How To Use Proxy Server In Chrome
How to Use Proxy in Chrome – Blog | Oxylabs
Open your Chrome browser, and click on the menu button. Then select Settings. Scroll down till you find Advanced. Click on it for more ntinue to scroll down until you find the Open proxy setting button, then click on it.
Setting up a proxy in your web browser adds the needed privacy and security when you go online. Usually, proxies need to be manually enabled every time you want to use one, but you can save some time by adding one through your Chrome proxy settings or by using a proxy manager.
But what is a proxy? Also, what dangers can one encounter without having one in their Chrome proxy settings? Well, we do go into great detail in our blog post on proxy’s fundamentals, so feel free to check it out before tackling this article.
In this article we will go over how to use proxy in Chrome, how to do it by using proxy managers, and why would you need to use a Chrome proxy in the first place. Let’s begin with the latter.
The dangers of not using a Chrome proxy
As you probably know, each device has an Internet Protocol (IP) address. It is a bunch of numbers (similar to house having an address number) assigned to you by your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Whenever you go online and go to a website, that particular site will then know your IP address. That means the website will also know the general area where you’re located.
Tracking your IP address also helps websites keep a record on where you go online by using cookies. So whenever you search for something or buy anything online, they track this information and show you ads that fit your taste.
Not to mention that when you connect to wifi (especially the free ones coffee shop entrepreneurs like so much), your data can be easily hacked.
Why is free wifi dangerous? It does not require authentication to establish a network connection, therefore creating fantastic opportunity for hackers to gain access to unsecured devices on the same network. Meaning they can steal your sensitive data or execute malware attacks.
How a Chrome proxy helps to protect you
As we mentioned earlier, a proxy works as a filter between you and the internet. So when you use a proxy, your internet requests travel through the proxy server first, and only then connects to the internet.
While standing in between you and the internet, a proxy server appears as a different IP. While it answers the question of how to hide IP address, as long as you use a chrome proxy, you’ll have a secure web session.
How to use proxy in Chrome
Instead of enabling your proxies manually every time you want to use one for browsing, it’s easier to set up your chrome proxy settings automatically.
To go to your Chrome proxy settings and set up your proxy, open your Chrome browser, and click on the menu button. Then select Settings.
Scroll down till you find Advanced. Click on it for more options.
Continue to scroll down until you find the Open proxy setting button, then click on it.
If you’re using a Mac, we suggest you visit their official support website for more details on how to finish up your proxy set up. And if you’re using Windows, check this article out for a simple explanation on how to set it up.
Setting up your proxies with a proxy manager
Another way of setting up your proxies is through a proxy manager. Such proxy managers are great if you want a clear and straightforward interface for turning on and off your proxies.
A proxy manager, such as FoxyProxy, can help you set up your proxies not only on Chrome but other web browsers as well. This particular proxy manager offers a neat browser extension with which changing your proxies won’t be an issue.
Oxylabs proxies integrate flawlessly with FoxyProxy, ensuring an easy and straightforward set up process.
Wrapping up
Setting up a Chrome proxy will make your browsing a lot more private and secure. Not to mention you’ll avoid the hassle of continually enabling your proxy settings every time you open the web.
For more integration examples, you can also check our other guides where we covered Firefox proxy settings. Also, choosing the right proxy type is also essential, so if you want to learn more about what we offer and which type is more suited for your needs, check out our article on the difference between data center and residential proxies for more information.
People also ask
What is a Chrome proxy?
A Chrome proxy is any kind of proxy that can be used with Chrome to anonymize your traffic. Since Chrome has no proxy configuration settings of its own, these proxies are configured on the OS level.
What is better, a proxy or a VPN?
Although proxies can be just as efficient for those seeking anonymity, using a VPN is generally recommended for private individuals. Read more about proxy vs. VPN here.
Do proxies hide your IP?
Yes, proxies do hide your real IP address and in a lot of cases this is their main function. However, you should also know that there are plenty of other uses for proxies in which hiding the user’s original IP address is only secondary to some other goal. Read more about how proxies work here.
Gabija Fatenaite is a Product Marketing Manager at Oxylabs. Having grown up on video games and the internet, she grew to find the tech side of things more and more interesting over the years. So if you ever find yourself wanting to learn more about proxies (or video games), feel free to contact her – she’ll be more than happy to answer you.
All information on Oxylabs Blog is provided on an “as is” basis and for informational purposes only. We make no representation and disclaim all liability with respect to your use of any information contained on Oxylabs Blog or any third-party websites that may be linked therein. Before engaging in scraping activities of any kind you should consult your legal advisors and carefully read the particular website’s terms of service or receive a scraping license.
How to Set Up a Proxy Server on Your PC, Mac, or Web Browser – Avast
As for what a proxy server is, think of your proxy as a gateway between you and the internet. When you visit a website, the proxy server communicates with it on behalf of your browser. Then, when the website answers, the proxy forwards the data to you.
Proxy servers can do many jobs. These include scanning for viruses, acting as a firewall, speeding up your connection by caching, and hiding your public IP address.
