To turn Private DNS on or off, or change its settings:
Tap Network & internet Private DNS.
If you can’t find it, search for “Private DNS. ” If you still can’t find it, get help from your device manufacturer.
Pick your option:
Off
Automatic
Private DNS provider hostname
Tip: Private DNS helps secure only DNS questions and answers. It can’t protect anything else.
Change more Wi-Fi settings
Open your phone’s Settings app.
If you can’t find it, search for the setting you want to change. If you still can’t find it, get help from your device manufacturer.
At the bottom, tap Network preferences.
Tap an option. These vary by phone and Android version.
Turn on Wi-Fi automatically: Have Wi-Fi automatically turn on near saved networks. Learn about saved networks.
Open network notification: Get a notification when automatic connection to high-quality open networks isn’t available.
Advanced
Install certificates: Digital certificates can identify your phone. Learn about certificates.
Wi-Fi Direct: Let your phone connect without a network with other devices that can use Wi-Fi Direct.
If you use an older version of Android, you can also choose from:
WPS Push Button: Turn on Wi-Fi protected setup (WPS) for a WPS-capable network.
WPS Pin Entry: Enter the Wi-Fi protected setup (WPS) personal identification number (PIN).
Related resources
Connect to Wi-Fi networks
Tether with Wi-Fi hotspot
Was this helpful? How can we improve it?
How to Configure a Proxy Server on Android – HowToGeek
Android allows you to configure proxy settings for each Wi-Fi network. This is sometimes required to access the Internet on a business or school network, for example. Your browser traffic will be sent through the proxy you configure.
RELATED: What’s the Difference Between a VPN and a Proxy?
The proxy you configure will be used by Chrome and other web browsers, but may not be used by other apps. Each app developer can choose whether it uses Android’s proxy or not. That’s another good reason why you should use a VPN instead of a proxy. WIth a VPN, you can force all app’s network traffic through the VPN connection. It’s a better way to hide your IP address or access geoblocked websites that aren’t available in your country.
This process is the same for all modern versions of Android, from Android 4. 0 through 7. 1. Some device manufacturers change the way Android’s Settings screen looks and functions, so you may find your Wi-Fi or proxy settings in a slightly different location.
Open Android’s Settings app and tap “Wi-Fi” to view a list of Wi-Fi networks.
Long-press the name of the Wi-Fi network you want to change the proxy settings for. Tap “Modify Network” when a menu appears.
If you haven’t already connected to the Wi-Fi network, you’ll need to connect to the Wi-Fi network and enter its passphrase before you can access the “Modify Network” options.
Expand the “Advanced options” section on this screen. Tap the “Proxy” option and select either “None” for no proxy, “Manual” to manually enter proxy server settings, or “Proxy Auto-Config” to automatically detect the appropriate settings for your network.
The “Proxy Auto-Config” option may not be available on older versions of Android.
If you select “Proxy Auto-Config”, Android will prompt you to enter the address of a proxy auto-configuration script, also known as a file. If your organization or proxy service provider needs a file, your network administrator or service provider will provide you with the address of the file you need to enter here.
Unlike other operating systems—Windows, macOS, iOS, and even Google’s own Chrome OS—Android does not support the Web Proxy Auto-discovery Protocol, or WPAD. This is sometimes used on business or school networks to automatically distribute proxy settings to devices on the network. If you enable “Proxy Auto-Config”, nothing will happen unless you also provide the address of a file where Android can acquire the proxy settings.
On a network that uses WPAD, you’ll have to either point Android at the appropriate automatic proxy configuration script or manually enter proxy server settings.
If you select “Manual”, you can manually enter the proxy server’s details. Enter the address of the proxy in the “Proxy hostname” box. Despite the name of the box, you can enter both hostnames like “” and IP addresses like “192. 168. 100” here. Provide whichever type of address you have. Enter the port the proxy requires in the “Proxy port” box.
If you want to have Android bypass the proxy for any addresses, enter them in the “Bypass proxy for” box, separated by commas. For example, if you wanted Android to access and directly without using the proxy, you’d enter the following text in the box:,
Tap “Save” to save your settings when you’re done.
Each Wi-FI network has its own proxy server settings. Even after you enable a proxy server for one Wi-Fi network, other Wi-Fi networks will continue to not use a proxy server by default. Repeat this process if you need to change the proxy server settings for another Wi-Fi network.
READ NEXT
› How to Turn Off Comments on a Facebook Post
› Why Was Facebook Down on 10/4? Was Facebook Hacked?
› How to Move the Shutter Button on Samsung Galaxy Phones
› How to Use a Keyboard and Mouse With a PS5
› Windows 11 Bug Could Slow Down Intel’s Killer Networking
The above article may contain affiliate links, which help support How-To Geek.
How-To Geek is where you turn when you want experts to explain technology. Since we launched in 2006, our articles have been read more than 1 billion times. Want to know more?
Frequently Asked Questions about android web proxy
Can I use proxy on Android?
Android allows you to configure proxy settings for each Wi-Fi network. This is sometimes required to access the Internet on a business or school network, for example. Your browser traffic will be sent through the proxy you configure.Jul 12, 2017
How do I setup a proxy server on my Android?
AndroidOn your mobile device tap Settings -> WiFi.Long tap on connected network’s name.Modify Network Config -> Show Advanced Options.Type the Host into the Proxy host name field and the Port into to the Proxy port field. … Click Save in the settings dialog. … Continue with Install Certificate procedure.
What is proxy server in Android?
A proxy server is a server which is known as an application gateway which acts as an intermediary between the local network and large scale network such as the internet. We can configure our proxy settings over Wi-Fi network on android device. … The only App developer can select whether he uses Android’s proxy or not.Sep 15, 2020
