How to Use a Proxy on Your Phone (Android and iOS)

Sometimes your internet connection can be a bit restrictive.

For example, you might try to access a website, but it says “not available in your country,” or your school Wi-Fi blocks certain addresses.

That's when little helper systems called proxies come into play.
The name sounds fancy, but its function is simple: it routes your connection through another location.

What Exactly Does a Proxy Do?

Think of it this way: you send a request to the internet, but it goes through the proxy first.
The proxy speaks for you, retrieves the information, and brings it back to you.

So you're not on stage; there’s a “representative” in the background.
This keeps your IP address hidden, sometimes lets you access blocked sites, and sometimes just manages your traffic more efficiently.

It looks similar to a VPN, but the difference is this:
a VPN covers everything, while a proxy only works with specific applications.

Setting Up a Proxy on Android

On Android phones, you can usually set up a proxy in the Wi-Fi settings.

When connected to a network:

  1. Tap the small gear icon next to that network.

  2. Scroll to the “Advanced settings” section.

  3. You’ll see a Proxy option.

Here, when you select the “Manual” option, you'll see two boxes where you can enter:

  • The server address

  • The port number

This information is usually provided by an organization, service, or system you are using.
Once you save and reconnect, your traffic will now start passing through the proxy.

If you are using a proxy that requires a username and password, this feature may not be available in every version of Android.
In such cases, using browser-specific extensions or separate applications works well.

Using a Proxy in All Applications on Android

Some users say, “Not just the browser, everything should go through the proxy.”
In this case, applications such as Shadowsocks or Orbot (Tor) come into play.

These apps essentially act like mini VPNs; they redirect traffic on your behalf.

But it's important to be careful:
not every configuration you find online may be secure.
Trusting a proxy file from an unknown source is like handing your phone over to a stranger.

Setting Up a Proxy on iPhone and iPad

Things are a bit simpler on iOS.

  1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi

  2. Tap the “i” icon next to the network you're connected to

  3. Scroll down to find “HTTP Proxy”

Just select “Manual” and enter the server address and port information.

If you're in a place like a school or company network, they may give you an “automatic configuration address (PAC)”.
When you enter that address, the system decides for itself which proxy to use for which sites.

If the Proxy Requires Login

Some proxies ask for a username and password.
On the iPhone, there is already a field where you can enter this information.
On Android, a small login window usually opens after connecting.

The basic rule is the same here:
use a service you know and trust.
Trusting every link labeled “free proxy” can sometimes cause problems rather than ensuring privacy.

Understanding Whether the Proxy is Working

After setup is complete, you may wonder, “Did it work?”
The easiest way to find out is to go to your browser and type what is my IP.

If the address that appears is different from yours, it means the system is connecting through the proxy.
If you see an IP address belonging to another country, it means the connection is going through there.

So, a “slightly indirect route” is being taken.

A Quick Chat About Security and Performance

There are a few small details to keep in mind when using a proxy:

  • Make sure the source you're connecting to is reliable.
    Because any system that gets in the way can, in theory, see your traffic.
    It's best to only use your personal information, passwords, or banking details on trusted connections.

  • Proxies can sometimes slow down your connection a little.
    After all, the data first goes to another point and then to the destination.
    But this slowdown is usually short-lived and often unnoticeable.

Learning proxy settings may seem technical at first, but after a few tries, it becomes quite understandable.
The important thing is to get information from the right source and proceed step by step without rushing.

Over time, you'll naturally figure out which settings do what and which applications are easier to use.

That’s all I have to say.
I hope this article helps you feel a little more comfortable with proxies.

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