You have lots of choices when it comes to internet privacy. There’s a lot to learn, such as understanding what a reverse proxy is or distinguishing between VPNs, proxies, and Tor. If you want dependable protection and encryption for your internet traffic, consider a VPN. Avast SecureLine VPN hides your data from snoopers and protects your online identity, and it’s also much easier to set up than a proxy server.
There’s no similar guarantee of protection with a proxy, especially if you’re using one of the many web-based proxies available online. These public proxy services may slow down your service, and even worse, they may be insecure. Instead, we suggest you learn how to set up a proxy server on Windows, MacOS, and the most popular web browsers.
If you’re configuring your browser to use a proxy operated by a company, school, or other similar organization, some of these instructions may require you to contact your IT staff. This is the case particularly when you are asked to manually enter a script name, formally called a proxy auto-configuration (PAC) file. You may also need to type in the proxy’s IP and port numbers. In both cases, turn to your IT helpdesk if you haven’t been given this information. If you’re using a proxy that you’ve purchased or created on your own, you’ll already have these details.
How to set up a proxy server in Windows
Here’s how to set up your Windows PC to use a proxy server on Windows 8 or Windows 10:
Press the Windows + I keys simultaneously to access the Windows Settings menu.
On Windows 10, click Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy. On Windows 8, click Settings > Network Proxy.
Under the Manual Setup section, set the “Use a Proxy Server” toggle to On. Make sure the “Automatically detect settings” toggle is also on.
By default, Windows automatically checks to see if your business, school, or local network already has an automatic proxy server setup ready to run for you. If it does, Windows tells you its name, and encourages you to follow its instructions.
Assuming that Windows finds a PAC file, in the Automatic Proxy Setup, set the Use Setup Script switch to On.
Enter the script address and click Save.
Congratulations! You’re done and ready to proxy.
How to manually set up a proxy in Windows 8 or Windows 10
Not every organization sets up the process automatically. If you need to set up a proxy manually in Windows 8 or Windows 10, here’s how to do it.
To access the Windows Settings menu, press the Windows + I keys simultaneously.
On Windows 10, click Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy. On Windows 8 systems, click Settings > Network Proxy.
Scroll down to “Manual proxy setup” and set the “Use a Proxy Server” switch to On.
In the address field, type the proxy server name or IP address. In the Port field, enter the proxy port number. You can get these from your IT support tech.
If the proxy server is protected by a password, select the “Proxy server requires password” checkbox. Enter your account name and password in the Username and Password fields.
Click Save.
That’s all there is to it. You’re now set up to use your proxy server on Windows. The next time you use the internet, you’ll be using the proxy server.
How to set up a proxy server on a Mac running macOS
Here’s how to set up a proxy server on a Mac running macOS 10. 15 Catalina. Other macOS versions use essentially the same commands.
Open System Preferences. One way to get there is to click on the Apple menu > System Preferences.
Choose the Network icon to adjust connectivity settings.
Select the type of network you use, which is usually Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
Click Advanced > Proxies.
To automatically configure your proxy server settings, select Auto Proxy Discovery. Click on Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS). Type in the proxy server address and its port number in the fields on the right.
To use a proxy auto-configuration (PAC) file, select Automatic Proxy Configuration and enter the proxy address into the URL field.
Click OK to save the proxy setup.
You’re now ready to surf the internet via your proxy.
How to set up a proxy in Google Chrome
By default, Chrome uses your macOS or Windows proxy. To change your proxy settings from within Chrome, take the following steps:
Open the Chrome toolbar and select Settings.
Scroll down to the bottom of the display. Click on Show advanced settings…
Scroll down to “System” and choose Open your computer’s proxy settings.
Next, go back to the instructions for your operating system listed above to set up your proxy server settings and follow them.
In short, to set up a proxy server in Google Chrome, you’re just doing the first few steps in the browser, and then completing the process in your machine’s operating system.
How to set up a proxy server in Safari
Like Chrome, Safari’s default setting is to follow the proxy configurations within your OS. Here’s how to change your proxy settings from within Safari:
Click on Safari in the browser toolbar. Choose Preferences.
Click on the Advanced tab. Under “Proxies, ” click Change settings…
Next, you must go back to the instructions for macOS listed above to set up your proxy server settings and follow them.
How to set up a proxy server in Edge
Edge is Windows 10’s built-in web browser, and unless you tell it otherwise, it’ll use your proxy configurations in Windows. The latest versions of Edge are based on Chrome, so the configuration is similar. The following steps show you how to set up a proxy from within Edge:
In Microsoft Edge, at the top-right corner, click the Menu button. Select Settings.
Scroll down to the Advanced settings section and click the View advanced settings icon.
Click the Open proxy settings button.
Next, go back to the instructions for Windows 10 listed above, then follow them to configure your proxy server settings.
How to set up a proxy server in Firefox
Unlike other web browsers, Firefox doesn’t default to using your system’s proxy settings. You’ll need to change your proxy from within Firefox:
Open the Firefox menu and select Options.
Click on the Advanced icon.
