There are several options for setting up Android to use a proxy server. We’ll look at three different approaches. Among them are,
Configuring proxies for your mobile dataConfiguring Android when using a Wi-FiUsing proxy setting apps
What is a Proxy?
A proxy server serves as a link between your computer and the internet. It’s a server that sits between end-users and the websites they visit. Depending on your use case, demands, or company policy, proxy servers provide varying levels of functionality, security, and privacy. Internet traffic goes through the proxy server on its route to the IP you requested if you’re using one. The request is then routed through the same proxy server (with some exceptions), and the proxy server then relays the data obtained from the website to you. In the name of data security and network performance, modern proxy servers do much more than forwarding web requests. Proxy servers enable shared network connections, act as a firewall, and cache data to speed up common requests. A decent proxy server protects users and the internal network from the harmful things that live on the internet. Finally, proxy servers can give you a lot of privacy.
How does Proxy Work?
Proxy servers help users and web servers communicate more easily by simplifying web requests and responses. A user typically accesses a website by submitting a direct request to its web server via their IP address from a web browser. The web server then returns to the user a response containing the website data.
Operations of Proxy
Every computer connected to the internet needs its own Internet Protocol (IP) address. Consider this IP address to be the address of your machine. The internet knows how to transmit the correct data to the correct machine based on the IP address, much like the post office knows how to deliver your mail to your street address. A proxy server is a machine connected to the internet that has its own IP address, which your computer recognizes. When you make a web request, it first goes through the proxy server. After that, the proxy server makes your web request on your behalf, gets the answer from the web server, and sends you the web page data so you can view it in your browser. A proxy server is basically a computer on the internet with its own IP address that your computer knows. When you make a web request, it first goes through the proxy server. After that, the proxy server makes your web request on your behalf, gets the answer from the web server, and sends you the web page data so you can view it in your browser. When the proxy server forwards your web requests, it can alter the data you send while still delivering the results you expect. Because a proxy server can modify your IP address, the webserver is unaware of your specific location. It can encrypt your data in transit, making it unreadable. Finally, a proxy server can restrict access to specific web pages based on the user’s IP address.
How to Setup Proxy Settings on Android – 3 Easy Methods
1. How to setup Proxy Settings on Android for Mobile Data
Step 1: Go to Settings
From your home screen, select Settings. No matter which type of device you have, this app usually has a cogwheel for an icon. Tap on it.
Step 2: Go to “Networks & Internet”
Choose the option that will take you to your mobile network settings from the options in your settings. The most likely name is “Networks and Internet,” however it may differ from instance to case. After you have done that, Tap on “Mobile Network”.
Step 3: Tap on “Advanced” and “Access Point Names”
These headings may also change. If it’s available, tap “Advanced” and then “Access Point Names.” It could be abbreviated as “APN.”
Step 4: Go to the Currently Used APN
There will be a list of all Access Point Names available. Tap on the one you are currently using.
Step 5: Edit Configuration Details
A list of configuration options will now appear. “Proxy,” “Port,” “Username,” and “Password” are the current options of interest. If you utilize IP Authentication, you will not be required to submit a login or password. Simply whitelist your device’s IP address from your proxy provider’s dashboard and save the changes.
Step 6: Reset Your Mobile Connection
All you have to do now is switch off and then on your mobile data. All of your internet traffic will now be routed through the proxy server you just set up.
2. How to Configure Proxies for Android when Using Wi-Fi Networks
Step 1: Go to Settings
From your home screen, select Settings. No matter which type of device you have, this app usually has a cogwheel for an icon. Tap on it.
Step 2: Go to “Networks and Internet”
This is the same step as before. The only difference is that now your target is your Wi-Fi connection, not your mobile data, and tap on Wi-Fi.
Step 3: Hold and Select “Modify Network”
Look for the Wi-Fi network that you are currently connected to or are interested in. Tap and hold it until further options appear. Simply pick “Modify Network” after that.
Step 4: Click on “Advanced” and Tap On “Manual”
A new interface will now appear. You must then choose “Advanced settings” from the drop-down menu. After that, choose “Manual” in the same way.
Step 5: Edit Configuration Information
This step is pretty similar to the one configuring the mobile network. Make changes to your hostname, port, username, and password. Simply tap “Save” after you’re finished, and you’re done!
3. How to Use Proxy Setting Apps
Not everyone is comfortable with looking over all of those options and settings. Some users may be unable to locate them because the names of these options vary depending on the Android or device version. However, there is a simpler solution: proxy setting apps. These will simplify your life. The only catch is that you must first root your device before using these apps.
a) Proxy Manager
Another free program that can assist you in setting up a global proxy for your entire device. Proxy Manager is always the best app to setup proxy settings on android. This means that Proxy Manager allows you to use more than one application layer. However, you’ll need to upgrade to the premium edition of the software to configure your proxy server.
Support for HTTP/SOCKS4/SOCKS5 proxy.
User authentication support Support for fetching and configuring proxies in a single click.
Low power and memory requirements.
Configure the proxy server’s proxy type, host, and port.
Select “Enable Proxy” and turn it on.
b) ProxyDroid
ProxyDroid allows you to use your proxies with other apps on your device to do proxy settings on android. However, whatever settings are done through the app will only be available on the application layer. Once you step out of that, they will not affect other apps.
ProxyDroid has multiple profile support.
Bind configuration to WIFI’s SSID / Mobile Network (2G / 3G)
Widgets for quickly switching on/off proxy
Low battery and memory consumption Bypass custom IP address.
c) Cactus VPN
With Cactus VPN app, you can use a VPN with your proxy server for even more privacy and security for your data. It lets you choose the VPN server location and use it with 5 devices at the same time.
High-Speed VPN Servers in 22 Countries
Has VPN Split Tunneling
Unlimited Bandwidth and Speed
Reconnect Automatically if Connection Drops
Also Read,
How to Setup VPN on Android Phones and Tablets for Network BlissSurfing in public? You might want to try Google’s new VPN service4 Best Android Browsers With VPN
Final Thoughts – How to Setup Proxy Settings on Android
Android is concerned about security. As a result, some apps may fail to work with the proxies you’ve set up. If an app does not take your proxy settings into account, there is no way to compel it to do so – unless, of course, you root your phone and use a special software; again, this is frowned upon unless you are sure you know what you are doing. If you’ve discovered that your apps aren’t using your proxy settings on android, my recommendation is to utilize a VPN service with an Android client. A VPN should be at the top of your list; in its absence, you should use a proxy server. While you may believe that proxy settings on android and proxy usage have no place in the Android operating system, it actually does. You can adjust your Android proxy settings and keep your IP address concealed using one of the three methods discussed above to avoid being tracked and blocked online.