How to Configure Proxy Server on Android

This guide walks you through setting up a proxy server on your Android device, whether you need it for privacy, accessing region-restricted content, or routing traffic through a corporate network. You’ll learn how to configure a proxy for both Wi-Fi and mobile data connections, plus how to troubleshoot common issues.

What You’ll Need

An Android device (smartphone or tablet) running Android 6.0 or newer (steps are similar on older versions).
The proxy server’s hostname or IP address and port number. If you don’t have one, you can use a public proxy (use at your own risk) or set up your own.
If the proxy requires authentication, have the username and password ready.
Wi-Fi connection for the Wi-Fi method; mobile data for the APN method.

Step-by-Step

Open Settings. Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the gear icon, or find the Settings app in your app drawer.
Go to Wi-Fi settings. Tap “Wi-Fi” or “Connections” then “Wi-Fi” (the exact wording varies by manufacturer).
Long-press the connected network. Find the Wi-Fi network you are currently connected to, press and hold its name until a menu appears, then tap “Modify network” or “Manage network settings.”
Open advanced options. On the network details screen, look for “Advanced options” or a gear icon. Tap it to expand additional settings.
Set proxy to manual. Find the “Proxy” setting (it may be labeled “Proxy settings” or “HTTP proxy”). Tap it and select “Manual” from the dropdown list.
Enter proxy details. In the “Proxy hostname” field, type the IP address or hostname of your proxy server (e.g., 192.168.1.100 or proxy.example.com). In the “Proxy port” field, enter the port number (e.g., 8080). If your proxy requires a username and password, tap “Authentication” and enter them.
Save the settings. Tap “Save” or “Connect” at the bottom of the screen. The Wi-Fi network will reconnect, and your traffic will now go through the proxy.
For mobile data (APN method): If you want to use a proxy on a cellular connection, go to Settings → “Network & internet” → “Mobile network” → “Access Point Names” (APN). Tap the APN you are using (usually the one with “default” in the type). Scroll down to “Proxy” and “Port” fields, enter the proxy address and port, then tap the three-dot menu and select “Save.” Note: This method may not work on all carriers or devices.

Common Mistakes

Typing the wrong port. Proxy ports are often 8080, 3128, or 8000, but they can be anything. Double-check the port number with your proxy provider.
Forgetting to switch back to “None” when you no longer need the proxy. If you leave it on, your internet may stop working when the proxy goes offline.
Using a proxy for the wrong network. The Wi-Fi proxy only applies to that specific Wi-Fi network. If you switch to another network, you’ll need to set it up again.
Entering “http://” in the hostname field. The hostname field should only contain the IP or domain, not the protocol prefix.

Tips

Use a proxy app for more control. Apps like ProxyDroid or Every Proxy let you set a global proxy that applies to all connections, including mobile data, and can switch rules based on Wi-Fi or cellular.
Check if the proxy is working. Visit a website like whatismyipaddress.com before and after enabling the proxy to see if your IP changes.
For HTTPS sites, use a proxy that supports CONNECT method. Most modern proxies do, but some old ones only handle HTTP, which will cause HTTPS sites to fail.
On Samsung devices, the proxy settings may be under “Advanced” after tapping the network name. The exact path can vary, but the fields are the same.

Troubleshooting

Internet stops working after enabling proxy. This is the most common issue. First, double-check the proxy address and port. If they are correct, the proxy server itself might be down or blocking your device. Temporarily set proxy to “None” to confirm your internet works without it.

HTTPS sites show errors. If you can load HTTP sites but not HTTPS ones, the proxy likely doesn’t support the CONNECT method. Switch to a proxy that does, or use a VPN instead.

Proxy settings are grayed out. Some Android versions disable manual proxy when the network uses certain authentication methods (like enterprise WPA2). In that case, you may need to use a proxy app or a VPN.

Can’t find the APN settings. If you don’t see “Access Point Names” in your mobile network settings, your carrier may have hidden it. Search for “APN” in the Settings search bar, or contact your carrier.

Proxy works on some apps but not others. Some apps (especially games and streaming services) ignore the system proxy and connect directly. To force all traffic through the proxy, you’ll need a VPN-based solution or a proxy app that creates a local VPN.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the proxy setting apply to all apps? No, the Wi-Fi proxy is a system-wide setting, but many apps (especially those that use their own networking libraries) may ignore it. For those, you need a proxy app that uses a local VPN.

Can I use a free proxy from the internet? Yes, but be cautious. Free proxies are often slow, unreliable, and may log your traffic. If you need privacy, consider a reputable paid proxy or VPN service.

Will a proxy hide my browsing history from my ISP? A proxy hides your browsing from your ISP only if it encrypts traffic (HTTPS proxy). A regular HTTP proxy sends your requests in plain text, so your ISP can still see the domains you visit.

How do I remove the proxy settings? Go back to the Wi-Fi network settings, set “Proxy” to “None,” and save. For APN, clear the Proxy and Port fields and save.

Is there a difference between a proxy and a VPN? Yes. A proxy only reroutes traffic from specific apps or the browser, while a VPN encrypts all traffic from your device and routes it through a secure tunnel. VPNs generally offer better privacy and security.

Why does my proxy keep disconnecting? This could be due to an unstable proxy server, weak Wi-Fi signal, or the proxy timing out. Try a different proxy port or server, and ensure your Wi-Fi connection is stable.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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