Select the Network tab.
In the Connection Settings, select, Auto-detect proxy configuration for this network. When prompted, enter the proxy address.
Alternatively, in the Connection Settings, you can select, Use system proxy settings. If you choose that option, Firefox uses the proxy settings in your operating system.
Click OK to save your settings.
How to set up a proxy server in Internet Explorer
Please keep in mind that Internet Explorer is an outdated web browser. Instead, switch to a browser that’s still receiving regular updates and support, such as Avast Secure Browser, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari. Though since quite a few people and companies still use Internet Explorer (IE), you should know how to set things up when necessary.
As with other browsers, IE defaults to using your Windows proxy configurations. Here’s how to set your proxy up from within IE.
Open the IE toolbar and select Internet Options.
Open the Connections tab.
Select LAN Settings.
Check the “Use a proxy server for your LAN” box.
When prompted, enter the proxy server name and port number.
How to set up a proxy server in Android
With Android, you must configure proxy settings for each network you use. In addition, the proxy will only be used by your web browser. Other internet applications may choose to use or ignore the proxy based on their own internal settings. This is another reason why VPNs tend to be better choices — when you use one, it covers all the internet traffic from your device.
Open Android’s Settings and tap Wi-Fi to view a list of Wi-Fi networks.
Long-press the Wi-Fi network name for which you want to change the proxy settings. Tap Modify Network.
Tap Advanced Options.
Tap Manual to change your proxy’s settings. Enter your hostname and proxy port.
OR
If you have a Proxy Auto-Config (PAC) file, select Proxy Auto-Config and Android will prompt you to enter the PAC address.
Tap SAVE.
How to set up a proxy server in iOS
Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
Select the active Wi-Fi connection.
Under HTTP proxy, click Configure Proxy.
Tap Manual to change your proxy’s settings. Enter your host name, proxy port, and, if needed, your authentication username and password.
If your provider supports Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Protocol (WPAD), tap Automatic. If required, enter the Proxy Auto-Config (PAC) file location.
Tap back to the Wi-Fi selection window.
Protect your online anonymity the easy way
Proxy servers have their uses, particularly within large organizations. However, setting one up requires a bit of work, and this is a job typically entrusted to network administrators and other IT professionals.
Avast SecureLine VPN is an internet privacy solution that’s both simpler to use and far more protective of your identity and online activities. A single click or tap of a button gets you encryption that keeps you anonymous online and prevents anyone from snooping on your sensitive personal info, such as your online banking, health info, or private photos. Enjoy true online privacy on your desktop, laptop or mobile device with a VPN that’s as convenient as it is secure.
How to Change or Disable Your Proxy in Chrome | ExpressVPN
Last updated: August 12, 2021Too frustrated to read this page? Talk to a HumanA proxy server is an intermediary between your computer and the internet, often used to hide your real location and allow you to access websites that would otherwise be blocked. However, not all proxies offer the same privacy protections as a VPN. When you’re using ExpressVPN, you don’t need to run an additional you’re having trouble connecting to the internet, it’s possible that you are using a proxy The steps below will not help you access online streaming services. If you’re unable to access a service because a VPN or proxy is detected, please contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate instructions on how to disable your proxy in Chrome, please refer to the section appropriate to your computer. I am on…Windows MacDisable proxy for Chrome on WindowsClick the Chrome Menu in the browser toolbar. Select Settings. Click Advanced. In the System section, click Open your computer’s proxy settings. (For Windows 7 and Windows 8 or 8. 1 users, this will open the Internet Properties window. ) Under Automatic proxy setup, toggle Automatic detect settings Off. Under Manual proxy setup, toggle Use a proxy server Off. Click help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate to topDisable proxy for Chrome on MacClick the Chrome Menu on the browser toolbar. Then select Settings. At the bottom of the screen, click Advanced. Under System, click Open your computer’s proxy settings. This will open the Network Settings window. In the Proxies tab, under Select a protocol to configure, uncheck every protocol. Click OK. You can close the settings windows help? Contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate to topFurther Issues? If you have other issues, including not being able to access certain websites and services, contact the ExpressVPN Support Team for immediate to topWas this article helpful?
Frequently Asked Questions about how to use proxy server in chrome
How do I use a proxy in Chrome?
Step1: To set proxy in Google Chrome Go to Option (Top-Right Side) > Click on Under the Hood Tab > Click on Change Proxy Settings and you can change Proxy from there.
How do I use a proxy server?
How to set up a proxy server in AndroidOpen Android’s Settings and tap Wi-Fi to view a list of Wi-Fi networks.Long-press the Wi-Fi network name for which you want to change the proxy settings. Tap Modify Network.Tap Advanced Options.Tap Manual to change your proxy’s settings. … Tap SAVE.Mar 11, 2020
How do I manually set a proxy in Chrome?
How to manually change your Proxy settings in Google Chrome Click on the three dots icon in the top right corner and select Settings. In the settings menu, type “PROXY” in the Search Windows box and select “Open proxy settings” from the search results. Click on LAN Settings.More items…
